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Prevalence of active hepatitis c virus infection in district Mansehra Pakistan

Amjad Ali1, Habib Ahmad, Ijaz Ali

  • 1Department of Genetics, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan.

Virology Journal
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A study in Pakistan found 3.5% of healthy individuals have active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Prevalence increased with age, with the highest incidence in those over 51.

Area of Science:

  • * Epidemiology and Public Health
  • * Infectious Diseases Virology

Background:

  • * Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health challenge.
  • * Understanding regional prevalence is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To determine the prevalence of active HCV infection in apparently healthy inhabitants of District Mansehra, Pakistan.
  • * To analyze HCV prevalence across different age and gender demographics.

Main Methods:

  • * Cross-sectional study involving 400 apparently healthy individuals (300 males, 100 females) aged 10–50+.
  • * Random blood sampling across Tehsil Mansehra, Balakot, and Oghi.
  • * Screening for anti-HCV antibodies followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for HCV-RNA detection in positive cases.

Main Results:

  • * 3.5% of the population exhibited active HCV infection (HCV-RNA positive).
  • * 7% of the population had antibodies against HCV, indicating past or present infection.
  • * Active HCV infection was higher in males (4%) than females (2%), and prevalence increased with age, peaking at 7.69% in the 51+ age group.

Conclusions:

  • * District Mansehra shows a notable prevalence of active HCV infection, particularly in older males.
  • * Age is a significant factor in HCV prevalence within this population.
  • * Findings highlight the need for localized HCV screening and prevention strategies.

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