Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus antibodies in Khartoum State

Abstract

Hepatitis C is a blood borne liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). First identified in 1989, the disease was initially known as “Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis”. The hepatitis C virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family of viruses, and spread primarily through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals. With the increasing use of antibody testing, the recognized prevalence of HCV infection has increased and an estimated 3% of the world’s population currently infected, equating to 170 million chronic HCV carriers world wide. HCV infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis of the liver; therefore World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes hepatitis C as a global health problem. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies in Khartoum State, and to determine the possible modes of transmission. To achieve the objectives of the study antibody to HCV (anti- HCV) was studied by third generation Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) 201 blood donors, 158 pregnant women, 198 dialysis patients, and 18 multiple transfused patients. According to the result obtained, anti- HCV was present in 0.4% among blood donors, and 0% in pregnant women. It was found in 28% dialysis patients and 5.5% among multiple transfused patients. Thus HCV infection was found predominantly among dialysis patients, and the possible risk factors were blood transfusion, longer duration, and loose application of universal precautions. Also this study concluded that dialysis especially in countries with high prevalence of HCV may be with possible mean of transmission of HCV. According to the results obtained, the study suggests some recommendations.