title: A Study on the Age-Related Changes in Hepatitis B and C Virus Serology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There are a limited number of studies on the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Turkey. This study aimed to compare HBV and HCV seroprevalence rates before and after the implementation of national hepatitis B vaccination program (NHPVP) and to explore age-related changes in the seroprevalences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Results of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B virus surface antibody (antiHBs) and anti-HCV tests performed during 2009 and 2010 in a state hospital laboratory were reviewed retrospectively. As NHPVP was started in 1998, 12 years of age and younger children were considered post- NHPVP period subjects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 3280 HBsAg, 2444 antiHBs and 3188 anti-HCV test results were reviewed, representing approximately 3% of the population of the city where the study was conducted. HBsAg, antiHBs and anti-HCV positivity were 3.2%, 36.12% and 0.97%, respectively. HBsAg and antiHBs positivity were higher among males (p<0.001). When assessed by age groups, HBsAg positivity was found to be the lowest in the age group 0-12 and highest in the age group 51-60. HBsAg positivity was lower in the post-NHPVP period versus pre-NHPVP period (p=0.01). Anti-HCV positivity was similar for pre- and post- NHPVP periods (p>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Owing to the use of NHPVP, HBsAg seropositivity has decreased, and it is expected to decrease further in the next years with a wider implementation of the program. Efforts should be continued to increase the level of awareness in the community for HBV and the importance of immunization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sakarya University School of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ertugrul
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Guclu
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sakarya University School of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Aziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ogutlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sakarya University School of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Oguz
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Karabay
keywords: Seroprevalence; vaccination; viral Hepatitis B; viral hepatitis C