Seroepidemiology of HBV Infection in Kermanshah- West of Iran; A Population Based Study

Background: hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem that affects billions of people worldwide. The lack of information on HBV prevalence among the general population is an obstacle to formulate effective policies to reduce the burden of viral hepatitis. Objectives: This population based serological survey was conducted in Kermanshah province to determine the local prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection. Patients and Methods: 1979 healthy subjects were selected from all districts of Kermanshah province (in the west of Iran) using random cluster sampling. Subjects between 6 and 65 years of age were included with mean age of 35 ± 13. Serum samples were tested for HBcAb, HBsAg and anti-HDV antibody. To carry out lab tests the third generation of ELISA was used. Various risk factors were recorded and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg and HBcAb in Kermanshah was 0.75% (95% CI 0.44; 1.21) and 8.28% (95% CI 7.13; 9.56), respectively. One case of HDV-Ab was found. Predictors of HBsAg or HBcAb in multivariate analysis were: old age, being male, history of tattooing and history of dental procedure. Conclusions: approximately 8% and less than 1% of general population in Kermanshah are HBcAb seropositive and active carriers of HBV infection, respectively. Age, sex and history of tattoo and dental procedures are major risk factors of HBV seropositivity in this province.