Hepatitis B infection in Malta : a retrospective cross sectional study

Abstract

Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Case notes of patients who tested positive for HBsAg between 1st Dec 2007 and 29th October 2009 were reviewed (n=197) . The results show that 2/3 (65%) of the study population were male and that HBV infection was detected across all age groups. About ¼ (25.4%) of the study group were foreigners. 79% of Maltese patients testing postive did not have any identifiable risk factors documented in their case notes for acquiring HBV. In more than 60% of patients who tested positive further assessment to determine suitability for treatment was not performed and only 6.6 % of the study population received treatment for HBV.