Hepatitis C in Pakistan: magnitude, genotype, disease characteristics and therapeutic response.

Hepatitis C virus is one of the most common blood-borne viruses and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It affects 170 million people worldwide and 2.4%-6.5% people in Pakistan. Therapeutic injections by contaminated, re-used syringes, transfusion of unsafe blood and re-use of razors are major factors responsible for the spread of hepatitis C in the general population. Genotype 3 is the most common genotype in Pakistan and is most responsive to interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. HCV is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in Pakistan. Appropriate steps need to be taken in the country to control factors responsible for the spread of hepatitis C.