1. Muhammad Shehzad 2. Zaib un Nisa 3. Qadeer ul Hassan 4. Ghulam Habib

1. Asstt. Prof. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 2. Asstt. Prof. of Oral Medicine and Periodontology,

3. Asstt. Prof. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 4. Lecturer of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers in oral and maxillofacial patients.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad from 1^st September 2011 to 31^st August 2013.

Materials and Methods: Data of 520 patients who were hospitalized at Liaquat University Hospital for treatment of maxillofacial fractures. Study design was descriptive/cross sectional study. All patients were treated both under general anesthesia as well as local anesthesia, sedation. Our hospital is tertiary referral center for Sindh province. Patients who were hospitalized at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department during the study period for any category of maxillofacial surgery were screened before managing.

Results: 60% were males and 40% were females with age from 15-80 years. HBV was positive 15% in patients and HCV was positive in 11% of patients.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of HBV and HCV in maxillofacial surgical patients recommended a regular test for HBV and anti-HCV for every one patient, to prevent spread of HBV and HCV among staff, patient to patient and