Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health issue globally. Understanding the prevalence of HBV infection in a particular area helps to determine the extent of the infection. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity is a robust marker of the actual rate of HBV infection in the community.

A recent study by Singh and colleagues sought to determine the prevalence of HBsAg in a teaching hospital-based population.

Investigators used a one-step rapid immunochromatographic method to detect HBsAg for the diagnosis of HBV infection in 11,792 serum samples tested over two years.

Of the samples tested, 100 (0.85%) were positive for HBsAg. Males had a higher positivity rate at 77%, compared to females (23%). The most common age group affected in males was 31-40 years (21%) while in females, it was the 21-30 years age group (31%).

The study hints at the extent of viral transmissible infections in a North Indian population. The most commonly affected people were in the second and third decade, thus alerting us to exercise more caution as the presentation is in young age group.

Source: Singh J, Singh S, Chandra S. Prevalence of Hepatitis B Infection Found Incidentally During Routine Blood Investigation in North Indian Population. International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology 2020;11: 027-036.