seropositivity and risk factors of hepatitis b in maharashtra, india

Background: Hepatitis B is one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. More than 240 million people have chronic (long term) liver infections. More than 780 000 people die every year due to complications of hepatitis B, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is a major public health problem in India. The average carrier rate of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in general population is considered to be approximately 4%. Aim and Objective: To estimate the seropositivity and to understand dynamics of HBV transmission. Material and Methods: The study was conducted from March 2010 to September 2012. Seropositivity of Hepatitis B surface antigen among hospital based general population was determined using a third generation ELISA in the Department of Microbiology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India. A total of 25193 serum samples were screened for HBV infection. Results: Out of 25193 samples screened 473(1.87%) serum samples were positive for HBsAg. The mean age of HBsAg positive patient was 40.71 ± 17.46 and mean age of HBsAg negative patients was 34.03 ± 17.51. Prevalence of hepatitis B infection was signicantly higher in patients with history of blood transfusion, tattooing, skin and ear piercing, history of dialysis, habit of alcohol, habit of tobacco and occupation. Conclusion: There is limited data about blood borne hepatitis i.e. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Western Maharashtra. For prevention and control of hepatitis B raising awareness, promoting prevention of transmission through vaccination, safe injection practices and blood safety and promoting wider access to monitoring, screening, care and treatment services is necessary