Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and its co-infection with hepatitis D virus and hepatitis C virus in Iranian adult population

CONTEXT: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most prevalent public health problems worldwide (especially in developing countries). AIMS: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and its co-infection with hepatitis D (HDV) and C (HCV) viruses in the northeastern part of Iran. SETTING AND DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As many as 1,850 subjects were explored for HBsAg. Anti-HDV and anti-HCV antibodies were assessed in HBsAg-positive cases. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Proportions were compared by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects was 43.86 +/- 11.2 years. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence for HBsAg positivity was 9.7%. It was higher in males than in females (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.9-1.7). The risk of infection in singles was significantly higher than in married cases (OR: 2.13). Eight (5.8%) of HBsAg-positive cases were infected with HDV and 17 (12.3%) were positive for anti-HCV antibody. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity in Golestan province of Iran is higher than the levels reported by WHO and previous studies from Iran. It is very important, especially for health providers and policy makers, to recognize the risk factors of HBV infection and its co-infection with HDV and HCV in this area and design effective preventive programs.