Muhammad Usman, Maeesa Wadood, Iram Nazir.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Viral Infection among the Pakistani Population.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;12(2):617-9.

Background: Pakistan is among the developing countries of the world burdened with an estimated population of 190 million. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the prevalent viral infections that are emerging rapidly in the general population of Pakistan due to various social and economic factors. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2015 in various cities of Pakistan. Screening of the general population was done through population screening camps. 3278 blood samples were collected during these camps. All the samples were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV 1 and 2 by immunochromatographic technique (ICT) and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The reactive samples on Elisa were tested on PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) for HBV DNA & HCV RNA . western blot was performed for HIV infected sample . Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS software version 17. Results: Among the 3278 individuals, the overall seroprevalence of (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV were found to be 6.62%, 5.73% & zero% respectively. No case was reported as HBV, HCV and HIV co-infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C found to be at an increasing pattern in the general population of Pakistan as compared to the previous statistics. Therefore it is needed to take prompt action against it. Education of the masses is desired in order to create awareness in the general population. Higher authorities should direct proper management against thereported cases.

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