Prevalence of markers of hepatitis B infection in the adult population of the district of Coimbra

Abstract

To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B markers in the adult population of the Coimbra district, in the central region of Portugal. The study included 657 subjects chosen aleatorily from 4 characteristic councils of the Coimbra district. They were questioned regarding risk factors and blood samples were taken for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc testing. Anti-HCV was previously determined and it was positive in 0.45% of the cases. HBsAg was found in 0.91%. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc were both positive in 6.08%, anti-HBc without anti-HBs was found in 1.82% and anti-HBs without anti-HBc was found in 1.67% (11 cases, 8 vaccinated). The general prevalence of hepatitis B markers was 9.3%. Higher prevalences were found in the subjects over 50 years of age, 13.5% (p < 0.05), and in the urban area, 13.2% (p < 0.05). 1. The HBsAg prevalence in our region is 0.9%; 2. The general prevalence of hepatitis B markers is 9.3%; 3. HBsAg prevalence is higher than anti-HCV prevalence calculated in the same sample; 4. The prevalence of hepatitis B markers in our region is lower than in other Southern European countries.