Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C of Children living in Izmir Social Services and Child Protection Institution

Hepatitis B infection, which is prevalent during childhood, adolescence and young adolescence, is mainly transmitted horizontally. The seroprevalence of HBsAg, varying according to different regions, is determined between 1.3-13.8% in Turkey (except blood donors). Moreover, anti-HBs positivity varies between 10.1-46.1%. Children living in Social Services and Child Protection Institution (SSCPI) generally have low socioeconomic conditions and have high risk of child abuse. Thus, the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may be higher