RESUMEN
Background: Hepatic cirrhosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is generally considered irreversible and premalignant condition. However reversibility of the disease has been demonstrated in some cases after removal of the cause. There are various causes leading to cirrhosis but viral cause is the most common cause worldwide. In developing countries its prevalence i$ more where poor knowledge about viral infections is the main cause of spread. Mode of spread and sequel of Hepatitis B Virus [HBV] and Hepatitis C Virus [HCV] are almost similar. The present study was designed to know the relative frequency of both viruses in patients with cirrhosis
Method: This study was conducted in the Medical unit of District Teaching Hospital of Dera Ismail Khan, from the first of May to 30[th] November 2002. Cirrhotic patients were admitted to Medical ward and necessary investigations were done on blood specimen for HBV and HCV. Immunoassay chromatographic technique one-step device [ACON Laboratories, USA] was applied for its viral screening. At the end 60 cirrhotic patients were analyzed for findings and comparison with other studies
Results: Out of 60 patients, 28 [46.67%] were found infected with HBV, 8[13.33%] with HCV, 24 [40%] with no markers of either two viruses. One case [0.16%] was found positive for both viruses
Conclusion: Cirrhosis liver due to HBV is more common than HCV in this region. Males are affected more than females