Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infections among Adult Males in Beit al-Faqih District, Al-Hodeidah Governorate, Republic of Yemen
Ahmed M. O. Al-Kadassy
Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeida University, Yemen.
Foud A. Balkam
Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeida University, Yemen.
Salem Bashanfer *
Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeida University, Yemen.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major causes of liver disease worldwide and can cause acute and chronic hepatitis which may lead to hepatic cirrhosis or even cancer, thus creating a significant burden to healthcare systems due to the high morbidity/mortality and costs of treatment.
Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among adult males in Beit al-Faqih districts, Hodeida, Yemen.
Study Design: A cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from 4 areas in Beit al-Faqih district, Hodeidah city, Yemen, during the period November 2012 - December 2015.
Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 1289 adult males, screening test of HBV surface antigen and antibodies against HCV were performed through enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay.
Results: HBV and HCV were detected in 208 (16.1%) subject. The prevalence rate of HBV and HCV were found in 187 (14.5%) and 21(1.6%), respectively.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections is high among adult males in Beit al-Faqih District, Al-Hodeidah Governorate, Republic of Yemen.
Keywords: HBV, HCV, Beit al-Faqih District, Hodeidah Yemen