Irshad Hussain, Muhammad Nasrullah, Ali Ajwad Shah.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections in Liver Cirrhosis in Pakistan.
Pak J Gastroenterol Jan ;12(1-2):0-.

Cirrhosis accounts for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Contrary to western world, postnecrotic cirrhosis is much more common than alcoholic cirrhosis in this part of the world. Hepatitis B virus was considered previously as the commonest cause of postnecrotic cirrhosis but with availability of screening tests for hepatitis C virus, HCV is found to be a major culprit. To find the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in cirrhotics this study was carried out at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Fifty cases of liver cirrhosis admitted from Jan. 1996 to Sep. 1997 were included. Diagnosis was made by presence of stigmata of chronic liver disease, abdominal ultrasound and liver biopsies if not contraindicated. Serum was tested for HBsAg and anti HCV by ELISA method. 64% patients were male. Anti HCV was positive in 52% patients, HBsAg was positive in 24%. 8% were positive for both HBV and HCV markers. In 16% patient no cause could be determined. No case of alcoholic cirrhosis was found. So hepatitis C virus is the commonest cause of cirrhosis in this part of world and asymptomatic infection is the rule hence needs more meticulous approach to prevent its transmission.

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