Hepatitis B Virus Seropositivity and Vaccination for Children Aged 0-18 in the Van Region

Objective: In the Van region, the number of studies related with hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and its seropositivity is very low. The objective of this study is to determine the HBV frequency, seropositivity and vaccination in Van region in eastern Turkey. Material and Methods: A total of 1332 children with ages varying between 0-18 years were studied. Venous blood samples of 3 cc were obtained from these children and their HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBcIgM, ve anti-HBcIgG) were tested with the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay method. Results: Among these children, 949 (71.3%) were anti-HBs positive. Of the 949 children with anti-HBs positive, 918 (69%) vaccinated and 31 (2.3%) already had an infection. Positive HBsAg was determined in only 3 children (0.2%). Chronic HBV infection was determined in 6 patients (0.5%) and again 6 patients (0.5%) were determined to be HBV carriers. Conclusion: Vaccination is an important inhibitor in HBV infection. Vaccinated individuals should be checked for anti-HBs positivity and cases with low antibody response should be revaccinated. Also, the routine vaccinations carried out in our region should be increased despite the hardships of the geographical conditions.