Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Tertiary Care Center of Northeren India

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HbsAg) positivity in the general population ranges from 1.1% to 12.2%, with an average prevalence of 3-4%. Anti-Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence in the general population is estimated to be between 0.09-15%. Based on some regional level studies, it is estimated that in India, approximately 40 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis B and 6-12 million people with Hepatitis C.

Haryana- Hotspot of Hepatitis B in India

“…In 700 patients (14%) who were found to be in active phase and treatment was started, 34 patients (4.85%) were of chronic kidney disease. India is in intermediate zone of HBV prevalence and harbors about 40 million asymptomatic hepatitis B virus carriers [13][14][15] and same has been corroborated in study done by Malhotra etal,2020 in which yearly prevalence of HbsAg ranged between 3.16%-8.1% with mean of 5.23% [16]. The most common carrier rate reported in India is 4.7%.…”

Adherence to multidose Hepatitis B vaccination in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…7 In India it is estimated that 2 to 10% of the population are infected with Hepatitis B virus which accounts to 40 million . 1,8 Annually over 100,000 Indians die because of disease related with HBV infection. 8 Next to Hepatitis E, HBV is the most common cause for acute hepatitis in India being responsible for nearly one-third of acute viral hepatitis patients.…”

“…8 Sexually active heterosexual adults with more than one sex partner in the prior 6 months ,man or woman having history of sexually transmitted disease; men having sex with men; illicit injection drug users, haemodialysis patients and persons at occupational risk of infection are vulnerable to get infected with Hepatitis B. 1,5 Similarly, recipients of multiple blood/ blood products transfusion, prisoners, migrants and truckers and first degree relatives and family members like mother, siblings, spouse and children, of persons affected with viral hepatitis are also at risk of acquiring the infection. 1 Horizontal transmission in early childhood (mostly from family contacts) and to lesser extent by perinatal transmission are most common modes of transmission in India.…”

“…1,5 Similarly, recipients of multiple blood/ blood products transfusion, prisoners, migrants and truckers and first degree relatives and family members like mother, siblings, spouse and children, of persons affected with viral hepatitis are also at risk of acquiring the infection. 1 Horizontal transmission in early childhood (mostly from family contacts) and to lesser extent by perinatal transmission are most common modes of transmission in India. Due to contact of non-intact skin or mucous membranes with tears, saliva or blood containing HBVinfected secretions or through sharing of toothbrushes horizontal transmission occurs.…”

“…Among neonates young children the risk of chronicity is (90%) and (20-60%) respectively as compared to (5%) among adults. 1,2 Hepatitis B infection can result in liver cirrhosis and cancer which are most of the times fatal. 3,4 It accounts for (15 to 40)% of infected cases.…”