Hepatitis B and C virus seroprevalence in central of Sanliurfa in Turkey

Hepatitis B and C virus infections, the major causes of chronic hepatitis, still remain a serious public health challenge throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevelance of HBV and HCV in Sanliurfa. The study was conducted between April 2008-May 2008 in central of Sanliurfa in Southeast Anatolia of Turkey. In this study, cluster sampling method was used and, 106 cluster of a total 1074 participant were included. A face to face questionnaire was carried out and HBsAg and anti-HCV markers were analyzed from blood samples using Micro ELISA technique. Amongst the 1074 individuals participated in the study 33.1% was male (n=355) and 66.9% was female (n=718). The average age was 35.4±13.5 (14-90) years. The overall rate of HBsAg positivity was 4.3% (n=46), while anti-HCV seropozitivity was 1.0 % (n=11). The HbsAg positivity was found to be higher in the participants who suffered from hepatitis in the past (p<0.05). Familial jaundice history was statistically significant risk factor for HbsAg positivity (Crude Odds Ratio = 2.4, 95 % CI = 1.3-4.4; p=0.003). The older age (M-W U=2789.0 ; p=0.003) was found as a risk factor for Anti-HCV positivity. Based on these findings, because of moderate endemicity level with regard to HBV infection, it should be given  priority for strenghtening vaccination, surveillance and screening programmes in all health centers and hospitals. Key words: HbsAg, Anti-HCV, seroprevelance, Sanliurfa