These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis B and a low prevalence of hepatitis C virus infections in the general population of the Seychelles.
    Author: Bovet P, Yersin C, Herminie P, Lavanchy D, Frei PC.
    Journal: Bull World Health Organ; 1999; 77(11):923-8. PubMed ID: 10612888.
    Abstract:
    A serological survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections was carried out on a random sex- and age-stratified sample of 1006 individuals aged 25-64 years in the Seychelles islands. Anti-HBc and anti-HCV antibodies were detected using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), followed by a Western blot assay in the case of a positive result for anti-HCV. The age-adjusted seroprevalence of anti-HBc antibodies was 8.0% (95% CI: 6.5-9.9%) and the percentage prevalence among males/females increased from 7.0/3.1 to 19.1/13.4 in the age groups 25-34 to 55-64 years, respectively. Two men and three women were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, with an age-adjusted seroprevalence of 0.34% (95% CI: 0.1-0.8%). Two out of these five subjects who were positive for anti-HCV also had anti-HBc antibodies. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc was significantly higher in unskilled workers, persons with low education, and heavy drinkers. The age-specific seroprevalence of anti-HBc in this population-based survey, which was conducted in 1994, was approximately three times lower than in a previous patient-based survey carried out in 1979. Although there are methodological differences between the two surveys, it is likely that the substantial decrease in anti-HBc prevalence during the last 15 years may be due to significant socioeconomic development and the systematic screening of blood donors since 1981. Because hepatitis C virus infections are serious and the cost of treatment is high, the fact that the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies is at present low should not be an argument for not screening blood donors for anti-HCV and eliminating those who are positive. This study examined the prevalence of anti-hepatitis Bc virus (HBc) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in a random sex- and age-stratified sample of 1006 individuals aged 25-64 years in the Seychelles. The anti-HBc and anti-HCV antibodies were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, followed by a Western blot assay in the case of a positive result for anti-HCV antibodies. Findings revealed that the age-adjusted prevalence of anti-HBc antibodies was 10.4% and 5.8%, respectively, among men and women aged 25-63 years. The presence of anti-HBc antibodies was associated significantly with employment, educational level, and alcohol intake, marginally with economic status, and not at all with ethnic origin. 2 men and 3 women were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, with an age-adjusted seroprevalence of 0.34%. 2 out of these 5 subjects who were positive for anti-HCV antibodies were also positive for anti-HBc antibodies. The age-specific seroprevalence of anti-HBc antibodies in this population study conducted in 1994 was approximately 3 times lower than in a previous patient-based survey carried out in 1979. Although there were methodological differences between the two surveys, it is likely that the substantial decrease in the anti-HBc antibody prevalence during the last 15 years may be due to significant socioeconomic development and the systematic screening of blood donors since 1981.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]