A Population Based Study on Hepatitis B Virus in Northern Iran, Amol

Conclusions: The prevalence of hepatitis B in Amol City and its surrounding areas was about one percent, a lower rate than other reports from Iran.,Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection and its related risk factors in Amol city, Northern Iran.,Patients and Methods: As a population based study, a cluster sampling approach was used and 6146 individuals from the general population of urban and rural areas of Amol, Iran, from both genders and different ages were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were willingness to participate in the study, being a lifelong resident in Amol city or its surrounding areas with Iranian nationality. Ten milliliters (10 mL) of blood was taken from each study subject and checked regarding hepatitis B markers including HbsAg, HBsAb and HBcAb using a third generation ELISA. The prevalence of HBV infections and its potential risk factors were recorded.
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research