PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND C IN UROLOGICAL PATIENTS

Background: To determine the frequency of hepatitis B and C virus infection in urological patients and assess the risk factors. Methods: This observational study was conducted at department of urology Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, from January 2010 to December 2011. Patients admitted at urology department during the study period were screened for HBV & HCV, and detailed history was taken to find out risk factors causing hepatitis B & C in urological patients. Results: A total 1472 patients were screened including 1152(78.26%) male and 320(21.73%) female patients. Out of 1472 patients 252(17.11%) were found positive for HBV & HCV. Visit to general practitioner and frequent use of Intravenous and Intramuscular drugs was risk factor found in 225(89%) patients. A visit to barber for shaving and hair cut was found in 139(72.3%) patients. Previous history of surgical procedures was found in 91(36.1%) patients. Blood transfusion was found in 49(19.4%) patients in past. Visit to dentist for procedures was found in 37(14.68%) patients. Road traffic accident in the past was seen in 14(5.5%) patients. Conclusion: The high prevalence i.e. 17.11% of hepatitis B & C in urological patient suggests that pre-operative screening of all patients for hepatitis B & C should be made mandatory. Public awareness regarding hazards and common modes of disease transmission should be transmitted through print and electronic media and public awareness programs.