Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus is encountered sporadically in Bangladesh. It results in a wide range liver diseases, with asymptomatic acute hepatitis rarely at one end to HCC at the other end of the spectrum. Methods: 1018 individuals of different age groups and sex with varied religious, educational and social backgrounds were tested for anti-HCV by ELISA. Before testing, blood samples were preserved at -20°C. The study was conducted in a semi-urban location on the outskirts of Dhaka. Results: 0.88% tested positive for anti HCV. None of them tested positive for HBsAg. There was a male predominance and those who tested positive were mostly between 17 and 50 years of age. Major risk factors for exposure to HBV appeared to be injudicious use of injectable medications, treatment by unqualified, traditional practitioners, mass-vaccination against cholera and smallpox, barbers and body piercing. Conclusion: HCV remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Key words: HCV; prevalence; general population; Bangladesh. DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v2i1.3705 BSMMU J 2009; 2(1): 14-17
Highlights
Introduction: hepatitis C virus (HCV) related chronic liver disease is common in our clinical practice, there is lack of representative population study in Bangladesh regarding the prevalence of the virus
On the other hand a British study has shown that 45.3% and 56% of British-Bangladeshi patients with chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma respectively have been infected with HCV3
There are published data from Bangladesh identifying HCV to be the etiological agent in 24.1% of patients with chronic liver diseases in Bangladesh[4]
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) related chronic liver disease is common in our clinical practice, there is lack of representative population study in Bangladesh regarding the prevalence of the virus. This present study is among the handful where the seroprevalence of HCV in our population has been studied. There are published data from Bangladesh identifying HCV to be the etiological agent in 24.1% of patients with chronic liver diseases in Bangladesh[4] All these diversifying reportings make it essential to revisit the prevalence of HCV in this country, especially among the apparently healthy individuals.
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