c virus PREVALENCE

The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is not well documented in many countries, partly due to the expense and practical difficulties involved in the detection of HCV RNA in the serum of infected individuals. Based on the available statistics, it is estimated that 3% of the total world population is infected with the hepatitis C virus (WHO, 2006). INCIDENCE Approximately 170,000,000 people worldwide and 4,000,000 in the United States are infected with HCV, 3-4 million people are newly infected each year. Perinatal transmission from mother to fetus or infants is relatively low but possible (less than 10%).11,12 Seroprevalence of HCV in Pakistan is unclear and its epidemiology particularly in women and children has yet to be established.13 The prevalence of HCV in general population ranges from 4-25.7%.14 HCV seroprevalence in the general population ranges from 1% to 2% in number of countries including the United State15-17 to 12.6% in parts of Italy,18 and 14.1% in areas of Japan19. Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was reported in 1989, much has learned about its epidemiology and pathogenesis. Similarly 170 million of the world population is suffering from hepatitis C.20 The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C in the Asia-pacific region is variable between 4% to 12%. 21 The prevalence of HCV in general population range from 4-25.7%. 22 With highest number of infection reported in Egypt. 23 The prevalence among general public of HBV, HCV infection in Pakistan is 10% 24,25 and 4-10% respectively. 26 In pregnant women of Pakistan Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus infection are reported to be 2.5% and 6.7% respectively.27,28 The prevalence of anti-HCV in antenatal clinic attenders in greater London area and Northern and Yorkshire region was found to be 0.43% (of 25938 women) and 0.21% (of 16675 women) respectively. 29 The HCV prevalence of 0.38% and 0.20% were seen inner and outer districts of London respectively. 30 Another UK study of an antenatal population of 0.14%. 31 In a national survey among 30259 childbearing women throughout Scotland, the HCV seroprevvalence was found to be 0.29-0.40%. 32 Little is known about Hepatitis C virus infection in pregnant women in India. The seroprevalence of anti HCV antibody in the healthy general population of India was found to be 1.5% each in 234 voluntary blood donors and 65 pregnant women. HCV infection was not detected in 250 randomly selected antenatal women in Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). 33 The current estimated global prevalence of HCV is 3%, which equates to approximately 170 million people. 34 Sub-Saharan Africa is 6%, west Africa is 2.4% and Southern and East Africa is 1.6%. 35 In comparison, prevalence in the middle east is 4.6%, South-East is 2.15%, North America is 1.7% and Europe is 1.03%. 36 Highest prevalence of 20-30% is reported in Egypt. 37 The present study shows that the prevalence of anti-HCV in pregnant Saudi mothers in Makkah is 6.66%. 38