Hepatitis B and C in the Syrian Arab Republic: a review

Abstract

This paper reviews the epidemiology and determinants of hepatitis B and C in the Syrian Arab Republic as well as their treatment and prevention. A systematic search of Medline, PubMed and Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region was carried out in addition to a review of grey literature and relevant datasets in the Syrian Arab Republic. Low to low-intermediate levels of endemicity of both infections were noted at the national level. However, striking geographic differences and high prevalence among high-risk groups were noticeable. As a result of data limitations, further research is needed, and a national control strategy to combat hepatitis B and C in the Syrian Arab Republic should be developed, especially during the current conflict. ‫أدبية‬ ‫مراجعة‬ ‫السورية:‬ ‫العربية‬ ‫اجلمهورية‬ ‫يف‬

Profiling infectious diseases in Turkey after the influx of 3.5 million Syrian refugees

“…In a crosssectional study in Ş anlıurfa, 50.8% of Syrian women reported symptoms of malodorous discharge and painful sexual intercourse which was linked to STIs, 4.1% had hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity and 0.4% had anti-hepatitis C virus positivity; no human immunodeficiency virus positivity was detected [6]. In a review of hepatitis B and C in Syria, the seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibodies was reported to be 2.8%, and HBsAg positivity to be 5.6% [36]. At the northern part of Syria, the seroprevalence for hepatitis C was 10.14, and for hepatitis B 10.5 [36].…”

“…In a review of hepatitis B and C in Syria, the seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibodies was reported to be 2.8%, and HBsAg positivity to be 5.6% [36]. At the northern part of Syria, the seroprevalence for hepatitis C was 10.14, and for hepatitis B 10.5 [36].…”

An Evaluation of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Frequency and the Anti-hepatitis B Surface Seropositivity of Syrian Refugees in the Karabük Province

“…Vaccination coverage has increased in Turkey in recent years with vaccination rates increasing from 64% in 1999 to 98% in 2016 (12). While the vaccination rate in Syria was 83% in 2008, it has fallen to 69% due to the outbreak of war (5,7). Also, Syria is one of the middle endemic countries for HBV (13).…”

“…In 1998, hepatitis B vaccination was included in the national vaccination program in Turkey, and from that time, has been administered in three doses. In Syria, a three-dose vaccination for HBV has been recommended since 1993 and the vaccination rates, especially in young people, increased (7). However, vaccination programs cannot be fully implemented due to the civil war in Syria.…”

Can a decentralized blood supply system reach 100% voluntary nonremunerated donation?

“…To help in reverting the blood shortage and lowering the tension between the 2 communities, can it be suggested to spread awareness and organize regular blood donation campaigns for Syrian refugees to encourage them to give blood in a regular manner? However, because the prevalence of hepatitis B and C is higher in the Syrian population, should it be elaborated additional measures (further medical interview, other screening tests …) to secure blood? Should it be proposed that the destination of collected blood is predefined (Lebanese for Lebanese; refugees for refugees) and made it clear to both communities, to ease dialog?…”