Chandigarh: PGI organizes a seminar on hepatitis B and C viruses

PGIMER conducted a pre-conference seminar on hepatitis B and C viral load testing. (Source: Thinkstock Images / Representation)

The PGIMER Virology Unit, Chandigarh, conducted a pre-conference on hepatitis B and C viral load testing on Saturday.

Participants from different parts of the country, as well as from Bangladesh, participated. This was done as part of a good laboratory for viral load testing, which is mandatory for the treatment of hepatitis B and C.

Professor R Kathy Ratho, head of virology at the address in his main note, congratulated delegates and stressed the importance of viral load testing for various viral infections, including viral hepatitis.

Professor Mini P Singh, secretary of the organization INTERVIROCON-2018, emphasized that chronic hepatitis B caused by hepatitis B and C is a major public health problem affecting 325 million people worldwide. "These infections are spreading the same way as HIV, and they can be asymptomatic for a long time, which can range from a few days to a decade," said the doctor.

"A prophylactic vaccine is available for hepatitis B but there are no commercial vaccines available for hepatitis C. Recent hepatitis C treatment has improved due to the cost-effective, directly anti-viral drug. Timely virus testing is important to diagnose these infections and to monitor the treatment keeping in mind the global theme "World Hepatitis Day" for 2018 "Test for hepatitis treatment", "indicates PGI release.

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