Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Among Different Cohorts of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract: Viral Hepatitis like hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the serious cause of mortality in Pakistan, as reported in 2012 the prevalence of hepatitis B was 3-4 % and hepatitis C was 6-8% in Pakistan. Hepatitis virus are the blood borne pathogens transmitted primarily through blood, body secretions and by piercing through skin (percutaneous), veins and mucosal surfaces. Methods: A cross sectional study was designed in which five hundred blood samples of individuals from different cohort including, general population, students and minorities were collected. People from all age groups and from both genders were included in this study with no prior history of hepatitis or liver abnormality. HbsAg, Anti-HBc and Anti-HCV tests were done on blood samples to check the presence of viral hepatitis B and C respectively. Results: Of 200 participants from general population 28% were hepatitis positive (4% HbsAg positive and 24% hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive cases). Of 200 university students, 9% were hepatitis positive (8% HbsAg positive and 0.5% HCV positive cases) while out of 100 minority participants 24% were hepatitis positive (1% HbsAg positive and 23% HCV positive cases). Gender was not significantly associated with viral hepatitis while age was significantly associated with hepatitis (p <0.001, OR: 3.75 and 95% CI 3.05-8.15). Conclusions: High prevalence of hepatitis C was observed among general population and minorities. However, incidence of hepatitis is less frequent in university students. Awareness about hepatitis is required in less educated people in order to control the frequency of hepatitis. Keywords: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Epidemiology