Nayla Tariq Chaudry, Waheed Jameel, Imrana Ihsan, Sabiha Nasreen.
Hepatitis - C.
Professional Med J Jan ;12(4):364-7.

Objectives: 1) To evaluate the overall prevalence rate of viral hepatitis carrier state among a group of voluntary blood donors. 2) To find the proportion of anti HCV in the study group. 3) To find the probable mode of transmission of HCV infection in the study group. Setting: Pathology lab, Jinnah Hospital, lqra Medical Complex & Hi Tech Lab, Lahore. Period: November 2000 to April 2001. Patients & Methods: A total of 890 apparently healthy blood donors (797 males, 93 females) were studied. Clinical details were recorded. The blood samples were collected using packed sterile disposable syringes. Sera were analysed by a qualitative enzyme immunoassy sera diagnostic test using second generation ELISA Kits. Results: Among 890 subjects screened, carrier state for hepatitis-C was 6.06%. The prevalence of hepatitis-C amongst total cases positive for hepatitis was 33.5%. A higher prevalence rate in males (6-8%) was observed as compared to females (2.22%). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The most important mode of transmission was through injections; (males 32.075%, females 100%) followed by blood transfusion. Only 5.88% of the cases had an episode of jaundice in the past. Conclusion: A remarkable positive cases of hepatitis C in this study underline the dire need of comprehensive plan for multi-disciplinary approach for HCV prevention and control.

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