Kabdul Hakeem, Suleman Khan, Abdullah M, Abdul Rehman, Ikram Hashmi.
Prevalence of Hbs Ag & Anti HCV in pregnant ladies attending antenatal clinic at Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, Rahim Yar Khan.
Esculapio J Services Inst Med Sci Jan ;2(3):6-8.

Background: Hepatitis B & C viruses are related to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Their modes of transmission are mainly parenteral and vertical (HBV). Attempt has been made to assess the prevalence of these viruses in pregnant women, who attended antenatal clinic at Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, Rahim Yar Khan. Subjects & Methods: Four hundred & fifty pregnant women, who came for their antenatal checkup at OPD Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex Rahim Yar Khan, were included in the study. To avoid duplication, the women on their next visits were not included. Study duration was from 1st January to 30th June 2006. All the cases were screened for HBsAg & Anti HCV by 3rd generation ELISA method. Positive cases for HBsAg were advised to have active as well as passive immunization of their new born babies within 24 hours, (preferably within 12 hours) of birth. Anti HCV positive ladies were guided to proceed for HCV-RNA detection by PCR technique to diagnose the active disease. Results: Out of 450 cases, 82 (18.2%) were Anti HCV positive, 54 cases (12.0%) were found HBsAg positive. Combined infection of both HBV & HCV was found in 13 (2.9%) cases. HBV & HCV infections are alarmingly high in the screened group of population in the area. Conclusion: Proper evaluation of modes of transmission is needed for control and prevention. All pregnant ladies should be screened at least for HBsAg and neonates, born to HBsAg positive mothers, should be subjected to active as well as passive immunization to minimize the vertical transmission of HBV. All anti-HCV positive ladies who are negative for HBsAg should be vaccinated for Hepatitis B to avoid co-infection, which is multifold dangerous for liver, as compared to single HBV or HCV infection.

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