An estimation of hepatitis B virus prevalence in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan
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Date
2018
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UMT Lahore
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a main health issue all around the world. Regardless the availability of vaccines and various treatment strategies HBV is the main cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the World. The control of HBV is extremely important as it affects the huge number of individuals worldwide. The process of eradication and elimination of infection of HBV have improved significantly after the approval of vaccine against HBV. The pilot study was designed to check the seroprevalence of HBV in the capital of Baltistan Division. For this purpose male volunteer blood donors were enrolled in this study. In total 3377 individuals (aged between 20-30 years) who visited District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital Skardu Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan from January to June 2016 were screened for HBV infection. The results of current study show the prevalence of HBV in Skardu from January to June 2016. In total 3377 individuals (aged between 20-30 years) who visited District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital Skardu Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan from January to June 2016 were screened for HBV infection. The prevalence of HBV in the month of January was 1.7% out of 645 blood donors, February 3.36% out of 625, March 1.7% out of 648, April 4% out of 480, May 3.2% out of 220 and June was 5% out of 759. The overall prevalence of HBV in Skardu within six months is 3.16% out of 3377 blood donors. Awareness can be increased regarding HBV infection by educating the medical staff, medical subordinates and paramedics in the government and private sector. Primary physicians should be trained by giving short time trainings with respect to active screening, initial treatment and outreach. Apart from awareness from the infectious disease there is a dire need of mass vaccination to reduce the current prevalence of the disease. The prevalence of HBV is expected to decrease by improved treatment strategy. Early treatment of HBV prevents chronic HBV and liver cirrhosis and allows preventing liver transplantation. Government must take steps for providing reasonable treatment for HBV, which avoids more infections.