Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis C in Murree

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C infection can result in liver damage ranging from inflammation to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the city of Murree. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at THQ Hospital Murree, Pakistan from June 2021 to November 2021. The prevalence of hepatitis C was estimated using two major laboratory diagnostic methods: immunochromatographic testing (ICT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 2,163 patients were tested for HCV antibodies by ICT, of whom 446 tested positive for ICT (prevalence 20%). The positive ICT samples were further analyzed using the molecular gold standard method PCR. Of the 446 samples, 381 (85.6%) tested positive by PCR, 38 (8.4%) negative and 27 (6%) had to be re-sampled due to sample inaccuracy. Results: A total of 381 people were included in the study. Of the 2,163 patients screened with ICT, 446 tested positive. All 446 samples underwent PCR, and 381 (85.6%) cases were positive, 38 (8.4%) were negative and 27 (6%) were requested to be re-sampled. The most affected age group was 30- to 39-year-olds (27.4%). Of the subjects with positive HCV results by PCR, 66% had abnormal liver function test results (elevated ALT, ALP, and bilirubin), while 34% had normal liver function test results. The viral load of HCV-positive cases ranged from 1,000,000 to 7,000,000 IU/L in 35.7% of cases and from 100,000 to 999,999 IU/L in 43.8% of cases. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of hepatitis C (17%) in the population served by Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Murree, which poses a significant challenge. It is crucial to promote the use of gold standard methods such as PCR in laboratory diagnostics to ensure accurate detection and characterization of HCV infection period.