Prevalence of HCV in beta-thalassemia major patients visiting tertiary care hospitals in Lahore - Pakistan

Background: Post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) is majorly caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). So, recipients of blood/blood products, post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH), renal dialysis patients and intravenous drug users all represent high-risk groups for infection. The aim of the present research was to determine the prevalence of HCV antibody in beta-thalassemia major patients visiting different tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: HCV seroprevalence and risk factors were studied in 200 beta-thalassemia major patients (24 females, 176 males) with different age groups by second generation ELISA during January 2013 to May 2013. Confirmed beta-thalassemia major patients from three different tertiary care hospitals were selected with special reference to age, age at the time of diagnosis, frequency of transfusion and present clinical status. Results: Among 200 patients, 82 (41%) were found reactive for HCV antibody with age range of 2 to 18 years with mean age of 8.5 years. Conclusion: This study showed that hemodialysis patients and beta-thalassemia sufferers were at higher risk of having HCV infection; the prevalence being 41%.