Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B and C in blood donors in Kashan, 1996-2001

Hepatitis B and C viruses are the most common causes of viral hepatitis, chronic hepatic disorders and cirrhosis. Since the true profile of hepatitis B and C was unknown in Kashan, the present study was performed on blood donors in Kashan during a 6-year period, 1996-2001. For this descriptive study, all blood donors were included. Having their inclusion criteria fulfilled, they were asked for another 7cc venous blood before the cannula removed. HBSAg and HCVAb were determined using ELISA technique. Of 43731 blood donors, 273 (0.6%) were HBSAg positive. The prevalence of hepatitis B was revealed to be 0.49-0.82. Meanwhile, 477 subjects (1.1%) were AntiHCV positive, thus the prevalence was 0.38-1.71. With respect to the prevalence of hepatitis C, this should be considered as a social health problem in Kashan. Fortunately, hepatitis B was controlled during the recent decade due to vaccination, observing health issues and improved monitoring of blood products.