Seroprevalence, Biochemical Investigation and Risk Factor Assessment for HBV & HCV Infection in Hospital Based Patients of Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Viral hepatitis poses a serious threat to mankind. Hepatitis B and C Virus are blood borne pathogens that affect millions of individually globally. This study was conducted on a hospital-based population in Islamabad, Pakistan over a period of 4 months, utilizing ELISA as the diagnostic technique which suggested a higher seroprevalence rate for both HBV and HCV i.e. 2.07% and 8.24% respectively. A correlational analysis of the biochemical parameters of these individuals with HBV and HCV infection was carried out and the results indicated a positive correlation of HBV with Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), HCV with Total Bilirubin (TBil) and both the viruses with Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT). Furthermore, the risk factors in relation to these viral infections were explored upon which our data suggested that surgery, blood transfusion and contact with contaminated instruments at the barber for haircut/shaving and jewelers for piercings were the major risk factors responsible for aiding the contraction of the viral disease by patients in the hospital. These high percentages of the viral infection among the population require proper management and prevention techniques to minimize the number of casualties and further cases to provide a healthier surrounding for the people to live in.