Molecular detection of HCV infection in suspected liver disease

Chronic hepatitis is a common cause of liver related problem due to different viruses concerned with liver, where Hepatitis C (HCV) has been documented as the major cause and lead to many complications. A total of 1500 (54% Male and 46 % Female) suspected liver disease patients were selected for the study. Confirmation was carried out by ICT, ELISA and q-PCR. Age wise and gender wise and Tehsil wise distribution of the data was carried by statistical analysis. HCV RNA was detected in 438 (29.2%) samples out of total 1500 samples of suspected liver disease patients via q-PCR. Out of 438 patients, 210 (47.94%) were male and 228 (52.06 %) were female patients. In age group 41-60 years there were 210 (47.94%) HCV RNA positive patients. In age group 21-40 years it was 104 (23.74%), in>60 years it was 95 (21.68%) and in <20 years 29 (6.62%) was observed. In Tehsil wise distribution it was noted that 228 (52.05%) HCV RNA positive samples were from Tehsil Mardan and 115 (26.25%) and 95 (21.68%) from Takhtbhai and Kattlang respectively. This study concludes that the most specific, sensitive and reliable test use for detection of HCV is q-PCR. Female infectivity rate with HCV is relatively higher then male in District Mardan. Age group 41-60 years was found the most susceptible group to HCV infection in this study. Among the three Tehsil of District Mardan, the highest number of HCV infected patients was found i