Frequency of hepatitis B and C in rural and periurban Sindh.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of HBV and HCV and identify risk factors for transmission of these viruses in rural and periurban Sindh. METHOD: This is a descriptive/cross sectional study done between June 2007 to May 2008, in which screening and evaluation of risk factors for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV Antibody. (Anti-HCV) in two remote villages namely Taluka Tharo Shah and Jalbani, District Nausheroferoz (where investigators had to walk in the area to reach the population) and a subsection of Gharo District Thatta (periurban area) was done. Included were children of more than one year of age and all previously unscreened adults who were counseled and a written consent was obtained. All drug addicts by history were excluded. A structured information sheet regarding risk factors was filled and screening done by immunochromatography (ICT) kits. RESULTS: Of the 573 subjects enrolled who met the inclusion criteria, females were 52.5%. Mean age (years) of participants was 24.74 +/- 14.41. In two remote villages 7.0% were HBsAg positive and 28.6% were Anti HCV reactive, whereas in periurban area 3.1% were HBsAg reactive and 3.9% were Anti HCV positive. In the analysis of risk factors for transmission of infection, blood related factors especially for HCV like surgical, dental procedures and body piercing were main factors noted more in rural as compared to the periurban area. CONCLUSION: The frequency of HCV in our study is alarming and that of HBV also quite high which underline the need of mass HBV vaccination. Overall (in both urban and rural areas) immediate steps must be taken to reduce transmission of these viruses by limiting use of unsafe (unsterilized/reused) injections for therapeutic purposes), razor blades, body piercing equipment and proper sterilization of surgical, dental and circumcision equipment.