Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV, and syphilis infections among engaged couples

Objectives: To evaluate seroprevalences of hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis infections among engaged couples. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of all engaged couples enrolled at 20 Health Centers and one Maternity Center of Sivas Health Directorate between May and September 2005 in Sivas, a central Anatolian city, in Turkey. Seroprevalances of hepatitis B (HB) surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti- HBs), anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV), anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV), and syphilis was assessed. Serum samples of 1,332 participants of 666 couples were investigated. Results: Age range of subjects was 15-74, and most (38.4%) were between 25-29 years. Out of 1,332 individuals, 22 (1.7%) were HBsAg positive, 18 (1.4%) were anti-HBs positive, one (0.1%) was anti- HCV positive, one (0.1%) was HIV positive, and one (0.1%) was syphilis positive. There was no statistical differences between their seroprevalence positivities regarding gender and age groups (p 0.05). Conclusions: In our country, couples should obtain a marriage certificate that includes a health report that contains the tests mentioned above. We think that this is a very good screening model for important infections. In couples all around the world, screening of these infections needs to be performed before marriage to be aware of the risks.