Hepatitis A, B and C Seroprevalence by Age Groups in Nigde Province

Introduction: Viral hepatitis is an important health problem that threatens human health and has high morbidity and mortality. In this study, it was aimed to investigate and compare hepatitis A, B and C seroprevalence by age groups and sex in Nigde. Materials and Methods: Patients whose hepatitis markers were studied for various reasons in NIGDE Training and Research Hospital between November 2016 and November 2019 were included in our study. Results were analyzed retrospectively. The seroprevalence values of the patients examined were calculated according to age groups and sex, and differences between groups or by sex were analyzed using the chi-square test method. Results: Anti-HAV IgG test was performed in 2565 patients, HBsAg in 100419 patients, and Anti-HCV test in 98050 patients. Anti-HAV IgG was 63.8%, HBsAg 4.0%, Anti-HCV positivity was 1.2%. Anti-HAV IgG, HBsAg and Anti-HCV positivity was higher in patients 20 years and older than patients under 20 years of age (p<0.001). Anti-HAV IgG, HBsAg, Anti-HCV positivity was found more in males than in females (p<0.001) in patients aged 20 years and above, whereas no sex difference was found under 20 years of age (p>0.05). Conclusion: Anti-HAV IgG positivity detected in our study, compared to the other studies conducted in Turkey, was found to be low, HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies were found in proportions similar to other studies. It should be ensured that hepatitis screening tests of the individuals in the community are performed, vaccination of non-immune persons and risk factors for transmission should be explained.