Open AccessEpidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in the Middle East
Author(s) -
Naseeb Qirbi,
A. J. Hall
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/2001.7.6.1034
Subject(s) - epidemiology , hepatitis b virus , middle east , transmission (telecommunications) , medicine , hepatitis b , public health , virology , global health , environmental health , immunology , virus , geography , pathology , archaeology , engineering , electrical engineering
Inthis article, the epidemiology of hepatitis B [HBV] infection in the Middle East is reviewed. The prevalence of HBV carrier status in the region is considered and the modes of transmission of infection discussed. The risk factors associated with HBV infection are examined and preventive measures against HBV infection in countries of the region are presented. The review is based on information from two sources-publications in the international literature on the epidemiology of HBV infection in Middle East countries, identified by searching MEDLINE and POPLINE, and Middle East country and regional reports on viral hepatitis. It is evident that HBV infection is a serious public health problem in the region and many questions specific to the region remain unanswered. Community-based surveys are recommended as they provide more accurate information that can be generalized than hospital-based surveys.