Passive Surveillance of Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies in Human Subjects of Four Medical Units of Balochistan, Pakistan

Hepatitis C virus is a major public health problem and a causative agent of chronic liver disease worldwide. Hepatitis C virus infection is indolent and asymptomatic disease in human that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A cross sectional study was conducted in six selected...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of agriculture and biology 2012-08, Vol.14 (4)
Main Authors: MOHAMMAD ALAM MENGAL, Abbas, Ferhat, MOHAMMAD AZAM MENGAL, Shafee, Muhammad, Babar, Shakeel, MOHAMMAD ASLAM MENGAL, Atique, Adnan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Antibodies
Cirrhosis
Hepatitis C virus
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Liver diseases
Public health
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Summary:Hepatitis C virus is a major public health problem and a causative agent of chronic liver disease worldwide. Hepatitis C virus infection is indolent and asymptomatic disease in human that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A cross sectional study was conducted in six selected districts of Balochistan. Blood samples of 1800 subjects (both genders aged between 18-60) were collected and sera/plasma were screened for anti-hepatitis-C virus (HCV) antibodies by rapid immunochromatography test (ICT). Out of 1800 subjects 1259 (70.0%) male and 541 (30.0%) female were screened for anti- HCV antibodies. A total of 161 (8.9%) subjects were found positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Gender and area were not found statistically associated (p greater than 0.05) with the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies. However, age group 41-50 years was found most susceptale to HCV. Keeping in veiw the alarming level of anti-HCV antibodies, routine screening of subjects through rapid ICT is suggested, which is an important and economical tool and can help in reduction of HCV transmission. [copy 2012 Friends Science Publishers
ISSN:1560-8530
1814-9596