Hepatic viral infections in Yemen between 2000-2005

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen HBsAg, and hepatitis C virus HCV antibodies in Sanaa, and other governorates of Yemen.

METHODS: By systematic review with meta-analysis we collected the research performed in different governorates of Yemen during the period 2000-2005. This included the published papers peer reviewed, and the papers presented at Yemeni conferences.

RESULTS: We identified 4 groups with separate prevalences. We found HBsAg to be 8% in healthy volunteers, 10.8% in blood donors, 12.3% in patients under dialysis, and 23% in patients with chronic liver diseases. Antibodies to HCV show different results, namely, 1.7% in healthy volunteers, 2.7% in blood donors, 33.8% in patients under dialysis, and 33.75% in patients with chronic liver diseases. The viral markers in different governorates showed significant differences in healthy and blood donor groups. The means of HBsAg and HCV antibodies in patients with liver diseases were recorded to be 26.2% for HBsAg, and 33.8% for HCV antibodies, with a total of 60%. The means in patients under dialysis, for HBsAg was 10.9%, and for HCV antibodies was 33.8%, with a total mean of 44.7%.

CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B and C appear to be a major health problem in our community. Our study results indicate an intermediate level risk of hepatitis B virus infection. There are some geographic areas in the country that may be at high risk. Control strategies should take these differences into account.