PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C IN BLOOD DONORS OF KARACHI

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are two major public health problems in the country. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in voluntary non-remunerated and replacement donors in Baqai Medical University Hospital and PNS Shifa Karachi from April, 2005 to June, 2007. A total of 11459 donors were bled. Anti-HCV was found positive in 237 (2.068%) HBs Ag was positive in 196 (1.71%) and both were positive in 11 (0.095%) individuals. This study shows a higher prevalence of HCV than HBV infection in blood donors. The prevalence of HCV and HBV can be minimized by the scre- ening of all donors for anti-HCV and HBs Ag and discouraging the use of unsterilized syringes.