Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Urban Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: This study was carried out to measure the prevalence of HBV and HCV in cataract surgical patients.

Material and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at ophthalmology department Abbasi shaheed hospital Karachi from December 2010 to April 2011. A total of 150 patients above the age of 30 years undergoing elective cataract surgery were screened for hepatitis B and C. The patients were screened for HBs Ag and Anti-HCV using immunochromatography (ICT method). Those who were positive by ICT were further tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results: HBV or HCV was present in 26 (17.33%) patients out of 150. Prevalence among the male patients was 20% while among female was 13.33%. Out of 26 positive patients, 7 patients (26.92%) were hepatitis B positive and 19 patients (73.07%) were hepatitis C positive.

Conclusion: It is mandatory to be screened for hepatitis B and C preoperatively for every patient undergoing cataract surgery.