title: Prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections and their related risk factors in Libya: a national seroepidemiological survey.
abstract: A high prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections has been reported among specific patient groups in Libya; a survey was thus designed to determine the extent of the problem at the national level. A multi-stage sampling design covering all administrative areas of Libya was applied, covering > 65,000 individuals of all age groups. All subjects gave a blood sample and completed a questionnaire on demographic and risk behaviour data. The prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV were 2.2% and 1.3% respectively. The prevalence of anti-HCV increased with age, rising gradually after age 30 years, in contrast to a stable prevalence of HBsAg in all age groups 10+ years. Age-adjusted risk factors for HCV infection were previous hospitalization, surgical operations, previous blood transfusions and intravenous drug use; for HBV infection only family exposure or contact with HBV case were identified.
authors: A-N
authors: AN
authors: Elzouki
authors: M-N
authors: MN
authors: Smeo
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sammud
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Elahmer
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Daw
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Furarah
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Abudher
authors: M K
authors: MK
authors: Mohamed
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008002:Libya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies