HBsAg Seropositivity Research Articles

Risk and predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma for chronic hepatitis B patients with newly developed cirrhosis.

Most studies on risk predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients do not confirm the date at cirrhosis diagnosis. We examined HCC risk and predictors in chronic hepatitis B patients with newly diagnosed cirrhosis. 4155 HBsAg seropositive participants were followed every 6-12 months with seromarker testing. Cirrhosis was ascertained through abdominal ultrasonography and computerized linkage with national health insurance profiles. Predictors included in Cox proportional hazards models were age, HBeAg serostatus, serum levels of HBsAg, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and ALDH2 rs671 genotypes. A total of 301 patients developed cirrhosis, 76 of whom later developed HCC after 2462 person-years, showing an average annual incidence of 3.1%. The 15-year cumulative HCC risk among cirrhotics was 39.8% with a lifetime (30-80 years old) HCC risk of 78.5%. The adjusted HR's (95% CI, P-value) were 14.26 (3.17-64.08, P = 0.0005) for age at cirrhosis diagnosis of ≥60 years (vs 30-39 years), 2.85 (1.49-5.46, P = 0.0015) for HBeAg seropositivity (vs HBeAg seronegativity with HBsAg levels <1000 IU/mL), 0.35 (0.20-0.59, P < 0.0001) for AA/AG genotypes of rs671 (vs GG genotype), 3.68 (1.70-7.99, P = 0.0010) for ALT levels >45 U/L (vs <15 U/L), 3.52 (1.78-6.93, P = 0.0003) for AFP levels >20 ng/mL (vs <10 ng/mL), and 2.64 (1.38-5.07, P = 0.0035) for HBsAg levels ≥1000 IU/mL (vs <1000 IU/mL among HBeAg seronegatives). Older age, GG genotype of ALDH2 rs671, HBeAg seropositivity, and elevated serum levels of ALT, AFP, and HBsAg at cirrhosis diagnosis were HCC risk predictors in cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients.

The seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus in patients undergoing septoplasty

IntroductionWorldwide, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus are major health problems. Healthcare workers are at risk of transmitting blood–borne viruses, and surgeons have a higher risk of exposure to blood and higher rates of percutaneous injury than other healthcare workers. Septoplasty is among the 3 most commonly performed otolaryngological surgeries worldwide. ObjectiveTo determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C virus antibody, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibody in patients undergoing septoplasty with and without turbinate surgery under general anesthesia, and to determine if preoperative testing should be performed in such patients. MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included 3731 patients that underwent septoplasty with and without turbinate surgery between January 2005 and July 2015. HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV seropositivity in the patients was evaluated retrospectively. ResultsMean age of the patients was 36 years (range: 11–81 years). In all, 117 (3.6%) patients were positive for HBsAg, 12 (0.3%) were positive for anti-HCV, and 7 (0.2%) were positive for anti-HIV. ConclusionsEducation of healthcare workers combined with routine preoperative serological testing in patients undergoing septoplasty under general and local anesthesia are needed to increase awareness of hepatitis B and C, and HIV infection among healthcare workers and patients in order to decrease the transmission rate.

Seropositivity of hepatitis b surface antigen in tertiary care centre: issues &amp; considerations

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects more than 300 million people worldwide and is common cause of liver disease and liver cancer. HBV, a member of the Hepadnaviridae family, is a small DNA virus with unusual features similar to retroviruses. HBV replicates through an RNA intermediate and can integrate into the host genome. The unique features of the HBV replication cycle confer a distinct ability of the virus to persist in infected cells. Aims & Objective: This study was designed to determine HBsAg Seropositivity among rural population attending inpatients and outpatients at tertiary care center with special consideration to childbearing age women. Material & Method: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology for three months in a tertiary care center catering rural population. A total of 1463 patients attending outdoor and indoor, were screened for HBsAg by lateral flow based rapid immunochromatographic card test (ICT) manufactured by J Mitra & Co Pvt Ltd. Results: Seropositivity of HBsAg was 41/1463(2.80%). Seropositivity was seen more in males 27/756(3.57%) as compared to females 14/707(1.98%). Age range 31-45 years was found to have highest prevalence rate with seropositivity of 15/279(5.38%). Among patients screened for HbsAg, we observed seropositivity of 2.37% (12/505) among women of childbearing age with age range 16 to 45 years. Conclusion: Findings in this study significantly contribute to the understanding of actual epidemiology of HBsAg in rural population especially women of childbearing age. Therefore, we should make efforts to prevent HBV infection by focusing on associated risk factors.

Blood discard rate in a blood center in Curitiba – Brazil. Ten years of study

IntroductionDevelopment of technologies to reduce transfusion risks of infectious diseases is a major characteristic of hemotherapy. Thus, each donation undergoes clinical and serological screening tests to ensure the donated blood do not offer risks to the receiver. ObjectiveEvaluate the prevalence of positive serology in blood donations rejected by Hemobanco (Curitiba – PR) in the period ranging from January 2003 to December 2012. MethodologyDuring the period studied, we observed the total number of donations and its division according to gender. We also analyzed the number of rejected donations due to seropositivity, considering the diseases investigated routinely in blood banks in Brazil, and the frequency of discards according to age groups. ResultsWithin the period studied, 399,280 donations were performed. 62.0% donors were male. Comparing 2003 to 2012, we noticed a significant decrease of discards, from 10.2% to 5.0%, respectively. There was a reduction of seropositivity for HIV, HBsAg and anti-HBc and an increase for Chagas Disease, hepatitis C, syphilis and HTLV. The age group with the highest prevalence for discards changed: it used to be the 40–59 years old group in 2003, and became the 20–39 years old group in 2012. ConclusionThere was an increase in the number of donations in Hemobanco and a decrease in total discards due to seropositive donations. Most donors were male. The most prevalent cause of discards only amongst seropositive donation discards is seropositivity for anti-HBc. There was a significant increase of donors aged between 20 and 39 years old.

NULL SEROPREVALENCE OF HBSAG CARRIER STATE AMONG KURICHIYA TRIBAL COMMUNITY AROUND KANNUR, KERALA, INDIA

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the major public health concern, with about 2 billion people infected globally and >350 million chronic carriers of the virus, of which >40 million are from India. India falls under intermediate zone of endemicity with a carrier rate anywhere between 2-4%. Prevalence of disease is much higher among tribal groups and the cause for this is geographical isolation, culture, apathy towards health seeking behavior. Aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis carrier rate. We conducted a study to derive HBsAg determination among kurichiya tribal group in and around Kannur, northern Kerala, India. ELIFA method was used to determine HBsAg from serum samples of the study group. There was null HBsAg seropositivity among the kurichiya community. This community is considered as the highly sophisticated community out of 63 other communities. Kurichiya’s are highly known for maintaining antisepsis and sterilization procedures. We found that the risk factors for transmission of Hepatitis are negligible. The null positivity of HBsAg carrier among the tribes gives insight into the Kurihiya community about their lifestyles and practices. Significance of folk medicine needs to be extensively studied in a systematic manner.

Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics and Aetiology of Asymptomatic Raised Alanine Aminotransferase in Newly Detected Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance Patients

Objectives: Clinical evaluation and identification of aetiology of asymptomatic raised serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in newly detected adult diabetic and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, newly detected adult diabetic and IGT patients having asymptomatic raised serum ALT level of &gt; 1.5 times of upper limit of normal were evaluated clinically and by laboratory tests.Results: Total number of patients was 120, which was 3.1% of all newly registered diabetic and IGT patients over the study period. Male were 74 and female 46. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was found in 93.3% cases and IGT in 6.7%. Mean age was 43.1 years, mean body weight was 64.5 kg and mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.5 kg/m2. Central (abdominal) obesity was found in 61.5% cases. Increased waist hip ratio was found in 86.3% cases. Hypertension and hepatomegaly were present in 35% and 5.8% cases respectively. Dyslipidaemia was found in 98.3% cases and 45% patients fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome. Regarding etiology, 76.7% cases had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 8.3% had HBsAg sero-positivity, 4.2% had anti-HCV seropositivity and 3.3% had both NAFLD and HBsAg seropositivity. In 7.5% cases no cause was found. Raised serum ALT level had a significant correlation with metabolic syndrome (p= 0.016) and increasing age (p= 0.008).Conclusion: Elevation of serum ALT is common in DM and IGT. NAFLD is the commonest cause followed by hepatitis B and C virus infection.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2015; 33(2): 70-74

Quantitative maternal hepatitis B surface antigen predicts maternally transmitted hepatitis B virus infection.

Quantitative maternal HBsAg predicts infection in infants as well as maternal viral load does. Antiviral therapy may be considered in pregnant women with an HBsAg level above 4-4.5 log10 IU/mL to interrupt mother-to-infant transmission. (Hepatology 2016;64:1451-1461).

HBsAg, Anti-HCV and Anti-HIV Seropositivity in Personnel of Soma State Hospital

HBsAg, Anti-HCV and Anti-HIV Seropositivity in Personnel of Soma State Hospital

Hepatitis B in Ghana: a systematic review & meta-analysis of prevalence studies (1995-2015).

BackgroundAlthough, chronic hepatitis B (HBV) is considered to be of significant public health importance in Ghana, not many reviews detailing the burden (prevalence) of the disease have been conducted. This study was aimed at summarizing the available information and to make an accurate estimate of HBV infection prevalence in Ghana over the last two decades (1995–2015).MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Africa Journals Online (AJOL) databases to retrieve primary studies published between 1st January 1995 and 4th October 2015, assessing the prevalence of HBV among populations in Ghana. This was supplemented by a manual search of retrieved references.ResultsThirty (30) studies across all the ten (10) regions of Ghana and involving an overall population size of 105,435 were analyzed. The national prevalence of HBV as determined by HBsAg seropositivity was 12.3 %. HBV prevalence among voluntary blood donors (VBDs), replacement blood donors (RBDs) and pregnant women were 10.8, 12.7 and 13.1 % respectively. HBV infection prevalence was highest among studies published within the period 1995–2002 (17.3 %), followed by those published within 2003–2009 (14.7 %) and the lowest prevalence rate being recorded across studies published in the period 2010–2015 (10.2 %). Regional prevalence were determined for Ashanti, Greater Accra, Eastern, Northern, central and Brong-Ahafo regions as 13.1, 10.6, 13.6, 13.1, 11.5 and 13.7 % respectively. No aggregate data were derived for Volta, Western, Upper East and Upper West regions. Higher prevalence of HBV infection was attained for rural (13.3 %) compared to urban settings (12.2 %). Across the country, highest HBV infection prevalence rates were recorded in persons within the age group 16–39 years.ConclusionHepatitis B infection is clearly an important public health problem in Ghana. The burden of the disease as dictated by a high prevalence rate calls for urgent public health interventions and strategic policy directions to controlling the disease to avert any potential future explosion.

The Success of a Universal Hepatitis B Immunization Program as Part of Thailand's EPI after 22 Years' Implementation.

Hepatitis B vaccination for newborns was introduced in two provinces in 1988 as part of Thailand’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), and extended to the whole country in 1992. Our previous studies showed that children and adolescents who were born after the implementation of this program had a carrier rate of less than 1%, compared with 5–6% before implementation. In 2014 we performed hepatitis B serosurveys among 5964 subjects in the different geographic regions of the country to evaluate the long-term immunogenicity and impact of universal hepatitis B vaccination in newborns as part of the 22-year EPI program, by assessing HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs seropositivity status. The number of HB virus (HBV) carriers, both children and young adults, who were born after universal HB vaccination was markedly reduced. The carrier rates among the age groups 6 months to 5 years, 5–10, 11–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50 and >50 years were respectively 0.1, 0.29, 0.69, 3.12, 3.78, 4.67 and 5.99%. The seropositivity rate for HBsAg in the post-EPI group was 0.6%, whereas in the pre-EPI group it was as high as 4.5% (p<0.001). HBV infection by means of detectable anti-HBc had also drastically declined in the population born after the HB vaccine was integrated into the EPI program. We estimated that the total number of HBV carriers amounted to 2.22 million, or 3.48% of the total population, most of whom are adults. The HB vaccine is the first vaccine shown to be effective in preventing the occurrence of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Universal vaccination campaign will contribute to the eventual eradication of HBV-associated disease.

