Abstract

Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Mandawat*

ABSTRACT

Within a few years of Hepatitis C virus discovery, its has been recognized as a major pathogen causing significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world including India. More than 200 million carrier of HCV exist in the world and constitute the reservoir of this infection. The carrier rate of HCV infects ranges from 10-20%. Background: Since year 1991 Screening of blood for HCV antibody in blood banks has been made mandatory in many parts of world. In India screening of blood for HCV Antibodies become mandatory from 1st July, 1997. HCV is the commonest cause of post transfusion hepatitis accounting for nearly 80-90% of cases.HBV and HCV have become a major public health problem throughout the world. HCC is one of the ten most common cancers in the world. Objectives: The aims of this study are:-To find out the seroprevalence of anti HCV antibodies in different categories of individuals from different OPDS, wards and ICUs of SMS Hospital and AlliedHospital Jaipur and also To evaluate the coexistence of HBV infection in anti HCV antibody positive patients. Methodology: The present study was conducted in the clinical microbiology laboratory of the S.M.S. Hospital, Jaipur from period of 1st January, 2007 to 13th November 2007 to evaluate the prevalence of anti HCV Antibody in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals of various categories. Categories were identified based on clinical evaluations & various investigations. RAPID Test and ELISA TEST was done at clinical microbiology laboratory S.M.S. Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur Result: In Our present study a total no. of 1857 samples were tested out of which 34 samples (1.83%) were positive for antibody to HCV. Out of 1318 samples of males, 32 (2.42%) were positive (2.42%) whereas 539 sample of females, 2 (0.37%) were positive. This clearly shows HCV seroprevalence were more in males than females. Highest prevalence of anti HCV antibodies was observed in the age group of 31– 40 years and lowest prevalence in 0 – 20 years of age. There is a scarcity of information on HCV prevalence particularly in developing countries like India, hence present study was conducted for early detection & prevention of HCV infections. Out of 34 HCV positive samples, there were only 3(8.82%) samples reactive for HBsAg. Male and female ratio were 2:1.