Prevalence of anti-HBc total positivity in an impoverished Urban Community in Banglades

Abstract

The infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health problem. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are rapidly spreading in developing countries due to the lack of health education, poverty, illiteracy and Hepatitis B vaccination. No widespread population based data of HBV is available in the country. So, a population-based serological survey was done to determine the prevalence of the Hepatitis B core antibody total (IgM+IgG) in an impoverished Urban Community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 384 healthy individuals and age between 18-60 years from the urban slum in Dhaka city. The study was implemented through collaboration with Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka from January 2013 to June 2013. The study participants were selected through systematic sampling procedure and blood samples tested for anti-HBc. Anti-HBc estimations were carried out by VITROS Immune diagnostic assay. The study was obtained ethical permission from Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) and every participant was informed regarding the study, and written informed consent was taken. Among the 384 respondents, 183(47.6%) individuals were positive for the core antibody of hepatitis B virus (anti-HBc). The anti HBc positive group consisted almost of equal number of male 93, (24.2%) and female 90 (23.4%). There was a significantly increasing prevalence of the core antibody among young adults and middle age of the respondents (28.7%). Major risk factors for exposure to Hepatitis B appeared to be ear-nose-body piercing, Circumcision by Hajam, unsafe blood transfusion and unsterile dental intervention. High prevalence of hepatitis B core antibody (47.6%) indicates that the members of this urban community are highly exposed to hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B virus total core antibody status in unvaccinated general population in a community of Bangladesh

“…One study in the Kalyanpur slum at Dhaka showed that the prevalence of anti-HBc total was 47.6%. 11 In South East part of Bangladesh (Sylhet) there is no such data. This study estimated the total core antibody status in the unvaccinated general population in a community in north eastern part of Bangladesh.…”

Predictive factors of vaccination status, knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards prevention of hepatitis B infection among Bangladeshi people: A cross‐sectional study

“…2 As part of South Asia, Bangladesh was reported to be one of the top 10 burdened countries for viral hepatitis due to the lack of health education, illiteracy, poverty, and a lack of HB vaccination. [10][11][12] Consequently, Bangladesh has an intermediate chronic HB prevalence estimated at 2%-6% although epidemiology may vary between geographic regions and sociodemographic factors. 10 As mentioned earlier, the prevalence of HB is increasing over the world, therefore, prevention is seen as one of the best ways to protect people's health.…”

“…In line with the situation, the WHO Western Pacific Region has a massive burden of HB infection, while the WHO South‐East Asia Region has 18 million 2 . As part of South Asia, Bangladesh was reported to be one of the top 10 burdened countries for viral hepatitis due to the lack of health education, illiteracy, poverty, and a lack of HB vaccination 10–12 . Consequently, Bangladesh has an intermediate chronic HB prevalence estimated at 2%–6% although epidemiology may vary between geographic regions and sociodemographic factors 10 .…”

Clinical Practice Guidance for Management of Anti HBc Positive Patients

“…In HBV endemic area prevalence of Anti HBc is high.In Bangladesh prevalence of AntiHBcamong general population is 31% 2 ,among chronic kidney disease patient is 39.3% . Another study conducted in Kallyanpur, a densely populated community in Dhaka, Bangladesh explored its prevalence is 47.7% among 384 healthy subjects 5 . General populations as well as physicians arevery much worried about Anti HBc positivity.…”