Pradip Bhaumik1, Karthik Pichika Lakshmanan2
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis B is a global public health problem and India is in intermediate zone of endemicity. Detailed virological evaluation will provide a better idea regarding treatment plan and regular follow up. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a global public health threat affecting about 350 million people across the world. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a common cause of liver cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The natural course of HBV infection is a dynamic interplay of complex interactions between virus replication and host immune response.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
716 HBsAg positive patients who attended liver clinic during a period of 4 years were analysed for epidemiological and virological status. In total, 716 blood samples that were known to be positive for HBsAg were randomly collected for this study during 2012 to 2015. The serum was separated and preserved at -20°C in sterile plastic containers. Each patient who attended the liver clinic provided informed consent to collect blood specimens and perform various serologic and biochemical assays.
RESULTS
Majority of the patients were between 20 and 40 years, which states a high prevalence among young individuals. More prevalent among male as compared to female population. HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis represented 15.3% of the cases. Hepatitis B viral load was substantially elevated in 28% of the study population. 20% of the study population had a family member positive for HbsAg, which is quite a significant number.
CONCLUSION
High prevalence of immunologically active patients increases the burden of therapy and high probability of complications in future.
