J Porolajal, R Majdzadeh,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (3-2009)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. Islamic Republic of Iran is located in mesoendemic region (prevalence 2%-7%). The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of chronic HBV in Iran according to demographic characteristics.
Methods: Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, Ovid, Google Scholar, IranMedex, SID, Magiran and The Scientific Journal of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization (SJIBT) from 2000 till May 2008 were searched. Cross-sectional studies concerning prevalence of hepatitis B infection in Iran were included irrespective of language and date. The outcome of interest was prevalence of chronic HBV infection detected by blood specimen positive for HBsAg.
Results: We icluded 34 studies. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection was estimated about 1.7% or lower in general population 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6%-0.9%) in blood donors and 3.2% (95% CI: 2.3% - 4.1%) in intravenous drug users. Prevalence of chronic HBV infection in beta thalassemic patients varied from zero to 1.5%. Prevalence of chronic HBV infection was higher in middle aged and elders than children, adolescent and youth and was 25% higher in males than females.
Conclusions: Since mass vaccination of hepatitis B in 1993, prevalence of chronic HBV infection has being reduced among children and adolescents. These age groups comprise a large proportion of general population and reduction of HBV infection in this age group may impact on total prevalence of hepatitis B infection, so that now Iran may be considered a hypoendemic region for HBV infection.
