A Retrospective Study: Incidence and Distribution of Viral Hepatitis among Garhwali Population in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

P K Modak; P K Chakraborty; P K Sharma; G G Potey

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

A Retrospective Study: Incidence and Distribution of Viral Hepatitis among Garhwali Population in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

P K Modak, P K Chakraborty, P K Sharma, G G Potey

Abstract :

Introduction: All over the world today, around 400 million people are suffering from viral hepatitis. Asia-Pacific region constitutes the epicenter of this epidemic. It is a major cause for health care burden in India. Hepatitis A virus and Hepatitis E virus are predominantly enterically transmitted pathogens, which are purely responsible for acute viral hepatitis whereas Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus are predominantly spread through parenteral route, responsible for cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis D virus (defective RNA virus) is present worldwide and usually affects all age groups. Materials & Methods: The study was carried out upon Garhwali subjects suffering from viral hepatitis at the hepatology clinic, with the co-operation of serology laboratory during the period from January 2015 to December 2018 at H.N.B. Govt. Base Hospital of Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Govt. Medical Science & Research Institute, Srinagar, Uttarakhand. Serological tests were applied. Results: This retrospective study was carried out at HNB Base Hospital, revealed that out of 340 hepatitis infected patients, frequencies of among male and female patients are (48.53%) (highest in age group 40-50 yrs) and (51.47%) (highest in 30-40 yrs). The prevalence of HBV (33.52%) > HCV(31.47%) > HAV(21.76%) > HEV(10.29% ) > HDV(2.94%). Discussion/Conclusion: Increase incidence of hepatitis seen in Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pauri and Rudraprayag districts were due to their proximity to 2013-flood disaster area and many people all over india usually come to these areas every year during the Yatra season. Occupations (Land laborers were found having the highest frequency) played significant role for infections. Contamination played an important criterion for the transmission of viral hepatitis in this hilly region.