Antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen prevalence study in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Introduction Kazakhstan is being considered medium‐endemic for Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). HBV remains transmissible by direct exposure to infected blood or organic fluids. This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti‐HBcore and the risk factors impacting positive anti‐HBcore markers among donors at Scientific‐Production Center of Transfusiology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods The samples taken from blood donors were tested for anti‐HBcore, by the chemiluminescence immunoassay method on the Architect i2000SR (Abbott). In case of positive anti‐HBcore, the blood samples were further tested for anti‐HBs on the Architect i2000SR (Abbott). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicators were tested by kinetic method on the Biosystems A25 analyzer. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software (version 4.1.1, 2021). Results Five thousand seven hundred and nine people aged 18–66 years included in the study, the proportion of men and women was 68.17% and 31.83%, respectively. The average age of the participants was 35.7 ± 10.57 years. The prevalence of anti‐HBcore among donors was 17.2% (983). Among participants with elevated ALT (170), this marker was determined in 23%, and for donors with normal levels of ALT (5539)−17%. Participants with positive anti‐HBcore scores were on average older (41.8 vs. 34.4 years, p < .001) and Kazakhs (88.7% vs. 83.0%, p < .001) by nationality than study participants with negative results of anti‐HBcore. Conclusions Anti‐HBcore prevalence in Kazakhstan (17.2%) compared with other countries (Croatia 7%, France 7%, Germany 9%, Iran 16%, Malaysia 20%, respectively) remains above average. Given the prevalence of HBV and risk factors, it is recommended to include an additional anti‐HBcore marker in the mandatory screening of donated blood in the Kazakhstan Republic and improve preventive measures to prevent HBV transmission by blood transfusions.

Evaluation of liver transplantation services in Kazakhstan from 2012 to 2023

“…In Kazakhstan, the burden of viral hepatitis is substantial and continues to grow, as indicated by our findings and earlier scientific data 23 . Direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C drugs have not gained widespread use in Kazakhstan, and despite antiviral hepatitis B vaccination being included in the national vaccination schedule in 1998, the prevalence of anti‐HBcore antibodies was reported to be 17.2%, surpassing rates in many other countries 24 . Projections of viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis until 2030 indicate a likely increase in the prevalence of these diseases, suggesting a rising demand for LTx.…”

Association of Positive Hepatitis B Serology Markers with Risk and Behavior Factors in Kazakhstan Blood Donors: A Cross Sectional Study

“…Statistical analysis was conducted by the R software (version 4.1.1, USA, 2021) [14]. Descriptive statistics were reported as proportions (%) for categorical variables and as means±standard deviations for continuous variables.…”

Hepatitis B Core Antibody Level: A Surrogate Marker for Host Antiviral Immunity in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infections

“…In addition, several studies suggested that HBcAg could stimulate TLR signaling to produce proinflammatory cytokines, whereas HBeAg plays the opposite role [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Traditionally, anti-HBc is regarded as the indicator for past or ongoing HBV infections and is used as a blood screening test in HBV low-to-medium epidemic regions [ 24 , 25 ]. Notably, the anti-HBc level in most individuals with persistent, even resolved HBV infection usually exceeds the upper limit of routinely used qualitative anti-HBc assays.…”

“…In addition, several studies sug gested that HBcAg could stimulate TLR signaling to produce proinflammatory cytokines whereas HBeAg plays the opposite role [20][21][22][23]. Traditionally, anti-HBc is regarded as the indicator for past or ongoing HBV infections and is used as a blood screening test in HBV low-to-medium epidemic regions [24,25]. Notably, the anti-HBc level in most individual The upper part of the figure is divided into three regions that represent events and factors in the liver, peripheral blood, and immune system, while the lower half classifies the biomarkers at different dimensions.…”