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Summary
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is common in Iran, especially in acute hepatitis cases. Most infections likely result from non-parenteral or inapparent parenteral exposure routes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and transmission patterns of HBV is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in various populations in Tehran and Mashhad, Iran.
- To investigate the subtype and potential exposure routes of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the studied regions.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc).
- Analysis of HBsAg subtypes.
- Comparison of HBsAg prevalence across control groups, blood donors, leprosy patients, and acute hepatitis patients.
Main Results:
- HBsAg prevalence was 1% in controls, 2.1% in blood donors, 2.0% in leprosy patients, and 76.1% in acute hepatitis cases.
- All HBsAg-positive samples were also positive for anti-HBc and were of the ayw subtype.
- Hepatitis B is frequent in Iran, with non-parenteral or inapparent parenteral exposure being the likely transmission routes.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B infection, indicated by HBsAg positivity, is highly prevalent in acute hepatitis cases in Tehran and Mashhad.
- The consistent presence of anti-HBc and the ayw subtype suggest specific transmission dynamics.
- The findings highlight the importance of non-parenteral and inapparent parenteral routes in Hepatitis B epidemiology in Iran.