Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: At present, about 250 million people are living with Hepatitis B virus infection globally, and in India, it is about 30 million individuals, with an increasing trend in many places. In India, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a serious public health issue, and its prevalence varies by location.  In most of the studies from India, the overall rate of Hepatitis B has been reported to range from 2-8%. Comprehending the laboratory, clinical, and demographic aspects of infection is essential for efficient disease management. Thus, frequent studies of associated factors may lead to newer strategies for disease control.   Methodology:  Data from 217 HBV-positive patients who were identified at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata (Medical College and Kolkata) between 2018 and 2020 were examined in this retrospective analysis. ICT and ELISA assays were used to screen the patients, and the Gene Xpert System was used to confirm the viral load. Clinical, occupational, and demographic data were analyzed to find trends linked to infection. Results: Males were more impacted than females, and the highest prevalence was seen in the 21–40 age range. The largest occupational category consisted of housewives (35.02%), and 71.4% of patients were married. The most frequent contributing factors were hepatomegaly and a history of blood transfusions. The majority of patients had normal serum bilirubin and SGPT levels and were asymptomatic; the HBeAg positivity rate was 8.7%. Conclusion: The study pinpoints important clinical and demographic trends of HBV infection in West Bengal, which might inform preventative measures and bolster public health initiatives for the management of hepatitis B.