Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in blood donors in northern Pakistan

In order to understand the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus [HCV], 760 blood donations were selected randomly and screened for HBsAg, anti HIV 1 /2 and antibody to HCV [anti-HCV] The prevalence rate of anti HCV in the indigenous population of blood donors from Rawalpindi is 4.8%, which is slightly less than HBsAg positivity [6.5%]. There was no overlapping between the seropositivity of anti-HCV with HBsAg, suggesting different epidemiological factors. In order to prevent transmission of HCV through blood transfusion, it is essential that all donors be screened for anti-HCV

Prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus in Pakistani thalassaemics by particle agglutination test utilizing C200 and C22-3 viral antigen coated particles

Exposure to hepatitis C virus [HCV] and its effect on ALT levels was studied in 35 transfusion dependent cases of thalassaemia major. Twenty-one [60%] cases were anti HCV positive and also showed raised Alanine Transaminase [ALT] levels. Of 14 anti HCV negative, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen [HBs Ag] negative seven showed raised ALT levels, indicating the chances of acute viraemia. Thus there is an urgent need to start anti HCV screening on all blood donations