NSU Research Contributions
Title : Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Seromarkers and Associated Risk Factors in Young Healthy Individuals in Bangladesh: Implications for Preventive Strategies
Authors : Kazi Nadim Hasan, Md Abdul Khaleque, Nahian Anjum Shejuti, Tanzila Wasi and Sohidul Islam.
Abstract : Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major recognized causes of chronic hepatitis. Chronically infected individuals remain undetected for many years thereby increasing the possibility of spreading disease transmission. Once Bangladesh was recognized as intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B, vaccination at birth and awareness programs of HBV transmission had been practiced nationwide. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and exposure to HBV in young healthy individuals. The study also aimed to evaluate HBV acquisition risk factors and awareness followed in order to prevent transmission. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted which included students of various majoring backgrounds and completed semesters of North South University. One hundred and fifty-six individuals responded to a structured questionnaire regarding HBV acquisition risk factors, knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B transmission, vaccination. Blood sample analysis was performed on all of the participants for Hepatitis B markers like hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) using third generation ELISA kit. Results: The prevalence was 9.6% for HBcAb, 0% for HBsAg and 32.7% for HBsAb. Among HBV exposed individuals, 66.7 % (10/15) were found not to have protective antibody against HBV (?2 = 19.35, p = < 0.001). Among 156 subjects, only 28.2% were aware that they had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B, 47.4% were not vaccinated, and 24.4% were not sure. Among 82 vaccinated individuals, 38.5% were found to be unprotected and 61.5% protected. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the low prevalence of exposure to HBV in young healthy individuals however not having protective antibody against HBV. No prevalence of HBsAg might reveal the successful implementation of vaccination at birth and awareness program nationwide. In order to reduce the prevalence of exposure to HBV, adequate program of active screening for HBcAb and vaccination with monitoring of HBV protection levels for adolescent and young adults should be implemented.
Journal : Hepatitis Monthly | Volume : 17 | Year : 2017 | Issue : 6 |
Pages : e14245 | City : | Edition : | Editors : |
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