Publication: Seroprevalene of hepatitis B virus among Bhutanese refugees residing in Nepal
Date
2005
Authors
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Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
The carrier rate of HBsAg is about 6% in Bhutan and 1% in Nepal. Since outbreaks of viral hepatitis are also known,
its high prevalence in a migrated community, if any, maybe a potential threat to the local people. The present study
was conducted in Beldangi 2 Extension Camp, a Bhutanese refugee camp located in eastern Nepal to know the
HBsAg carrier rate among the refugees. With the help of semi-structured questionnaires, 500 volunteers enrolled
were interviewed for the risk factors for HBV transmission. Blood samples of 467 subjects were tested for HBsAg
by an immunoassay based on immunochromatographic sandwich principle. Out of 467 samples 4 were positive for
HBsAg a prevalence rate of 0.9%. HBsAg carrier rate was found to be low in Bhutanese refugees. From the
questionnaires it was also found that they were not engaged in any practice that could increase the chances of HBV
transmission. The study shows that the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal in this geographical area are not a threat to the
local people as far as HBV transmission is concerned.
Key words: HBV, Bhutanese refugees, Nepal