Frequency of HCV seropositivity and its association to risk factors among healthy blood donors reporting to blood bank at Bahawal Victoria hospital-Bahawalpur

The study was carried out to assess the frequency of HCV sero-positivity and to see the risk factors associated with it. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted at Blood Bank in Bahawal Victoria Hospital. Bahawalpur. The study was done from July to December 2008. One hundred [100] healthy blood donors of either sex, age between 18 and 50 years, who reported for blood donation were enrolled for this study through convenience sampling method [non-probable technique]. Persons with high blood pressure and H/O previous major surgeries were excluded. The anti-H.C.V. one step Hepatitis "C" Antigen Test Device, a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Hepatitis "C" Antigen in serum or plasma-was used. Data were recorded in the structured Performa for further processing of data. Results were compiled by using SPSS [version 12.0] and Microsoft office to process the data. Most [94%] of the healthy, volunteer blood donors were male. Out of 100 subjects, eight [8%] were found to be HCV sero-positive. The independent risk factors associated with HCV sero-positive cases were post-transfusion history of jaundice, history of surgery, dental procedures, needle prick accidents, sexual promiscuity, tattooing, intravenous drug use and razor and scissors sharing. The frequency of HCV sero-positivity among the healthy blood donors is 8% which is quite high and alarming. Most of the risk factors associated with it involve parenteral route of viral transmission

Prevalence of hepatitis "B" and "C" among the barber community of Bahawalpur city

This study was done to estimate prevalence rate and risk factors for HBV and HCV in Barbers and Beauticians of Bahawalpur City. 100 healthy Barbers and Beauticians were registered for this study. Screening test was applied for HBsAg and Anti-HCV. Blood was drawn with disposable syringe aseptically and serum obtained for HBsAg and Anti-HCV testing. Data was shifted to the master data sheet and analyzed by different tabulation. Data presentation was done by bar and pie diagrams. This Study was carried out from June 2006 to December 2006 at Bahawalpur City. Out of 100 healthy barbers, 6, were found seropositive for Anti-H.C.V antibodies with a prevalence rate of 6%, and 2 persona [2%] wre HBsAg positive. Amongst the seropositive Barbers and Beauticians the risk factors were cuts and pricks during work, major surgery with blood transfusion, IV injections and dental extraction. Only 18% Barbers and Beauticians were having full vaccination done against HBV. The prevalence rate of 2% for Hepatitis B compared to Hepatitis C's seroprevalence at 6% shows the declining attitude of HBV in the community and the retrospective effect of vaccination done against HBV [18%]. The study data further concludes the risk factors this community of Barbers and Beauticians, is facing and with further education, awareness and vaccination hopefully major decline in the HBsAg and Anti-HCV seropositivities will be appreciated