Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Balochistan, Pakistan
Author Information
Author(s): Sheikh Nadeem S., Sheikh Azeem S., Sheikh Aqleem A., Yahya Samira, Rafi-U-Shan, Lateef Majid
Primary Institution: Bolan Medical College Complex, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
Hypothesis
The objective was to evaluate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and IgM antibodies to hepatitis core antigen in Balochistan Province of Pakistan.
Conclusion
The study highlights the need for public education and vaccination to control the spread of hepatitis B in Balochistan.
Supporting Evidence
- HBsAg was detected in 1166 (9.8%) of the subjects screened.
- Anti-HBc IgM was found in 117 (10.0%) of the subjects.
- The prevalence of hepatitis B varied from 3.3% in Khuzdar to 17.0% in Kodi Zikriani.
- Majority of chronic HBV infected subjects were in the age group of 30-50 years.
- Carrier prevalence rates among males and females were 7.3% and 2.4%, respectively.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people in Balochistan have hepatitis B, a virus that can make you very sick. They found that about 10 out of every 100 people tested had it.
Methodology
A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted from January 2004 to December 2008, screening 15,260 subjects.
Potential Biases
Potential for selection bias as only 78% of approached subjects agreed to undergo screening.
Limitations
The study did not include screening for HBeAg as a measure of infectivity status.
Participant Demographics
The study included 11,900 subjects screened, with a median age of 34.5 years; 57.7% were males and 42.2% were females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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