Abstract
This cross-sectional study reveals the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in multi-transfused thalassemia major patients. Thirty-four out of 79 (43.0%) patients enrolled in the study serologically tested positive for hepatitis C (mean ± standard deviation age = 12 ± 4.1 years), four (5.1%) for hepatitis B and none for HIV. Some of the measures that should be adapted are: safe blood transfusions; awareness programmes through print and electronic media; and the early screening of such hazardous infections.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Female
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HIV Antibodies / blood
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HIV Infections / diagnosis
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HIV Infections / epidemiology*
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HIV Infections / virology
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HIV Seroprevalence
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Hepatitis B / diagnosis
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Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
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Hepatitis B / virology
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Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood
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Hepatitis C / diagnosis
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Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
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Hepatitis C / virology
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Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood
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Humans
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Male
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Pakistan / epidemiology
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Seroepidemiologic Studies
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Transfusion Reaction*
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beta-Thalassemia / epidemiology
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beta-Thalassemia / therapy*
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beta-Thalassemia / virology
Substances
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HIV Antibodies
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Hepatitis B Antibodies
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Hepatitis C Antibodies