HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION

FREQUENCY OF A DUMB MURDERER IN BLOOD DONORS’ COMMUNITY OF LAHORE

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main causative agent of post transfusion hepatitis.
The virus is distributed worldwide with varying prevalence in different countries, which could
easily lead to chronic infections, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim
of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among asymptomatic Pakistani
blood donors community. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Medicine Department,
Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) & Jinnah Hospital Lahore (JHL). Period: One year (Jan
2014 to 30 Dec 2014). Material & Methods: A total of 18,274 blood samples were collected from
asymptomatic healthy blood donors (age range 19–59 years) at allama iqbal Medical College
& Jinnah Hospital Lahore Pakistan. Blood samples were screened for anti-HCV by Immunochromatographic
technique (ICT). Results: Out of 18,274 blood samples, the overall HCV
prevalence was 2.62%. Among the HCV positive cases, male were more prevalent, according
to marital status married individuals were more prevalent and the age group with 31-40 years
was more frequently infected.in relation with blood group high frequency of HCV positivity
seen in Blood Group B. Conclusion: We conclude that HCV is asymptomatic infection and
easily can lead to chronic stat. therefore control of transmission requires continuous monitoring
and surveillance. Trend of HCV infection is decreasing in recent years, In comparison with
countries in geographic region, Pakistan has still high rate of HCV infection. The HCV epidemic
in Pakistan continues due to lack of education and awareness of the disease. A multidisciplinary
approach and the best policies for management will be required to adopt suitable technical
methods increase awareness in both lay and medical communities. And produce more accurate
diagnosis and effective treatment of HCV patients