Epidemiological and clinical aspects of chronic infections of hepatitis b virus at the Mohammed V military teaching hospital in Rabat – Morocco

Abstract

Background: Infection with hepatitis B virus is a major public health problem worldwide. Globally hepatitis B virus’s prevalence is 5.4%, more than one million between them die each year from complications that are essentially cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of this study is to describe epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients with chronic viral hepatitis B monitored in the Military Teaching Hospital Mohammed V in Rabat. Patients and methods: This are a retro-prospective study carried out in the virology laboratory of the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat, spread over a period of 15 years from January 2001 to January 2016. Were included in our study all Moroccan patients aged 18 years and over with chronic viral hepatitis B defined by the presence of HBsAg beyond 6 months and the absence of IgM anti-HBc antibodies. Results and discussion: Out of 104 infected persons, 71% are men and 50% of infected was discovered by screening, 19% of patients had fatigue as a primary symptom, 69% had dental care as a risk factor and 46% of patients were carriers of the active form of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, few studies relate the epidemiology of HBV in Morocco. The prevalence of HBsAg during the study period was 1.03, despite this, Morocco is so far considered, according to WHO's data, as having an intermediate prevalence of viral hepatitis B. Conclusion: Immunization, compliance with universal recommendations for the use of medical and paramedical equipment as well as education and awareness are the only guarantee to limit the spread of Hepatitis B virus.