Seroprevalence of HBsAg among adolescents and adults in the Muhayil Aseer region of KSA: 25 years after the introduction of national vaccination

Abstract Objective The objective of this work was to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of HBsAg among adolescents and adults in the Muhayil Aseer region of KSA. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a selected sample of adolescents and adults in the Muhayil Aseer region of KSA. A comprehensive questionnaire-based interview was performed for all participants, blood samples were taken, and sera were tested for HBsAg. Results The study included 133 adolescents and 938 adults. A seroprevalence of 1.5% and 6.1% were recorded among adolescents and adults, respectively. The study showed that persons without the hepatitis B vaccination carried a significantly higher risk for developing sero-positivity for HBsAg. Conclusion The present study further endorsed the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Strict preventive measures against HBV infection need to be fostered in the study area.

Seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors at a Tertiary Care Hospital Blood Bank in North India

Background: Blood transfusion service is a sensitive issue as it is covered by “Drug and Cosmetics Act” and has legal implications. Strict criteria are followed while selecting a donor so that proper blood free of all pathogens is available for recipient. Aim: To study seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted major infections (HIV, hepatitis B virus [HBV], hepatitis C virus [HCV], syphilis, and malaria) among blood donors at a Tertiary Care Government Hospital Blood Bank in North India and to compare positivity of markers of these infections in voluntary and replacement donors. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 5 years (July 2010–June 2015). A total number of donors screened during this period was 130,920. Samples were tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, and malaria and retested if found positive by third generation ELISA tests (HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], HCV). Comparative analysis was done using Chi-square for linear trend. Comparison between prevalence rates among voluntary and replacement donors was done using Chi-square tests using Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Results: Of total 130,920 donors, 114,214 (87%) were voluntary and 16,706 (13%) were replacement donors. Male donors predominated, 128,781 (98.37%) male and female 2139 (1.63%). Average seropositivity of HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, syphilis, and malaria was 0.10%, 1.60%, 0.18%, 0.89%, and 0.04% among all donors. Significant difference ( P Conclusion: Comparing a retrospective data over a long period showed decreasing trend in seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, syphilis, and malaria. Results of the study reflect the prevalence of these infections in the healthy population and warrant measures that should be taken to detect these infections and prevent transmission.

Age wise seroprevalence of hepatitis viral markers in acute infectious hepatitis patients at a tertiary care centre in India

Introduction: Age wise seroprevalence of acute viral hepatitis still remains debatable. The burden of the disease could be reduced to a considerable extent, if seroprevalence of different viruses are known for various age groups. Objectives: To determine the age wise seroprevalence of hepatitis viral markers in clinically suspected infectious hepatitis at a tertiary care hospital in urban India Methodology: This prospective study was conducted over a period of 1 year from January -December 2008. The study arm had 600 patients with clinically suspected acute infectious hepatitis while control arm had 200 age and sex matched subjects. Both groups were divided into 0-10,11-20, 21-30, 31-40 and >40 years age groups .Serum samples were tested for IgM anti HAV, IgM anti HEV, IgM anti HCV and HBsAg using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: Highest seropositivity of anti-HAV IgM was in 0-10 years of age for the study arm. HAV seroprevalence decreased with increasing age. Highest seropositivity of HBsAg was in 20-30 years of age group for the study group (7.6%) followed by 11-20 years (4.5%), 0-10 years (2.8%) and >40 years (2.5%). Highest seropositivity to IgM anti HCV was seen in 11-20 years(9%) in the study arm followed by 21-30 years (6.1%), 0-10 years (5.1%) and >40 years (3.7%) of age. Highest seropositivity of anti-HEV IgM was in the 21-30 years (10.7%) in the study arm followed by 31-40 years (2.9%), 11-20 years (2.7%) and 0-10 years (0.9%). Conclusion: Both HAV and HEV are significant causes of enterically transmitted acute viral hepatitis. HAV is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in childhood. Hepatitis B virus is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in adults. HCV is a common cause of acute hepatitis in young adults. HCV infections remain under reported while the actual disease burden is much higher. Keywords: Seroprevalence, Age wise, HBsAg, HCV, HAV, HEV

