Hepatitis B & C among farmers - a seroprevalence study

• Published in: Journal of clinical and diagnostic research Vol. 8; no. 11; pp. MC07 - MC09
• Main Authors: Garg, Ravinder, Kaur, Shaminder, Aseri, Rakesh, Aggarwal, Simmi, Singh, Jatinder Pal, Mann, Simarpreet, Kumar, Sumit, Kaur, Sarabjot
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 01.11.2014
• Subjects: farmers; farmers and hepatitis; hepatitis prevalence; hepatitis prevention; liver disease; Farmers and hepatitis; Farmers; Hepatitis prevalence; Hepatitis prevention; Liver disease
• ISSN: 2249-782X; 0973-709X
• DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/9514.5185

Hepatitis B & C are the two major causes of chronic liver disease, having the similar parenteral route of transmission, thereby responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Agriculture being the backbone of this part of country, the present study was undertaken to assess the seroprevalence of these diseases among the farmers which form the major occupation class in the Malwa belt of Punjab, India. Screening camp was organized at Kisan Mela at the regional station of Punjab Agriculture University at Faridkot, Punjab. Blood samples were collected, and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Total of 1219 subjects, 63% being in the age group of 30-50 years, were screened of which the seroprevalence of HCV & HBV was 5% and 0.32% respectively, and 72% of HCV positive cases were between 30-50 years of age. The study stresses on the need of safe injection practices especially in villages and control on addiction, a more effective vaccination program for HBV, strict check on commercial blood banks, and community education regarding tattooing and sexual behaviour.