ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among immigrants residing refugee camps in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and to identify possible risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. METHODS Around 1,225 individuals inhabiting Muzaffarabad refugee camps, participated in the study. A qualitative Immuno-Chromatographic Technique was used for initial screening and PCR test was used for detection of HBV and HCV in participants. The major risk factors for HBV and HCV transmission were assessed using a questionnaire approach. RESULTS Around 86 (7.0%) individuals were observed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) presence, and 215 (17.5%) individuals were found positive for Anti-HCV. Only 32 (2.6%) individuals were confirmed for HBV DNA and 126 (10.3%) individuals were positive for HCV RNA after PCR. Demographically, both HBsAg and Anti-HCV were found more prevalent in female (4.4% HBsAg and 10.8% Anti-HCV) population as compared to male (2.6% HBsAg and 6.7% Anti-HCV) population. Surprisingly, the HBsAg (23.5%) and Anti-HCV (41.1%) appeared to be more frequent in the age group 62–75 years. Previous history of hepatitis in the family (p < 0.0001), blood transfusion (p = 0.0197) dental treatment (p < 0.0001) and tattooing or piercing on any part of the body (p = 0.0028) were assessed as significant risk factors in HBV and HCV transmission. CONCLUSIONS Presence of 7.0% HBsAg and 17.5% Anti-HCV in a small fragment of the migrant population cannot be overlooked. Lack of awareness among people and negligence of health department could escalate the situation.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among immigrants residing refugee camps in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and to identify possible risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. METHODS Around 1,225 individuals inhabiting Muzaffarabad refugee camps, participated in the study. A qualitative Immuno-Chromatographic Technique was used for initial screening and PCR test was used for detection of HBV and HCV in participants. The major risk factors for HBV and HCV transmission were assessed using a questionnaire approach. RESULTS Around 86 (7.0%) individuals were observed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) presence, and 215 (17.5%) individuals were found positive for Anti-HCV. Only 32 (2.6%) individuals were confirmed for HBV DNA and 126 (10.3%) individuals were positive for HCV RNA after PCR. Demographically, both HBsAg and Anti-HCV were found more prevalent in female (4.4% HBsAg and 10.8% Anti-HCV) population as compared to male (2.6% HBsAg and 6.7% Anti-HCV) population. Surprisingly, the HBsAg (23.5%) and Anti-HCV (41.1%) appeared to be more frequent in the age group 62–75 years. Previous history of hepatitis in the family (p < 0.0001), blood transfusion (p = 0.0197) dental treatment (p < 0.0001) and tattooing or piercing on any part of the body (p = 0.0028) were assessed as significant risk factors in HBV and HCV transmission. CONCLUSIONS Presence of 7.0% HBsAg and 17.5% Anti-HCV in a small fragment of the migrant population cannot be overlooked. Lack of awareness among people and negligence of health department could escalate the situation.

Indian carp (Cirrhinus mrigala) exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations (0.815 mg/L and 1.63 mg/L) of diazinon for 30 days showed a significant decrease in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, plasma levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, activity of enzyme acetylcholinesterase and a significant increase in plasma glucose levels when compared with controlled fish (P<0.05). Compared to the controlled fish, leukocyte count decreased significantly in fish exposed to both sub-lethal concentrations and the plasma activities of enzyme asparate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase increased significantly after 20 and 30 days in fish exposed to 0.815 mg/L of diazinon, while the activities of these enzymes in fish exposed to 1.63 mg/L of diazinon increased significantly at all sampling periods (P<0.05). On the other hand, the plasma activity of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase decreased significantly in both diazinon treated fish groups after 10 days of exposure (P<0.05) and returned to the normal value after 20 and 30 days of exposure. In conclusion, long-term exposure to diazinon at sub-lethal concentrations induces severe physiological alterations in C. mrigala that may potentially disrupt their survival in their natural habitat.

A rapid and efficient condensation reaction of 2-aminothiophenol with various fatty acids in solvent-free conditions with or without microwave irradiation was carried out to afford the corresponding 2-substituted benzothiazole derivatives in good to excellent yields. The structures of the new products were established by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral data. All the title compounds were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. Most of the compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activity.