Risk factors for cytomegalovirus DNAemia following haploidentical stem cell transplantation and its association with host hepatitis B virus serostatus

BackgroundThe risk factors associated with CMV DNAemia are not well known after haploidentical stem cell transplantation (SCT). ObjectivesThis study investigated the risk factors and prognosis for CMV DNAemia among CMV seromatched donors and recipients (D+/R+). Study designA retrospective study of patients undergoing haploidentical stem cell transplantation (SCT) between January 2010 and January 2012 was conducted. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for CMV DNAemia. These possible factors included recipient/donor age, recipient/donor gender, gender disparity, recipient HBsAg serostatus, diagnosis, risk stratification, anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) dose (6mg/kg,10mg/kg), early neutrophil engraftment (≤12 days, >12 days), absolute lymphocyte count on day 30 (ALC30) and the occurrence of acute GVHD before CMV DNAemia. ResultsThe total number of patients was 248 with median age of 31 years (range, 14–56). The cumulative incidence of CMV DNAemia (146/248) was 59.5%. CMV DNAemia was first detected after a median of +35 days (range,12–82). Seventeen patients (17/146, 11.6%) developed CMV disease. Multivariate analysis identified HBsAg seropositivity (P=0.002, hazard ratio (HR)=1.833; 95%CI=1.257–2.673) and the occurrence of acute GVHD before CMV DNAemia (P=0.014; HR=1.520; 95%CI=1.088–2.124) as risk factors for CMV DNAemia. CMV DNAemia was associated with subsequent II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (P=0.014), III-IV aGVHD (P=0.013) and chronic GVHD (P=0.008). Totally, CMV DNAemia was found to be a poor prognostic factor in terms of non-relapse mortality (NRM) (P=0.003, HR=2.730; 95%CI=1.406–5.197), and overall survival (OS) (P=0.045, HR=1.654; 95%CI=1.012–2.701). ConclusionsOur data showed HBsAg seropositivity was associated with an increased risk of cytomegalovirus DNAemia. Detection of CMV DNAemia proved to be a poor prognostic factor for haploidentical patients.

Frequency of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases among Tribal Population of Rangamati in Bangladesh

Background: Frequency of transfusion transmitted diseases is unknown among tribal population of Rangamati. This study was undertaken to obtain data about burden of transfusion related diseases among tribal voluntary blood donors in Rangamati and to observe if there was any significant risk associated with ethnicity. The result expected to help identify health problems requiring urgent attention among tribal ethnic groups of Rangamati.Methods: A retrospective study was done in Rangamati General Hospital, Bangladesh where screening records of tribal voluntary blood donors from year 2005 to 2012 were scrutinized for seropositivity for hepatitis B &amp; C, HIV, Syphilis and malaria infection. Frequency of these five diseases recorded .Results: Ninety six (3.81%) samples were positive for transfusion transmitted disease out of 2517 samples screened. Hepatitis B with 87 positive samples ranks highest. Frequency of seropositivity for HBsAg was 3.46%. Seropositivity of other diseases was Hepatitis C (0.28%), syphilis (0.04%) and malaria (0.04%). No samples were positive for HIV infection.Conclusion: Hepatitis B infection is the commonest transfusion transmitted disease among tribal population of Rangamati.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2014; 25 (2) : 52-54

Risk Factors and Clinical Correlates of Hepatitits B Seroprevalence in Nigerian Children

Introduction: Establishing risk factors for a disease enables early identification of those with the disease (through screening) as well as targeted prevention and control measures. The significance and relative importance of such risk factors may differ based on geographic location and they may change over time with the institution of control measures. In this study we examined the association between HBsAg seropositivity, some risk factors and clinical features.Methodology: Consecutive children aged 2 months to 16 years who were admitted to a Children’s Emergency Room were recruited. Data on the presence / absence of risk factors such as previous blood transfusion, scarifications, receipt of unsafe injections and previous surgery were obtained. History to ascertain previous or present history of jaundice and pale coloured stool was obtained. Examination to detect hepatomegaly and spenomegaly was carried out. Blood samples were assayed for HBsAg.Results: Of the 150 children recruited 84(56%) were male. The mean (SD) age of the children was 33.0(39.1) months. HBsAg seropositivity was 13.9%. Circumcision, scarification, ear piercing, history of blood transfusion, receipt of unsafe injections, present/ past history of jaundice and malnutrition were not significantly associated with being seropositive (p&gt;0.05).Conclusion: This study did not identify any pathognomonic clinical feature of hepatitis b seroprevalence. The lack of association between HBsAg seropositivity and the studied risk factors may represent a real improvement in infection control measures. Further research is required to ascertain if there are still some unidentified risk factors for hepatitis B transmission in Nigerian children.Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, Infection, Risk Factors

