Frequency of hepatitis B and C among young healthy adult males from Southern Punjab of Pakistan

To find the frequency of HBV and HCV infection among healthy adult males of Southern Punjab seeking recruitment in Pakistan Armed Forces. This cross sectional, observational study was carried out from August 2009 to March 2010, at Combined Military Hospital Bahawalpur. Healthy young adult males recruited from Southern Punjab were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C virus antibodies (Anti-HCV) by rapid method and positive cases were confirmed by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). A total of 1555 individuals were examined. Out of those 62(3.98%) were HBsAg positive and 65(4.18%) were positive for anti HCV. There is a dire need for nationwide survey to identify the exact burden of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus in the society for finding tangible solutions in the form of proper planning and implementation of hepatitis prevention and control interventions.