Trends in hepatitis B and hepatitis C seroprevalence among Nepalese blood donors

Area of Science:

• * Virology and Epidemiology
• * Public Health and Infectious Diseases

Background:

• * Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represent significant public health challenges in Nepal.
• * Understanding seroprevalence trends is crucial for effective blood transfusion safety and disease control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To evaluate the nationwide and Kathmandu Valley-specific trends of HBV and HCV seroprevalence among blood donors.
• * To analyze seroprevalence data over a six-year period (2001/2002-2006/2007).

Main Methods:

• * Retrospective analysis of serum samples from Nepalese blood donors.
• * Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV antibody testing using third-generation ELISA.
• * Statistical analysis performed using Winpepi software (ver 3.8).

Main Results:

• * Overall nationwide HBV and HCV seroprevalence rates were 0.82% and 0.47%, respectively.
• * At the Central Blood Transfusion Service (CBTS), Kathmandu, rates were 0.92% (HBV) and 0.71% (HCV).
• * A statistically significant decreasing trend in both HBV and HCV seroprevalence was observed nationwide and in Kathmandu over the study period (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• * Hepatitis B seroprevalence was significantly higher than Hepatitis C seroprevalence.
• * The study demonstrates a significant decline in HBV and HCV seroprevalence among blood donors in Nepal.
• * Further analysis indicated a statistically significant departure from a linear trend, suggesting complex dynamics in disease prevalence.