Seropositivity of HBV & HCV among the Family Members of Chronic Viral Hepatitis Patients

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are the global public health challenge. Family members of the HBV and HCV infected patients have a higher risk of exposure to many blood-borne diseases including Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viral infections as well. So the objectives of the present study was to evaluate seropositivity of HBV and HCV among family members of. chronic viral hepatitis patients. MethodsThis study was conducted 80 family members of 50 patients with chronic HBV and HCV infection. After ethical clearance and written consent, 1st degree family members of those chronically infected hepatitis patients were explained about the objectives of the study and a standard questionnaire were introduced and recorded. Venous blood samples was taken from every participant with universal precautions and was tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Hepatitis B surface antigen, anti HCV. Data analysis was done later by SPSS. ResultsEighty family members of 50 HBV and HCV positive cases where screened where HBV infection(45;90%) was more then HCV infection(5;90%). Male were 45(56.3%) and female were 35 (43.8%) male to male ratio 1.28:1. Total 23 (28.8%) subjects were vaccinated against HBV. One subject had history of blood transfusion and dental procedure each, extramarital sex activity was found in 2 (2.5%), and sleeping in the same room was found in 31(38.6%) subjects. History analysis revealed, 3(3.8%) were positive for HBV, 29 (36.3%) were found negative and 48(60%) were unaware of their status; again 77 (96.3%) are unaware of their anti HCV status. HBsAg and Anti HCV screening status of the relatives revealed HBsAg and anti HCV was found positive in 4 (5%) and 1 (1.3%) cases respectively. ConclusionRelatives of the HBV and HCV infected patients are also at risk. So they should take proper preventive measures and should be vaccinated.