Sero-Prevalence of HCV Antibodies in Population Attending Madina Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad

Abstract

In the recent years, infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as one of the common causes of acute and chronic liver disease world over including Pakistan. In the suburbs of the cities and in far flung areas, quacks and barbers frequently use un-sterilized instruments which are a major potential source of spreading HCV infection in the sub-urban population of Pakistan.

Background: This is a descriptive study carried out to determine the frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in the population of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Study design: A descriptive study.

Place and Duration: This study was performed in the department of clinical pathology of Madina Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad from May 2005 to April 2007.

Methods: Blood specimens of all subjects were collected and tested for Anti-HCV.

Results: Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) among hospital based general population was determined. The study population comprised of 3094 individuals attending a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The overall seropreva-lence was found to be 17.77%. The seroprevalence in males and females was 16.45% and 19.13% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of individuals who were positive in case of males and females (p >0.05). This study also shows higher prevalence rate of HCV infection in the older age group (≥50).

Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated a high carrier state of clinically silent HCV infection.

Keywords: Seroprevalence, Hepatitis C, Anti-HCV, Chronic hepatitis, Madina Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad.