Prevalence of Hepatitis B Serological Markers Among People Who Referred to a Great Laboratory in Neyshabur, Northeast of Iran

Background: Iran has been known as an area with low-intermediate prevalence for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of serological markers and the potential risk factors of HBV infection among people who referred to the Neyshabur Lab of Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Razavi Khorasan Branch, northeast of Iran. Methods: The 2669 serum samples were assessed to detect the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) during June 2015 to February 2016. In the case of HBsAg positive, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb), total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and IgM anti-HBc were evaluated. Moreover, demographic data and risk factors related to HBV infection were assessed. Results: A total of 2099 (78.6%) females and 570 (21.4%) males with a mean age of 32.4 ± 13.1 years were enrolled. HBsAg seropositivity was observed in 90 (3.37%) individuals. ELISA tests for HBeAg, anti-HBe, total anti-HBc, and IgM anti-HBc were positive in 8 (8.9%), 75 (83.3%), 90 (100%), and 11(12.2%) of 90 HBsAg-positive cases, respectively. Age, sex, household size, and education level were significant risk factors for the infection. Conclusions: Prevalence of HBV infection in Neyshabur could be considered as an intermediate level. Although some reasons for which individuals referred, were suggesting hepatitis.