Abstract
This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections in population of Albaha region Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect hepatitis B antigens and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in serum samples of 13424 males and females subjectsin premarital screening programin Albaha region during the period of 2008 to 2011.Hepatitis B virus surface antigen was detected as 1.60%, 3.05%, 1.81% and 0.60% during the year 2008,2009,2010 and 2011 respectively. Hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV) prevalence was recorded as 0.33%, 0.57%, 0.52% and 0.39% during the year 2008,2009,2010 and 2011 respectively.Male subjects suffered at higher rate both in case of HBV and HCV infections. The highest HBV and HCV prevalence was recorded in age group of 15-35 years both in male and female subjects. Highestprevelance of HBV and HCV was found in Tohama area of Albaha region.These results provide an important findings regarding prevalence of HBV and HCV in population group planning to marry. For better prevention and control of these infections comprehensive and detailed prevalence studies are required in different population groups.