title: Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Balochistan Province of Pakistan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to evaluate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and IgM antibodies to hepatitis core antigen in Balochistan Province of Pakistan.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, population-based study. Place and time of the study: The study was conducted in Balochistan from 1 st January 2004 to 31 st December, 2008. The screening areas included Barkhan, Eashani, Khuzdar, Kodi Zikriani, Kohlu, Rakhni and Turbat.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 15,260 subjects were enrolled; 11,900 (78%) agreed to undergo screening. Fresh serum samples were tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HBsAg was detected in 1166 (9.8%) while anti-HBc IgM was found in 117 (10.0%). HBsAg positivity was seen in 875 (12.7%) males and 291 (5.8%) females. The prevalence of hepatitis B in Balochistan varies from 3.3% in Khuzdar to 17.0% in Kodi Zikriani.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is utmost important to educate the public, to take proper measures to control the spread of infection and vaccination in order to interrupt transmission of this threatening public health problem in Balochistan province of Pakistan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology & Transfusion Medicine, Bolan Medical College Complex, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Nadeem S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Sheikh
authors.forename: Azeem S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Sheikh
authors.forename: Aqleem A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Sheikh
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yahya
authors.forename: Majid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lateef
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens