Epidemiological Profile Of Hepatitis C Virus Infection In Chronic Liver Disease Patients In Tertiary Care Hospital In Telangana

Abstract

Background: A Significant proportion of chronic liver disease (CLD) are caused by viral infections. The major cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis is Hepatitis C virus. WHO estimates 170-200 million people are infected with HCV worldwide. Aim & Objective: 1) To study Epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus infection 2) To identify the risk factor for HCV infection. Materials & Methods: A total of 100 chronic liver disease patients attending Gastroenterology department were included in the study between January 2015 and June 2016. Demographic data and clinical findings were recorded using a structured proforma. All the samples were screened for anti HCV antibodies by ELISA (HCV MICROLISA) by following manufacturer’s instructions. Results: Out of 100 CLD Patients, 81(81%) were Males &19(19%) were Females. Male to Female ratio of the total chronic liver disease patients was 4.2:1. HCV antibodies was found Reactive in 4 patients, of which 3 were Males & 1 was Female. HCV Reactive patients belong to 40-60 Yrs of age group. 2 HCV Reactive patients belong to Rangareddy district. Surgery was found to be the major risk factor for HCV infection. Conclusion: The Prevalence of HCV in CLD Patients was 4%. Males were more commonly affected than females with 40-60yrs age group commonly affected. Surgery was found as a major risk factor and all the 4 HCV Reactive patients belonged to lower socioeconomic status.