Regarding the epidemiological situation of hepatitis B in India, which statement is correct?
- A India is a low endemicity country with HBsAg prevalence below 2%
- B India is a high endemicity country with HBsAg prevalence above 8%
- C India is an intermediate endemicity zone with HBsAg prevalence of 2 to 8% among the general population ✓
- D Hepatitis B carrier rate in India is negligible due to universal immunisation since 1985
Correct answer: C. India is an intermediate endemicity zone with HBsAg prevalence of 2 to 8% among the general population
Explanation
India falls in the intermediate endemicity zone, with estimated HBsAg positivity of 2 to 8% in the general population, corresponding to roughly 40 million carriers. Universal hepatitis C vaccination under UIP began much later than 1985 and was rolled out across all states around 2011, so it has not yet eliminated carriage. High endemicity, defined as more than 8%, applies to countries where infection is acquired predominantly in infancy.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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