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No. of pages: 3000

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Abstract:

It is widely known that hepatitis C virus (HCV) slowly and progressively damages the liver while the human host may be unaware of the infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HCV in apparently healthy individuals in Enugu metropolis. This is important because it will explain the prevailing liver disease experienced in the society. A total of 214 apparently healthy individuals were recruited from Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East for this study. Their demographic characteristics and social life habits were obtained from each of the subjects. Blood samples were collected through venepuncture and serum was extracted from it. The serum was analyzed for anti-HCV antibodies using HCV EIA third generation assay kit. The lipid profile and alanine aminotransaminase levels were also estimated using a commercial prepared kit for each of the parameters. The results were analyzed statistically with significant levels taken at P