Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Among People Attending Medical Diagnostic Laboratories in Neyshabur, Northeast of Iran, During Years 2011 to 2015

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a public health and health care issue in Iran. Since the data on its outbreak is required for effectual policies, this epidemiological study was performed on population from Neyshabur, where there has been no former epidemiological information. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the epidemiology of hepatitis B surface antigen among subjects from Neyshabur, from year 2011 to 2015. Methods: The researchers established this study from data collected from a surveillance system. Screening tests were carried out by the Chemioluminsance method. Age, gender, referral year and month were the investigated variables. Data were analyzed by the SPSS-20 software. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg in Neyshabur was 4.11%. In the age group of more than 40 years (1.87%) and females (2.2%) had significantly (P < 0.0001) higher rates of HBV seropositivity. Also the year 2011 (5.26%) and the month of July (0.48%) had the highest prevalence. Conclusions: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection rate was seemingly high in Neyshabur, even higher than other parts of Iran. An immunization program should be continued progressively for high-risk areas, especially the Neyshabur city of Iran.