FREQUECNY OF HBSAG AND ANTI-HCV IN ASYMPTOMATIC HEALTHY BLOOD DONORS AT HMC, PESHAWAR

Background: There is high prevalence of hepatitis B and C in developing Countries like Pakistan. These viruses are the
major cause of chronic liver failure in the form of liver cirrhosis. They are also the major risk factors for hepatocellular
carcinoma. Because of their mode of transmission through blood and blood products, proper screening of blood for
hepatitis B and C is absolutely necessary.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of hepatitis B and C in healthy voluntary blood
donor’s comming to the blood bank of hayatabad medical complex, Peshawar.
Subjects and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out at blood bank of Hayatabad medical complex Peshawar
from 1st January 2013 to 31-12-2013. All asymptomatic healthy blood donors (n = 15842) presented to the blood
bank were screened for HBs Ag and Anti- HCV by ELISA. All the donors were male. The age range was 18 to 55 years.
Results: A total of 15842 blood donors were selected and screened for HBs Ag and Anti- HCV. Out of these 561 (3.54%)
were found positive both for hepatitis B and C. Among these positive Cases 293 (1.8%) were positive for HBs Ag and
268(1.69%) were positive for Anti- HCV.
Conclusion: Hepatitis B and C are serious liver diseases which may lead to chronic liver failure in the form of liver
cirrhosis. As blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of hepatitis B and C, all blood donors should be
routinely screened for hepatitis B and C by ELISA to control the spread of these viruses.
Key Words: Hbs Ag, Anti-HCV, Blood donors