Prevalence of Hepatitis B Serum Markers in Young Military Recruits in Greece: A Comparison Study between 2005 and 2019 Cohorts

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis B varies (HBV) among countries. Although an overall reduction has been described in Greece, data are limited. Methods: We reviewed the HBsAg/anti-HBc/anti-HBs seroprevalence among military recruits and compared data between 2005 and 2019. The study included 2001 (group 1) and 1629 (group 2) male recruits in 2019 and 2005, respectively. Age and descent were recorded. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs positivity in group1 vs. group 2 was estimated as: 0.2%, 1.3% and 67% vs. 0.4%, 1.6% and 62%, respectively. Only anti-HBs positivity achieved a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.007). HBsAg and anti-HBc were more frequently positive in non-Greeks than in Greeks (9/237 (4%) vs. 2/3393 (0.06%), p p p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggest a further reduction in HBV prevalence in Greece about 20 years after the adoption of the National HBV Immunization Program, with Greek participants experiencing a more effective HBV Immunization Program than non-Greeks.

Keywords

• hepatitis B virus (HBV)
• HBsAg
• anti-HBc
• anti-HBs
• HBV immunization program