Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus infection in patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in Central India

Background: Hepatitis B Virus infection (HBV) continues to be one of the urgent public health priorities globally. It has been a devastating cause of morbidity and mortality. Understanding the epidemiology of the dreadful HBV is very much essential to carry out infection control and treatment. Aim: The present prospective study aims at evaluating the seroprevalence of HBV infection in a tertiary care centre located in central India. Methods and Material: The present prospective study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2021 for the period of six months. Serum samples were screened for detection of HBsAg by ELISA test method (Erbalisa, TransasiaBiomedicals ltd., Daman, India). The positive samples were further subjected to rapid immunochromatographic test (Hepacard, J Mitra& Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India). Results: A total of 10,972 patient samples were tested for HBsAg, among which 225 (2.05 %) samples were reported as positive. Among these, 180 (80%) samples were from admitted patients and 45 (20%) were from outpatients. Out of the 180 seropositive inpatient samples 64.4% were from male patients and 35.5% were from female patients. Out of the 45 outpatient samples 64.4% samples were from males and 35.5% were from female patients. The overall HBsAgseropositivity was high in the age group 31~40 years followed by 21~30 years in case of both male and females. Statistical Analysis: The collected data was transferred to the computer and Microsoft Excel 2000 (version 9) Analysis Tool Pack was used for analysis of data. Chi-square test was performed and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Conclusion: In the present study, HBV seroprevalence was 2.05 %. Maximum positive cases were detected among male patient that mostly belonged to young adult population. High seroprevalence in our region demands general health awareness among the community people, early screening and active immunization as a part of prophylaxis.