RESUMO
Objectives: To detect the presence of Hepatitis B virus [HBV] in the employees of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar
Method: Two hundred employees [180 males and 20 females] of the University were selected on the given criteria. Blood samples were collected and serum was separated by centrifuging the samples at 5,000 rpm for 8 minutes. The sera were transferred to eppendorf tubes and stored at -20°C. Samples were initially screened for Hepatitis B surface Antigen [HBsAg] by Immuno Chromatographic Test [ICT]. All the serum samples were used for HBV DNA extraction and subsequent two steps Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] assay developed at the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering [IBGE] for the confirmation of active infection of HBV. PCR products were detected on 2% Agarose gel pre-stained with Ethedium Bromide
Results: Results of ICT indicated that 6 [3%] were anti HBsAg hepatitis positive, of which 5 [2.5%] were males and 1 [0.5%] was female. The PCR results confirmed that 4 [2%] were actively infected, of which 3 [1.5%] were male and 1 [0.5%] was female. The results indicated that infection with HBV was more in male than female and was more in the age group of 25-35 years
Conclusion: The infection with HBV in the employees of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar was 3% as determined by ICT method and 2%. It was more in male than female and was more in younger age than older age. Screening and vaccination of the employees is recommended