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[Hepatitis B and C infection in alcoholics]
A Boroń-Kaczmarska1, H Kozłowska, Z Sidun
1Klinika Chorób Zakaźnych Akademii Medycznej, Szczecinie.
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common in alcohol-dependent men, with 13.4% testing positive for HBV markers. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was less common, found in only 0.77% of this population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is a significant public health issue.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are common globally.
- Co-infection with alcohol dependence and viral hepatitis can lead to severe liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in alcohol-dependent men.
- To investigate the association between alcohol dependence and asymptomatic HBV/HCV infections.
- To assess the presence of anti-delta antibodies in HBV-infected alcohol-dependent individuals.
Main Methods:
- Immunoserological markers for HBV and HCV were tested in 231 alcohol-dependent men.
- Subjects were aged 24-67 years and receiving treatment for alcohol dependence.
- Presence of HBs antigenemia and anti-delta antibodies was specifically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 13.4% of subjects.
- Hepatitis C antibodies were found in 0.77% of subjects.
- Anti-delta antibodies were absent in patients with HBs antigenemia, suggesting no concurrent Hepatitis D virus infection.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic HBV infection is relatively common among alcohol-dependent men.
- Asymptomatic HCV infection prevalence is low in this specific population.
- Alcohol dependence is a significant risk factor for HBV infection, necessitating screening and prevention strategies.