Study on prevalence of hepatitis C infection in healthy and high risk groups.

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives: Developing country like India shows high prevalence of hepatitis C on account of lack of universal precautions while treating patients. This kind of transmission is seen more in cases of Thalesemias on regular blood transfusion, with renal diseases on haemodialysis and co-infection with hepatitis B along with patients admitted in various wards for treatment. Study was conducted with the objective to find out prevalence of HCV infection in patients with hepatitis B, Thalesemias, patients undergoing haemodialysis, patients admitted in hospital for other diseases who are hepatitis B negative, Ante-natal cases and voluntary healthy blood donors. Methods: Blood was collected of 1040 persons from various groups with their consent. All the sera were tested for anti HCV antibody by ELISA and Signal HCV test. Results: Total twelve participants were found positive for HCV infection, majority were belonged to Thalesemic group and rest of the participants belonged to voluntary healthy blood donor group, patients of hepatitis B and patients on haemodialysis. Interpretation & conclusion: those who are at risk of getting Hepatitis C should undergo for HCV testing on regular interval.