IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v4i1e10613 10.2196/10613 Abstract Abstract The Epidemiological Profile of Viral Hepatitis B and C in Morocco Between 2013 and 2016 Khader Yousef Dahbi Ilham Khoudri I Corresponding Author: Ilham Dahbi dahbiilham@gmail.com Jan-Dec2018 29 03 2018 4 1 e10613 29 3 2018 29 3 2018 ©Ilham Dahbi, I Khoudri. Originally published in Iproceedings (http://www.iproc.org), 29.03.2018. 2018

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 Background

Hepatitis B and C virus infections (HBV/HCV) are a global health problem. Morocco is considered as a middle endemic country. HBV/HCV surveillance system was implemented in Directorate of Epidemiology by the Ministry of Health as an ongoing process of case investigation, data collection, analysis and also dissemination of data to public health professionals.

 Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of HBV/HCV infections during a four-year period.

 Methods

This was a descriptive and retrospective study of HBV/HCV cases registered from 2013 to 2016 by 22 referral centers for viral hepatitis in Morocco. Registration of new cases was reported monthly via a reporting form using WHO case definitions. Socio-demographic characteristics, diagnostic circumstances, modes of transmission, clinical and biological data of suspected or confirmed cases were collected.

 Results

A total of 1160 HBV/HCV cases were registered (95% HCV vs 5% HBV). Male/female ratio was 0.52 and 48% were married. Free Medical regimen was available in public health services for 90% of patients. HCV cases came mostly from two northern regions: Rabat (24%) and Casablanca (21%). Regarding diagnostic circumstances, cases were identified during screening (25%), systematic blood check (21%), cytolyse (18%) or during blood exams before surgery (13%). Infections were frequently transmitted during dental care (58%), followed by transfusion-transmitted infections in 8% of cases and sexually transmitted in 4% of cases. In 80% of cases, HCV were active. The presence of detectable HCV RNA sequences, 54% were Genotypes 1 and 43% were genotype 2.

 Conclusions

This analysis is from the data of surveillance system recently implemented. It allowed us to have an idea about the epidemiological profile of HCV/HBV in Morocco. However, these results point out the necessity to reinforce the surveillance system by involvement of more different regions in order to report more cases, and also the computerization of notification process.