High seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus and dual infection (hepatitis B and C virus) in non-alcoholic chronic liver disease in north India.

BACKGROUND

There are conflicting reports on the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) mediated chronic liver disease (CLD) in India.

AIM

To study the prevalence of HBV and HCV associated in CLD in north India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty five patients (66 males, 19 females; age range 16-70 years) with unequivocal CLD were analysed. CLD patients with nonviral aetiologies were excluded. All sera were tested for anti-HCV by EIA (third generation), HBsAg, IgM and IgG anti-HBc, HBeAg/Anti-HBe by EIA (Abbott Diagnostics, IL). Positive anti-HCV results were confirmed by RIBA-II assay.

RESULTS

Sixteen (18.8%), 22 (25.9%) and 21 (24.7%) patients had HBV, HCV and HBV + HCV infection, respectively. Twenty six (30.6%) CLD patients had no viral markers.

CONCLUSION

HCV is emerging as an important cause of CLD in India. Dual infection (HBV + HCV) is seen in 25% patients. Dual infection influences the prognosis and response rates to interferon therapy.