Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Iran

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. Islamic Republic of Iran is located in mesoendemic region (prevalence 2%-7%). The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of chronic HBV in Iran according to demographic characteristics. Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, Ovid, Google Scholar, IranMedex, SID, Magiran and The Scientific Journal of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization (SJIBT) from 2000 till May 2008 were searched. Cross-sectional studies concerning prevalence of hepatitis B infection in Iran were included irrespective of language and date. The outcome of interest was prevalence of chronic HBV infection detected by blood specimen positive for HBsAg. We icluded 34 studies. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection was estimated about 1.7% or lower in general population; 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6%-0.9%) in blood donors and 3.2% (95% CI: 2.3% - 4.1%) in intravenous drug users. Prevalence of chronic HBV infection in beta thalassemic patients varied from zero to 1.5%. Prevalence of chronic HBV infection was higher in middle aged and elders than children, adolescent and youth and was 25% higher in males than females. Since mass vaccination of hepatitis B in 1993, prevalence of chronic HBV infection has being reduced among children and adolescents. These age groups comprise a large proportion of general population and reduction of HBV infection in this age group may impact on total prevalence of hepatitis B infection, so that now Iran may be considered a hypoendemic region for HBV infection.