Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections pose a significant global public health burden. However, a substantial proportion of individuals remain undiagnosed, forming a hidden reservoir that perpetuates onward transmission. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed HBV and HCV infections within a population presenting for diagnoses unrelated to viral hepatitis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in central India. Clinical specimens from patients undergoing diagnostic workup for suspected illnesses other than HBV or HCV were analyzed for HBV and HCV serological markers. RESULTS: Among 1,630 specimens, a concerning prevalence of undiagnosed HBV and HCV infections was identified: 3.1% for HBV and 0.5% for HCV. Notably, a significant proportion of individuals testing positive were unaware of their infection status. CONCLUSION: This study unveils a concerning reservoir of undiagnosed chronic viral hepatitis within a population not routinely screened for HBV/HCV. These findings highlight the critical need for expanding HBV and HCV screening strategies beyond traditionally high-risk populations or patients with specific clinical presentations.