Epidemiological study of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in Northeastern China and the beneficial effect of the vaccination strategy for hepatitis B: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundViral hepatitis, mainly hepatitis B and C, is a serious public health problem worldwide. In China, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains high, while that of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is controversial. This study investigated the epidemiology of HBV and HCV infections and assessed the beneficial effect of the vaccination strategy for hepatitis B in Northeastern China.MethodsFrom June 2016 to August 2016, 6541 residents of Changchun in Northeastern China were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics as well as HBV and HCV serological test results were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsAmong all study participants, 3.8% and 0.36% tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV, respectively. The HBsAg- and anti-HCV-positive rates were significantly higher in male participants (4.58% and 0.43%) than in female individuals (3.0% and 0.33%). Notably, among all age groups, the lowest rate of HBsAg positivity (0.2%) was found in children born after the implementation of the vaccination strategy for hepatitis B. Conversely, participants aged 40–49 years had significantly greater positive rates of HBsAg (5.9%) compared with those of other age groups. Furthermore, the highest rates of anti-HCV positivity (1.1%) were observed in participants aged 50–59 years.ConclusionsThe rate of HBsAg-positivity declined significantly following successful implementation of the policy on hepatitis B vaccination, indicating a beneficial impact on the control of HBV infection. However, only a slight decrease was observed in the anti-HCV–positivity rate, identifying an area in need of improvement within viral hepatitis prevention and control programs in China.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among Malaysian population

“…Result from this study indicated that HB endemicity level in Malaysia is intermediate 13 . Our study showed that being male was significantly associated with HBsAg seropositivity and similar finding were reported in Brazil and China 22,23 . Our study also found that those who lived in the rural areas had a higher risk of being HBsAg positive.…”

“…Samples reactive in the HCV screening assay were further tested to determine HCV RNA viral load and genotyping by Cepheid Xpert HCV Viral Load assay and sequencing, respectively 46 , 47 . Detection of HBsAg was considered indicative of chronic HBV infection and detection of anti-HCV was considered a marker of HCV infection 23 .…”

Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Hospital-based Case-control Study from China

“…4,15 In China, genotype C is the predominant HBV genotype in the northeastern region, while genotype B is in the central southern region, genotypes B and C in the southwestern region, and the recombinant genotype C/D in the northwestern region. 16 Therefore, the exact data for the risk factors of CKD in China are needed for the precise management of HBV infection.…”

Frequency and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Children at a Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Clinic in Lahore, Pakistan

“…Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus are the most common viruses resulting in chronic liver disease (CLD) [1]. Of the approximately 170 million people worldwide infected with HCV, 71 million progress to have CLD, putting them at risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [2][3]. HCV-associated CLD remains a major indication for liver transplantation [4].…”