Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of severe liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. In Pakistan most of HCV positive patients have history of facial/armpit shaving from barbers. 79% of barbers are rubbing Potash Alum stone on facial shaving cuts. Dark blood spots are analyzed on Potash Alum stones being used at different barber shops. The aim of the study was to check the viability of hepatitis C virus on potash alum stone being used at barber shops. Blood samples from HCV positive patients were taken and treated with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 molar concentrations of Potash Alum for different periods of time. Blood was centrifuged to isolate the serum; HCV RNA was extracted from serum and subjected to first strand synthesis and PCR. PCR fragments were confirmed by sequencing. PCR amplification was observed in all the samples, treated with different concentrations of Potash Alum, indicated that the virus remains alive on Potash Alum stone for a long period of time. Potash Alum being used by barbers on facial shaving cuts has definite role in HCV transmission in Pakistani population. Therefore use of Potash Alum stone should be banned on facial shaving cuts at barber shops.
Highlights
Hepatitis C virus is the main cause of severe liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease [1]
It was estimated by world health organization in 2004 that the annual deaths due to liver cancer caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and cirrhosis were 308,000 and 785,000 respectively [5]
Sample collection and Treatment Serum samples of HCV positive patients were taken from the diagnostic department of NUST Center of Virology and Immunology. 200 ul of serum samples were taken and treated with 200 ul of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 molar concentration of potash alum solution for six hours
Summary
Hepatitis C virus is the main cause of severe liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease [1]. HCV infection leads to chronic infection in 50% to 80% of individuals [4]. It was estimated by world health organization in 2004 that the annual deaths due to liver cancer caused by HCV and cirrhosis were 308,000 and 785,000 respectively [5]. Pakistan is a developing country of 180 million people with low health and educational standards. It was ranked 134th out of 170 countries according to the human development index of United Nations [9]. Barbers are involved in incision, circumcision and drainage of abscesses especially in rural areas and only 13% of them know that hepatitis C is a disease of liver, causing cancer [13]
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