Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in the Libyan Population ; A comprehensive Epidemiological Study

Background: Libya is one of the largest country in Africa and it has the longest cost in the Mediterranean basin facing the European countries. The prevalence of viral hepatitis in Libya is not well documented. Here in we report on the largest cross sectional study in Libya including a total of sixty five thousands, seven hundred and sixty one [65761] individuals in order to ; evaluate the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the general population of Libya ; determine the risk factors involved and outline the proper policy to control the prevalence of such viruses. Methods : Across-sectional studies was carried using a total of 64560 individuals from all over Libya. The vast area of the country was classified in twelve regions according to the population density. Serum samples were collected from both genders, all age groups, urban and rural settings and tested for serological markers of Hepatitis B and C viruses. The data were statistically analysed and correlated with different demographic and risk factors involved in the spread of such viruses among Libyan populations. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses varies regionally across the country. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B was 2.03% (95%CI:I 2.1%-2.3%) with a higher rate among males than females (1:1.4),Hepatitis C virus was 1.2 % (95 % CI: 1.1-1.3). The prevalence of anti-HCV increased gradually after the age of 30 years ( 0.7-0.9% for < 30 years ; 3.7% for> 30 Years ) in contrast to a stable prevalence of HBsAg in all age groups above 10 (2.3-2.7%) and reduced among those below 10 years (0.8-0.9%).Factors associated independently with a higher prevalence rates of Viral hepatitis particularly HCV were, previous hospital admission, surgical operation, blood transfusion ,literacy and intravenous drug use. Conclusions: This study provides a clear new evident picture on the epidemiology of HBV and HCV in Libya with the following features; ;; the prevalence of Viral hepatitis among Libyan population is not homogeneous. Libya, may be considered an area of low-intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus infection with steady slow reduction on the prevalence of HB; emerging increase on the prevalence of HCV with a higher peaks among risk groups . Libya should adapt Universal national plans and guidelines to face the future consequences of viral hepatitis particularly hepatitis C virus.