Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C antibodies among blood donors in the Islamic Republic of Iran

East Mediterr Health J. 2000 Sep-Nov;6(5-6):1114-6.

Abstract

We determined the prevalence rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV) among 7897 healthy voluntary blood donors in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Sera were examined for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies using a second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive sera for HBsAg were found in 85 (1.07%) of the individuals and anti-HCV antibodies were found in 47 (0.59%). We compared our results with those of other studies and conclude that the prevalence rate of HBsAg in our area has decreased in the last 2 decades; from being an area of high prevalence, it is now one with moderate-to-low prevalence. Since there are few reports on the seroepidemiology of hepatitis C in the Islamic Republic of Iran, we could not assess the changes in prevalence of hepatitis C.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Donors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Carrier State / blood
  • Carrier State / epidemiology*
  • Carrier State / immunology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Hepatitis B / blood
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / etiology
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood*
  • Hepatitis C / blood
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / etiology
  • Hepatitis C / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Population Surveillance
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies