Vol. 4, Issue 5, Part B (2018)

Abstract
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection is endemic throughout the world especially in tropical and developing countries. Clinical data collected in the hospital gives the estimation of burden of disease in the community as patients with different background attend the hospital. With this background the present study was designed. The study was undertaken to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C (anti-HCV Ab) in both the sexes and different age groups in a hospital-based population in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Serum samples collected over a period of 11 months from May 2017 to March 2018, of patients attending OPDs and admitted to various IPDs of SP Medical college & attached group of Hospitals, Bikaner, were subjected within the hospital-based lab for the detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV Ab using rapid card tests. The seroprevalence of HBsAg was found to be 1.04%, of anti-HCV Ab as 0.33%. The 21-40 age group was affected the most. Males were affected more than females. The regular surveillance & determination of magnitude of seroprevalence of viral transmission in the community is important for its prevention and control. The study throws light on the magnitude of viral transmission in the community in the state of Rajasthan and provides a reference for future studies.