Hepatitis-B surface antigen [HBSAG] screening and vaccination experience in Tharparkar

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B is a very common communicable viral disease due to multiple uses of syringes and infusions, unsafe blood transfusions. Tharparkar desert where doctors and health facilities are less as compare to other parts of Sindh Province, a study based on proforma filled during free hepatitis B vaccination and Hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] tests, conducted with the sponsorship of pathologist and philanthropists In two towns [Naukot and Chalhar total population of 10,000] of Tharparkar desert selected for this services during January 2005 to January2006. Total 612 residents of theses towns were enrolled for screening and and vaccination services of Hepatitis B out of 612, residents 321 were male 291 were female their age was ranging, from less than 10 years to more than 60 years. The HBsAg surface antigen was positive in 45 males and 28 females showing 73 out of 539 +ve cases giving HbsAg positive rate 11.9%. which is more than the national average of 10%. Study found early adolescence and teenagers showed high carrier rate. This is an alarming situation and needs urgent remedlal steps to prevent this growing problem HBV Vaccine in EPI is showing positive results and children below 10 are showing low infection rate than adults showing and adolescent ages