Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infections among the general population of Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: In the current study, prevalence of hepatitis C virus and its routes of transmission were determined in district Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: Total 230 blood samples for HCV were collected from 7 tehsils of District Buner. Diaspot rapid HCV strips manufactured by Diaspot diagnostic USA were used for the detection of HCV-Ab in the blood. Results: Out of 230 blood samples collected from patients, 158 were found positive for HCV infection. Of the 158 positive cases, 102 (64.55%) were male and 56 (35.45%) were female patients. The high rate of Hepatitis C infection was found in the age group of 41-50 years that was 68 (29.56%), followed by age group of 20-30 years that was 60 (26.08%), 31-40 years that was 54 (23.47%). The lowest infection was found in age group above 70 years. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that such high proportion of hepatitis C prevalence will result in high rate of mortality and morbidity in the area. Possible steps are required for the prevention and cure of such viral infections.