A Review of Hepatitis C in the General Population in Pakistan

To perform a systematic review of the recent scientific literature on hepatitis C infection (2010-2016) for epidemiology, genotypes, co-infection, risk factors and management regime in Pakistan. Present integrated, analyzed updated data, a comprehensive effort to evaluate hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease burden in Pakistan, and to inform public health decision makers. Literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus from peerreviewed journals. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion of pooled data with reference to quality and relevance were set prior to metaanalysis. A total of 129 studies were finally included; more than one study on the same region or group of population was included for comparison and statistical authentication. Hepatitis C is endemic in Pakistan with a 40% raise in the incidence of the disease conferring to resent reports. Data of the last five years from different districts of the country show an abrupt elevation in HCV seroprevalence. HCV genotype 3a remains to be the most prevalent in Pakistan (61.3%). However, in recent years, genotype 1a has raised in the Baluchistan province. A significantly high prevalence in transfusion-transmitted diseases is observed. Management of known risk factor can be a significant parameter to control HCV infection. This review encourages further rigorous research efforts to analyze surveillance of HCV in ruler remote areas of Pakistan. Furthermore, facilitated access to clinical manifestations should be made to identify risk factors, reduce disease burden and to improve the quality of life of hepatitis C carriers.