A study on the distribution of Hepatitis B and C viral markers in the Weaver’s community of Tamil nadu state, India

PlanTo study the distribution of Hepatitis B and C viral markers among the weavers population from Kanchipuram, Erode and Tiruvannamalai Districts of Tamil Nadu.MethodologyMedical camps were organized in three districts (Kanchipuram, Erode and Tiruvannamalai) based on information about the weavers population who live in these localities. Three hundred and two blood samples were collected non-randomized and screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Anti HCV by ELISA.OutcomeHBsAg positivity rate of Kanchipuram District was (3.09%), Erode District (2.04%) and Tiruvannamalai District (1.88%) HCV positivity was observed in one person only in Tiruvannamalai District (0.94%). There was no significant association between age, gender and the incidence of HBV and HCV positivity (p ≥ 0.05 at 5% confidence).The percentage of HBV (HBsAg) and HCV in the weaver community is similar to the general population.