Combined HBsAg and anti-HBc testing is required to estimate hepatitis B virus seroprevalence in a low-endemic country: findings from a nationwide population-based serosurvey, Belgium, 2020.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUNDThe World Health Organization aims to eliminate hepatitis B virus (HBV) by 2030 through reducing incidence and mortality. Accurate prevalence estimates are crucial to guide policies and monitor progress towards HBV elimination. However, HBV prevalence can be overestimated when relying solely on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) because of unconfirmed or false-positive results. Robust screening algorithms to improve diagnostic accuracy and minimise false positives are required.AIMWe conducted a nationwide, population-based serosurvey to estimate HBV prevalence in Belgium by using HBsAg alone or combined with hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positivity as infection criterion.METHODSWe analysed HBsAg and anti-HBc in a total of 4,955 left-over serum samples from severe acute re

SUBMITTER: Furquim d'Almeida A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12905530 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature