title: Hepatitis B & C among farmers - a seroprevalence study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatitis B & C are the two major causes of chronic liver disease, having the similar parenteral route of transmission, thereby responsible for significant morbidity and mortality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Agriculture being the backbone of this part of country, the present study was undertaken to assess the seroprevalence of these diseases among the farmers which form the major occupation class in the Malwa belt of Punjab, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  Screening camp was organized at Kisan Mela at the regional station of Punjab Agriculture University at Faridkot, Punjab. Blood samples were collected, and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total of 1219 subjects, 63% being in the age group of 30-50 years, were screened of which the seroprevalence of HCV & HBV was 5% and 0.32% respectively, and 72% of HCV positive cases were between 30-50 years of age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study stresses on the need of safe injection practices especially in villages and control on addiction, a more effective vaccination program for HBV, strict check on commercial blood banks, and community education regarding tattooing and sexual behaviour.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Ravinder
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Shaminder
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaur
authors.affiliation: PG Resident, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aseri
authors.affiliation: Professor & Head, Department of Radio- Diagnosis, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Simmi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
authors.affiliation: Intern, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Jatinder Pal
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Consultant Physician, Apex hospital , RampuraPhul, Bathinda, India .
authors.forename: Simarpreet
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.affiliation: Senior Resident, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Sumit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: PG Resident, Department of Medicine, GGS Medical College & Hospital , Faridkot, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Sarabjot
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaur
keywords: Farmers; Farmers and hepatitis; Hepatitis prevalence; Hepatitis prevention; Liver disease