Trends in hepatitis B and hepatitis C seroprevalence among Nepalese blood donors

In Nepal, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are considerable health problems. This study aimed to assess the trends of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence in blood donors over the last 6 years nationwide and in the urbanized setting of Kathmandu Valley. This was a retrospective study conducted among Nepalese blood donors through the years 2001/2002-2006/2007. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV antibodies using third generation ELISA tests. The donors' information was collected via the donor record register through their respective Blood Transfusion Services. The software, Winpepi ver 3.8 was used for statistical analysis. The overall seroprevalence rates of HBV and HCV in a nationwide analysis were observed to be 0.82 and 0.47%, respectively, and at Central Blood Transfusion Service (CBTS), Kathmandu, the rates were 0.92 and 0.71%, respectively. The seroprevalence of HBV was significantly higher than the seroprevalence of HCV, both nationwide and at CBTS (P < 0.05). An overall significantly decreasing trend was observed in HBV and HCV seroprevalence both nationwide and at CBTS, Kathmandu, over the last 6 years (P < 0.05). Though the overall trend was significantly decreasing, the test for departure from a linear trend also showed a statistically significant result (P < 0.05).