EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF MOST PREVALENT INFECTIOUS DISEASES AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Infectious diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding their prevalence and associated risk factors is critical for effective public health interventions. This study aimed to investigate the most prevalent infectious diseases among hospitalized patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Methods: A total of 740 patients were enrolled between May 2025 and March 2026 from four clinical laboratories across KPK. Samples were analyzed using immune chromatographic methods. The prevalence and frequency of major infectious agents were determined, and the study was conducted following approval from the institutional ethical committee. The top five infectious diseases were identified based on their frequency among the sampled population. Results: Among the tested patients, 285 (38.51%) were infected with Hepatitis B virus, 155 (20.94%) with Salmonella typhi (Typhoid fever), 120 (16.21%) with Hepatitis C virus, and 109 (12.26%) with Helicobacter pylori. The study population included 443 males (52.73%) and 397 females (47.26%). The majority of cases were observed in patients aged 21–30 years and among married individuals (52.19%). Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus, Salmonella typhi, Hepatitis C virus, and Helicobacter pylori were the most prevalent infectious agents among hospitalized patients in KPK. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and management strategies, especially for young adults and married populations in the region.