Incidence of hepatitis B antigen in Mangalore.

ABSTRACT

A random survey of 360 patients suffering from hepatitis and 90 patients suffering from suspected glomerulonephritis was carried out for HBs Ag by micro ELISA method. One hundred and twenty-four positive results were obtained in case of hepatitis, out of which 76 (35.19 per cent) were males and 48 (33.33 per cent) were females. The highest prevalence of HBs Ag was found in the age group of 21-30 (62.5 per cent) followed by 31-40 (46.15 per cent) and least between 11-20 (11.11 per cent). Comparatively it was found more common in Hindus followed by Muslims and Christians. All 90 cases of glomerulonephritis were negative for HBs Ag. A comparative study of ELISA test with CIEP in detection of HBs Ag was done in all ELISA positive samples. ELISA was found far more sensitive than CIEP.