OCCURRENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C AND THEIR DUAL INFECTIONS: A GREAT PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN

-Viral hepatitis is one of the major public health concern worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are of great concern due to their association with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Aims & Objectives-i)To determine the frequency of Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV antibodies in patients coming to a tertiary care teaching hospital ii)To estimate the occurrence of co-infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus iii) To analyse the risk factors associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and their co-infections. Method- This prospective study included serum samples which were subjected to detection of HBs antigen and anti-HCV antibodies using rapid immunochromatographic card tests, which were further confirmed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results- Out of total of 12,502 cases, the seropositivity of HBs antigen and anti-HCV antibodies was found to be 3.6% (452 /12,502) and 6.1% (758 /12,502) respectively. The frequency of co-infection (HBs antigen and anti-HCV antibodies) was found to be 0.8% (99 /12,502). Male to female ratio for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and co-infection was 2.1:1, 1.6:1and 2.3:1, respectively. The commonest risk factor associated with seropositivity of HBV was intravenous drug use, followed by blood / blood components transfusion. Hepatitis C infection was most commonly seen with blood / blood components transfusion, followed by intravenous drug use. Conclusions: Counseling and health education regarding the safe injection practices, safe sexual practices , screening of blood / blood products and vaccination against HBV are the essential steps to combat viral hepatitis.