Determination of Seroprevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B, C and D: A Cross‐Sectional Study From Türkiye

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D in Mardin, Türkiye, identify at-risk populations, and evaluate the effect of the hepatitis B vaccination program. METHODS: HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc IgG, anti-HCV and anti-HDV results were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 30430 patients (60.2% female) tested, seropositivity rates were 2.1% for HBsAg, 55.2% for anti-HBs, 27.8% for anti-HBc IgG, and 0.14% for anti-HCV; of HBsAg-positive patients, 6.1% were anti-HDV positive. After adjusting for Mardin's age distribution, the age-weighted rates were 1.48%, 56.3%, 15.9%, 0.12%, and 6.2% (for anti-HDV in adults). Those born after 1998 (aged ≤ 26), when hepatitis B vaccination began nationally, had significantly lower HBsAg (0.3% vs. 2.8%) and anti-HBc IgG (2.5% vs. 36.6%) positivity, and higher anti-HBs (59.1% vs. 53.4%) positivity, than older individuals (p < 0.001). In a subgroup of 2703 with all hepatitis B markers, vaccine-induced immunity was more frequent in those aged ≤ 26 years (55.4% vs. 22.0%), while natural immunity (1.5% vs. 26.7%) and chronic infection (0.6% vs. 4.9%) were more common in those aged ≥ 27 years (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This large-scale survey in Mardin shows that hepatitis B vaccination reduced prevalence, highlighting the need for targeted screening and public health nursing interventions in older adults.