Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in Middle Limburg Belgium: the Importance of Migration.

Although the HBV prevalence is generally low in Western countries, such as Belgium, pockets of higher HBV prevalence exist in areas with large immigrant populations. Therefore national prevalence figures can underestimate the burden of HBV infection. The prevalence of chronic HBV in the population-based study in 2003 is believed to be an underestimate due to under-representation of the non-Belgian population. Moreover, by this time there are no data regarding the risk factors for HBV infection in the general population of Belgium.

Even in low-prevalence areas such as Belgium, HBV prevention and control is a public health priority, particularly since safe and effective vaccines are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood situated in Middle Limburg, Belgium. Additionally, the investigators will determine linkage of care in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive subjects.