Epidemiological Survey of the Prevalence of HCV and HBV among the Factory Workers in the Periphery of Lahore

Abstract

Hepatitis C and hepatitis B are major health-related issues all over the globe. Both of these are iral infections that can be disseminated via sexual contact, by blood or the use of blood products, and through methods of intra-familial transmission. The collection of blood samples of factory workers was done aseptically at KBK Electronics. Overall, 272 samples of blood were taken from a variety of individuals. Economically accessible ELISA (Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay) was used to screen the individuals for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and also for anti- HCV antibodies. Screening test was performed as directed by the instructions of the manufacturer. Name, gender and age group of each person was noted. Overall, 271 individuals were inspected to check the presence of HCV and HBV. The age of all the individuals ranged between 19 -50 years. The overall prevalence of both HCV and HBV was determined as 18.4% (50/271). As compare to HBV, HCV has a higher prevalence, that is, 16.17% (44/271). On the other hand, the prevalence of HBV was only 2.2% (6/271). The results of this study and previous literature highlight the pressing need to conduct epidemiological studies in smaller regions of the country.  It will help to specify the areas with higher HCV/HBV prevalence. Only then, various methods for treating and even precluding both of these infections can be implemented effectively. Copyright (c) 2021 Muhammad Khurram, Asma Irshad, Muhammad Alamgir,Usman Ayub Awan, Haleema Sadia, Ammna Sayeed