THE PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B IN ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN, AND THE IMPACT OF VACCINATION PROGRAM IN TOKAT PROVINCE: A RETROSPECTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers in children and adolescents and the impact of the vaccination program over the last 9 years in Tokat province of Turkey. Materials and Methods: The laboratory records of 10175 children were retrospectively evaluated in children who visited a tertiary hospital, Gaziosmanpasa University Medical Research Center, Tokat, Turkey, between January 2009 and December 2017. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg), Anti-HBs, Anti-HBe immunoglobulins and HBV DNA and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were included into the study. Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were 2.0%, and 69.3%, respectively. HBsAg-positivity was not significantly different between males and females, but it is more common in the 13- to 18-year age group, and in patients in rural areas. HBsAg positivity trend was significantly started to decline after 2012. Antibodies against hepatitis B e-antigen (Anti-HBe) positive infections were more common than those with hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) positive infections (67,6% vs 342,4%). Hepatitis B virus DNA was more prevalent in HBeAg positive patients with higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Anti-HBs was on a rising trend in the 1-23-month age group while it tended to decline after 2-6 years’ age group. Conclusions: There was a reduction of HBsAg prevalence in children, probably due to ongoing vaccination efforts.