Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B, C and Sexually Transmitted Treponema Pallidum Infections in Jail Inmates of Quetta, Balochistan

Niamatullah Kakar¹*, Habibur Rehman¹, Ferhat Abbas¹, Asmatullah Kakar², Ihsanullah Kakar³ and  Muhammad Ali Khan¹

¹Center for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB), University of Baluchistan, Brewery Road Quetta, Pakistan

²Faculty of pharmacy, University of Baluchistan

³Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences

*Corresponding Author E-mail: niamatullah.kakar@gmail.com;  Phone: 0092-321-8010025

Accepted 18 November, 2014

Abstract

We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of acquiring sexually transmitted and blood born related infections that is treponema Pallidum, Hepatitis B virus, and Hepatitis C virus in male prisoners in district jail Quetta Balochistan, Pakistan. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and treponema pallidum were 6%, 4% and 5.5% respectively. The mean age of the subjects participated in the study was 39 years (18-60Y). Infections were greatly associated with younger age, illiteracy, unemployment, Injection drug use (IDUs), sharing of needles and shaving blades and extra marital sex. Long duration of incarceration also influenced on the elevated prevalence of infections. This study provides an appealing data of Hepatitis and Treponema pallidum among inmates. The high infection prevalence among inmates represents a significant community health issue. Regular screening, health educational programs, and general disease prevention efforts must be widely implemented within correctional facilities and HBV immunity vaccination to prisoners should be applied.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Inmates, Prevalence, Risk factors, Treponema pallidum