Nafees M, Farooq M, Ghazala Jafferi.
Frequency of hepatitis B and C infections in the general population of Lahore, Pakistan.
Biomedica Jan ;25(2):106-11.

In the recent times, viral hepatic infections (HBV and HCV) have become common and the most important cause of liver disease. It is posing a great health problem especially in the developing world. The importance of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is illustrated by the fact that these infections are imposing a heavy burden on national economy and individual families due to considerable morbidity and mortality from both acute infection and chronic sequelae including chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study was carried out to determine the frequency of HBV and HCV infections in the general population of Lahore and to highlight the magnitude of the problem. The study was conducted during the ‘Free Hepatitis Camp’ held at Services Hospital, Lahore - Pakistan for a period of one week from May 18 to May 25, 2007. It is a descriptive / cross sectional study. Blood specimens were collected using approved medical techniques and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV on 3rd generation ELISA system. This study was conducted in the general population of Lahore and a total of 992 subjects were screened for both hepatitis B and C. Sero-positivity for hepatitis B and C were detected in 30.94% of the subjects. The prevalence of HCV among the total subjects studied was 21.7%, hepatitis B, 8.06% and hepatitis B and C (dual infection) 1.31%. Sero-prevalence in females and males of HBsAg was 1.61% and 6.45% and of anti HCV antibodies 10.38% and 11.19% respectively. It is concluded that about 1/3rd of the studied population is sero-positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C or both infections and this figure is alarmingly high. It further concludes that the frequency of HCV infection is much more common than that of HBV. It raises concern about the increasing disease burden in future and effectiveness of preventive programs/methodologies. Practical implementation of recommended preventive measures in true sense is crucial to prevent or at least reduce the consequences of viral hepatitis in risk groups. There is considerable HCV and HBV threat to our population and require a genuine need for strict adherence to preventive measures.

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