Hepatitis C virus: Its prevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution in Pakistan

Abstract

Hepatitis C is a dangerous liver disease transmitted by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV constitutes an important health issue in Pakistan. In Pakistani setting HCV is found frequently and is recognized as an alarming health problem. In this cross sectional study we reviewed published data regarding the seroprevalence of hepatitis C in general community, blood donors and pregnant females and risk factors linked with its occurrence in Pakistan. Data retrieved from163 studies published from 2001 to 2022 was utilized and weighted mean was calculated. Data of 1,875,232 individuals was collected and arranged into three groups, depending upon the population type such as (1) general population, (2) pregnant women, (3) blood donors. General population (765,426) and blood donors (973,260) formed the most of population. Mean Hepatitis C virus prevalence in general public and blood donors was 16.47% and 8.2% respectively. In pregnant females (136,546) the mean frequency was 9.3%. This study exhibits that the frequency of Hepatitis C in general population, pregnant females and blood donors groups was 11.32%. The data suggested that risks factors for transmitting HCV infection in Pakistan include unsterilized needle use, blood transfusions, shaving by barbers, lack of trained staff, needle stick injuries, injection drug users, household contacts/spousal transmission, unsterilized dental and surgical Instruments, improper disposal of hospital waste, poor infra-structure and others. The frequency of HCV infection is distressing in Pakistan. Health education and awareness programs are needed for decreasing Hepatitis C infection in Pakistan. The data necessitate the implementation of preventive and remedial approaches to decrease the disease load and mortality in Pakistan.

The Diagnostic Value of Alpha-fetoprotein and Lens Culinaris Agglutinin-reactive Alpha-fetoprotein in Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma patients in Pakistan

“…The AFP-L3 levels also distinguishes non-malignant hepatic disease from Hepatocellular carcinoma, as it is only produced by the malignant hepatocytes. 15 Though, the diagnostic sensitivity of AFP-L3 is low in patients with decreased levels of AFP but the specificity in patients with AFPnegative liver cancer is 85.1%. 16 Pakistan is among the countries with the highest HCV seroprevalence.…”

Molecular evolution, virology and spatial distribution of HCV genotypes in Pakistan: A meta-analysis

“…In Pakistan, each genotype has several subtypes: 3 for genotype 1 (1a, 1b, 1c); 3 for genotype 2 (2a, 2b, 2c); 4 for genotype 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d); 2 for genotype 4 (4a, 4b); and genotypes 5 and 6 each have 1 subtype, indicating lower heterogeneity in Pakistan. Genotype 1 is the second most prevalent genotype in Pakistan and is linked with Balochistan, which shares a border with Iran where genotypes 1 and 3 are most prevalent [ 31 ]. A high frequency of genotypes 1b and 3a has also been observed in China [ 32 ].…”

Beyond transmission: exploring the knowledge of risk factors and myths of Hepatitis B and C among undergraduate medical students

“…The survey questionnaire was developed after an extensive review of the literature on previously conducted studies [17,18,19,20,21,22]. To ensure its clarity and applicability, it underwent a critical review by two senior faculty members specializing in the relevant discipline.…”