Assessment of hepatitis B viruses serologic markers in special patients (thalassemia and dialysis) of Mazandaran province

Nearly 300 million people worldwide are carriers of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Thalassemia and dialysis patients are of the most important individuals at risk for the virus. Despite vaccination, antibody is reduced and there is a possibility of infection to HBV. This study, examines hepatitis B serologic markers among thalassemia and dialysis patients of Mazandaran province, Iran. 94 patients were enrolled to our study. For all patients in the study, a questionnaire including demographic information, history of the vaccination for Hepatitis B, blood products transfusion and surgical history were completed. 5 ml of venous blood was taken from each student and serum was separated and stored in -20oC. For all samples, ELISA test was operated for Anti-HBs and Anti-HBc and HBsAg. Among 94 patients, 55 people (58.5%) were males and 39 people (41.5%) were females., 57 (60.6%) were dialysis patients and 37 (39.4%) were thalassemia patients, in which 4 people (7%) of dialysis patients and 8 (21.6%) of thalassemia patients were infected by HBV. 12 people (22.8%) were positive by the presence of HBsAg, 54 people (57.4%) were positive by the presence of Anti-HBs and 13 people (13.8%) were positive by the presence of Anti-HBc. About 12.8% of patients were HBV positive and also 42.6% of them were sensitive to HBV. Therefore, their screening for HBV antibody is recommended before any blood products usage. Also, in order to provide adequate protection for the patients, the serologic studies is necessary.