Prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections and their related risk factors in Libya: a national seroepidemiological survey

A high prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections has been reported among specific patient groups in Libya; a survey was thus designed to determine the extent of the problem at the national level. A multi-stage sampling design covering all administrative areas of Libya was applied,...

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Published inEastern Mediterranean health journal Vol. 19; no. 7; pp. 589 - 599
Main Authors Elzouki, A.N., Smeo, M.N., Sammud, M., Elahmer, O., Daw, M., Furarah, A., Abudher, A., Mohamed, M.K.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Egypt 01.07.2013
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
Aged
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Hepatitis B - blood
Hepatitis B - epidemiology
Hepatitis B - transmission
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - blood
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - immunology
Hepatitis C - blood
Hepatitis C - epidemiology
Hepatitis C - transmission
Hepatitis C Antibodies - blood
Hepatitis C Antibodies - immunology
Humans
Libya - epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Risk-Taking
Seroepidemiologic Studies
Sex Distribution
Substance Abuse, Intravenous - complications
Surgical Procedures, Operative - adverse effects
Transfusion Reaction
Young Adult
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Summary:A high prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections has been reported among specific patient groups in Libya; a survey was thus designed to determine the extent of the problem at the national level. A multi-stage sampling design covering all administrative areas of Libya was applied, covering > 65,000 individuals of all age groups. All subjects gave a blood sample and completed a questionnaire on demographic and risk behaviour data. The prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV were 2.2% and 1.3% respectively. The prevalence of anti-HCV increased with age, rising gradually after age 30 years, in contrast to a stable prevalence of HBsAg in all age groups 10+ years. Age-adjusted risk factors for HCV infection were previous hospitalization, surgical operations, previous blood transfusions and intravenous drug use; for HBV infection only family exposure or contact with HBV case were identified.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 23
ISSN:1020-3397
1687-1634
DOI:10.26719/2013.19.7.589