Seroprevalence of B and C Viral Hepatitis Among Madaaris Students, An Outlook from Multi-Ethnic Population of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C are substantial public health problems, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The current cross-sectional study was performed to establish the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection in the students at Islamic religious schools (Madaaris) in district Peshawar, Pakistan. This analytical cross-sectional study was performed from April 2019 to September 2019 at the Pathology laboratory of Khyber Medical University Institute of Paramedical Sciences Peshawar. Venous blood was collected from 493 subjects from different Madaaris of district Peshawar and screened for the presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV by immunochromatographic (ICT) method. Positive cases were further confirmed by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) assay. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first report regarding HBV and HCV infection. Hepatitis B and C viral infections in the students and staff of Madaaris was low with a 0.4% prevalence of C, and 1.41% of hepatitis B. Distribution of HCV infection occurred in various age groups as one case in the age group of 13-18, and one in 19-24 years. No HCV infection was detected in married students, while 2 cases were found positive in unmarried individuals. In the case of HBV infections, five subjects were detected in age groups of 19-24 years while 2 cases in 13-18 years. Of seven cases, one was positive in married, while six were noted in unmarried subjects. One case was positive for HBV infection with positive family history for both HBV and HCV infections. All the vaccinated individuals were found negative for HBV infections. Furthermore, one (0.6%) were co-infected with HBV and HCV infections. The occurrence of hepatitis B and C was comparatively (in school and community) low in the students and staff of Madaaris from Peshawar. HBV is more prevalent in young males as compared to HCV.