Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and its co-infection with hepatitis D virus and hepatitis C virus in Iranian adult population.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most prevalent public health problems worldwide (especially in developing countries).


OBJECTIVE
This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and its co-infection with hepatitis D (HDV) and C (HCV) viruses in the northeastern part of Iran.


METHODS
A population-based cross-sectional study in Iran.


METHODS
As many as 1,850 subjects were explored for HBsAg. Anti-HDV and anti-HCV antibodies were assessed in HBsAg-positive cases.


METHODS
Proportions were compared by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.


RESULTS
The mean age of subjects was 43.86 +/- 11.2 years. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence for HBsAg positivity was 9.7%. It was higher in males than in females (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.9-1.7). The risk of infection in singles was significantly higher than in married cases (OR: 2.13). Eight (5.8%) of HBsAg-positive cases were infected with HDV and 17 (12.3%) were positive for anti-HCV antibody.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that the prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity in Golestan province of Iran is higher than the levels reported by WHO and previous studies from Iran. It is very important, especially for health providers and policy makers, to recognize the risk factors of HBV infection and its co-infection with HDV and HCV in this area and design effective preventive programs.
Gholamreza
Roshandel
R
Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. roshandel_md@yahoo.com
Shahryar
Semnani
S
Abbasali
Keshtkar
K
Hamidreza
Joshaghani
J
Abdolvahab
Moradi
M
Khodaberdi
Kalavi
K
Danyal
Roshandel
R
Nafiseh
Abdolahi
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003699:Hepatitis D / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003698:Hepatitis Delta Virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens