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[Hepatitis B and C infection in alcoholics]
A Boroń-Kaczmarska1, H Kozłowska, Z Sidun
1Klinika Chorób Zakaźnych Akademii Medycznej, Szczecinie.
Insights
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.
Abstract:
Among 231 alcohol-dependent men aged 24-67 years and treated for this dependence in a special institution specific antigens and antibodies being immunoserological markers of hepatitis virus B and hepatitis virus C were found in 13.4% of subjects and in 0.77% respectively. Anti-delta antibodies were not found among patients with HBs antigenemia. Asymptomatic HBV infection is concerned with relatively high percentage of alcoholics. However, asymptomatic HCV infection concerus relatively low percentage of the examined population.