Epidemiological Trends of Hepatitis Viral Infections: A Retrospective Study Utilizing Serological Data from a Tertiary Laboratory in Jordan

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis is a significant global health issue, primarily caused by viral infections that lead to severe liver complications. In Jordan, the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the prevalence of these viral infections utilizing serological data.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, analyzing serological test results for HAV, HBV, and HCV from patients at MedLabs Laboratory, a network of more than 35 branches across Jordan, from 2017 to 2022. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 26.

Results: A total of 35,018 hepatitis tests were included. The overall prevalence of HAV-IgM was 18.9%, HBsAg was 5.4%, and HCV-TAB was 5.9%. Prevalence of HAV-IgM fluctuated from 4.1% to 31.3%, with the highest rate in 2021 (31.3%) and it was significantly higher (47.0%) among individuals aged 20 years or younger. The prevalence of HBsAg remained low, ranging from 3.9% to 6.8%. Males had a higher prevalence (8.5%) compared to females (7.3%), with the highest prevalence (8.7%) in those aged 20 years or younger. The prevalence of HCV Total Antibodies varied from 0% to 13.5%, peaking in 2019, with the highest prevalence (9.7%) observed in individuals aged 41 to 60 years.

Conclusion: The sero-prevalence data provide valuable insights into Jordan’s current epidemiological landscape for hepatitis. The findings emphasize the need for sustained surveillance, vaccination efforts, and targeted public health strategies to manage and reduce the burden of viral hepatitis in the region.