Mourad Feindiri, Hakima Kabbaj, Mohammed El Mzibri, Bouchra Belkadi, Najat Bouihat, Abdelkarim Filali-Maltouf, Myriam Seffar
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a global scourge affecting millions of people worldwide. In Morocco, hepatitis B is considered a public health problem, and available data converge to consider Morocco as a country with intermediate endemicity. In the present study, we have planned to evaluate the HBV prevalence in Morocco on a large scale and to assess the prevalence of different serological markers for better management of this infection in Morocco.
Methods: This study was conducted on 18,877 patients referring to the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center of Rabat, Morocco. HBV serological markers including HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and total HBcAb were assessed by immune-enzymatic assays. The quantification of HBV DNA was performed by real-time PCR.
Results: The overall prevalence of positive cases for HBsAg, HBsAb, and total HBcAb was 2.47%, 27.66%, and 21.2%, respectively. From 141 patients with an isolated HBcAb serological profile (HBcAb+/HBsAb-/HBsAg-), HBV DNA was detected in 10 patients, representing a rate of 7.09%. In the present study, up to 95.78% of HBV chronic carriers were negative for HBeAg.
Conclusion: This study highlights a higher prevalence of HBsAg in the hospital-based population than the general population reported previously in Morocco and a very low HBV immunization coverage. Of particular interest, detectable HBV DNA levels in isolated HBcAb patients show that exclusive HBsAg screening cannot eliminate the risk of HBV transmission in certain cases. Many efforts are then mandatory to promote serological testing and increase the vaccination rate to limit viral dissemination for better management of this disease in Morocco.
期刊介绍:
''Intervirology'' covers progress in both basic and clinical virus research, and aims to provide a forum for the various disciplines within virology. Issues publishing original papers alternate with thematic issues, focusing on clearly defined topics. This thematic concentration serves to make timely reviews, research reports and controversy easily accessible to both specialists in the field and those who want to keep track of the latest developments outside their own area of interest. In addition to original papers, regular issues publish short communications and letters to the editor to provide readers with a forum for the exchange of ideas and comments. The scope encompasses work on the molecular biology of human and animal viruses, including genome organization and regulation, and the structure and function of viral proteins. The pathogenesis, immunology, diagnosis, epidemiology, prophylaxis and therapy of viral diseases are considered.