Prevalence of Hiv, Hepatitis B and C in Oncology Patients

Background: India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. India is classied as an intermediate in the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) endemic (HBsAg carriage 2-7%) zone with the second largest global pool of chronic HBV infections. Understanding the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C in oncology patients is crucial for developing comprehensive care plans that address the unique challenges posed by these infections. Materials & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care centre. All registered patients whose blood sample which were sent to microbiology laboratory for viral markers i.e. HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV were included in the study. 3-5ml of blood sample were collected in plain vacutainer. All samples are processed after successful completion of calibration and quality control in VITROS ECiQ immunodiagnostic system. Results: Out of total 16341 oncology patients 366 (2.24%), 275 (1.68%) and 59 (0.36%) were Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV reactive respectively. Prevalence of infection was highest in patients with carcinoma oropharynx, .leukaemia followed by carcinoma cervix and breast. Conclusion: Understanding the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C in oncology patients is crucial for developing comprehensive care plans that address the unique challenges posed by these infections. Ongoing research and regionspecic data collection are essential to tailor prevention, screening, and treatment strategies effectively