IMC Journal of Medical Science

Background and objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with an estimated 296 million chronically infected individuals worldwide. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection is a cornerstone in the serological diagnosis of HBV, serving as a marker for both acute and chronic infection. Despite the availability of advanced diagnostic techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) are widely used in resource-limited healthcare settings for their affordability and simplicity. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg among patients attending a tertiary care hospital over six months, analyse the distribution of infection across age and gender and compare findings with other studies.

Materials and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, from January 2025 to June 2025. A total of 3,200 serum samples were screened for HBsAg using rapid ICT kits. (Erba HBsAg Rapid test Manufacturer’s name Transasia Biomedicals Ltd, Mumbai Maharashtra India). Data were analysed by age, gender, and monthly trends.

Results: Out of 3,200 samples screened, 53 tested positive, yielding an overall prevalence of 1.65%. The highest positivity was observed in patients >60 years (4.54%), followed by the 41-60 years age group (2.58%). No positive cases were detected among children <12 years. Prevalence was nearly equal among males (2.0%) and females (1.26%). Month-wise analysis showed a fluctuating trend, with the highest positivity in April (2.03%). The highest HBsAg rate was observed among suspected hepatitis cases 2.50%, followed by Preoperative screening 1.64%.

Conclusion: The study highlights a low prevalence of HBsAg in our hospital population, consistent with WHO’s “low endemicity” category. The absence of infections in children reflects the success of childhood vaccination programs, while persistence in adults suggests the need for catch-up vaccination strategies. Comparisons with similar studies confirm declining HBV prevalence across India. Strengthened surveillance, improved diagnostic confirmation and targeted immunization remain critical for achieving HBV elimination goals.

January 2026; Vol. 20(1):007.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.20.007

*Correspondence: Sabiha Tamboli, Department of Microbiology, ASPL’S CSMSS Medical College and Hospital, Limbejalgaon, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India. Email: sabihatamboli77@gmail.com.

© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License(CC BY 4.0).