Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in Bangladeshi General Population

Authors

  • Mamun Al-Mahtab Assistant Professor, Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka
  • Salimur Rahman Professor, Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka
  • Fazal Karim Consultant Medicine, Dhaka Mohanagar Hospital
  • Graham Foster Professor, Digestive Diseases Research Centre, Bart?s and the London Queen Mary?s School of Medicine and Dentistry, London
  • Susannah Solaiman Research Fellow, Digestive Diseases Research Centre, Bart?s and the London Queen Mary?s School of Medicine and Dentistry, London

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v2i1.3705

Keywords:

HCV, prevalence, general population, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus is encountered sporadically in Bangladesh. It results in a wide range liver diseases, with asymptomatic acute hepatitis rarely at one end to HCC at the other end of the spectrum.

Methods: 1018 individuals of different age groups and sex with varied religious, educational and social backgrounds were tested for anti-HCV by ELISA. Before testing, blood samples were preserved at -20°C. The study was conducted in a semi-urban location on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Results: 0.88% tested positive for anti HCV. None of them tested positive for HBsAg. There was a male predominance and those who tested positive were mostly between 17 and 50 years of age. Major risk factors for exposure to HBV appeared to be injudicious use of injectable medications, treatment by unqualified, traditional practitioners, mass-vaccination against cholera and smallpox, barbers and body piercing.

Conclusion: HCV remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh.

Key words: HCV; prevalence; general population; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v2i1.3705

BSMMU J 2009; 2(1): 14-17

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How to Cite

Al-Mahtab, M., Rahman, S., Karim, F., Foster, G., & Solaiman, S. (2009). Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in Bangladeshi General Population. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal, 2(1), 14–17. https://doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v2i1.3705

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