Comparison the prevalence of isolated Hepatitis B core antibody among injection drug users with blood donors in central province in IRAN

Background: In healthy blood donors, 2%–5% have isolated anti-HBc. Prevalence of hepatitis B, C and co- infection (HBV +HCV) among injection drug user is high. Hepatitis C suppress of HB SAg and may be hepatitis B presented only with isolated anti HBC. This study determined of prevalence of isolated anti HBC among injection drug users and compare with blood donors in Arak city. Methods: A total 684 subjects (531voluntary blood donors and 153 injection drug users) in Arak, Iran were included in this study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), anti-HBc, and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) were tested in all subjects. Results: A total of 531 voluntary blood donors living in the city of Arak, in the Central Province of Iran, with a mean age of 36 ± 10.18 years (range 16–60 years) were enrolled in the study. Ninety-three percent of patients were male and 7% were female. Of the 531 cases, 11 subjects (2.1%) had isolated anti-HBc. A total of 153 injection drug users of Arak, in the Central Province of Iran, with a mean age of 30.66 ± 5.92 years (range 20-50 years) were enrolled in the study. All of them were male. Of the 153 cases, 12 subjects (7.84%) had isolated anti-HBc. All of 12 cases were HCV positive. Conclusion: Prevalence of isolated anti-HBc among injection drug users was 3. 73 fold in comparison with blood donors. For diagnosis of hepatitis B in this group test for anti-HBc will be done. Evaluation of occult hepatitis B in subject with isolated anti-HBc by exact method such as real time PCR is necessary