Profile Of Viral Hepatitis In Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the profile of<br> hepatitis in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to determine which age<br> group hepatitis viruses most commonly infect. The epidemiology of<br> viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia has undergone major changes,<br> concurrent with major socioeconomic developments over the last two<br> to three decades. This disease represents a major public health<br> problem in Saudi Arabia resulting in the need for considerable<br> healthcare resources. A retrospective cross sectional analysis of the<br> reported cases of viral hepatitis was conducted based on the reports<br> of The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia about Hepatitis A, B and C<br> infections in all regions from the period of January 2006 to December<br> 2010. The study demonstrated that incidence of viral Hepatitis is<br> decreasing, except for Hepatitis B that showed minimal increase. Of<br> hepatitis A, B, and C, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the most<br> predominant type, accounting for (53%) of the cases, followed by<br> Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (30%) and HAV (17%). HAV infection<br> predominates in children (5–14 years) with 60% of viral hepatitis<br> cases, HBV in young adults (15–44 years) with 69% of viral hepatitis<br> cases, and HCV in older adults (&gt;45 years) with 59% of viral<br> hepatitis cases. Despite significant changes in the prevalence of viral<br> hepatitis A, B and C, it remains a major public health problem in<br> Saudi Arabia; however, it showed a significant decline in the last two<br> decades that could be attributed to the vaccination programs and the<br> improved health facilities. Further researches are needed to identify<br> the risk factors making a specific age group or a specific region in<br> Saudi Arabia targeted for a specific type of hepatitis viruses.