Infectious diseases caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are a worldwide burden to health, especially in developing countries. Pakistan has one of the highest levels of HBV and HCV infection, causing a severe health problem with significant challenges and priorities. To prevent vertical transmission of infection, regular screening of pregnant women for HBV and HCV is vital. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and HCV virus in pregnant women having prenatal care. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Bolan Medical Complex Hospital and Sandeman Provincial Civil Hospital Quetta. Period: August 2017 to July 2018. Material & Methods: Blood serum samples were screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and for anti-HCV using immunochromatography methods. Results: A total of 12,209 pregnant women were tested over a period of one year (August 2017 to July 2018). The overall HBV infections frequency was 1.3% (95% CI 1.1-1.4%) and for HCV infections it was 0.6% (95% CI 0.6-0.7%). Whilst there was only small month-wise variation in the occurrence of HBV and HCV infections, HBV prevalence was highest in May (1.7%) and HCV prevalence was highest in August and December (0.8%). Conclusions: Screening of all pregnant women for HBV and HCV is essential for reducing and eliminating vertical transmission of infection. Risk factors for infection need to be avoided and managed properly.

No abstract

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in patients suffering from diarrhoea in Quetta. Study Design: Microscopic examination of stool samples and analysis through the formalin ethyl-acetate sedimentation technique. Duration: Six months (from 13-2-2017 to 21-7-2017). Methodology: A total of 235 stool samples randomly collected from females, males and children having abdominal discomfort who visited outpatient departments (OPDs) in different hospitals of Quetta. Results: Out of a total of 235 patients, E. histolytica was found in 45 (19.1%) patients (males = 55.6% and females = 44.4%). Conclusion: Infections of E. histolytica can be controlled by protecting food from flies, use of boiled drinking water, proper washing of fresh vegetables, hygienic conditions and a well-established sanitation system. It has been concluded that the use of animal compost for fertilizer, cleansing of vegetables with water contaminated by animal faeces, and a poor sewage system can enhance the risks of infections caused by this parasite.