Hepatitis B virus DNA level Among the Seropositive Afghan Immigrants, Southern Iran

Abstract

Background:Diagnosis and control programs for infectious diseases among immigrants are the most important aspects of epidemiological studies for both origin and destination countries. Data about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among the Afghan immigrants in Iran is limited.Objectives:To the best of HBV treatment and prevention in Afghan immigrants in Iran, the present study was conducted to determine the virus DNA level, and the frequency of respective hepatitis B risk factors among the respective seropositive patients in Fars province, southern Iran.Patients and Methods:A total of 64 HBsAg positive Afghan immigrants including 47 (73.4%) men and 17 (26.6%) women, with ages ranging between 15 and 74 years (mean ± standard deviation: 37.69 ± 15.02 years) participated in this study. From those, whole blood sample were collected and DNAs were extracted from the sera and analyzed by TaqMan real-time PCR assay with a set of primers and probe amplified core protein region of HBV genome.Results:HBV DNA was detected in a total of 51/64 (79.7 %) serum samples; 37 (72.5%) male and 14 (27.5%) female. The copy number of HBV DNA ranged from 5 × 102 to 8.49 × 108 copies/mL in the serum samples; median 3.8 × 104 copies/mL. Demographic data and risk factors were also evaluated. The comparison of viral loads between the age groups and sex indicated no significant correlation (P > 0.05). However, the serum HBV DNA level significantly decreased in the treated patient group (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in medicine usage between the two sexes in the study population (P > 0.05).Conclusions:Considering the results, determining the HBV DNA load and evaluation of treatment response can help to reduce the costs of diagnosis and treatment procedures in such patients, as well as, decreasing the risk of HBV transmission in immigrant Afghan population. Moreover, HBV screening strategies in country border entrances among immigrant should be performed. Moreover, free vaccination and treatment programs, and improving the level of HBV knowledge among Afghan immigrants in Iran is highly recommended.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B in an Adult Population: The First Report from Birjand, South Khorasan, Iran

“…Previous studies reported that the prevalence of hepatitis B infections was higher among Afghan immigrants and that the higher rate of hepatitis B infections in eastern Iran could be associated with the number of Afghan immigrants (27, 28). Another study suggested that all immigrants, regardless of the time since they had left their home countries, should undergo screening for major transmissible infections (29).…”

“…Another study suggested that all immigrants, regardless of the time since they had left their home countries, should undergo screening for major transmissible infections (29). Moreover, Behzadi et al recommended that HBV screening of immigrants should be take place at entrances to country borders (27). The same study strongly recommended free vaccination and treatment programs and improving the level of HBV knowledge among Afghan immigrants in Iran.…”

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses in the Hormozgan province southern Iran

“…Viral DNA was extracted from HBs Ag and/or HBc Ab reactive samples and subsequently tested for HBV DNA by quantitative real-time PCR assay, as previously described [16]. Samples with HBV-DNAemia were subjected to HBV genotyping test as described previously [17].…”

Major infectious diseases affecting the Afghan immigrant population of Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among Afghan immigrants was significantly higher than that among Iranians ( p = 0.046). The prevalence of hepatitis B in Afghan immigrants in Iran may be high due in particular to the greater prevalence of injection drug use among Afghan immigrants [ 70 ]. This may be an important reservoir of hepatitis B in Iran.…”