Abstract
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. 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. 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). 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.
Highlights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause liver disease, which leads to major health issues and socioeconomic problems
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was lower in the postNHPVP period versus pre-national hepatitis B vaccination program (NHPVP) period (p=0.01)
Anti-HCV positivity was similar for pre- and post- NHPVP periods (p>0.05)
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause liver disease, which leads to major health issues and socioeconomic problems. Transmission in high endemic regions is horizontal either prenatally or during childhood [3]. This type of transmission is associated with the increased likelihood for the develop-. Turkey is considered as an intermediate endemic region with respect to HBV incidence (2-8%) and mostly, transmission occurs horizontally during childhood or adulthood [1, 5]. Studies from Turkey have shown that 0.3-1.8% of the population is infected with HCV and it seems to be decreasing in the young population [7]. This study aimed to investigate the rates of HBV and HCV seroprevalence before and after the vaccination program and explore the age-related changes in the seroprevalences in one of Turkey’s eastern provinces
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