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[Epidemiological characterisation of acute and chronic hepatitis B in Uzbekistan]
R A Rashidova1, K Kh Iuldashev, A G Valiev
1State Medical Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Insights
Family contact with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients led to higher infection rates than acute hepatitis B (AHB). Children under 14 showed the highest infection levels in both AHB and CHB family settings.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding transmission dynamics within households is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the epidemiological patterns of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in families of patients with acute hepatitis B (AHB) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
- To identify high-risk groups within households for HBV transmission.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an epidemiological survey across 126 foci of AHB and 120 foci of CHB.
- Assessed infection levels among susceptible family members, with a focus on children and sibling/parental relationships.
- Detected Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) to confirm infection.
Main Results:
- Higher infection rates were observed in families of CHB patients (44.4%) compared to AHB patients (33.2%).
- Children under 14 exhibited elevated infection rates, particularly in CHB families (57.1%) and AHB families (40.2%).
- Siblings and parents showed significant HbsAg detection rates in both AHB and CHB foci, indicating close-proximity transmission.
Conclusions:
- Household transmission of hepatitis B is significant, with chronic cases posing a greater risk.
- Children and close family contacts are particularly vulnerable to HBV infection.
- Targeted interventions within families are essential for preventing hepatitis B transmission and managing outbreaks.
Abstract:
The epidemiological survey of 126 foci with patients having acute hepatitis B (AHB) and 120 foci with patients having chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was conducted. The observation of the susceptible members of the family showed that a significantly higher level of infection was found in persons having contacts with CHB patients (44.4 +/- 2.3%) in comparison with the members of the families of AHB patients (33.2 +/- 2.3%). The study revealed that children under 14 years were actively involved into the epidemic process; in these children the highest levels of infection were observed in the families of AHB patients (40.2 +/- 3.7%) and CHB patients (57.1 +/- 3.5%). High detection rate of HbsAg were noted in brothers and sisters in the foci of AHB (42.3 +/- 6.4%) and the foci of CHB (52.3 +/- 5.4%), also in parents: 32.4 +/- 5.2% and 46.5 +/- 4.2%, in children: 28.8 +/- 3.4% and 35.6 +/- 3.6% respectively.