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Pattern of viral hepatitis infection in a selected population from Saudi Arabia
Ziad Memish1, Laila Qasim, Eman Abed
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, P.O. 22490, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most common hepatitis infection among Saudi National Guard personnel, followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV). Each virus affects distinct age groups, with HBV predominantly impacting males.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Viral hepatitis poses a significant global health challenge.
- Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses are the primary causative agents worldwide.
- Understanding hepatitis patterns is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of hepatitis A, B, and C infections.
- To identify at-risk populations within the National Guard personnel and their families in Saudi Arabia's central region.
- To inform targeted prevention and education strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hepatitis cases.
- Data collection from National Guard personnel and their extended families.
- Epidemiological assessment of hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the most dominant infection, followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV), and then hepatitis A virus (HAV).
- Distinct age demographics were identified for each hepatitis type: HAV in the young, HBV in adolescents and adults, and HCV in the elderly.
- A higher male:female ratio was observed for HBV, consistent with global trends, while no significant difference was found for HAV and HCV.
Conclusions:
- The study identifies specific age groups and gender disparities for HAV, HBV, and HCV in the studied population.
- These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and educational programs for at-risk demographics.
- The data serves as a foundation for future research and public health initiatives in Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Viral hepatitis is an important health problem worldwide. Globally, three major viruses are the leading cause of hepatitis: hepatitis A, B, and C. In this study, we have investigated the pattern of hepatitis among the National Guard personnel and their extended families seen in the central region of Saudi Arabia. The most dominant type of hepatitis infection was hepatitis B virus (HBV), followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV), and to a lesser extent hepatitis A virus (HAV). Our results showed three different age groups at risk of acquiring the infection: HAV, which is mainly a disease of the young; HBV, a disease of adolescents and adults; and HCV, a disease of the elderly. There was no significant difference in the male:female ratio in HAV and HCV; however, as seen in the developed countries, more males were affected with HBV than females. These data will pave the way for further studies by identifying the risk groups for the three major hepatitis infections and by using the data as a preventive tool to educate those risk groups.