Risk Factors in the Transmission of Hepatitis B & C: A Study of 100 Cases of Chronic Liver Disease

Background:Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C positive cases have touched immense proportions. One third of worldʹs population has been infected with hepatitis B and about 3% of population is infected with hepatitis C. This descriptive study was carried out to analyze the risk of transmission of hepatitis B & C in Pakistani population and compare it with national and international data. Methods:Total of 100 patients were included. There patients had established liver disease and HBV and HCV infection was proven by ELISA. Results:20% patient had hepatis B and 80% had hepatitis C. 60% were male and 40% were females. 50% of hepatitis B had undergone body piercing, 30% had undergone circumcision, 25% had bear shaved by barbers. Similarly 63% of hepatitis patients C had been circumcised, 42.5% gave a history of street shaves and 24% had their ears pierced. Vertical transmission was not noted. Blood borne infection was not found only in 9.3% of hepatitis C. Conclusion:World wide vertical transmission is considered the usual mode of transmission for hepatitis B and blood transfusion for hepatitis C. Local studies previously showed blood transfusion, use of indisposed syringes and injection drug use as the main risk factor for transmission of hepatitis C in our population. Ignorance in general and especially about health matters is crux of the problem. It is need of the hour to take heroic measure to limit spread of hepatitis B & C.