Sytematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of hepatitis B in India.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the point prevalence of Hepatitis B in India.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of data on point prevalence from different parts of the country.

DATA SOURCES

Searches were made in Medline, Cochrane Library and Best bets and previous reviews. A limited hand search of cross references was also done. Finally a consultation with experts was held to enlarge the references base.

REVIEW METHODS

Studies reporting prevalence of HBsAg were selected. Data from high risk groups were excluded.

MAIN RESULTS

54 papers reporting data on 61 populations were identified. The true prevalence for each study was calculated from the reported prevalence using the specificity and sensitivity of the test employed. The true prevalence in non-tribal populations is 2.4% (95% CI: 2.2%-2.7%). True prevalence among tribal populations is 15.9% (CI: 11.4%-20.4%).

CONCLUSION

These figures may be useful in estimation of the burden of the disease in the country and for projecting the cost-benefits of immunization.