Hepatitis B and C seroprevalence in the Lebanese population.
We aimed to evaluate exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HBC) and candidate risk factors among the Lebanese population. All individuals presenting to all laboratory units in the country over a 2-week period were asked for a 5-mL whole blood sample and answered a questionnaire addressing risk factors. For individuals under 15 years of age the mother was interviewed. In all, 2893 blood samples were examined. Refusal rate was 2.9%. Exposure to HBV antigen was 18.9%; 1.9% were carriers and acute hepatitis B point prevalence was 0.1%. Exposure to HCV antigen was 0.7%. Exposure to both HBc and HCV antibodies was 0.2%. HBc prevalence increased with age and was higher among men. Significant risk factors included blood transfusion, haemodialysis and gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Epidemiological Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
R
R
Baddoura
C
C
Haddad
M
M
Germanos
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002353:Carrier State / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies