Assessment of Some Haematological Parameters in Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a chronic viral disease of global public health importance characterized by progressive liver injury and numerous extrahepatic manifestations. Haematological abnormalities are among the most common systemic complications and contribute significantly to disease morbidity and prognosis. Objective: This study evaluated selected haematological parameters - packed cell volume (PCV), platelet count, total white blood cell (WBC) count, and differential WBC counts - among HCV-infected patients in Owerri, Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based case control study involving 60 participants aged 18–60 years was conducted. Thirty serologically confirmed HCV patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Blood samples were analysed using standard manual haematological techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: HCV patients had significantly reduced PCV, platelet count, WBC count and neutrophil percentage, while lymphocyte percentage was significantly higher. No significant sex-based differences were observed. Strong negative correlations existed between lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages. Conclusion: Chronic HCV infection is associated with anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia and relative lymphocytosis. Routine haematological monitoring is essential in clinical management.