Seroprevalence Anti HCV Antibodies, HCV- RNA and its Genotypes among Patients of Hemophilia, at Hemophilia Treatment Centre Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of Hepatitis C antibody, viral load and genotypes of HCV in Hemophiliacs at
Hemophilia Centre Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad
Study Design and Duration of Study: A prospective cross-sectional study, done at Hemophilia Centre (PIMS) during a year
from January to December 2006.
Material & Methods: Among a total of 215 cases registered for different bleeding disorders at Hemophilia centre PIMS, 161
were Hemophiliacs (both factor VIII and factor IX deficiencies). Out of these 103 were tested for Hepatitis C antibodies by
ELIZA method. Viral load was detected using HCV Real Time Amplification Method. Serum was also submitted for
genotyping by identifying the genospecific cDNA band.
Results: Among 103 patients of hemophilia A and B tested for Hepatitis C antibody positivity, 36% were found positive. All
of these cases were tested for viral load by PCR and 57% cases had detectable viral load. On genotyping most of the cases
(38%) were 3a type and a few patients had mixed infection. ALT was elevated in most of the patients. Alterations in
hematological parameters have also been described.
Conclusion: We found 36% positivity for HCV antibodies. Detectable viral load was observed in 57% cases. On genotyping
most of the cases (among the typable ones) were 3a type. Since the HCV endemicity in general population is already a major
public health problem and this is even worse in Hemophiliacs we need to take strict measures to provide safe blood and its
products to everyone.