Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Lawaghar Valley, District karak KhyberPakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem in the developing countries including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HBV in Lawaghar valley of district karak Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. A total of 800 individuals (380 males and 164 females and 256 children) suspected for hepatitis B infection were screened for HBsAg. All the samples were analyzed for HBV by ELISA. Out Of the total samples collected 495(61.75%) were positive for Hepatitis. In males 65.78% were more infected than female 57.92% and childerns 58.59%. High occurrence 86% was recorded in 20-40 years, in age group of 40-60 years the percentage was 71.5% the lowest percentage was recorded in the age of 10-20years 64.66%. Extensive vaccination and other preventive measures should be taken to stop the spread of this dreadful disease in the study area