Anti-HCV antibody positivity of various sections of Pakistani patients.

Abstract

To determine the anti-HCV antibody status of various sections of the Pakistani population and patients as reported in various Pakistani studies. A meta-analysis. Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical College and Allied Hospitals, Rawalpindi, from July 2007 to July 2008. Data pertaining to anti-HCV antibody status of various sections of the Pakistani population and patients was collected from studies published till July 2008. To note anti-HCV antibody status, 15 groups of subjects like liver disease patients, general blood donors, adult screening, and community prevalence etc. were identified. The frequency of total and anti-HCV antibody positive subjects of each group was noted. Chi2 was used as test of significance for comparison wherever appropriate. Data from 183 studies was collected; 1004391 subjects anti-HCV antibody status was retrieved. 4.27% (n=42982) of these were anti-HCV antibody positive. Major bulk of patients with liver disease (56.9%), 2.71% of general and 10.39% of professional blood donors groups were positive, (p < 0.05). Positivity in community and adult screening was 11.52 and 6.29% respectively. According to the studies in consideration; 2.71% of Pakistani general blood donors and major bulk of liver disease patients are anti-HCV positive. Community based anti-HCV positivity is 11.52%.