Abstract:
Background: Hepatitis B virus 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. It is
a prospective study estimating the prevalence of HBV infection in a tertiary care centre. Objective: Study was
conducted to know the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in a tertiary care centre in Bijapur, Karnataka.
Methodology: Patients attending Out-Patient Department (OPD) and In-Patient Department (IPD) with various
diagnosis who were advised for HbsAg testing were included in this study. Immunochromatographic method
(Hepacard) was used for qualitative detection of HbsAg to diagnose HBV infection. Results: A year wise
seropositivity showed there was slight increase in the HBV positive cases. In 2012 prevalence rate was 1.54% and
in 2013 it was 1.65%. Male preponderance compared to females was seen. More number of cases was seen in
active age group i.e. 31-40 years. Conclusion: The present study shows there is slight increase in number of cases
in 2013 compared to 2012. This study also highlights that hospital based studies can be an option for community
based studies
