Seroprevalence of hepatitis-B surface antigen among the patients reporting at tertiary care hospital from India

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is a potentially life –threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is a global health problem. Objectives: To estimate the Seroprevalence of HBsAg and its age and sex wise distribution in a hospital based population. Materials and Methods: Serum samples collected over a period of 12 months from patients attending OPDs and admitted to various IPDs of Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Center Karad, were included in the study. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen among hospital based general population was determined using a third generation ELISA. Statistical analysis: Percentages, chi square test. Results: A total number of 7373 patients were screened for HBsAg, among them 3238 (43.92%) were males and 4135 (56.08%) were females. The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 166(2.25%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg was higher in males 85(2.63%) as compared to females 81(1.96%). The highest seroprevalence was found to be among 51-60yrs age group (5.24%).