HEPATITIS - C

Abstract

Objectives: 1) To evaluate the overall prevalence rate of viral hepatitiscarrier state among a group of voluntary blood donors. 2) To find the proportion of anti HCV in the study group. 3) Tofind the probable mode of transmission of HCV infection in the study group. Setting: Pathology lab, Jinnah Hospital,Iqra Medical Complex & Hi Tech Lab, Lahore. Period: November 2000 to April 2001. Patients & Methods: A total of890 apparently healthy blood donors (797 males, 93 females) were studied. Clinical details were recorded. The bloodsamples were collected using packed sterile disposable syringes. Sera were analysed by a qualitative enzymeimmunoassy sera diagnostic test using second generation ELISA Kits. Results: Among 890 subjects screened, carrierstate for hepatitis-C was 6.06%. The prevalence of hepatitis-C amongst total cases positive for hepatitis was 33.5%.A higher prevalence rate in males (6~8%) was observed as compared to females (2.22%). The difference wasstatistically significant (p<0.05). The most important mode of transmission was through injections; (males 32.075%,females 100%) followed by blood transfusion. Only 5.88% of the cases had an episode of jaundice in the past.Conclusion: A remarkable positive cases of hepatitis C in this study underline the dire need of comprehensive planfor multi-disciplinary approach for HCV prevention and control.