ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C is global health problem affecting a significant portion of the world's population. Available data in Western Maharashtra on seroprevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution are very limited. OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence, factors influencing transmission and distribution of genotype of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a hospital-based population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study. A total of 25193 serum samples were tested for HCV and HBV infection. All samples from HCV antibody-positive patients were subjected for HCV RNA detection and genotype. Chi-square, unpaired t-test, logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The seroprevalence for anti-HCV-Ab was 0.46%. Backward multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed increasing age; alcoholic, blood transfusion and dialysis were significant risk factors. Of 116 patients with HCV, 8 (6.89%) patients had HCV-HBV co-infection. The most common genotype (61.90%) was 3 followed by Genotype 1 (38.09%). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, significant risk factors were a history of blood transfusion, habit of alcohol, dialysis. The prevention of HCV infection can be achieved by screening of blood and blood products and creating awareness about risk factors. Since the efficacy of current and new therapies differ by genotype, genotype study is essential.
Subject(s)
Genotype , Hepacivirus/classification , Hepacivirus/isolation & purification , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/virology , Hospitals, Rural , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Transmission, Infectious , Female , Hepatitis C/transmission , Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , RNA, Viral/blood , Risk Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The biofilm of organisms can be considered as a virulence factor because of the resistance towards antimicrobial agents. Formation of Candida biofilms are observed in blood, mucosal surface and most medical devices i.e. nonliving objects in patient's body. The study was undertaken to conclude the most sensitive and specific test for detection of biofilm formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative measurement of biofilm formation was assessed by three methods- 1) XTT reductionassay, 2) Percentage Transmission (%T) and 3) Crystal Violet assay in microtitre plate for 425 Candida isolates. RESULTS: Out of 425 Candida strains, XTT reduction assay gave 72 Biofilm positive strains accounting for 16.94 %. The percentage transmission (% T) method gave 56 strains Biofilm positive (13.17 %) and Crystal violet assay gave 50 positive strains (11.76 %). Compared to Percentage Transmission (% T) and Crystal violet method, XTT reduction assay gave maximum percentage of Biofilm positivity. CONCLUSION: In comparison of 3 methods used for detection of biofilm formation, XTT reduction assay was the most sensitive and specific method.
