SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN TAMLUK, WEST BENGAL: A HOSPITAL-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B And Hepatitis C Are Important Blood Borne Infections That Can Cause Chronic Liver Disease, Cirrhosis And Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Inspite Of The Various Threats Posed By It; Region Specific Hospital Based Serological Data Remains Limited. The aim and objective is to determine The Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV Among. Assess The Distribution Of HBV, HCV And HBV-HCV Co-Infection Using Serological Methods. Materials and Methods: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Observational Study Was Conducted In The Serology Laboratory Of Tamralipto Government Medical College And Hospital, Tamluk, West Bengal, From March To May 2026. A Total Of 2,870 Patient Samples Were Tested For HBSAG And Anti-HCV Using Rapid Immunochromatographic Assays And ELISA. Demographic And Clinical Characteristics Were Analyzed. Results: Among 2,870 Samples, 112 (3.90%) Were Seropositive. Hbsag Positivity Was Observed In 52 (1.81%), Anti-HCV Positivity in 48 (1.67%), and HBV-HCV Co-Infection in 12 (0.42%). Positivity Was Higher Among Males (4.7%) Than Females (2.6%) And Among OPD Patients (4.7%) Than IPD Patients (2.7%). ELISA Detected Seven Additional Positive Samples Compared With Rapid Testing. Conclusion: The Study Demonstrates a Measurable Serological Burden of HBV and HCV. In This Tertiary-Care Population. Continued Screening, Early Diagnosis, HBV Vaccination, Safe Transfusion Practices And Infection-Control Measures Are.