EVALUATING THE TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS IN ADULT POPULATION IN SWASTIK DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY, JAMMU

. Testing for anti-HCV antibodies with a serological test identifies people who have been infected with the virus. If the test is positive for anti-HCV antibodies, a nucleic acid test for HCV ribonucleic acid [RNA] is needed to confirm chronic infection and the need for treatment. This test is important because about 30% of people infected with HCV spontaneously clear the infection by strong immune response without the need for treatment. Although, no longer infected, they will still test positive for anti-HCV antibodies. This nucleic acid for HCV RNA can either be done in a lab or using a simple point of care machine in the clinic. After a person has been diagnosed with chronic HCV infection, an assessment should be conducted to determine the degree of liver damage [Fibrosis and cirrhosis]. This can be done by liver biopsy or through a variety of non-invasive test. The degree of liver damage is used to guide treatment discussion and management of the disease. Early diagnosis can prevent health problems that may result from infection and prevent transmission of virus. WHO recommended testing people who may be at increased risk of infection.Some of the objectives of my study were also fulfilled and it was observed and concluded that risk factors involved in HCV infection were injected drugs, patients who had a history of STD/ born to a woman with HCV, needle stick injuries caused due to usage of tattoo unsterile equipment, blood transfusion and organ transplant from an infected donor, and patients already infected with HIV, HBV. After screening, it was also observed that 26 patients were positive for both Anti HCV and HCV RNA. Although, after treatment, no longer infected, they will still test positive for anti-HCV antibodies.