Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and response to hepatitis B vaccination among Egyptian school children
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: A prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is relatively low in children as it was 3% and 9% in the upper and lower Egypt areas, respectively. Most chronic hepatitis C patients are asymptomatic and unaware of their disease before diagnosis. Similarly, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, though HBV incidence and infection has been markedly reduced after mass vaccination programs. Objectives: To identify the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic HCV infection and evaluate response of hepatitis B vaccination among Egyptian children. Materials and Methods: Six hundred children (6-17 years) were screened for HCV antibodies (HCV Ab) and hepatitis B surface antibody concentration (HBsAb) was quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HCV Ab-seropositive was tested for HCV ribonucleic acid by real-time-polymerase chain reaction, complete blood count, and liver function tests. Results: 4.7% were diagnosed as HCV Ab-seropositive and 58.5 % as HBsAb-seroprotective (HBsAb ≥10 mIU/ml). History of exposure to blood transfusion, frequent intravenous injection, history of prior hospitalization and blood exposure were significantly more likely to be among HCV seropositive. Blood transfusion was considered the most predictable risk factor for HCV infection. There was a significant decrease in HBsAb concentration with increasing age. Conclusion: Booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine should be considered to enhance immune protection of the vaccine especially in our endemic area.
Authors and Affiliations
Neveen Tawfik Abed, Mona Ahmed Abdel-Baky El-Awady, Reda Sanad Arafa, Mona Eltoukhy Mohamed
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP304996
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2017.1059706122016
- Views 77
- Downloads 0
Predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus
Background: Hepatic steatosis in Non-Alcoholics may range from a ‘benign’ indolent deposition of fat [known as non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD)] to severe lipotoxicity-induced steatohepatitis with neuroinflamma...
Effectiveness of breathing exercises as play method on cardiopulmonary parameters among children with acute respiratory tract infections in a selected area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Background: Respiratory tract infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among children and are responsible for around 12 million under-five deaths in a year. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluat...
Pelvic actinomycosis-associated dysplastic granulocytes: are they truly dysplastic?
Breach of the gastrointestinal system by intraabdominal actinomycosis can cause extensive formation of abscesses and/ or fistulae within the peritoneal cavity. With the exception of few reports revealing left shift, the...
Surgical site infections: incidence, bacteriological profiles and risk factors in a tertiary care teaching hospital, western India
Background: A surgical site infection (SSI) is an unintended and oftentimes preventable consequence of surgery. SSIs are associated with patient morbidity and increased healthcare costs. SSIs are commonest nosocomial inf...
Psychosocial reaction of diagnosing tuberculosis – An experience of tertiary care center of rural Gujarat
Background: In India Tuberculosis (TB) is the major public health problem. It is still been considered as social stigma by many people especially in rural areas. It is necessary to pay more attenti...