Publication:
Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections: Influence of National Health Care Policies and Local Clinical Practices

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Issued Date

2021

Resource Type

Article

Language

eng

File Type

application/pdf

ISSN

23254416

Other identifier(s)

2-s2.0-85121343211

Rights Holder(s)

Scopus

Bibliographic Citation

Medical science monitor basic research. Vol 27, No. (2021), p.e933692-

Suggested Citation

Lekskulchai V. Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections: Influence of National Health Care Policies and Local Clinical Practices. Medical science monitor basic research. Vol 27, No. (2021), p.e933692-. Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/8134

Title

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections: Influence of National Health Care Policies and Local Clinical Practices

Author(s)

Lekskulchai V.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Because reliable epidemiological data are necessary to eliminate hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections, factors influencing their prevalence should be determined. This study aimed to disclose practical issues that affect the prevalence of these viral infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS All medical records with laboratory findings during 2016 to 2018 were reviewed, and all relevant data were extracted. All HBV and HCV infections were followed within these 3 years and investigated in detail. RESULTS The total number of records was 103 197, with a male to female ratio of 1: 1.4. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was tested in 12 934 cases, with a male to female ratio of 1: 2.6. Anti-HCV antibody (anti-HCV Ab) testing was done in 475 cases (53% male). The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was 5.2% and 4.4%, respectively. Chronic HBV and HCV infections and their life-threatening complication, liver cancer, were highly detected in men aged 41-60 years. CONCLUSIONS HBsAg was highly screened in women owing to the nationwide implementation of the universal HBsAg screening in pregnant women to prevent vertical transmission. Screening for anti-HCV Ab was neglected, probably due to lack of vaccine and high costs of anti-HCV drugs, which most people in low- to middle-income countries generally cannot afford. Local practices under national health care policies and limited budget and resources can cause underestimation of the prevalence of the HBV and HCV infections and persistent transmission of these viruses owing to unidentified cases.

Subject(s)

Hepatitis B surface antigen
 Hepatitis C antibody
 Adult
 Female
 Health care delivery
 Health care policy
 Hepacivirus
 Hepatitis B
 Hepatitis C
 Human
 Immunology
 Male
 Middle aged
 Pregnancy
 Prevalence
 Seroepidemiology
 Adult
 Delivery of Health Care
 Female
 Health Policy
 Hepacivirus
 Hepatitis B
 Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
 Hepatitis C
 Hepatitis C Antibodies
 Humans
 Male
 Middle Aged
 Pregnancy
 Prevalence
 Seroepidemiologic Studies

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URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/8134

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Scopus: Year 1983-2021

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