1.
Application Of Microsatellite Markers For Genetic Diversity Analysis Of Endangered Punjab Urial (Ovis Orientalis Punjabiensis) In Pakistan
by Anam Aftab (2012-VA-534) | Dr.Tanveer Hussian | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. Muhammad Tayyab .
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2014Dissertation note: Biological diversity is now recognized as common concern of mankind and genetic diversity is the major driver of variation within and across breeds, which helps populations to adapt to environmental changes. There is very little importance is given to conserve wild sheep in previous years and its genetic diversity is decreasing day by day. Every now and then breeds are being haunted for crossing to some other imported breed without attempting to see if such efforts will be sustainable. For any breed development efforts thus, available genetic resources need to be characterized both at phenotypic and genetic levels (Khan et al. 2007).
Among the three levels of Biodiversity, one is Genetic variation which is suggested bythe International Union forNatureconservation (IUCN) for preservation (Mc Neely et al. 1990). The reason for it is that firstly; genetic diversity favors the changes as the environment changes and secondly; it prevents inbreeding depression (Reed and Frankham 2003). In this way genetic diversity increase the survival status and increase fitness of individuals.
Among many other wild animals present in Pakistan, there are 6 to 9 species of wild sheep (Ovis orientalis) are present which have different color and size of their winter neck ruff of males, saddle patches and horns color. Urial is a picture of Marco Polo in texture and hue. In Pakistan, ladakh urial, Blanford urialand Punjab urial are found in Gilget, Baluchistan and Punjab respectively. The discrepancy lies in the color of ruff among these 3 sub species (Roberts, 1977). Urial is among those precious wild animals that were hunted severely for trophy and other purposes in the past, that’s why included in red list of IUCN in vulnerable category (IUCN 2000).
Punjab Urial (A type of wild sheep – Ovis vignei punjabiensis) belongs to family bovidae which is the large family consisting of 140 species (Glazko et al. 2011) is facing serious threat of extinction in Pakistan is a medium-sized wild sheep which is included in IUCN red list of endangered animals (IUCN 2002). Urial is inhabitant in Western Central Asianregion stretching from northeast side of Iran and west side of Kazakhstan to Balochistan (Pakistan) and Ladakh regions of North India. The local name of Urial is Shapo, Arkar and Gad. Reddish-brown outstretched pelt that achromatizes during the winter is one of the distinct traits of urial (Aleem 1977; Schaller 1977). Urial is gregarious and sexually dimorphic as males are called rams and females as eves (Awan 2001). Male have weightof 40 kgand have large spiralled horns having height of 80 to 100 cm and females have comparatively less weight and height of 25 kg and 12 cm respectively and have uncurled horns.Females give birth to 1 or 2lambs in recent days of April (Awan, 2001). Males have a black ruff expanded from the neck to the trunk and notably longer horns. Table 1.1:Some physical features of the Punjab Urial (Awan et al. 2001)
Features Urial
Body weight 40 kg male; 25 kg female
Shoulder size 31-35 inches or 80-90 cm
Horn size 39 inches or 80-100 cm long male; 12 cm long female
Urial are found in moderate to very arid habitats, especially grasslands including agricultural fields and woodland areas (Valdez, 1982). Urial is herbivorous and eats grasses, shrubs and grains. The patch of salt range of Pakistan which fall in the area of Pind Dadan Khan, Choa Saidan Shah and Kallar Kahar is considered like a paradise on earth for the wild fauna. The fascinating hills of these areas are covered with thick trees and different wild plants are also the sanctuary of urial.
Table 1.2: The details of these sub species in IUCN list of endangered mammals (IUCN 2002).
