Risk Factors for Hepatitis B and C Infection in 10 to 40 Year Olds in Mongolia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection and its risk factors in Mongolians from 10 to 40 years of age. Method: Randomly selected Mongolians underwent phlebotomy and completed a questionnaire about their medical and family history and risk factors. Participants were screened for qHBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc markers, and Anti-HCV. Results: 6811 people, 2900 (42.7%) males, and 3911 (57.3%) females participated. Most were from Ulaanbaatar (4685, 69%), with the remaining 2126 (31%) from rural areas. Seven percent were HbsAg positive, 4.2% were HCV positive. Of those10-20 years of age, 5.8% (29) had hepatitis B, 6% (17) had hepatitis C. Of those 21 to 40 years of age, 94.2% (469) had hepatitis B, and 94%(268) had hepatitis C. Children whose mother was HBsAg positive were at higher risk of HBsAg positivity (OR 2.152; 95% CI 1.4; 3.2, p < .0001) as well as those with male gender (OR 1.703; 95% CI 1.17;2.46, p < .005), those phlebotomized for lab tests (OR 1.768; 95% CI 1.14; 2.74, p = .011) ,and those immunized against hepatitis B (OR 0.508; 95% CI 0.35; 0.74, p < .0001). HCV infection was associated with history of dental procedures (OR 1.681; 95% CI 1.01; 2.79, p = .045), using glass syringes (OR 2.131; 95% CI 1.54; 2.95, p < .0001), and previously used needles (OR 2.411; 95% CI 1.09;5.29, p = .028). Conclusions: Among the Mongolian population between 10 and 40 years of age, 7.3% were HbsAg positive, 4.2% were Anti-HCV positive. The risk factors were maternal HbsAg positivity, utilization of glass syringes, reusing needles, phlebotomy for laboratory tests, receiving dental treatment, and the absence of hepatitis B immunization.

A renewed glance at the Palearctic golden eagle: Genetic variation in space and time

“…Unfortunately, some vast regions within the species' distribution, such as Russia and much of Asia, are lacking data on golden eagles, limiting conservation efforts. For example, only a few small‐scale scientific expeditions have been organized to collect information on breeding, ecology, and distribution of golden eagles in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia (Isaev et al., 2021; Shagdarsuren, 1964; Smelansky et al., 2020). These expeditions have revealed that the species is generally rare in many parts of Russia and Kazakhstan, and that there has been a noticeable decline in their numbers in several regions in recent times (Kazansky & Babushkin, 2021; Kerdanov & Nikolaev, 2019).…”