Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis-B among Clinically Suspected Patients Visiting Bir Hospital

Abstract

A serological study of clinically suspected patients was conducted in Bir hospital during 15 th july 2002 to 15 may 2003. During the study period a total of 275 samples were collected from clinically suspected patients with an objective to determine sero-prevalence of Hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg). The basis of suspicion was prodormal features, jaundice and presence of risk factors associated with transmission of HBV. Out of total sample, 203 samples were from male and 72 sampleswere from females. The prevalence of Hepatitis-B was found to be 11.63%. The sex-wise prevalence was foundto be more in males (12.32%) than females (9.72%). The highest prevalence (18.75%) was found in the age groupof 25-29 which is economically most productive agegroup. The least prevalence was found in the age group 15-19 in male (4.35%) and 30-34 in female (7.7%)Hepatitis-B cases were not reported from 10-14 and above 45 years of males as well as below 20 years and above 35 years in female. Risk factors such as history of blood transfusion (3.1%), surgery (3.1%) and IV drug abuser(3.1%) show significantly low prevalence of Hepatitis-B while multiple sexual partner shows high prevalence of Hepatitis-B (12.5%).