Seropositivity of hepatitis C in prison inmates of Pakistan--a cross sectional study in prisons of Sindh.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the proportion of seropositivity of Hepatitis C amongst the prison inmates in the jails of Sindh.


METHODS
A cross sectional HCV seroprevalence survey was done at 14 out of 19 prisons in the Sindh province from November 2008 to January 2009. A team of Pathologist, phlebotomist and laboratory technician took the blood sample of the inmates inside the correctional facility; the blood was centrifuged at the spot and brought back to the pathology laboratory on same day in cold chain i.e. a temperature-controlled supply chain. Serum was analyzed on 3rd generation ELISA for HCV antibodies. Standard ethical considerations were properly followed.


RESULTS
Atotal of 9508 prison inmates were approached. Refusal rate was 20%. Remaining, 7539 prisoners were screened at 14 out of 19 jails in Sindh. HCV antibody positive were 965 making the proportion of seropositivity 12.8% (95% C.I. 8.92% - 12.92%). Higher seropositivity in the jails of northern Sindh jails was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatitis C prevalence in the prison population of Sindh is higher than the national prevalence of 4.9% amongst general population. However it is lower than that reported from correctional facilities of developed countries. Hepatitis prevention and control activities in the correctional facilities of Pakistan need to be institutionalized (JPMA 60:476; 2010).
National Program for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis in Pakistan, Ministry of Health Government of Pakistan, Health Services Sindh, Old Wahdat Colony, Hyderabad.
Zulfikar Ali
ZA
Gorar
Imrana
I
Zulfikar
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011330:Prisons; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies