Epidemiological characteristics of acute HBV infection

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the existing vaccines and mandatory immunization, the number of patients with acute HBV infection is substantial. According to some authors, almost 30% of world population has a serological confirmation of acute HBV infection or has recovered from it. Aim: The aim of this study was to show the most common clinical course of acute HBV infection. Our goal was also to evaluate risky forms of behaviour that would most likely lead to infection and which age groups are the most vulnerable. Material and methods: The study has been conducted based on the medical charts and case records of 243 patients hospitalised at the Clinic for Infective and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade and diagnosed with acute hepatitis B infection. Selected demographic characteristics were analyzed: sex, age, occupation, vaccination status and risk factors. Transaminase activity (ALT, AST) was spectrophotometrically measured; PV was determined by using photo-optic coagulometry, while ELISA was used to get the serological parameters (HBsAg, anti-HBc IgM, anti-HBs antibodies). Results: Results have shown that acute HBV occurs more often in the age group between 21 and 40. Infection occurs more often among men (72%). Only 24% of the participants in the study mentions sexual contact as risk. At the moment of their admission, the values of transaminases were mostly increased > 20 x, compared to standard values. Most patients recovered (negative HBsAg among 72%), but anti-HBs antibodies were developed only among 18%. There was no statistically significant difference between patients who were on the casual therapy and those symptomatically treated. Conclusion: Awareness of the HBV infection, the way it is transmitted and the importance of regular checkups is not high enough among already infected people. The future of prevention of the HBV infection lies in the immunization and education of the population about this infection.