Serological Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Lahore District, Punjab Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the serological prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection and its association with age and gender among suspected individuals in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Method: Blood samples were collected from patients attending the Lahore Lab and Mansoorah Lab during July 2023 to November 2023 in Lahore. Data on the study participants, including age and gender was collected are subjected to ELISA testing for the investigation of immunoassays for the qualitative determination of HBsAg.

Results: Hepatitis B virus infection was screened in 348 patients, of whom 61 (17.5%) were found to be positive. Among them, 52.58% were male and 47.41% female. Female patients were found to be more commonly infected than their male counterparts. The highest rate of infection was found in children aged 10 to 30 (i.e., 45.9), followed by 15.38% in those aged 31 to 50. As age increases, the infection rate drops, with the 51–70 age group showing a 16.92% infection rate.

Conclusion: A total of 17.5% of participants in this study were infected with HBV, including both genders. The results indicated that HBV prevalence was higher in females and in the 21-30 age range, while older age groups experienced a lower infection rate. This suggests that there are gender and age differences in the exposure and transmission of HBV in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. objective write fromin one line.