Frequency of hepatitis C in asymptomatic patients in District Headquarters Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C is a common problem in developing world. It can affect a large number of asymptomatic people in whom it may cause serious complications in long run. Moreover, these asymptomatic infected people pose a serious risk for the transmission of infection to healthy population. Objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of Hepatitis C in asymptomatic adult patients attending medical OPD of District Headquarters Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir, and to assess the risk factors associated with its transmission. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included asymptomatic patients of both genders, aged 15-80 years, attending medical OPD of District Headquarter Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir from January to December, 2008. They attended the OPD for problems other than Hepatitis and most of them presented with vague complaints like generalised body aches, tiredness and dyspeptic symptoms. They were randomly tested for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies by Immunochromatographic kit method. Positive samples for Hepatitis C antibodies were confirmed by third generation ELISA. Those who were confirmed were assessed for the risk factors associated with HCV transmission. RESULTS: The study included 9,564 patients. Out of them 4,230 (44.22%) were males and 5,334 (55.77%) were females. A total of 611 (6.38%) cases were positive for HCV; 257 (6.08%) were males, and 354 (6.64%) were females. Highest frequency (36%) was found between 21 and 30 years of age, and 60.54% positive patients were 21-40 years old. Blood transfusion was the most common (34.36%) risk factor followed by history of dental procedures (24.54%). In 27.16% no risk factor could be detected. CONCLUSION: Frequency of Hepatitis C is quite high in our population. Rate is higher in young adults. It is needed to adopt organised preventive strategies to overcome this problem. Blood transfusion is still the most significant risk factor followed by dental and surgical procedures. Health related procedures are still not safe in our set up and need to be addressed.

Frequency of hepatitis B in asymptomatic patients of District Headquarter Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B is prevalent throughout the world including Pakistan. A large proportion of patients suffering from Hepatitis B may be asymptomatic and can transmit the disease to healthy population. Objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of Hepatitis B in asymptomatic adult population coming to District Headquarter Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir and to determine the risk factors associated with its transmission. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study extending from January to December 2008. Subjects were randomly selected from those who attended the medial OPD of DHQ Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir for non-Hepatitis related problems. Both males and females between the ages of 15-80 years were included in the study. Blood samples taken from selected subjects were analysed for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by Immunochromatographic kit methods (ICT). Hepatitis B positive samples were further confirmed by third generation ELIZA. The patients thus confirmed were interrogated for different risk factors associated with transmission of Hepatitis B. RESULTS: A total of 9,564 patients were analysed. Out of them 4230 (44.22%) were males and 5334 (55.77%) were females. Overall 141 (1.47%) patients were positive for HBSAg, 71 (1.68%) males and 70 (1.31%) females. Patients between 21-30 years of age were most commonly effected (35.46%, n = 50). Blood transfusion was the most common risk factor (24.82%, n = 35) associated with Hepatitis B transmission followed by dental procedures (14.18%, n = 20). CONCLUSION: Frequency of Hepatitis B in asymptomatic people in this study was quite high. Blood transfusions and dental procedures were the most common risk factors associated with the transmission of Hepatitis B.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B in outdoor female patients of reproductive age group at Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by a Hepatitis B virus, having a parenteral mode of entry and infecting millions of people around the world. OBJECTIVE: The present study was planned to assess the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in women of reproductive age in Hazara in order to promote disease prevention in the perinatal period by vaccination against Hepatitis B. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Women 15-45 years old belonging to Hazara Division were included in this descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over a period of one year at the Department of Microbiology, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad in collaboration with the Department of Pathology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from 1st March 2006 to 28th February 2007. Non-probability convenience sampling was done to select 500 females from those visiting Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad as outdoor patients or accompanying person. History, examination, and serum alanine aminotransferase estimation were followed by the initial screening for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) using immunochromatographic device. Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay was used to confirm the presence of HBsAg. RESULTS: HBsAg was detected in 3% of the women. History of multiple injections was present in 100%, blood transfusion in 22%, dental procedure in 46% and surgical procedure in 43% of the subjects. Only 1% women had been vaccinated. CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of the Hepatitis B is not different from the figures reported by the studies previously conducted on general population in Pakistan. However it is different from those reported for the special groups.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in health care workers in Abbottabad.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV & HCV) are hepatotropic viruses causing viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Modes of infection are more or less similar. HBV is vaccine preventable while HCV is not. They are prevalent in different parts of the world including Pakistan. The rate of prevalence varies from region to region and among different population segments. The present study was planned to see the prevalence of HBV & HVC among health care workers in various hospitals of Abbottabad. METHOD: The study was conducted at the District Headquarter Teaching Hospital Abbottabad over a period of one year on 125 health care workers of different categories and either sex. Brief history was taken from each individual and physical examination was performed. Blood samples were taken for HBV and HC serology. Positive sera were confirmed by 3rd generation ELISA. RESULTS: As much as 8% individuals were positive for HBV or HCV. HBV alone was seen in 3 out of 10 (30%) individuals. HCV alone was also found in 3 out of 10 (30%) individuals. HBV and HCV co-infection was seen in 4 out of 10 (40%) individuals. Dental procedures, needle prick and surgical procedures were found the common risk factors. Blood transfusion was known in 2 out of 10 (20%) individuals. Family history of hepatitis was not positive in any individual. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study differ from those of the previous studies conducted on health care workers in Pakistan.