A K Tanwani, Naseer Ahmad.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen and Anti-Hepatitis C Virus in laboratory based data at Islamabad..
J Surg Jan ;19-20:25-9.

Viral hepatitis has been a major public health problem for many years. There are an estimated 500 and 300 million people infected with hepatitis C and B respectively. Chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis B and C virus are probably the most important causes of liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer in the western world. The current knowledge and prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus may help in prevention of chronic liver diseases. A retrospective analysis was carried out in 3919 individuals registered in laboratory for testing of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti hepatitis C virus in 1998 year. 1345 individuals were part of the screening program and 2574 were patients of hepatitis. In the screening program 12.5% were anti-HCV positive, 3.6% were HbsAg positive, 1.1% were positive for both tests. In hepatitis patients 15% were HbsAg and 40.5% were anti-HCV positive. The tests were done by third generation Micropartical Enzyme immuno assay of Abbot diagnostics, USA on IMX analyser. The results were reported positive or negative depend on > or < cutoff value of 2.000. The high rate of positivity especially for anti-HCV highlights the need for implementing rigorous measures to control spread of this disease, which is associated with a high morbidity and mortality and presents a challenge to all health workers and administrators. Indications of HCV by PCR: 1.Detect low levels of HCV-RNA in serum approximately 1 week after exposure. 2. Liver enzyme ALT raised and anti-HCV negative. 3. When several causes of liver disease are possible. 4. Immunosuppressed patients 5. Neonates born to infected mothers 6. Monitor response to drug therapy. 7. Detecting HCV in seronegative individuals with liver disease.

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