SEROPREVALENCE OF HBsAg (HBS) AND ANTI-HCV

IN GENERAL POPULATION OF BALUCHISTAN. DURING 2012 AND 2013. AN AWARENESS STUDY

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis is the inflammation of liver caused by infectious and noninfectious
agents. Hepatitis B and C are inflammations of liver caused by the viruses which are the
major public health problems worldwide and the incidence is even more in our country.
Objective: Objective of the study was, 1). To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis
C viruses infected persons among the general population coming to BMC Hospital. 2). To point
out the more affected area of Baluchistan. 3). To produce awareness in the people. 4). To bring
this issue in Government notice. Method: The data was obtained from the patients of BMCH
Quetta in which one step test kits were used first and the positive cases were confirmed by ELISA.
Results: Out of 46319 samples tested (both indoor & outdoor patients), 3078 (6.64%) were
positive. From overall positive samples 1631(3.52%) were HBs positive and 1447(3.12) samples
were positive for HCV and 2 patients were positive for both HBs Ag and anti HCV. Conclusions:
Prevalence of Hepatitis B is more comparing to Hepatitis C in this province. Prevalence of both
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C was high in Naseerabad district of Baluchistan Great care should be
exercised during shaving, dental treatment, surgical procedures and blood transfusions. Policy
message: - Media should be used by National Hepatitis Control Programme of Pakistan to
educate the public about hazards of unscreened blood transfusion. Blood screening for Hepatitis
B and C infections should be made mandatory at all blood banks.