A Preliminary Prospective Study for Seroprevalance of Hepatitis B Positivity in Hospital-Based Population from Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background and study aim: Tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have emerged as major public health problems in Egypt. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for the HCV infection among patients with TB in Sohag and Qena governorates. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Sohag and Qena university hospitals. Hundred thirty five tuberculosis patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. HCV infection was diagnosed in 21/135 (6.4%). Results: Goza smoking (P value 0.01 Odd's Ratio 3.75, 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.44), history of operation (P value 0.001 ORs 7.67, 95% CI 0.165-0.263), blood transfusion (P value 0.004 ORs 7.2, 95% CI 0.103-0.362), presence of tattoos (P value 0.03 ORs 3.4, 95% CI 0.168-0.338), extra pulmonary tuberculosis (P value 0.004 ORs 3.5, 95% CI 2.341-3.384), low serum albumin (P value 0.002 ORs 0.5, 95% CI 0.068-0.317) were the main risk factors associated with HCV infection. Conclusion: Universal screening for HCV infection in TB patients is highly recommended with an urgent need to detect HCV infection in high-risk groups to prevent future HCV transmission as well as morbidity and mortality associated with TB.