Epidemiological Characteristics of Carrying Viral Hepatitis B Antigen in the Population of the Nišava District

Abstract

Summary The aim of this paper was to determine the trend of diseases and epidemiological characteristics of viral antigen carrying of hepatitis B for better implementation of prevention and control of the disease activity. The annual reports, reports of diseases - deaths from infectious diseases, epidemiological survey of the Public Health Institute (IPH) Niš were used as the material. The period from 2002 to 2011 in the Nišava District was considered. A descriptive method was used. HBsAg carrying shows an upward trend (y=15+3.27 x). Most carriers are males (57.27%), live in urban areas (98.16/ 100.000 population), average age 41.92 years old ±SD 18.59, pensioners (22.42%). 54.05% are nephrology patients (almost all retirees under the age of 60 years old). Only 15.76% were hospitalized. The data on the vaccination status are insufficient. In 5.45%, co-infection with hepatitis C virus was found. 63.33% belong to the group of patients for whom there were no data on the mode of transmission. Hemodialysis patients make 16.67%, blood donors 9.39%, 6.36% pregnant women and injecting drug users 1.21%. The upward trend of carrying, the presence of all known risk groups in the population of carrying in the Nišava District points to the need for improved epidemiological surveillance, strict application of protective measures, conducting of statutory vaccination of all categories of people exposed to particular risk of infection as well as continuing education on preventive measures of both population and health care providers.