Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Pakistan from 2001 to 2022: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and C represent a significant public health concern globally, with a substantial burden in developing countries, particularly Pakistan. The country's diverse demographic and socio-economic landscape presents challenges in the surveillance and management of these infectious diseases. Objective: This systematic review aims to consolidate and analyse the prevalence data of Hepatitis B and C infections reported across Pakistan from 2001 to 2022 to understand the epidemiological trends and to inform public health interventions. Methods: A thorough search of various research databases was conducted to identify studies that reported the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) antibodies. Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria focused on the population of Pakistan between 2001 and 2022. Data extraction was systematic, although a comprehensive quality assessment of each study was not completed. Results: The review included 54 studies with varying sample sizes and methodologies, including ELISA, ICT, PCR, and other serological assays. Prevalence rates for HBsAg and anti-HCV varied significantly, with HBsAg ranging from 0.9% to 44.4% and anti-HCV from 0.3% to 62.6%. These findings highlight a considerable regional variability and suggest an upward trend in HCV prevalence over the past two decades. Conclusion: The elevated prevalence rates of Hepatitis B and C across Pakistan underscore the need for robust public health policies, standardized surveillance, and targeted interventions. Despite the systematic approach to data extraction, the review is limited by the absence of a comprehensive quality assessment, which is essential for future research to build upon.