Abstract
Background: Early detection and treatment of Hepatitis C can change the natural history of disease. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to detect infection of hepatitis C using a rapid immunochromatographic assay in a community setting. The secondary aims included assessment of prevalence rate and disease characteristics; including liver function tests, viral load, grade and stage of disease on the liver biopsy. Methods: Two cohorts of 4000 and 321 2 people (.004% of the population) were surveyed over a three week period each between December 2008 through August 2009. Qualitative detection of hepatitis C antibodies was done using a colloidal gold enhanced rapid immunochromatographic assay (Health Chem Diagnostics LLC, FL-USA).Viral load was calculated using RT PCR (Taqman) and those found positive underwent liver biopsy.28 and 33patients with proven chronic hepatitis C formed the controls for validation of the kit used in the first and the second cohort.
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