Abstract

Introduction

Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines against Hepatitis B virus (HBV), the infection remains a significant global health issue. This study examined all serological markers of HBV at the largest hospital in İstanbul to identify hepatitis B cases and assess current seroprevalence.

Materials and Methods

Data from cases analyzed between May 2020 and October 2023 included the following parameters: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe), IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM), and total antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc total), all measured using the Roche cobas e 801 analyzer.

Results

HBsAg positivity was detected in 2.11% of 467,163 patients. Among 39,046 children, the HBsAg positivity rate was 0.47%. The highest HBsAg positivity was observed in the 51-60 age group. Acute hepatitis B, indicated by anti-HBc IgM positivity, was identified in 0.41% of 17,293 patients. Among those who tested positive for HBsAg, 1.90% were also positive for HBeAg. Anti-HBs was positive in 46.27% of 294,631 patients overall and in 67.35% of 44,293 children. The highest anti-HBs positivity was observed in the <1 year and 1-5 year age groups. The lowest positivity rates for both HBsAg and anti-HBs were recorded in 2023.

Conclusion

With an HBsAg positivity rate of 2.11%, the region can be classified as having intermediate endemicity. This study aims to support seroprevalence assessments by providing updated data, contributing to efforts toward hepatitis B control goals.