Risk factors of hepatitis c infection in patients of chronic liver disease in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection is often asymptomatic, but once established, chronic infection can progress to scarring of the liver, and advanced scarring cirrhosis which is generally apparent after many years. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure or other complications of cirrhosis, including liver cancer, HCV infection is chronic in 75% to 85% of infected individuals, approximately 18 million people in India are estimated to be infected with HCV. The present study was carried out to detect the prevalence of HCV infection in patients of chronic liver diseases and find out risk factors responsible for transmission of infection in central part of rural UP. A total number of 300 patients, in the age range between 10–70 years of either sex admitted in Major SD Singh Medical College hospital, Farrrukhabad (UP) were included in the study. 12 cases (4%) were detected to be positive for anti-HCV antibodies, of which 7(58.3%) were males and 5(41.7%) females showing a sex ratio of 1.4: 1. Presenting symptoms were loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache etc. Major risk factors identified in the study were needle prick, dental procedures, blood transfusion, major surgery etc. Study revealed a lower prevalence of HCV infection in this part of country, than what was reported earlier from other parts of country. Study reaffirmed that risk factors attributable to causation of hepatitis C infection are preventable and prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus can be reduced by health education and basic hygiene measures aiming at general population and medical personnel.