Viral hepatitis is a major global public health problem and both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are rapidly spreading in the developing countries including Bangladesh. A molecular characteristic-based epidemiological study was conducted to identify the Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Dhaka City, Bangladesh among all age groups, gender and marital status and to identify the possible risk factors for acquiring the infections. Informed consent was taken from every individual being tested and approval was obtained from institutional ethical review committee. Using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for 1855 blood samples, our study clearly indicated a high prevalence of active HBV and HCV as 8.0% and 3.0% respectively in general public of Savar, Dhaka. Both HBV and HCV prevalence varied significantly in different age groups with respect to gender and marital status. In case of HBV, it was least prevalent for individuals whose age was above 60 years. Contrary in case of HCV, it was least prevalent for individuals whose age was below 11 years and above 60 years. However, middle aged populations, especially 3140 and 2130 year individuals were observed at higher risk of hepatitis B and C ailments with 11.28% active HBV prevalence and 5.77% active HCV prevalence with respect to gender, respectively. The findings and further studies of genotype distribution might guide eventually the development, adaptation and evaluation of prevention strategies.
Key words: Hepatitis B and C viruses infection, Epidemiology, Prevention strategies, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
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