PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN AND ANTI HEPATITIS C VIRUS

AMONG GENERAL POPULATION IN LAHORE

Abstract

Objective : To assess and compare the prevalence of hepatitis
B and C in normal population. Design: This is a descriptive, non-interventional study. Setting: Data was
collected from a free screening camp for hepatitis B and C at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore. Subjects & Methods:
Normal people of any age and either sex were included in the study. Screening was performed for HBs Ag and
Anti HCV by Acu-Check one step test (Chromatographic immunoassay) in serum. Results: A total 757 subjects
were screened. Prevalence of HBs Ag was 2.6% and Anti HCV 13.5%. The mean age was 24.96+ 14.67 years.
Females were 55.2% and males were 44.8%. Seroprevalence in females and males of Hbs Ag was 2.2% and 3.2%
and of Anti HCV 15.6% and 10.9% respectively. HBs Ag was more prevalent in younger population (up to 10
years). The majority of Anti HCV positive subjects were in 31-50 years age group. Conclusion: Seroprevalence
of HBs Ag and HCV is high in general population. Prevalence of HCV is very high in this region and HBV is
very high in children up to 10 years of age. Larger population based studies are needed to confirm the results.