Epidemiology and Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus: A First Study from Jammu (J & K), India

Abstract

Background and objectives: Globally, around 200 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). India contributes a big proportion of HCV burden with the prevalence estimated between 0.5 and 1.5%. Northeastern tribal populations and areas of Punjab represent the HCV infection hotspots, while in Western and Southern parts of the country, the prevalence is lower. The distribution of HCV genotypes is highly variable. This study was particularly planned to attain knowledge of the prevalent HCV genotypes in Jammu province of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state. Materials and methods:Blood samples of patients attending the Department of Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu and Kashmir, India, for HCV testing were subjected to serological test at Department of Microbiology, GMC, Jammu. The serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and positive samples were subjected to genotyping. Conclusion:Of the 396 samples tested, 33 (8.33%) were found to be HCV positive and 23 of these were included for genotyping. Genotypes 3 and 1 were detected in this region and this was in accordance with other national studies. There is a need for larger field studies to better understand the HCV epidemiology and identify higher prevalence areas and also the distribution of genotypes of HCV. This, being a maiden study from this region, will shed light to allow apposite choice and target efforts for better management of the disease and reduce the burden of chronic liver disease due to HCV.

Acoustic studies of copper soap–urea complexes derived from groundnut and sesame oils

“…Copper soaps have a tendency of complex formation with the compounds containing donors like N, O, Br and S, etc. [5,6]. It is well known that compounds containing N and S atoms play a significant role in biological activities and have sufficient industrial and analytical applications [7].…”