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Hepatitis C virus infection is a globally prevalent pathogen and is a major cause of health care burden in India. HCV is affecting about 170 million people annually throughout the world. The estimated prevalence of HCV in India is about 0.5-1.5% and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma rapidly transmitting as silent killer.This study was planned with an aim to determine awareness about Hepatitis C infection among medical students.A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey containing 30 questions to assess the knowledge about Hepatitis C infection was conducted.Total 125 students participated, overall score of knowledge-based questions and about transmission of HCV infection were satisfactory. Majority of students were aware of HCV transmission and prevention but have not shown good results about laboratory diagnosis.Overall grasp of Hepatitis C by the studied group was good. However, there were serious gap in their knowledge of lab diagnosis which need to be filled. Knowledge about transmission was very good

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Background: We studied the haematological manifestations of H1N1 positive patients hospitalised at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh during May 2009 to March 2012.Methods & Materials: Prospective observational study.H1N1 positive patients presenting to medical outpatient departments, emergency services were enrolled in the study. Their clinical profile, haematological manifestations and outcome was recorded which were compared to H1N1 negative patients (n = 300)Results: During the study period a total of 568 patients were confirmed to have H1N1 illness by CDC defined RT PCR method. Complete data was available for 262 H1N1 positive patients so they were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 36.22 ± 15.247 years with 65.6% being males and 3.4% being females.Mean leucocyte count in H1N1 positive patients was 11668 ± 10875/l. Normal leucocyte count (4000-11000/l) seen 54% of H1N1 positive patients and 47% H1N1 negative patients. Leukopenia (TLC < 4000/l) was seen in 16.3% H1N1 positive patients, correspondingly 10.1% H1N1 negative patients had similar TLC. Leucocytosis (TLC >11000/l) was observed in 29.7% H1N1 positive patients with 42.9 H1N1 patients also showing leucocytosis.Platelet count was available in 250 patients. Thrombocytopenia (Platelet count < 1.5 lac/l) was present in 39% H1N1positive patients and 60.4% H1N1 negative patients. None of the patients admitted with either infections had thrombocytosis 42% patients confirmed to have H1N1 illness died. We did not observe any significant prognostic correlation between the presence of either leukopenia or thrombocytopenia and outcome in H1N1 positive patients. (p 0.027 & 0.511).1 H1N1 positive patient had AML-M7, though he improved he received oseltamivir for more than 10 days along with inhalational zanamavir as his repeat H1N1 by RT PCR done at five days was positive.Conclusion: H1N1 disease is an important public health problem with high mortality. Leukopenia does not adversely affect the outcome.