Pattern of viral hepatitis infection in a selected population from Saudi Arabia.

Viral hepatitis is an important health problem worldwide. Globally, three major viruses are the leading cause of hepatitis: hepatitis A, B, and C. In this study, we have investigated the pattern of hepatitis among the National Guard personnel and their extended families seen in the central region of Saudi Arabia. The most dominant type of hepatitis infection was hepatitis B virus (HBV), followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV), and to a lesser extent hepatitis A virus (HAV). Our results showed three different age groups at risk of acquiring the infection: HAV, which is mainly a disease of the young; HBV, a disease of adolescents and adults; and HCV, a disease of the elderly. There was no significant difference in the male:female ratio in HAV and HCV; however, as seen in the developed countries, more males were affected with HBV than females. These data will pave the way for further studies by identifying the risk groups for the three major hepatitis infections and by using the data as a preventive tool to educate those risk groups.