Ravinder Garg1, Shaminder Kaur2, Rakesh Aseri3, Simmi Aggarwal4, Jatinder Pal Singh5, Simarpreet Mann6, Sumit Kumar7, Sarabjot Kaur3. 1. Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India . 2. Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India . 3. PG Resident, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India . 4. Professor & Head, Department of Radio- Diagnosis, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India . 5. Intern, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India . 6. Consultant Physician, Apex hospital , RampuraPhul, Bathinda, India . 7. Senior Resident, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
Abstract
BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
BACKGROUND: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. OBJECTIVE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
Authors: Beenu Thakral; Neelam Marwaha; Y K Chawla; Karan Saluja; Arpita Sharma; R R Sharma; R W Minz; S K Agnihotri Journal: Indian J Med Res Date: 2006-10 Impact factor: 2.375