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Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis B virus infection in upper and lower Egypt
Journal of Medical Virology
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Hepatitis B virus infection markers were studied in 1,866 Egyptians. A high prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B virus core antigen (anti-HBc) was found, indicating widespread past or present infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence of HBV infection markers is crucial for public health strategies.
- Egypt, with diverse populations in Upper and Lower regions, provides a unique setting for epidemiological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs, and anti-hepatitis B virus core antigen (anti-HBc) in apparently healthy Egyptian residents.
- To analyze the variations in marker prevalence based on geographic location (Upper vs. Lower Egypt), age, and sex.
- To assess the overall hepatitis B virus infection burden in the studied Egyptian population.
Main Methods:
- Solid-phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA) was employed to detect HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc.
- A cohort of 1,866 apparently healthy individuals from two Egyptian provinces was recruited.
- Data analysis focused on prevalence rates and demographic associations.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 10.1%, higher in Upper Egypt (11.7%) than Lower Egypt (8.0%), and more common in young adults and males.
- Anti-HBs prevalence increased with age, higher in Lower Egypt (51.1%) than Upper Egypt (41.7%), and more frequent in females.
- A high prevalence of anti-HBc (88.0%) indicated extensive past or current HBV infection across both regions, with minor demographic variations.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B virus infection is highly prevalent in the Egyptian population, particularly indicated by anti-HBc markers.
- Geographic, age, and sex factors influence the prevalence of different HBV infection markers.
- Public health interventions targeting hepatitis B prevention and management are warranted in Egypt.
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