The challenges of hepatitis B in blood transfusion in Iran

Hepatitis B is one of the most dangerous causes of liver infection in the world، and the first known factor responsible for post transfusion infections (PTI). Thus، all donated units and blood products are tested for HBV. HBV genotypes are divided into eight groups with genotype D being dominant in Iran. Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is common worldwide and the possibility of transmission of hepatitis B infection is a cause of concern in blood transfusion centers. The present article attempted to review articles published in association with hepatitis B and blood transfusion in Iran to show an image of hepatitis B in Iran compared to the world. Studies done in Iran have shown varied statistics of hepatitis B infections. In thalassemics، hemodialysis patients، and intravenous drug users، 1. 5%، 5. 1% and 5. 8% were HBsAg positive، respectively. OBI rate also varies from 0. 15 to 1. 5 percent. The levels of HBsAg in different reports were shown to be 0. 47%، 0. 41%، 0. 23%، 0. 4% and 1. 08% among blood donors; however، the rate of infection was very low in regular donors. Given the importance of the screening of hepatitis B in blood donors، using sensitive diagnostic tests، especially molecular tests، for reduction in the window period is critical.