Immunoassay Technique for Diagnosis of Hepatitis B and C Virus Among Drivers and Conductors of long Route Heavy Vehicles

Abstract

It is reported from various studies that Drivers and Conductors of heavy vehicles are highly exposed to HCV and HBV. The present study is conducted to investigate the frequency and percentage of HCV and HBsAg in drivers and conductor’s community of heavy vehicles in Pakistan. Data of about 200 subjects from District Bannu, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was collected for this study, in which 63% were drivers and 37% were conductors. They were screened for both HCV antibodies and HBsAg. The screening method used during the study was immunochromatographic technique (ICT), which showed that about 19.8% of the drivers were found to be HBsAg positive, while 5.5% were HCV positive. Also, 5.4% of the conductors were found to be HBsAg positive and 4.05% were HCV positive. This study revealed that chances of HCV and Hepatitis B is high in unmarried drivers and conductor as compared to married one. Also, the present study concluded the maximum prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in persons of age 35-45.