Introduction: Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may result in either resolution of infection or chronic HBV carrier status. Since age at infection influences its chronicity or resolution, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV markers in individuals exposed to this virus.

Methods: All the chronic HBV carriers or acute hepatitis B patients who had attended the department of infectious diseases of Babol University of Medical Sciences from April 1993 to September 2005 were identified. Viral markers were assessed in all family members of these cases. The prevalence of HBV markers was compared for sex and age groups.

Results: During the study, 1160 males with a mean age of 31±13 years and 876 females with a mean age of 20±12 years were assessed. In males, the prevalences of (HBsAg, anti-HBe), HBeAg, (anti-HBs, anti-HBc), and isolated anti-HBc were 72.3%, 8.1%, 16.6%, and 3% respectively. In females, prevalences of these markers were 67.7%, 8.9%, 18.5%, and 5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in prevalence of HBV markers between sexes except for anti-HBc (p=0.014). Altogether, persistent infection had ensued in 1603 cases (78.7%) and 172 cases (8.4%) were HBeAg positive. Persistent HBV infection was seen in 73.1% and 70.7% of cases less than 10 and more than 50 year old respectively.

Conclusion: This study showed that HBV infection mostly occurs vertically or in early childhood period.

Hakim Research Journal 2007 10(3): 43- 47.