A Study of Hepatitis B And Hepatitis C Infections Magnitude Among Patients and Healthy Blood Donors

Abstract

Introduction : This study aims to assess the magnitude of HBsAg and HCV antibodies in the population attending this hospital from the surrounding areas and to compare this prevalence with the healthy blood donors to get a clear perspective about the status of these two infections smoldering in the population at large. Methods : This retrospective study was carried out in the Dept. of Microbiology. Data of 3 years was collected from randomly selected Microbiology units. The patient profile included all inpatient as well outpatient samples received for HBsAg and HCV screening in the department. Data pertaining to HBsAg and HCV was also collected from blood bank of the hospitals. The blood bank profile included both voluntary and replacement blood donors.Result : On comparison between the prevalence of seropositivity of HBsAg in the patient population versus blood donors, it was seen that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the HBsAg positivity rate. In the patient population, the HBsAg seropositivity rate is seen to be consistent over the three year period & there was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the seropositivity of antibodies against HCV in patient population and blood donors. The HCV antibodies seropositivity is significantly high in the patient population than in blood donors.Conclusion : Such studies on prevalence prove an eye opener for the existing scenario regarding diseases like hepatitis B and hepatitis C. However, conflicting the results of prevalence in an area or country for HBV carrier frequency, it is clear that immunization against HBV remains the most cost effective strategy in India.