Triple positivity of HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody, and HIV and their influence on CD4+ lymphocyte levels in the highly HIV infected population of Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Few studies exist on hospital-based seroprevalence of triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV in Nigeria. The study aimed at determining the triple positivity of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among HIV-infected individuals in Abeokuta, Nigeria and defining the influence of these triple infections on CD4+ counts of HIV-infected individuals as antiretroviral therapy improves in Nigeria. Enumeration of CD4+ levels in 183 HIV-infected persons was done with Partec Flow Cytometer. Seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was detected with rapid kits. From the result obtained, significance variance (p<0.05) existed between HIV positive persons and persons who tested positive to HIV/HBV/HCV triple infection before and after the commencement of HAART. Of these infections, 31(16.9%) had HBV/HCV/HIV triple infection, while 152(83.1%) had HIV mono infection only, 56(30.6%) had HBV/HIV dual infection only and 43(23.5%) had HCV/HIV dual infection only. Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed between subjects with CD4 counts of <200 cells/µl, 200-499 cells/µl and >500 cells/µl. Highest seroprevalence of HIV (35.0%) was found in age groups 35-44 years and >65 years had the least (2.7%). Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed in the progression of CD4+ lymphocytes cells between subjects with persistent decrease (32.3%) in CD4+ lymphocytes cells and those with fluctuation in their CD4+ lymphocytes cells (12.9%) after the commencement of ART. The study further confirms that triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV infection is common in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Testing of these triple infections should be a big concern in the best choice and commencement of ART. Also, the study showed that consistent and prolonged use of HAART had a positive impact on the CD4 count of HIV-infected individuals.

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis frequency among blood donors: A single center study

We aimed to provide updated results for seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C viruses while presenting first data for human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis seropositivity amongst blood donors in Adana, Turkey. Screening and confirmatory test results of 62,461 donors were evaluated. HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV1/2 and syphilis seropositivity was 1.92%, 0.48%, 0.20%, 0.18% respectively, based on screening tests, and 1.66%, 0.05%, 0.003%, 0.10% respectively, according to confirmatory tests. Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) was more prevalent in low-educated donors. HBsAg and syphilis seropositivity rates were higher in married subjects. We found that the prevalence of HBV and HCV was significantly decreased in the last two decades in Adana. Importantly, this study provides first data in HIV and syphilis seropositivity rates among blood donors in our region and both HIV and syphilis seroprevalences were found to be low compared to many regions of Turkey. However, considering the fact that increasing number of immigrants may change prevalences and trends of TTI both in Adana and in Turkey, strict monitorization and yearly reporting of TTI rates seem necessary to be able to take proactive measures.

HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti-HCV Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women Attending a University Hospital in Zonguldak

HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti-HCV Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women Attending a University Hospital in Zonguldak

Changing trends of seropositivity of HBsAg and HCV in blood donors

Introduction: The term Viral hepatitis is reserved for infection of liver caused by a group of viruses having a particular affinity for liver. Liver disease due to Hepatitis B Virus is a huge problem globally with an estimated worldwide carrier rate of 25% of the total infected cases; every year there are over 4 million acute clinical cases of HBV infection. Method: All blood units donated by the voluntary donors are tested by serological method for the presence of various antigens or antibodies to detect the seropositive status of the donor before transfusion of that blood unit to any patient. Result: In the year 2013 prevalence of HBsAg was 0.72% and that of HCV was 0.11% whereas in the year 2014 prevalence of HBsAg was 0.788% and that of HCV was 0.218% respectively.