Frequency of hepatitis C viral RNA in anti-hepatitis C virus non-reactive blood donors with raised alanine aminotransferase

The objective of this study was to find out the frequency of HCV RNA in anti-HCV non-reactive blood donors with raised alanine amino transferase [ALT]. The study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, in collaboration with Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt, Karachi. The demographic data of blood donors was recorded, and anti-HCV, HBsAg and HIV were screened. Four hundred consecutive donors with raised ALT above the reference range were included in study. HCV RNA RT-PCR was performed on 5 sample minipools using Bio-Rad Real time PCR equipment. HCV RNA was detected in 1/400 [0.25%] blood donors. Finding of raised ALT in blood donors warrants further investigations. In case, if raised ALT is unexplained presence of HCV RNA may be suspected

Frequency of hepatitis C viral RNA in anti-hepatitis C virus non- reactive blood donors with normal alanine aminotransferase

To determine the frequency of HCV RNA in an anti-HCV non-reactive blood donor population with normal ALT, and its cost effectiveness. An observational study. Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, and Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt, Karachi, from May 2006 to April 2008. After initial interview and mini-medical examination, demographic data of blood donors was recorded, and anti-HCV, HBsAg and HIV were screened by third generation ELISA. Those reactive to anti-HCV, HbsAg and/or HIV were excluded. Four hundred consecutive donors with ALT within the reference range of 15-41 units/L were included in study. HCV RNA RT-PCR was performed on 5 sample mini-pools using Bio-Rad Real time PCR equipment. All 400 donors were male, with mean age 27 years SD + 6.2. ALT of blood donors varied between 15-41 U/L with mean of 31.5+6.4 U/L, HCV RNA was detected in 2/400 [0.5%] blood donors. Screening one blood bag for HCV RNA costs Rs 4,000.00 equivalent to 50 US dollars, while screening through 5 sample mini-pools was Rs. 800.00 equivalent to approximately 10 US dollars. HCV RNA frequency was 0.5% [2/400] in the studied anti-HCV non-reactive normal ALT blood donors. Screening through mini-pools is more cost-effective

Dengue fever outbreak: a clinical management experience

To determine the frequency of dengue as a cause of fever and compare the clinical and haematological characteristics of Dengue-probable and Dengue-proven cases. An observational study. The Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt., Karachi, from August 2005 to December 2006. All patients with age above 14 years, who were either hospitalized or treated in medical outdoor clinic due to acute febrile illness, were evaluated for clinical features of Dengue Fever [DF], Dengue haemorrhagic fever [DHF] and Dengue Shock Syndrome [DSS]. Patients showing typical clinical features and haematological findings suggestive of Dengue fever [As per WHO criteria] were evaluated in detail for comparison of probable and confirmed cases of Dengue fever. All other cases of acute febrile illness, not showing clinical features or haematological abnormalities of Dengue fever, were excluded. The clinical and laboratory features were recorded on SPSS 11.0 programme and graded where required, for descriptive and statistical analysis. Out of 5200 patients with febrile illness, 107[2%] presented with typical features of DF, 40/107[37%] were Dengue-proven while 67/107[63%] were Dengue-probable. Out of Dengue-proven cases, 38 were of DF and 2 were of DHF. Day 1 temperature ranged from 99-1050C [mean 1010C]. Chills and rigors were noticed in 86 [80%], myalgia in 67%, headache in 54%, pharyngitis in 35%, rash in 28%, and bleeding manifestations in 2% cases. Hepatomegaly in 1[0.5%], lymphadenopathy in 1[0.5%] and splenomegaly in 12 [11.2%] cases. Leucopoenia [count < 4x109 /L] was noted in 73%, platelet count <150 x109 /L in 84% and ALT > 40 U/L in 57% cases. Frequency of clinically suspected dengue virus infection was 107 [2%], while confirmed dengue fever cases were 40 [0.8%] out of 5200 fever cases. Fever with chills and rigors, body aches, headache, myalgia, rash, haemorrhagic manifestations, platelet count, total leukocyte count, and ALT, are parameters to screen the cases of suspected dengue virus infection; the diagnosis cannot be confirmed unless supported by molecular studies or dengue specific IgM