Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viral infections in Central Kerala

T.S. Shailaja; A. Mohankumar; Deepa Sankari; Arun R.S; Anusha A.M

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2016

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viral infections in Central Kerala

T. S. Shailaja, A. Mohankumar, Deepa Sankari, Arun R. S, Anusha A. M

Abstract :

Background: Hepatitis B and C virus infections are increasingly becoming prevalent in India and are serious health problems worldwide. Objectives: We aim to find out the prevalence of these infections in a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala over a period of one year. Materials and methods: The study group comprised of voluntary blood donors, and patients from various clinical departments including routine pre–operative and antenatal cases. A total of 6391 and 4153 samples were processed for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti HCV antibodies respectively. Serum samples were subjected to HBsAg and Hepatitis C antibody detection using card tests, ELISA and Enzyme linked fluorescent assay (ELFA). Results: Of the total samples processed, 13 were found to be positive for HBsAg (0.2%). All the positive HBsAg cases were from male population and the mean age of positivity was found to be 37years. Out of 4153 samples 4 were positive for HCV antibody (0.09%). Conclusion: There is a need for large field studies to better understand HBV & HCV epidemiology and to identify high prevalence areas, and public health measures to be taken to prevent disease transmission and decrease the burden of the disease.