Co-relation of hepatitis C RNA load with antiviral therapy and risk factors among hepatitis C seropositive patients

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus and the major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Viral load is the prognostic marker of the disease progression. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation of hepatitis C RNA load with antiviral therapy and its risk factors among the HCV seropositive patients. This study will be helpful in early assessment of the disease progression and its complications.The blood samples were collected over a period of one year from April 2022-March 2023. The serum was subjected to ELISA for Anti HCV Ab. Viral load quantification was done by MylabPathoDetect HCV Quantitative PCR Kit in HCV seropositive patients.About 18,882 patients were tested for HCV infection over a period of one year. 75 patients were positive for HCV infection. Prevalence of HCV was 0.39. The mean viral load was reduced from 3.08×10 IU/ml to 1.98×10 IU/ml and Sustained Viral Response (SVR12) was achieved in 63(84%) patients after effective treatment with direct acting antiviral agents. High risk sexual behavior was the most common risk factor observed in seropositive patients.The current study determines the reduction in mean viral load and achieving sustained viral response after the effective antiviral therapy at the earliest, which is helpful in prevention of disease progression and its complications.