epidemiological study of hepatitis b and c among adults attending primary health care centers in Benha city

ABSTRACT

In Egypt, hepatitis B Virus [HBV] and hepatitis C virus [HCV] have been shown to be endemic. This work was conducted on 300 adults [152 females and 148 males] aged from 18 - 65 years. The sample was selected from cases attending primary health care centers in Benha city during the period from July, 1994 to August 1995. Blood Samples were taken to detect some hepatitis markers using ELISA technique. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibodies and hepatitis C antibodies among the studied Sample were 5.7%, 28.7% and 27% respectively. Seropositivity of HCV anti bodies is more likely to occur; among age group > 25 years, married, and male individuals Medical and paramedical personnels showed significant higher percentages of carrying HBs antibodies. Also, results suggest that bilharzial and diabetic patients are more susceptible to acquire. HCV infection. HCV antibodies were significantly higher among individuals with positive history of blood transfusion and long - term treatment by injection, fifty percent of previously vaccinated persons had antibodies against hepatitis B virus Suitable recommendations were included