HEPATITIS C VIRUS

PREVALENCE IN BLOOD DONORS IN KARACHI

Abstract

`To find out the prevalence of antibody to HCV in serum of blood donor
population in our Community (Karachi). To estimate level of serum ALT in blood donors as possible marker of liver
infectivity and hence increasing awareness among the people about the prevention and spread of HCV in Community
and to give suggestions in the formulation of blood transfusion policies. Setting: At Microbiology Department, Basic
Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi. Period: From September 2001 to January
2002. Material and Methods: 150 subjects, consisting of volunteer blood donors and 50 subjects selected from healthy
population who had never received or donated blood. Results: Among 150 blood donors, 07 subjects (4.66%) were
found to be anti HCV positive. Mean age of anti HCV positive donors was 32.85±7.35 years with male predominance.
Conclusion: It is concluded that HCV is notorious for its infectivity, chronocity and complications. Hence HCV spread
should be controlled by screening blood donors for anti HCV antibodies and observing Universal rules in medical
practice.