Investigation of Hepatitis B Virus (HBsAg, Anti-HBs) and Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Serology in Erzurum Region: 2015-2023.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are among the problems affecting public health worldwide. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively examine the results of patients whose hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody) and hepatitis C serology were analyzed by family physicians in the provincial center of Erzurum and to investigate the change in seroprevalence by gender, age groups, and years. Methods: The serology results of individuals whose HBV and anti-HCV serology were analyzed by family physicians in Erzurum between 2015-2023 were evaluated retrospectively. Hepatitis B virus and anti-HCV analyses of the patients were performed in the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory using the chemilu minescence enzyme immunoassay method in accordance with the study procedure of the producing company. These records of the patients were obtained from the laboratory automation system with permission obtained from the Health Directorate. Results: Our study's population consisted of 150 862 people. The study determined that HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV seropositivity rates were 1.7%, 58.0%, and 0.02%, respectively. The difference between HBsAg and anti-HBs seropositivity results was statistically significant between individuals born before 1998 and those born after 1998. Conclusion: In our study, it is significant that the HBsAg positivity rate tends to decrease, and anti-HBs sero- positivity has been observed at higher rates in recent years. The rate of anti-HCV seropositivity was found to be lower compared to other studies conducted in our region.