Abstract
The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive blood donors was 8.7%. The prevalence among males (9.7%) was higher than among females (6.2%). The prevalence of antihepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive blood donors was 1.1%, with no significant differences between males (1.1%) and females (1.0%). Annual positive rates for HBsAg and anti-HCV donors during the years 2003 to 2005 did not differ significantly. In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), HBV is highly endemic. However, blood donations are only screened for HBsAg, leaving a risk of transmission by HBsAg-negative occult infected donors. Here, we characterized first-time blood donors to assess prevalence of HBV infections and occult infected donors. Despite hepatitis B vaccination at birth and at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, HBV infection continues to be endemic in Lao PDR. We carried a cross-sectional serological study in infants, preschool children, school pupils, and pregnant women to determine their burden of disease, risk of infection, and vaccination status. The prevalence of HBsAg carriage in pregnant women is a relevant marker for the risk of mother-to-child HBV transmission. This study aimed to assess the changes in prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women attending Mahosot Prenatal Clinic (Vientiane).How to cite this article: Ounavong A. Reviewing of Research Finding of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2018;8(1):75-76.
Highlights
IntroductionThis report presents the results of screening for HBsAg and anti-HCV in this group of donors.[1] In Western countries with a low prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) antibody testing is included in the screening of blood donations for transfusion-transmissible infection (TTI) to exclude individuals with past exposure to HBV [including the vast majority of occult HBV infection (OBI)].2
There have been no previous reports of the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infections in the general population of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR)
In order to estimate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections in Lao PDR, a retrospective study of blood donors screened at the National Blood Transfusion Center, Lao Red Cross, Vientiane, from 2003 to 2005, was carried out
Summary
This report presents the results of screening for HBsAg and anti-HCV in this group of donors.[1] In Western countries with a low prevalence of HBV infections, hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) antibody testing is included in the screening of blood donations for transfusion-transmissible infection (TTI) to exclude individuals with past exposure to HBV [including the vast majority of occult HBV infection (OBI)].2. In highly endemic countries, this approach would exclude a large proportion of healthy donors that have cleared HBV infections, severely undermining the blood supply. In these settings, screening for TTI commonly includes HBsAg testing. As screening for HBsAg in pregnant women[4] and immunoglobulin prophylaxis in newborns are not widely practiced in Lao PDR, routine infant vaccination is the mainstay of the prevention of early childhood infection
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