Serological pattern of hepatitis B virus among HBsAg negative blood donors in Alexandria, Egypt

ABSTRACT

This study in Alexandria, Egypt was conducted to investigate the distribution of different hepatitis B virus [HBV] markers in apparently healthy blood donors who were hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] negative, and to determine the major independent risk factors. Evidence of past exposure to HBV was found in 148/508 screened donors [29.1%]. The most prevalent marker was anti-HBc in 124/508 donors [24.4%], half of whom [63/124] showed anti-HBc only. Anti-HBs prevalence was 15.9%, combined anti-HBc and antiHBs was 12.0% and anti-HBe was 5.7%. Independent risk factors associated with the presence of at least 1 marker were being married [OR 3.82], history of blood transfusion [OR 3.04] and parenteral antibilharzial treatment [OR 2.49]. Receiving a full HBV vaccination schedule was reported by 39 donors, but only 1 of them had isolated anti-HBs. The relatively high prevalence of HBV exposure necessitates solid infection control measures and adult vaccination programme awareness