STUDY OF VIRAL MARKERS (HIV, HBV, HCV) IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

BACKGROUND: Viral infections are global health problems, affecting millions. Studies show wide variations in the prevalence patterns of the Human Immuno deficiency, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus infections. Prevalence of these infections may vary not only from country to country but also in different regions of the same country. The present study was designed to find out the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections in patients attending a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted for a period of one year from April 2014 to March 2015. A total of 4276 patients were screened for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg), anti HCV antibodies and anti HIV antibodies. Patients with symptoms or signs of these viral infections and the patients for routine pre-surgical evaluation, referred by the clinicians were included in the study. Age, sex and serological result data was analysed for these patients. The results were analysed by Chi- square statistics. RESULTS: The sero-prevalence of HBsAg was 2.5%, anti HCV antibodies was 0.63%, anti HIV antibodies was 1.73% whereas, co-infection of HBsAg with HIV was seen in only three patients. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) was higher than HIV and HCV infections. As these viral infections are dangerous and cause morbidity and mortality, population based awareness & screening programmes are recommended to limit the further spread.