SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER DISEASES.

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Hyma Pratyusha Yakasiri,
H.No:78/126-A, First Line,
Krishna Nagar, Kurnool-518002,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
E-mail: drhymapratyusha@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are endemic in India. These are the most important aetiological agents for the development of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinomas. The prevalence of these infections varies from place to place and among different age groups and also based on the vaccination coverage for hepatitis B.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, 200 serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody by performing ELISA. 100 samples were from the patients suffering from liver diseases, which are the study group and 100 from healthy population attending General OP and Gastroenterology OP which acts as control group.

RESULTS

In the study group, out of 100 patients hepatitis B infection alone was observed in 36% of the patients and hepatitis C alone in 24% of the patients. Dual infection with both the viruses was seen in 8% of the patients. In the healthy group, the prevalence of hepatitis B and C were 10% and 3% respectively and no co-infection was noted in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus infections are more common cause of liver diseases. Coinfection with both the viruses is becoming more common and is associated with more severe disease manifestations when compared to the either of the infection alone.

KEYWORDS                           

Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Coinfection.