Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BIPS), Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600, Pakistan.
Health Research Institute, National Institute of Health, Islamabd-46000, Pakistan.
Pan Afr Med J. 2021 Dec 21;40:247. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.247.23396. eCollection 2021.
population-based follow-up study has been designed to investigate the contributing factors to high exposure to Aflatoxin B (AFB) and the subsequent associated risk factors among hepatitis C-infected patients at a referral centre, Karachi. Pakistan. Hepatitis C infection affects millions of individuals worldwide and confers high morbidity and mortality, especially in lower middle-income countries (LMICs) including Pakistan. A literature review of recent studies has revealed that a number of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) cases are markedly increased in Pakistan, where one of the potential causes of HCC is hepatitis C virus. The objectives of this study were to determine frequency of Aflatoxin B (AFB) exposure and other associated characteristics among hepatitis C patients at a referral centre, Karachi, Pakistan.
a semi-structured pre-coded pro forma designed to collect socio-demographic, Pharmacological, biochemical and clinical information from patients and hospital records. Patient´s pre and post polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and other blood parameters were analysed. AFB exposure was determined using an ELISA kit and validated through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
AFB exposure was found in 30 (34%) patients. Post treatment responders were 49 (55.6%). More than 37% of study participants had a family history of hepatitis C. About 74% had a history of surgical procedure, and around 36% of study participants had a blood transfusion history. Up to 36% participants were fond of spicy food and around 25% study participants were eating roadside food on daily basis.
high frequency of AFB exposure due to risky dietary habits, low level of formal education and awareness are contributing factors may be responsible for high exposure of AFB. Effective and multidimensional strategies are needed to prevent advance stage progression of disease and associated complications.
本研究为基于人群的随访研究，旨在调查卡拉奇转诊中心丙型肝炎感染患者高暴露于黄曲霉毒素 B（AFB）的相关因素及后续相关危险因素。丙型肝炎感染影响着全球数百万人，且在包括巴基斯坦在内的中低收入国家（LMICs）带来了较高的发病率和死亡率。最近的文献综述显示，巴基斯坦的肝细胞癌（HCC）病例显著增加，其中一个潜在原因是丙型肝炎病毒。本研究的目的是确定卡拉奇转诊中心丙型肝炎患者中 AFB 暴露的频率及其他相关特征。
采用半结构式预编码表格，从患者和医院记录中收集社会人口统计学、药理学、生化和临床信息。分析患者聚合酶链反应（PCR）前后的血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）水平和其他血液参数。使用 ELISA 试剂盒确定 AFB 暴露情况，并通过高效液相色谱法（HPLC）进行验证。
30 名（34%）患者存在 AFB 暴露。治疗后应答者为 49 名（55.6%）。超过 37%的研究参与者有丙型肝炎家族史。约 74%有手术史，约 36%的研究参与者有输血史。高达 36%的参与者喜欢吃辣，约 25%的研究参与者每天都在路边吃食物。
由于危险的饮食习惯、低水平的正规教育和意识，AFB 暴露的高频率是促成因素，可能导致 AFB 的高暴露。需要采取有效和多方面的策略，以预防疾病的晚期进展和相关并发症。
