HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)

Objectives: This study was carried out to find out the frequency of Hepatitis CVirus (HCV) infection in patients with end stage renal disease requiring Haemodialysis and theirrate of seroconversion to HCV positive during Haemodialysis in special subgroup population,the labour class of Punjab Pakistan. Study Designs: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place &Duration: Haemodialysis Unit Nawaz Sharif Social Security Hospital, Multan Road Lahore fromJanuary 2009 through December 2012. Material and Method: A total of 92 patients, aged 15to 70 years belonging to Labour class of the Punjab were included in the study, who reportedfor Haemodialysis in our unit. All the patients were tested for the presence of HCV antibodyby rapid immunochromatographic technique (ICU devices) and also confirmed with EnzymeLinked Immunosorbant Assay (ELIZA) at the start of Haemodialysis and thereafter quarterly fortheir conversion to HCV positive state. Results: Out of 92 patients 34 (39.96%) were positivefor HCV Antibody 3 patients (3.26%) were positive for HbsAg where as 55 patients (59.78%)were negative for HbsAg or HCV Antibody. Out of 55 patients negative for HCV, 12 patientswere converted to HCV positive state within 18 months of Haemodialysis. Conclusion: A highincidence of HCV positive, 36.96 % was noted with a high seroconversion rate of 21.82 %toHCV positive. This study supports the idea that better socioeconomic status and awareness ofpreventive health aspects remains the corner stone for prevention and spread of HCV infection.