Epidemiology of hepatitis B in Tunisia: retrospective study in 198157 blood donors in military environment

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B is endemic in Tunisia. His prevalence was evaluated at 5.5% in 1990. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of this disease in the last years in Tunisia. Method(s): it was a retrospective study about all the blood donors in the Military Center of Blood Transfusion between 2000 and 2011. The Ag HBs was systematic for every blood donation, by immunoenzymatic reaction. Result(s): In this period, 198157 blood donors were compiled. These donors were, for 95%, young men, between 20 and 25 years, from all the parts of the country. This study showed: * A net decrease in prevalence of hepatitis B in 12 years: from 3.54% in 2000 to 0.8% in 2011. * A regional disparity of this prevalence. * No identification of a population at risk. * The improvement of hygiene and the use of disposable syringes in hospitals can explain this decrease of the prevalence; HVB vaccination began in 1995 and didn't affect the sample of the study. Conclusion(s): Hepatitis B is still a public health problem in Tunisia. Vaccination and better socio-economic condition will lead in short term to the decrease of the HVB prevalence, started since the 90's.