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General seroprevalence of hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus infections in population

Nasir Khokhar1, Muzaffar Lateef Gill, Ghazala Javaid Malik

  • 1Department of Medicine, Shifa International Hospital and Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan. dmkhokhar@yahoo.com

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|September 9, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This study found a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and an average prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Pakistan. Most infected individuals were young males with normal alanine aminotransferase levels.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are significant global health concerns.
  • Understanding the seroprevalence of these infections is crucial for public health strategies in Pakistan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anti-HCV and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the general population of Pakistan.
  • To assess co-infection rates and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in infected individuals.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study was conducted from January 1998 to June 2004.
  • Sera from 47,538 healthy adults were tested for anti-HCV and HBsAg.
  • ALT levels were also determined for all participants.

Main Results:

  • The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 5.31% and HBsAg was 2.56%.
  • A co-infection rate of 0.19% was observed.
  • The mean age of HCV-positive individuals was 44 years and for HBV-positive individuals was 40.5 years; 94% were male.

Conclusions:

  • The study revealed a high seroprevalence of anti-HCV and an average seroprevalence of HBV infection in the studied population.
  • A majority of infected individuals were young males with normal ALT levels.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns in Pakistan.
Abstract

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