Trend of Seroincidence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Eastern Libya: A 10-Years Study from Tobruk Medical Center

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant blood transmitted viral infection. It causes a serious liver infection and can be transmitted to the uninfected individuals via contact with the body fluids of infected individuals. HBV infection remains a main health concern for both health workers and patients in health care settings worldwide. The aim of this study is to estimate the seroincidence of HBV in individuals who attended Tobruk Medical Center for different medical or surgical conditions from January 2010 to April 2020. Also, to estimate its distribution based on age and sex, geographical distribution and nationalities of the cases during the study period; in addition to increase awareness about the spread and the way of control of this viral infection in the community. A retrospective study of 10 years at Tobruk Medical Centre, eastern Libya. Medical records department of the hospital follow the guidelines of international classification of diseases-10 for coding the diseases. The research estimates the frequency and distribution of HBV infection based on age, sex, geographical distribution and nationalities during the study period from January 2010 to April 2020. 113 cases (mean age 40.12 ± 15.7) were found positive for HBV infection over the study period. 41.6 % of the cases were males and 58.4 % were females. The HBV infection was most prevalent in the older age groups of 20->50 years. The frequency of the disease according to the nationality was: Libyan (89.4%), Egyptian (4.4%), Sudanese (1.8%) and small other percentages from other nationalities. The frequency of the disease according to the region was: Tobruk (86.5%), Derna (7.1 %) and small other percentages from other regions. This study reported a significant decline in the incidence of HBV infection in the last five years and this decline may be because of the weakening of health screening services. The best way to control or eradicate HBV infection in the community is by vaccination of all newborn and high-risk groups, and following stricter standard precautions in health-care-providing centres, in addition to surveillance of occupationally acquired HBV infections.