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Decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis B and a low prevalence of hepatitis C virus infections in the general population of the Seychelles.

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.
AuthorsP Bovet, C Yersin, P Herminie, D Lavanchy, P C Frei
JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization (Bull World Health Organ) Vol. 77 Issue 11 Pg. 923-8 ( 1999) ISSN: 0042-9686 [Print] Switzerland
PMID10612888 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies
Topics
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Alcoholism (complications)
  • Endemic Diseases (statistics & numerical data)
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B (blood, epidemiology, immunology)
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies (blood)
  • Hepatitis C (blood, epidemiology, immunology)
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies (blood)
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Distribution
  • Seychelles (epidemiology)
  • Socioeconomic Factors

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