Epidemiologic Characteristics of Infection in Southeast Hungary

Background: Epidemiologic studies have revealed a decrease in the prevalence of () infection in Western Europe.

Aim: To obtain data regarding the prevalence of in Csongrád and Békés Counties in Hungary, evaluate the differences in its prevalence between urban and rural areas, and establish factors associated with positive seroprevalence.

Methods: One-thousand and one healthy blood donors [male/female: 501/500, mean age: 40 (19-65) years] were enrolled in this study. Subjects were tested for IgG antibody positivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subgroup analysis by age, gender, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and urban non-urban residence was also performed.

Results: The overall seropositivity of was 32%. It was higher in males (34.93% 29.2%, = 0.0521) and in rural areas (36.2% 27.94%, = 0.0051). Agricultural/industrial workers were more likely to be positive for infection than office workers (38.35% 30.11%, = 0.0095) and rural subjects in Békés County than those in Csongrád County (43.36% 33.33%, = 0.0015).

Conclusion: Although the prevalence of infection decreased in recent decades in Southeast Hungary, it remains high in middle-aged rural populations. Generally accepted risk factors for positivity appeared to be valid for the studied population.