Abstract

Hepatitis B and C infections are known to be the major public health issue around the world. Our focusis to investigate the predominance of HBV and HCV infections in the general population of district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood samples were taken from 652 individuals and were shifted to Alkhedmat laboratory Mansehra and Department of Microbiology Hazara University Mansehra. Serum were isolated from blood samples and screen it by ICT device Kit (Accurate Diagnostics, Houston, Texas, USA). The ICT positive samples were then refined by PCR method. Total 652 individuals [males (368), females (284)] were screened for HBV and HCV infections in which total 37 (5.67%) [males (6.52%) and females (4.57%)] were found positive for HBsAg and 42 (6.44%) [males (7.33%) and females (5.28%)] were found positive for Anti HCV respectively. The ratio of these viral infections is more predominant as compare to other viral infections in Mansehra, Pakistan. The rate of HBV and HCV prevalence is increasing day by day in these areas. Communities with more than 5% HBV and HCV disease, mass vaccination and awareness programs should be undertaken as a matter of urgency.

Keywords HBV, HCV, ICT, PCR, Risk factors, Mansehra