Prevalence of Hepatitis B, C and Tuberculosis in Under Privileged Children (Orphans) of District Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

ABSTRACT Present work describes the prevalence of above-mentioned diseases in underprivileged orphans of District Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Blood samples of a total of 300 children (150 males and 150 females), 4-17 years of age were screened for anti-HCV antibody, HBsAg and anti-MTB antibodies using ICT kits. Sputum microscopy for MTB was done in MTB antibody positive samples. The samples positive in initial screening were confirmed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nine samples were found positive in both ICT and ELISA test for HCV while PCR showed six positive cases for HCV. HBV were found positive in three samples after ICT and ELISA, but was found negative after PCR. MTB was found positive in seven cases after ICT, while six gave positive PCR. Blood transfusion (p=0.0001) was found significant risk factor regarding spread of hepatitis B and C in the studied population.