Sero-Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in Healthy Population of District Chiniot

Inflammation of the liver is the usual manifestation of the hepatitis and it cause irreversible failure of the liver in many cases. There are different hepatitis viruses including A to E which causes different disease conditions. Among all of these viruses hepatitis C virus (HCV) is most common virus which lead to severe destruction to hepatic tissues and ultimately death occurs. In most of the developing countries like Pakistan, HCV contribute to a huge community health problem globally. Taking into consideration the significance of HCV menace, the proposed research plan is tailored for determination of sero-prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies and the role of its associated risk factors. A cross sectional epidemiological study was conducted in district Chiniot and from the healthy population of district Chiniot a total 250 blood samples were collected. All the data regarding demographic information and risk factors information was collected with the help of a questionnaire. The samples were then subjected to anti HCV antibodies detection by using Immuno chromatographic test (ICT). Among positive samples, (n=30) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of prevalent virus genotypes in this district Chiniot. The results indicated overall prevalence of HCV 64% with highest in tehsil Lalian (72%) followed by Bhowana (64%) and Chiniot (51%). According to age groups, above 40 years have highest 73% prevalence for hepatitis C virus (P<0.05). The sero positivity among male and females population were (54%) and (71%) respectively. In healthy population of Chiniot, the people who undergo surgery had HCV positivity 77.77% (P= 0.03, OR= 3.50). Among group who undergo dental procedures prevalence was 68.70% and in blood transfused person it was 66%. As concerned with shaving, barber visitors also showed 38% of HCV of sero prevalence and person having body piercing and tattooing 54%. A high level of HCV prevalence is an alarming sign in healthy population of Chiniot. Preventive measures and controlled measures should be designed to stop HCV transmission. Awareness campaigns should be run to make people more aware about HCV. All diagnosed cases of HCV should be treated with extra care.