Prevalence of hepatitis B in a presumably healthy Lebanese population

Policy makers need data on the prevalence of infection with HBV in order to determine the cost effectiveness of universal immunization against hepatitis B. This study aims at determining the prevalence rate of infection with HBV in a basically healthy group of Lebanese adults. Sera from 2634 presumably healthy Lebanese individuals, mean age 32.1 years, obtained between 1995-1997, were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]. The sample was composed of subjects residing in different areas in Lebanon. Detection of HBsAg was performed utilizing the ELISA technique. The analysis took place in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. Chi-square test was used to examine statistical associations. The prevalence of HBsAg among the samples was 1.6%. Blue-collar employees, smokers and those living in the South of Lebanon were significantly more likely to be infected with hepatitis B virus. The data presented indicates that Lebanon has a low prevalence of HBV infection. Cost-effective studies are needed to justify universal immunization against hepatitis B especially in countries where budgets are tight

Intestinal parasites among presumably healthy individuals in Lebanon.

To determine the prevalence period of intestinal parasites among presumably healthy subjects in Lebanon. One stool specimen from 2634 presumably healthy Lebanese subjects, mean age 32.1 years with a range of 14-71 years, resident of different areas in Lebanon was examined for the presence of parasites. The analysis took place in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon, over 25-months between 1995-1997. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 12.4%. The most common parasites identified were Entamoeba coli [3.8%], Giardia lamblia [3.1%] and Entamoeba histolytica [2.3%]. The data presented shows the need to improve hygienic conditions to contain the problem of intestinal infections with parasites in Lebanon