Persistance of HBsAg, liver enzyme changes and risk factors of hepatitis B infection among chronic carriers of hepatitis B

Abstract

as high as 58.2% in multi-transfused children, 51.6% in children on hemodialysis and 87.5% in adult dialysis patients. Among populations at indirect risk, family contacts of HCV positive individuals had a prevalence of 5.7%, diabetic children a prevalence of 3.1%, select professions such as barbers 12.3%, and health care workers 15.7%, while Injection drug users and prisoners had a prevalence of 63% and 31.4%, respectively. Common risk factors appear to be increasing age, parenteral anti-schistosomal therapy, frequent transfusions, injections or surgical procedures. Conclusion: With the highest HCV prevalence in the world, Egypt appears to be experiencing an HCV epidemic. High HCV prevalence levels especially among select clinical populations, is indicative of ongoing iatrogenic transmission. Therefore, prevention programs need to be developed targeting HCV transmission routes suchasbetter infection control practices inhospitals, healthcare and dental care facilities.