Serological Survey for the Infection of Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-1 among Isolated Ethnic Groups in Nepal

Abstract

Serological survey for the infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) among isolated ethnic groups in Nepal was done. Altogether 262 plasmas collected from the Raute in West Nepal, Chepang in Middle Nepal and Munda in East Nepal were tested. Plasmas were tested for the presence of HBV surface antigen (HBVs), antibodies to HBVs, HCV, HIV and HTLV-1 by the use of particle agglutination tests. Antibodies to HCV and HTLV-1 were totally negative among the three ethnic groups tested. One individual of the Raute was seropositive for HIV-1 antibodies. HBV infection was identified in the Raute (30%) and Munda (5%) but not in the Chepang. It was shown that emerging virus infections such as HIV and HCV in the remote populations are still negligible, however, nationwide preventive measures including screening test, vaccination scheme and education against these virus dissemination in Nepal are indispensable.