Study of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and their Coinfection in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aruna R, Sunita Gajbhiye, Seema Khetan, Sunanda Shrikhande

Abstract: Introduction: Among the various causes of Chronic Liver Disease(CLD), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are the most important due to their chronicity, complications, and potential to progress to cirrhosis and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hence, the present cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Central India to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and their coinfection among patients with chronic liver disease. It also aimed to assess their demographic and clinical profiles. The findings will help strengthen regional data on viral hepatitis and support targeted strategies for better management of CLD patients. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and their coinfection among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). To assess the viral load of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2024 to May 2025, on a total of 300 CLD patients. Venous samples were tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and Anti-HCV antibodies by performing sandwich ELISA. Results: Out of 300 chronic liver disease (CLD) cases included in the study, 259 (86.3%) were males and 41 (13.7%) were females, with a mean age of 45.27 ? 12.36 years. Among these patients, Hepatitis B accounted for 20.7% (n = 62) of cases, while Hepatitis C contributed to 7% (n = 21). A small proportion of patients, 0.7% (n = 2), were found to have Hepatitis B and C coinfection. The majority of the HBsAg-positive cases and anti-HCV antibody-positive cases had blood transfusion as a risk factor. Out of 300 cases, 3(1%) cases were developed hepatocellular carcinoma, and all 3 cases were HBsAg positive. Conclusion: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most common causes of Chronic Liver Disease in India. Patients with dual infection do not have a greater risk of developing Hepatocellular carcinoma than mono-infection. Risk of Hepatocellular carcinoma in Hepatitis B infection is higher than Hepatitis C infection.

Keywords: Chronic Liver Disease, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Co-infection, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Viral load

How to Cite?: Aruna R, Sunita Gajbhiye, Seema Khetan, Sunanda Shrikhande, "Study of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and their Coinfection in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1497-1504, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251028001524, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251028001524