Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and response to hepatitis B vaccination among Egyptian school children

Abstract

Background: A prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is relatively low in children as it was 3% and 9% in the upper and lower Egypt areas, respectively. Most chronic hepatitis C patients are asymptomatic and unaware of their disease before diagnosis. Similarly, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, though HBV incidence and infection has been markedly reduced after mass vaccination programs. Objectives: To identify the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic HCV infection and evaluate response of hepatitis B vaccination among Egyptian children. Materials and Methods: Six hundred children (6-17 years) were screened for HCV antibodies (HCV Ab) and hepatitis B surface antibody concentration (HBsAb) was quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HCV Ab-seropositive was tested for HCV ribonucleic acid by real-time-polymerase chain reaction, complete blood count, and liver function tests. Results: 4.7% were diagnosed as HCV Ab-seropositive and 58.5 % as HBsAb-seroprotective (HBsAb ≥10 mIU/ml). History of exposure to blood transfusion, frequent intravenous injection, history of prior hospitalization and blood exposure were significantly more likely to be among HCV seropositive. Blood transfusion was considered the most predictable risk factor for HCV infection. There was a significant decrease in HBsAb concentration with increasing age. Conclusion: Booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine should be considered to enhance immune protection of the vaccine especially in our endemic area. ABSTRACT Access this article onlineWebsite: http://www.ijmsph.com Quick Response code

Hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness among vaccinated children in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This meta-analysis result was also in line with a study conducted in Egypt, Alexandria, with 58.5% of the participants were an anti-HBs level > 10 mIU/ml [ 22 ], and 47.62% of the vaccinated children responded to the HBV vaccine with an anti-HBs level > 10 mIU/ml [ 21 ]. The protective level of children younger than 6 was 95.2%, but 41.7% was in children older than six [ 21 ].…”

Screening for hepatitis C virus infection among school children

“…Three (75%) out of the four positive cases for the anti-HCV were females while one was a male. (15) In this study (Table 3), blood transfusion is a significant risk factor for HCV infection (p=0.029) and it is like Barakat SH et al, 2011, Egypt, they found that the most significant risk factors for anti-HCV positivity include blood transfusion, dental procedures, surgery and intravenous catheterization (12) . These findings also agree with Abed N T, et al (2016).…”

“…According to the Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015 (EHIS) percentage of positive HCV antibody test (10-14 years) was 0.7%, and percentage of positive HCV antibody test (15-19 years) was 1% . (12) On the other hand, Abed N T, et al (2016), Benha, Egypt screened Six hundred children (6-17 years) for HCV antibodies (HCV Ab) and hepatitis B surface antibody concentration (HBsAb). Regarding HCV, 4.7% of children were diagnosed as HCV seropositive by ELISA for anti-HCV.…”