Author/Authors :
Salehi, M Research Center for Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine - Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan , Alavian, SM Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease - Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Tabatabaei, SV Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster - St.-Marien- Hospital GmbH, Gastroenterologishe Klinik, Lünen, Germany , Izadi, Sh Zahedan University of Medical Sciences - School of Public Health, Zahedan , Sanei Moghaddam, E Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, Zahedan , Amini Kafiabad, S Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, Tehran, Iran , Gharehbaghian, A Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, Tehran, Iran , Khosravi, S Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, Tehran, Iran , Abolghasemi, H Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
affecting billions of people globally. Since information on its prevalence in general population is mandatory for
formulating effective policies, this population based serological survey was conducted in Sistan and Baluchistan,
where no previous epidemiological data were available.
Methods: Using random cluster sampling 3989 healthy subjects were selected from 9 districts of Sistan and
Baluchistan Province in southeastern Iran. The subjects’ age ranged from 6 to 65 years old. Serum samples
were tested for HBcAb, HBsAg. Screening tests were carried out by the third generation of ELISA. Various risk
factors were recorded and multivariate analysis was performed.
Results: The prevalence of HBsAg and HBcAb in Sistan and Baluchistan was 3.38% (95% CI 2.85; 3.98) and
23.58% (95% CI 22.29; 24.93) respectively. We found 8 cases of positive anti-HDV antibody. Predictors of
HBsAg or HBcAb in multivariate analysis were age, marital status and addiction.
Conclusion: The rate of HBV infection in Sistan and Baluchistan was higher than other parts of Iran. Approximately
25% of general population in this province had previous exposure to HBV and 3% were HBsAg carriers.
Intrafamilial and addiction were major routes of HBV transmission in this province.
Keywords :
Epidemiology , Hepatitis , HBV , Iran
