Research Paper

HEPATITIS C VIRUS SEROPREVALENCE IN TRANSFUSION-DEPENDENT THALASSEMIC/ HEMOPHILIC PATIENTS AT SMS HOSPITAL AND ALLIED HOSPITALS

  Abstract :

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a serious public health problem due to its global prevalence. Hepatitis C virus is considered to be the main aetiological agent responsible for the occurrence of post-transfusion hepatitis. Patients with thalassemia and hemophilia acquire hepatitis most often from viruses contracted through blood transfusions. BACKGROUND: HCV is the commonest cause of post transfusion hepatitis accounting for nearly 80-90% of cases. 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%. 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(10).OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in thalassemic /hemophilic patients with multiple blood transfusions. This study is conducted to aid in early detection & treatment & its prevention of HCV Virus infection in thalassemic/hemophilic 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 thalassemic /hemophilic patients .RAPID Test and ELISA TEST was done at clinical microbiology laboratory S.M.S. Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur.RESULT: In Our present study, Out of 250 sample tested for thalassemic /hemophilic patients, 2(0.8%)were positive for anti HCV antibodies. Total no. of 250 samples was tested, out of which 227 samples of thalassemic patients and 23 of hemophilic patients. Out of 227 samples of thalassemic patients,2(0.88%) were positive for anti HCV antibodies and Out of 23 samples of haemophilic patients, none case(0%) were positive for anti HCV antibodies. HCV seroprevalence was maximum in 21 30 years age group (40%) and 0.64 % in 0 10 year age groups and Out of 145 males patients, 2 (1.37%) were positive for anti HCV antibodies and out of 82 females patients, none were positive for anti HCV antibodies in thalassemic patients. Conclusions: HCV infections are prevalent among transfusion-dependent thalassemic /hemophilic patients in India. Nevertheless, seroprevalence decreased significantly and dramatically for HCV after universal blood screening.

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