Prevalence of hepatitis C in selected patients in Parachinar, Kurrum Agency, Pakistan

Abstract

A survey prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Patients in Parachinar, Kurrum Agency , Pakistan was performed from March 2010 to March 2011. 100 positive HCV cases were selected and interviewed. The highest prevalence of HCV was found in 36% males and 8% females with aged 16-30 years. HCV infection in married 55% males and 10% females. Population in rural area was more affected as in males 72% and females 10%. Socioeconomic condition of the cases belongs to business class people, in which 74% male and 7% females +ve. Risk factors of HCV patients from higher to lower range as share syringe were found in males 31% and females 7%, patients with surgical operations were in males 17% and females 12%. Health care workers, in 14% males and no female was affected. Sexually transmission of HCV, in males 3% and females 2%. Symptoms of HCV found in patients with descending order: abdominal pain in males 67% and females 12%; fatigue in males 65% and females 12%; fever in males 64% and females 6%; yellow skin color in males 53% and females 7%; dark color urine in males 35% and females 7%; rashes in males 35% and females 6%; vomiting in males 21% and females 4%; pale color stool in males 19% and females 5%. The HCV was diagnosed by strip, ELISA and PCR methods. Strip method was performed by males 9% and females 3%. The ELISA was performed by 74% males and 9% females while PCR was performed by only 2% males.