Hepatitis B virus seromarkers as an unmet need for screening among patients in North India.

Irfan, Sana; Kumar, Pankaj; Seema, Kumari · J Family Med Prim Care · 2025

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

Chronic Hepatitis B is a global public health concern with significant morbidity and mortality. Identification of serological markers is essential for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning. To determine the distribution of HBV seromarkers (HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg, anti-HBe, HBcIgM) among HBsAg-positive individuals, and assess co-infection with HIV, HCV, and HDV. A total of 19,607 patients were screened for HBsAg at RIMS, Ranchi. Of these, 481 were HBsAg-positive, and 351 had further seromarker profiling using Chemiluminescence Immunoassay. Co-infection with HIV, HCV, and HDV was also evaluated. Among 351 HBsAg-positive patients, 80.05% were asymptomatic and 98.29% had chronic infection. HBeAg was positive in 23.36%, anti-HBe in 66.66%. HIV co-infection was seen in 6.26% of cases, predominantly in the 31-40 age group. The majority of HBV cases were chronic and asymptomatic, with a notable percentage co-infected with HIV. Routine screening for HBV seromarkers is recommended to guide treatment and control transmission.