Timely tests to check for Hepatitis C

World over 130-150 million people are infected with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and in India, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 per cent is affected by the disease. It is mostly contracted through unscreened blood and blood product transfusions and through dialysis machines. Ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, city doctors talk about increasing awareness among the general public.

Dr Joy Varghese, hepatologist, Global Hospital, says he has seen many cases among labourers who spend money to secure jobs in the Middle East, but they are rejected because their blood tests positive for Hepatitis C. 

“Some, who undergo blood transfusions for blood-related disorders like thalassemia and haemophilia, end up with the disease. The challenge here is that symptoms, such as black stools, bloated stomach or blood in the vomit, show up only in the advanced stages and a blood test is required to confirm the presence of the virus,” he says. He adds that when it progresses, it becomes difficult to cure. “It can eventually lead to a chronic liver disease and sometimes liver cancer. These are deadlier manifestations of the disease and by the time they are detected, the damage is already done,” he says. 

Dr Shanthi Vijayaraghavan, gastroenterologist, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, warns about the rising burden of the disease. “With Hepatitis C emerging as a health threat for India, we have seen a rise in the number of cases in Chennai too. Although the percentage of the infected population is estimated to be low compared to other states, the recording of new cases has raised an alarm,” she says. 

Other causes are use of non-sterile needles by diabetics and even intravenous drug users, besides sharing personal-care items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with a person infected with the virus. It also may get transmitted through unprotected sex. 

But the primary reason for its transmission, says Dr Varghese, is that many blood banks have their own screening procedures and the kit they use could miss the virus. “There are first generation kits available for screening and testing of blood, but some blood banks may be using the kits that are not sensitive enough. Also, the advanced ones are expensive and these banks may not be able to afford them,” he says.

Dr M Hariharan, consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist and interventional endoscopist, calls for more awareness. “Ensure your blood bank gives you only screened blood. It is their responsibility to show you proof of the necessary tests done. Choose a bank, even if more expensive. Then, get yourself tested by a simple blood test. Everyone should, as there’s no telling when you could have contracted it through an injection, but if you can’t, then at least those at risk must get tested. These include those who have had blood transfusions, operations or injections in the last 15 years, and even dental procedures,” he adds.

Doctors say there are drugs that offer a cure of up to 95 per cent. Dr Varghese says, “These are moderately priced and after a three month treatment, it can be cured. But, the key is to catch it early, which is hard.” 

Dr Shanthi adds that the effectiveness of the new drugs further ensures cure rate of up to 75 per cent even in some advanced cases. “The new drugs are not only one of the least expensive in the world, but they also have minimal side effects on the body,” she says. 

So, in the absence of a Hepatitis C vaccine, doctors say that the way forward in combating the disease is spreading awareness among the particularly vulnerable, such as people undergoing blood and blood product transfusions or those on dialysis.