Abstract

Background
The objective of the study was to investigate the pattern and epidemiology of viral hepatitis among patients of the Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization (SAMSO) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Material and Method
A retrospective analysis of the reported cases of viral hepatitis was conducted from January 2000 to June 2005.
Results
A total of 1214 patients with viral hepatitis were identified during the study period. Of hepatitis A, B, and C, HBV was the most predominant type of hepatitis, accounting for 49.3% of the cases, followed by HCV (40.7%) and HAV (10%). Nine (0.7%) patients had both HBV and HCV. The male-to-female ratio was higher in HBV (1.8:1), whereas HAV and HCV showed no significant differences. HAV infection predominates in children (1-20 years), HBV in young adults (31-50 years), and HCV in older adults (51-70 years).
Conclusions
HBV continues to be the most predominant type of viral hepatitis and is a disease of adults, whereas HCV is mainly a disease of older adults. Continued surveillance of hepatitis cases is needed to further delineate the risk factors and to establish effective preventive strategies.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia - epidemiology, Pregnancy, Infant, Newborn, Hepatitis C - epidemiology, Hepatitis B - epidemiology, Hepatitis A - epidemiology, Sex Distribution, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Child, Preschool, Child, Adolescent