Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C antibodies among blood donors in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

We determined the prevalence rate of hepatitis B surface antigen [‎HBsAg]‎ and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies [‎anti-HCV]‎ among 7897 healthy voluntary blood donors in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Sera were examined for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies using a second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive sera for HBsAg were found in 85 [‎1.07%]‎ of the individuals and anti-HCV antibodies were found in 47 [‎0.59%]‎. We compared our results with those of other studies and conclude that the prevalence rate of HBsAg in our area has decreased in the last 2 decades; from being an area of high prevalence, it is now one with moderate-to-low prevalence. Since there are few reports on the seroepidemiology of hepatitis C in the Islamic Republic of Iran, we could not assess the changes in prevalence of hepatitis C