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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C prevalence and treatment referral among Asian Americans undergoing community-based

Jessica P Hwang1, Mahfam Mohseni, Beverly J Gor

  • 1Department of General Internal Medicine at University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA. jphwang@mdanderson.org

American Journal of Public Health
|February 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening at community health fairs identified significant prevalence in Asian Americans. Comprehensive testing improved chronic HBV diagnosis, and successful referrals ensured patients received follow-up care.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose significant health burdens, particularly in certain ethnic groups.
  • Community health fairs offer a platform for targeted screening and early detection of viral hepatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV among Asian Americans at a community health fair.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of referral systems for individuals diagnosed with HBV or HCV.

Main Methods:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening utilized hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs).
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening involved testing for hepatitis C antibodies.
  • Successful referral was defined by medical evaluation and provision of specialist contact information.

Main Results:

  • Out of 202 participants, 118 were Asian Americans. Chronic HBV prevalence was 10.2% (HBsAg positive), increasing to 13.6% with additional serological markers.
  • HCV prevalence was 6% overall, with a higher rate of 15.4% among Vietnamese participants.
  • Referral success rates were high: 83% for chronic HBV and 100% for occult HBV or HCV.

Conclusions:

  • Combined testing for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs enhances the diagnosis of chronic and occult HBV infections, which may be missed by HBsAg testing alone.
  • Community-based screening events can effectively identify individuals with HBV or HCV and facilitate successful referrals for specialized medical care.
Abstract

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