Antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen prevalence study in Kazakhstan

BackgroundKazakhstan is being considered as one of the countries that is medium-endemic for Hepatitis B virus infection. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-HBcore and the risk factors impacting positive anti-HBcore markers among donors at Scientific-Production Center of Transfusiology, of the Kazakhstan Republic.Study Design and MethodsThe samples taken from blood donors were tested for anti-HBcore, by CLIA on the Architect i2000SR (ABBOTT). In case of positive anti-HBcore, the blood samples were further tested for anti-HBs by CLIA on the Architect i2000SR (ABBOTT). Statistical analysis was conducted by the R software (version 4.1.1, USA, 2021).Results and Discussion5709 people aged 18 to 66 years included in the study, the proportion of men and women was 68.17% and 31.83%. The average age of the participants was 35.7±10.57 years.The prevalence of anti-HBcore among donors was 17.2% (983). Among participants with elevated ALT (170) this marker was determined in 23%, and in donors with normal levels of ALT (5539) - 17%. Participants with positive anti-HBcore scores were on average older (41.8 vs 34.4 years, p<0.001) and Kazakh (88.7% vs 83.0%, p<0.001) by Nationality than study participants with negative results respectively. Anti-HBcore (Antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen) prevalence in Kazakhstan (17.2%) compared to other countries (8% and more) remains above average. Given the prevalence of HBV and risk factors, it is recommended to include an additional anti-HBcore marker in the mandatory screening of donated blood in the country and improve preventive measures to HBV transmission.