ABSTRACT
A high prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections has been reported among specific patient groups in Libya; a survey was thus designed to determine the extent of the problem at the national level. A multi-stage sampling design covering all administrative areas of Libya was applied, covering > 65,000 individuals of all age groups. All subjects gave a blood sample and completed a questionnaire on demographic and risk behaviour data. The prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV were 2.2% and 1.3% respectively. The prevalence of anti-HCV increased with age, rising gradually after age 30 years, in contrast to a stable prevalence of HBsAg in all age groups 10+ years. Age-adjusted risk factors for HCV infection were previous hospitalization, surgical operations, previous blood transfusions and intravenous drug use; for HBV infection only family exposure or contact with HBV case were identified.
Subject(s)
Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/complications , Surgical Procedures, Operative/adverse effects , Transfusion Reaction , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Hepatitis B/blood , Hepatitis B/transmission , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/immunology , Hepatitis C/blood , Hepatitis C/transmission , Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis C Antibodies/immunology , Humans , Libya/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Risk-Taking , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sex Distribution , Young AdultABSTRACT
A high prevalence of hepatitis B [HBV] and C virus [HCV] infections has been reported among specific patient groups in Libya; a survey was thus designed to determine the extent of the problem at the national level. A multi-stage sampling design covering all administrative areas of Libya was applied, covering > 65 000 individuals of all age groups. All subjects gave a blood sample and completed a questionnaire on demographic and risk behaviour data. The prevalence of HBV surface antigen [HBsAg] and anti-HCV were 2.2% and 1.3% respectively. The prevalence of anti-HCV increased with age, rising gradually after age 30 years, in contrast to a stable prevalence of HBsAg in all age groups 10+ years. Age-adjusted risk factors for HCV infection were previous hospitalization, surgical operations, previous blood transfusions and intravenous drug use; for HBV infection only family exposure or contact with HBV case were identified
