Abstract

SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN BIJAPUR, KARNATAKA: A TWO YEARS PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is endemic throughout the world especially in tropical and developing countries. Clinical data collected in the hospital gives the estimation of burden of disease in the community as patients with different background attend the hospital. With this background the present study was designed. It is a prospective study estimating the prevalence of HBV infection in a tertiary care centre. Objective: Study was conducted to know the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in a tertiary care centre in Bijapur, Karnataka. Methodology: Patients attending Out-Patient Department (OPD) and In-Patient Department (IPD) with various diagnosis who were advised for HbsAg testing were included in this study. Immunochromatographic method (Hepacard) was used for qualitative detection of HbsAg to diagnose HBV infection. Results: A year wise seropositivity showed there was slight increase in the HBV positive cases. In 2012 prevalence rate was 1.54% and in 2013 it was 1.65%. Male preponderance compared to females was seen. More number of cases was seen in active age group i.e. 31-40 years. Conclusion: The present study shows there is slight increase in number of cases in 2013 compared to 2012. This study also highlights that hospital based studies can be an option for community based studies

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