Affiliation:
1. Associate Professor of Microbiology, SR Medical college and Research Centre, Trivandrum.
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a global health problem and an estimated 71•1 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus. The prevalence of HCV infection in high-risk group of patients like those receiving blood transfusions, subjects with haemodialysis ,reuse of needles are expected to be higher than in general population.
AIM OF STUDY-To study the prevalence of Hepatitis C infections
MATERIALS AND METHODS-The study was conducted at Travancore medical college a teaching hospital. A total of 450 samples were included and tested for hepatitis C virus by RT-PCR.
RESULTS- Of which 41 samples were positive for HCV RNA and HCV genotype 1 (n = 14), include subtype 1a (n = 11), subtype 1b (n = 2), genotype 3 (n = 22) and genotype 4 (n =5).
CONCLUSION- The study discovered the presence of HCV genotypes 1, 3&4. The current study shows a prevalence of 9% HCV infection. It was more likely to occur in older persons than younger ones. Multiple haemodialysis' and post transfusion hepatitis continues to be an important cause of HCV related liver disease in India.