Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C viruses in children above the age of 3 years: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are the major causes of chronic liver disease (CLD) and its complications in developing countries. The morbidity and mortality of these viruses directly correlate with the duration of infection. So, patients who catch the infection in their childhood period are at great risk for developing life threating CLD related complications which represent a challenge and an economic burden on their countries, unless early diagnosed and treated.
Aim of the Work: to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of both HBV and HCV infection in a sample of Upper Egyptian children.
Methods: This is A cross section observational survey study included two hundred, 3-15 years old, eligible children who attended to the outpatient’s pediatric clinic of Al-Azhar Assiut University Hospital in the period from1^st October to 31^st December 2020 were enrolled in the study. Children with well-known infection and who received blood transfusion were excluded. ELISA based tests (latest generation) for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti HCV antibodies (HCV Abs) were done in addition to full history taking stressing on risk factors for HBV and HCV infection, thorough clinical examination and complete blood count was done.
Results:  Four children (2%) were positive for HCV Abs (3 females and 1 male), 2 children (1%) were positive for HBsAg (both are males), and no co-infections. All positive girls (3 girls) have history of ear piercing by non-medical personnel, all males were circumcised. Three out of sex seropositive children (50%) had history of dental maneuvers, 2 (33.33%) had accidental used-needle stick injury, 2 (33.33%) had accidental used-razor injury and one (16.17%) had one parent with chronic HCV infection. Conclusions: There is a low prevalence of both HBV (1%) and HCV (2%) infection in the Egyptian children. Ear piercing by non-medical personnel, circumcision, dental maneuvers, and accidental used-sharp objective injury are the most associated risk factors.