Al- Anbar Medical Journal

Abstract

Background:- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide problem, two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), 360 million have chronic infection and 600,000 die each year from HBV related liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Aim of the study: This study aims to determine the prevalence of the HB virus in AL-Anbar Governorate among screened groups.
Patients and methods:-This is a retrospective study conducted and achieved in Al-Anbar Central Laboratory during the period from January to December 2012. Requestionary sheet include age, sex and residency were recorded. The sera from study group individuals were submitted for screening by preliminary screening test, dipstick immunoassay which depends on immune-chromatography for detection of hepatitis B virus. After that all hepatitis B positive sera were examined for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 1-Blood donors 2-Routine screened populations which include [before marriage, vaccination, endoscopical and dental procedure]. And 3- Among certain risk groups which include pregnant women, midwife, health worker and contacts [persons who in contact with positive HBsAg].
Results:- The prevalence of HBsAg among blood donor was 1.25% and among certain risk groups include pregnant women was 0.46%, health worker was 0.28%, non-urgent operation was 0.63%, midwife 0.64%, contacts were 0.97%. While the prevalence among routine screened populations were 12.39%.
Conclusion: - The prevalence of hepatitis B surface Ag is high among routine screened population and low among certain high risk groups. Although there is discrepancy between these two groups HBV screening is highly recommended.