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Demographic aspects of hepatitis C in northern Pakistan
W U Tariq1, A B Hussain, K A Karamat
1Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi.
Insights
This study investigated hepatitis C prevalence in Pakistan, finding it most common in adults aged 30-60. The infection showed a male predominance and was more prevalent in Urdu-speaking individuals.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiological patterns of HCV is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C across different age, sex, and ethnic groups in Pakistan.
- To identify demographic factors associated with HCV infection in the Pakistani population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1710 patients diagnosed with hepatitis C.
- Serum samples were tested for Anti-HCV antibodies using third-generation Murex ELISA.
- Data were collected from military/civil hospitals and General Practitioners in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Northern Pakistan.
Main Results:
- The majority of hepatitis C cases (30-60 years) were observed in the adult population.
- A clear male preponderance in hepatitis C infection was identified.
- Urdu-speaking patients exhibited a higher prevalence of hepatitis C compared to other ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C infection in Pakistan disproportionately affects middle-aged males.
- Ethnic background, specifically Urdu-speaking, is associated with increased HCV prevalence.
- These findings highlight the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies based on demographic profiles.
Objective:
To find out the prevalence of hepatitis C in various, age, sex and ethnic groups in Pakistan.
Setting:
Specimens obtained from military/civil hospitals and General Practitioners of Rawalpindi Islamabad, region and other areas of Northern Pakistan, in vicinity.
Subjects:
Serum of 1710 patients of hepatitis C, diagnosed at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi between 1st July 1996 and Dec 31, 1997, tested for Anti HCV by 3rd generation Murex Elisa. Required information was collected on a proforma filled for each patient.
Results And Conclusion:
The majority of the cases were between 30-60 years of age. There was male preponderance. The infection was more common in Urdu speaking fraction of the patients as compared with others.