An estimate of HBV and HCV seroprevalence in Muzaffarabad, AJK, Pakistan
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT Lahore
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is an issue affecting people all over the world. Around the globe hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most important health issue. HBV and HCV are the most important cause of death and morbidity throughout the globe, despite the accessibility of vaccines and different treatment methods. These diseases (HBV and HCV) are major reason of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The co-infection of these viruses is frequent because they shared same modes of transmission. HBV and HCV co-infected patients have higher chances of movement, rapid fibrosis, and other liver disease. Patients that have dual infection of HBV and HCV, have higher chances of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), when compared to those who are mono-infected. The control of both of these viral diseases is tremendously important as they affect the enormous number of population globally. The procedures of eradication and elimination have improved considerably after the approval of vaccine against HBV and HCV. The testes were performed to verify the prevalence of HBV and HCV in Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Because of this reason male and female patients were registered in this study. The blood samples of 3,000 individuals who visited Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zyad and Combined Military Hospital, Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir from June 2016 to July 2017 were screened for HBV and HCV infection. Total 3,000 samples were collected and tested. Out of which 1,000 were male and 2,000 were female. ICT was used for antibodies findings. Among the 3,000 samples, 40 (1.33%) were shown HBV ICT positive result and 76 (2.53%) were shown HCV ICT positive result.
To overcome these infections it is necessary to create awareness among the medical staff, subordinates and paramedics in the private and government areas. Physicians should be educated by giving short time trainings of active screening, initial treatment and outreach. Apart from awareness from the infectious disease there is a dire need of mass vaccination to reduce the current prevalence of HBV and HCV infection. The prevalence of HBV and HCV is expected to decrease by improved treatment strategy. Government should take different steps for giving reasonable treatment for these viral diseases, to avoid more infections. Early treatment to prevents chronic and liver cirrhosis and allows preventing liver transplantation