Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infections among the general population of Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: In the current study, prevalence of hepatitis C virus and its routes of transmission were determined in district Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: Total 230 blood samples for HCV were collected from 7 tehsils of District Buner. Diaspot rapid HCV strips manufactured by Diaspot diagnostic USA were used for the detection of HCV-Ab in the blood. Results: Out of 230 blood samples collected from patients, 158 were found positive for HCV infection. Of the 158 positive cases, 102 (64.55%) were male and 56 (35.45%) were female patients. The high rate of Hepatitis C infection was found in the age group of 41-50 years that was 68 (29.56%), followed by age group of 20-30 years that was 60 (26.08%), 31-40 years that was 54 (23.47%). The lowest infection was found in age group above 70 years. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that such high proportion of hepatitis C prevalence will result in high rate of mortality and morbidity in the area. Possible steps are required for the prevention and cure of such viral infections.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Analysis of Hepatitis B & C Infections in the Low Socioeconomic Communities; A Cross-Sectional Study from Pakistan

“…This study is in line with the study of Arshad, Arshad et al who reported 4.5% prevalence in male and 2% in female [17]. ul Huda et al and Akhtar et al Higher also reported higher HCV prevalence in male than female ul Huda, Jameel [18], [19]. High prevalence in male is attributed to social mobility and freedom, exposing male to risk factors more than female.…”

Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus and determination of its genotypes in subjects of Tehsil Daggar District Buner, KP, Pakistan

“…This widespread genetic variability, and mutation tendency has delayed vaccine availability. 10 HCV is highly endemic in the various regions of Pakistan, the exact prevalence rate of HCV infection is still unknown, different reports revealed that 4.8% of population is infected with HCV infection. 11 Understanding HCV epidemiology in Pakistan is critical in developing and targeting cost-effective prevention and treatment intervention against HCV, to meet the global target of HCV elimination.…”

“…A Previous study reported that 13.7% of population is infected with HCV infection in district Buner. 12 It is worthy to investigate HCV frequency and distribution of HCV genotypes in tehsil daggar district Buner, KP Pakistan, where detection and genotype determination is insignificant. Consequently, the present study was undertaken to analyze the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes as well as their prevalence and risk factors, and routes of transmission in chronic hepatitis C patients of Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in Pakistan.…”

Hepatitis C virus: Its prevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution in Pakistan

“…The precise frequency of hepatitis C is not known uptil now. Different literature showed that 4.8% community is suffering from hepatitis C. 2,11 Epidemiological understanding is important in the development of economical medication against hepatitis C. 12…”