Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) among Turkish immigrants living in Germany.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional, multi-centered study was conducted among 1319 Turkish immigrants who were living in Germany and admitted to the clinics for any reason. Participants were tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc).
Results: 37.3% of the participants were tested positive for Anti-HBc. Of these, 45.8% percent was showed positivity for anti-HBc. 25.6% of all donors were showed positive results for Anti-HBc. HbsAg seroprevalence was found as 5%. Furthermore, 90% of participants with positive HBsAg had positive results for Anti-HBc. Males had significantly higher rates of Anti-HBc and HBsAg positivity than females.
Conclusions: Turkish immigrants living in Germany represented higher seroprevalence rate of HBV than total population of Germany.