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Hepatitis C seropositivity among chronic liver disease patients in Hazara, Pakistan

Taher Salim Khan1, Farhat Rizvi, Abdur Rashid

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan. tahersalim@ayubmed.edu.pk

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|October 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in Pakistan, with over 40% of patients tested for chronic liver disease found to be seropositive. This high prevalence highlights the need for increased awareness and testing for HCV in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents a growing public health challenge in developing nations, notably Pakistan.
  • The study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV seropositivity among individuals seeking hepatitis testing at a referral laboratory.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the frequency of Hepatitis C seropositive individuals.
  • To assess the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in the Hazara division.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 614 patients (436 males, 178 females) with chronic liver disease between July 2000 and July 2002.
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing was performed using the DOT immunoassay for anti-HCV antibodies.

Main Results:

  • A total of 251 (40.8%) individuals tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies.
  • Prevalence was 42.2% in males and 37.6% in females, a difference not statistically significant.
  • The male to female ratio referred for testing was 2.4:1.

Conclusions:

  • A high frequency of HCV seropositivity exists in both sexes among patients with chronic liver disease in the Hazara division.
  • The observed HCV prevalence aligns with figures reported elsewhere in Pakistan and other developing countries.
  • The higher referral rate of males for testing may reflect societal factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior.
Abstract

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