The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in Akbar Abad Village, Kavar, Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND

About 2 billion people were reported to be infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and among them; 350 million are chronically infected cases. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B in Kavar, southern Iran.

METHODS

From August 2008 to March 2009, 3739 individuals aged between 1 and 88 years were screened for infection with HBV in Akbar Abad Village, Kavar, Southern Iran. A questionnaire was used to record demographic data, history of vaccination and the correlated risk factors. Ten milliliter of the blood sample was taken from each subject. Sera were checked for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBC Ab).

RESULTS

Among subjects, 7.1% were positive for HBC Ab and 2.2% for HBS Ag. Out of positive cases for HBC Ab, 7.3% were female, and 7.6% were male. Out of positive cases for HBS Ag, 2.2% were female, and 2.5% were male. The minimal rates of HBC Ab and HBS Ag were noticed in the age group 1-15 year old. The highest positivity was observed among unemployed individuals. Among subjects with low educational level, 7.5% were positive for HBC Ab and 2.4% for HBS Ag. The highest prevalence was visible in the widow group and the lowest in married persons. Opium addiction had a significant relationship with HBC Ab. The prevalence of HBV seropositivity was higher among drivers, those with a history of dental treatments and family history of liver diseases blood transfusion tattooing recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that screening of pregnant women for HBs Ag and vaccination of high-risk individuals including family members of patients with hepatitis B should be implemented in future planning.