A Case Control Study for the Identification of Novel Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis C Viral Infection in Population of Lahore Pakistan

Aim: To investigate the most common as well as least common, unidentified risk factors contributing major part in HCV transmission. Method: A case control study comprising 50 cases and 100 controls was conducted during May, 2011 to August, 2011. Informed consent. Informed consent was taken from all of the participants. Fifty cases and hundred controls were interviewed using pre-tested and specially designed questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 16 version to measure the strength of association of various known and unidentified risk factors with HCV transmission. Cases were ELISA confirmed positive and controls were ELISA negative for anti-HCV antibodies. All participants were resident of same area (Lahore) and 16-70 year age. Not a single participant was missed. Results: History of clinical symptoms (OR 7.39), history of sharing of straw (OR 4.321), History of blood transfusion (OR 3.6), history of alcohol consumption (OR 2.67), History of previous surgery (OR 2.42), history of body (including Ear/Nose) piercing/tattooing (OR 2.25), History of sharing of crack pipe (OR 2.23), history of sharing tooth brush (OR 2.11), history of sharing comb (OR 2.06) were significant risk factors associated for acquiring HCV infection. Conclusion: In conclusion, history of presence of acute hepatitis like symptoms prior to illness, sharing of straw, blood transfusion, sharing of straw, crack pipes, tooth brush, comb, history of alcohol consumption, surgical procedures and blood transfusion remains most important vehicles for spread of the HCV in Pakistan. There is a dire need of awareness and effective surveillance and monitoring program at national level to reduce and ultimately control the HCV infection .