Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in hospital based population in Bijapur, Karnataka

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a serious health problem globally. Studying the prevalence of HBV infection in a geographical area aids in establishing magnitude of the problem. A teaching hospital based population study of Hepatitis B surface antigen is strong indicator of true HBV infection rate in the community as large number of patients from different backgrounds attend the hospital. Objectives: The study was conducted to know the prevalence of HBV infection in Bijapur, Karnataka. Methodology: A one step immunochromatographic method for detection of HBsAg was performed to diagnose HBV infection. 4283 sera samples were tested for HBsAg over a period of one year. Results: 1.63% samples were found with HBsAg. Age, gender, month wise and rural: urban distribution was studied. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of HBsAg was found less than the national average of 2-7%. This study highlights HBV infection rate in the community in this part of India.