TREND IN SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG BLOOD DONORS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is one of the transfusion transmissible infections. The prevalence of this infection varies across the different geographical regions. Noting the trend in seroprevalence of hepatitis B is useful to assist the preventive strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the trend of seroprevalence of hepatitis B in southern Haryana over a five -year period.

Methodology: The study was conducted at the blood bank of a tertiary care hospital serving predominantly the rural population of Rajasthan. A retrospective analysis of blood donors over a period of five years was done to assess the seroprevalence and the trend of hepatitis B infection. ELISA was used to detect the hepatitis B surface antigen in the donors as a marker of infection.

Results: A total of 5670 blood donors were studied. 125 (1.32%) were positive, which comes under the “low prevalence (<2%) zone,” per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The increasing trend in seroprevalence of hepatitis B was observed after 2009. Replacement donors and male blood donors showed higher seropositivity compared to voluntary donors and female donors.

Conclusion: Rajasthan has a low prevalence of hepatitis B in blood donors with an increasing trend in seroprevalence of hepatitis B over the last two years (i.e. 2009-11). This is an alarming situation, which needs effective preventive measures as well as improved health care delivery system.