Background. Knowledge regarding prevalence of HEV in general population can be an indicator of the public health and hygiene. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of HEV among adults in South-West of Iran. Methods. Blood samples were taken from 510 participants, 206 (40.4&#x25;) males and 304 (59.6&#x25;) females from February to July 2014. Detection of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies was carried out by ELISA test. Results. The overall anti-HEV IgG and IgM prevalence rates were 46.1&#x25; and 1.4&#x25;, respectively. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity were not statistically associated with gender and race/ethnicity. Meanwhile, there were significant differences between the age groups regarding HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity. HEV IgG seroprevalence increased with age from 14.3&#x25; in subjects aged 18&#x2013;30 years to 71.4&#x25; in persons over 71 years old, and considerably individuals aged 61 to 70 years had the highest HEV prevalence (90.9&#x25;). Also, 5.7&#x25; in the age group 18&#x2013;30 years and 2.2&#x25; in the age group 31&#x2013;40 years were positive for anti-HEV IgM antibodies and the highest rate was observed in subjects aged 18&#x2013;30 years. Conclusion. In conclusion, high HEV IgG seroprevalence of 46.1&#x25; was observed among adults in South-West of Iran.

Fatemeh Farshadpour

Reza Taherkhani

Manoochehr Makvandi

Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus among Adults in South-West of Iran

Background. Studies had reported high rate of hepatitis B infection among hospital workers with low participation in vaccination programmes, especially those whose work exposes them to the risk of HBV infection. The study assessed knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection, risk perception, vaccination history, and challenges to control hepatitis among health workers. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Consenting health care workers completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed respondents&#x2019; general knowledge of HBV, vaccination history and HBsAg status, risk perception, and challenges to control hepatitis. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. Three hundred and eighty-two health care workers participated in the study. There were 182 males and 200 females. The respondents comprised 94 (25&#x25;) medical doctors, 168 (44&#x25;) nurses, 68 (18&#x25;) medical laboratory technologists, and 52 (14&#x25;) pharmacists. Over 33&#x25; had poor knowledge with 35&#x25; not immunized against HBV. Predictors of good knowledge include age less than 35 years, male sex, being a medical doctor, previous HBsAg test, and complete HBV immunisation. Identified challenges to control hepatitis include lack of hospital policy (91.6&#x25;), poor orientation of newly employed health workers (75.9&#x25;), and low risk perception (74.6&#x25;). Conclusion. Hospital policy issues and low risk perception of HBV transmission have grave implications for the control of HBV infection.

Olusegun Adekanle

Dennis A. Ndububa

Samuel Anu Olowookere

Oluwasegun Ijarotimi

Kayode Thaddeus Ijadunola

Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Immunization with Hepatitis B Vaccine, Risk Perception, and Challenges to Control Hepatitis among Hospital Workers in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

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Hepatitis Research and Treatment

Table of Contents

Table of Contents: 2015

Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus among Adults in South-West of Iran

Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Immunization with Hepatitis B Vaccine, Risk Perception, and Challenges to Control Hepatitis among Hospital Workers in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital