BURDEN OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION IN PRE-SURGICAL PATIENTS OF A RURAL NORTH INDIAN HOSPITAL: INSIGHTS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Hepatitis B, Seroprevalence, Pre-surgical screening, Rural population.
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant public health challenge, especially in intermediate endemic regions such as India. Routine preoperative screening aids in early detection of asymptomatic carriers and helps prevent nosocomial transmission.
Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pre-surgical patients at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 650 patients undergoing elective surgeries in the departments of General Surgery, Orthopaedics, ENT, and Ophthalmology. Serum samples were tested for HBsAg using a rapid immunochromatographic assay. Demographic variables such as age, gender, literacy, marital status, occupation, and coinfections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square tests, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Of 650 preoperative patients screened, 14 were positive for HBsAg, giving an overall seroprevalence of 2.15%. Among these, 10 (71.4%) were males and 4 (28.6%) were females, corresponding to gender-wise prevalence of 2.6% and 1.4%, respectively (p < 0.05). The highest seropositivity occurred in the 21–40-year age group (36%), followed by 41–60 years (29%), >60 years (21%), and 0–20 years (14%). Most seropositive patients were married, illiterate, and engaged in agricultural work. Coinfections included one case (7.1%) with HCV and none with HIV.
Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of mandatory preoperative screening for HBV to detect asymptomatic carriers and reduce occupational and hospital-based transmission. Regular surveillance and HBV vaccination awareness programs are crucial, particularly in rural and resource-limited populations.
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Dr. Sheetal Agarwal
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Akshat Agarwal
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Rohilkhand Medical College, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Raees Ahmed
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Sudha Medical College and Hospital,
Jagpura, Kota, Raj, India.
Dr. Nashra Afaq
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Central Research Laboratory, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Siddharth Mishra
Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Naraina Medical College & Hospital, Kanpur
Dr. Parvez Ahmad Ansari
Assistant professor, Department of General Surgery, Autonomous State Medical College, Tiloi, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Gyan Prakash Rastogi
Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Atariya, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Atiullah Mohammad Imran Malik
Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine.