DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i04.078

Pages: 1755-1757

The epidemiological data of Hepatitis C infection in India particularly in Punjab is scarce. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the frequency distribution, including demographic and geographical data of patients with Hepatitis C in different regions of South-West Punjab (Malwa Region). We retrospectively collected the clinical, demographic and geographical data of 203 patients with Hepatitis C admitted in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. Patients with positive anti-Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-enzyme linked immune sorbent assay test for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies were included. There was predominantly rural distribution (67.3%) of patients with maximum cases from Ludhiana district (30.04%). Highest frequency of Hepatitis C infection was found in the middle aged (41-60 years) patients with male predominance. High proportions (61.08%) of the patients included in our study were incidentally detected with Hepatitis C infection on routine screening. Various associations of HCV infection with other diseases were also identified. Hepatitis C is an emerging disease in Punjab with a sizeable cluster of HCV infected asymptomatic persons who can act as a pool for its continuous transmission. The study helps us to predict the probable risk factors for Hepatitis C infection in Punjab. The need of the hour is to increase awareness about HCV among the public and practicing physicians.