Open AccessHepatitis B and C seroprevalence in the Lebanese population
Author(s) -
Rafic Baddoura,
C. Haddad,
Myrna Germanos
Publication year - 2002
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 - 10.26719/2002.8.1.150
Subject(s) - medicine , seroprevalence , hepatitis b , population , blood transfusion , hepatitis c , immunology , antibody , environmental health , serology
We aimed to evaluate exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses [HBV and HBC] and candidate risk factors among the Lebanese population. All individuals presenting to all laboratory units in the country over a 2-week period were asked for a 5-mL whole blood sample and answered a questionnaire addressing risk factors. For individuals under 15 years of age the mother was interviewed. In all, 2893 blood samples were examined. Refusal rate was 2.9%. Exposure to HBV antigen was 18.9%; 1.9% were carriers and acute hepatitis B point prevalence was 0.1%. Exposure to HCV antigen was 0.7%. Exposure to both HBc and HCV antibodies was 0.2%. HBc prevalence increased with age and was higher among men. Significant risk factors included blood transfusion, haemodialysis and gastrointestinal endoscopy.