Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. The impact of this infection is just emerging in India. The focus of study was epidemiological profile of patients suffering from hepatitis C and major risk factors associated. The epidemiology of hepatitis C in India has not been studied systematically. The burden of hepatitis C infection in Haryana has reached a significant level. It is more common in the young males belonging to rural areas. Genotype 3 is the most prevalent followed by genotype 4 which has not been reported from Northern India till now to such an extent. There is lack of awareness, hygiene and shortage of health facilities and there is need to organize public awareness and health education campaigns targeting healthcare providers, private practitioners, and the public. The study aim to study Epidemiological profile in patients infected with Hepatitis C Virus reporting to Hepatitis C nodal center in Haryana and to assess the various risk factors, genotypes and geographic foci of the disease. It was an epidemiology based, prospective study conducted at medical gastroenterology department of our institute over a period of five years. The record of each patient was meticulously maintained in the department. In this study 2500 patients confirmed for hepatitis C infection by PCR analysis were enrolled. Majority of the subjects were married male and came from rural residential areas. The age distribution curve showed a sharp peak between the age group 20 to 35 years. The districts bordering Punjab were having more prevalence in comparison to other parts. History of previous surgery and tattooing appeared as major risk factors. Majority of the patients were asymptomatic. Most of them were found to have HCV infection at screening camps followed by screening during preanaesthetic checkups and blood donation. Genotype 3 was the most common followed by genotype 4 and Genotype 1. The burden of hepatitis C infection is more in the young males especially in the rural areas. The reason for this could be lack of awareness, hygiene and shortage of health facilities for which need is to organize public awareness and health education campaigns targeting healthcare providers, private practitioners, and the public. In order of the prevalence of disease we can formulate strategies and prioritize accordingly. The most important risk factors are use of unsterilized needles and other equipment. Tattooing has emerged as a major player here. It is a common practice and it is imperative to make people aware of the risks associated with it. Genotype 3 is the most prevalent. But genotype 4 is also emerging.

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