HCV and HBV infection among a cohort of Sri Lankan thalassaemic patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest that prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) virus infections is low in Sri Lanka. Patients with severe thalassaemia are at risk of developing blood borne infections like HBV and HCV. While HBV can be prevented by vaccination, safe blood donor screening practices is the best preventive strategy for HCV. Nationwide HCV blood donor screening was commenced in Sri Lanka in 2009. We studied tne prevalence of HBV and HCV Infections among a Sri Lankan cohort of thaiassaemic patients. Method: All consenting patients with J^JJJfusion dependent thalassaemia in Anuradhapura, Ragama, Baduila, Chilaw centers were screened for HBV and HCV by HBsAg and Anti-HCV antibodies respectively. Those positive during screening for HBV and HCV were confirmed by HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA PCR respectively. Results: A total of 513 patients were tested (Anuradhapura-210, Ragama-184, Badualla-70, Chilaw-49). There were no cases of HBV infection. Anti-HCV antibodies were positive in 97(45.2%), 14(7.6%), 5(7.1%), 0 in the four centres respectively, HCV was confirmed in 32 {15.2%}, 4 (2.2%), 1 (1.4%), 0 patients in the four centres. 2/4 patients from Ragama and the patient from Badualla had blood transfusions from Anuradhapura prior to changing care to present centre. HCV positive patients age ranged from 5-21 years (mean 12.5). Total transfusions ranged from 49-312. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of high HCV prevalence in a specific group to be reported from Sri Lanka, The high prevalence from a single centre (Anuradhapura} is alarming and reasons for this needs urgent investigation.