Frequency of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Patients with Malignancies in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis, a viral infection affecting the liver, can progress to cirrhosis or cancer. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, distinct viral strains, induce acute or chronic liver inflammation. Individuals with chronic hepatitis face an elevated risk of extra-hepatic cancers. Various hypotheses explore the mechanisms of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in tumorigenesis. This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among patients with malignancies in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Methods: We conducted as a cross-sectional study, data were collected from Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, a tertiary care facility, between May 2020 and July 2020. Out of 257 cancer-diagnosed patients, informed about and assured of the questionnaire's confidentiality, data were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 257 patients, 56.42% were females and 43.57% males, with a mean age of 47.5 years. Breast cancer was the most common type, identified in 20.2% of patients. Overall, 36.96% of patients had either HBV or HCV, with no instances of coinfection. Positivity rates were 21.4% for HBV and 15.56% for HCV. No significant associations were observed between cancer types and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) or Anti-Hepatitis C Antibodies (Anti-HCV Ab). Conclusion: Close surveillance of cancer patients is crucial, monitoring HBV antibody titers, and enrollment in hepatitis B immunization programs are recommended. Additionally, monitoring Anti-HCV status is advised.