Seropositivity of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus and Its Coinfection: A Hospital Based Study

Background: The spectrum of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection ranges from self-limiting to acute fulminant to chronic hepatitis. The Laboratory diagnosis of HBV is by detection of various sero-markers and HCV is by indirect and direct tests. HBV and HCV have same modes of transmission and can be co-transmitted simultaneously or by superinfection with significant clinical implications. Hence, this study is undertaken to estimate seroprevalence of HBV and HCV and its coinfection among general population attending hospital.Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out from Jan to Dec 2022 on OPD and IPD specimens tested for HBV and HCV screening by HBsAg ELISA and anti-HCV ELISA. Seroprevalence was calculated as proportion of samples positive amongst tested and Chi Square test was used for statistical analysis. Result: Out of 36873 samples tested for HBV ELISA, 747 were positive with 2.0% seroprevalence, and 36500 samples tested for HCV ELISA, 361 were reactive with 0.99% seroprevalence. Male to female ratio for HBV was 2:1, HCV 1.2:1 and for coinfection 4.6:1. The most affected age group was 18-40 years. There is a significant difference in sample seropositivity between OPD and IPD. In co-infection maximum positivity was from Nephrology, followed by GI medicine.Conclusion: Emphasis on awareness about preventive measures, and curtailing high risk behaviours among young adults should be stressed. Effective HBV Vaccination coverage with more data on HBV and HCV coinfection needs to be obtained.