Subspecies Citation in IUCN list
Ovis vegnei blanfordi VUC 1 Appendix ll
Ovis vegnei punjabienses ENA1cde,c1+2a Appendix ll
Ovis vegnei vegnei VUC 1 Appendix ll
In Pakistan, Punjab Urial dispersed throughout the Kala Chitta and Salt Range in a very little number(Hess et al, 1997). The Afghan Urial inhabits Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh Provinces. In Chitral District, little segregated populations of Ladakh urial are stillextensively distributed near the west bank of the Kunar river from Chitral southwards to Drosh. Ladakh Urial existence at the east bank of Kunar river and north of Chitral are not proved (Malik 1987). Total population estimate of urial is recorded by conducting several surveys. Reasonably 2,500 to 3,000 urial existsin Baluchistan (Hess et al. 1997). In 1993 the overall population assessment of Northern Areas was four hundred to five hundred Urial (Rasool 1999). In Pakistan, there were seemingly less than 600 Ladakh urial (Hess et al. 1997;NWFP 1992; Schaller 1971, 1977) but the number of urial decreased to 200 to 300 urial in all over northern areas (Rasool 1999). Based on the facts mentioned above there is dire need to conserve the Urial population in the country. The urial is one the precious fauna of Pakistan and provides us with wool and meat (fat, flesh or any eatable part). It is also important in economic way and in maintaining of ecosystem balance. In the beginning, sheep were reared for meat, milk and skin (Ensminger and parker, 1986). After 3500 B.C. men learnt to spin wool and so used wool in textile industry (Smith et al. 1997). So, because of increasing world population, there is great demand of these products and increasing day by day. That’s why we have to conserve is natural resource of Pakistan.Habitat fragmentationleads to the risk of exaggerated genetic drift and inbreeding in isolated population. So, there is need to save urial from these threats by enforcement of law and conserving it for future.
In all over the euchromatic genome Microsatellite markers are present. These markers are highly polymorphic (Ellegren 2000; Schlotterer 2000).A lots of polymorphic microsatellites have been analyzed in ruminants like domesticsheep, cattle etc. (de Gortari et al. 1997,1998 ;Hayes et al.1996; Jenkings et al. 1997) aiding the use of these in parentage testing.
Microsatellite markers are among the most reliable molecular markers for genetic characterization studies in animal species (Sunnucks, 2001) and are simple sequence repeats (SSRs) of 1-6 base pairs, repeated tandemly in coding as well as noncoding portion of DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (Weber and May, 1989; Toth et al., 2000). Microsatellite markers have often used for genetic diversity studies because they areabundant, unbiased, widely distribution all over the DNA, highly polymorphic, easy in assessment like genotyping of these markers (Canon etal. 2001).Microsatellite markers aid in genetic differentiation and conservation studies (Peter et al. 2007;Rendo et al. 2004; Arranz et al. 2001).These are considered very useful markers for assessment of genetic diversity, parentage confirmation, genome mapping, disease research population genetic studies and conservation genetics. These are also reported to be efficient enough to identify within and among breed differentiation and population sub structuring in cattle (Glowatzki-Mullis et al. 1995; Ciampolini et al. 1995; Garcia-Moreno et al. 1996; Jarne and Lagoda, 1996; MacHugh et al. 1998).Therefore the conservation activities are very important to save Punjab Urial from extinction and the study is designed to explore its genetic diversity.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2261-T] (1).
2.
Seroprevalence And Molecular Detection Of Brucellosis In Hospitalized Patients With Clinical Manifestations Of Brucellosis
by Riffat Yousaf (2008-VA-342) | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Prof. Dr.Tahir Yaqub | Dr. Haroon Akbar.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: Brucella species are host specific facultative intracellular pathogens which cause brucellosis in both animals and humans. Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide. In Pakistan, the incidence of brucellosis is increasing day by day due to lack of awareness of this deadly malady. It is transmitted from infected animals to humans who are in close contact with infected vaginal secretions, feces, blood, aborted fetus, or by consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. Infection due to B. melitensis and B. abortus are mostly prevalent for brucellosis in human.
Total 218 blood samples were collected in gel vacutainer tubes from hospitalized patients who were clinically manifested with brucellosis. Out of 218, 12 RBPT positive blood samples were collected in EDTA containing vacutainer tubes separately. Serum was isolated from all blood samples (without EDTA). These serum samples were first screened by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). DNA was extracted from all positive RBPT blood and serum samples and randomly selected negative RBPT serum samples. All extracted DNA (≤10ng/µL) were subjected to Brucella genus and two species specific (B. abortus and B. melitensis) Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Furthermore, few selected extracted DNA (≥20ng/µL) from blood and serum samples were examined by genus and Multiplex specie specific PCR. The PCR products were electrophoresed on 2.5% agarose gel. Then selected products were sequenced by ABI 3130 XL sequencer. The data were analyzed by SPSS software using Chi square test.
The present study helped to diagnose accurately and precisely brucellosis in clinical manifested patients, which is further helpful for devising the strategies to control this disease.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2286-T] (1).
3.
Genetic Association Study Of Apolipoprotein A-V (Apoa5) And Sortilin (Sort1) Genes With Risk Of Coronary Artery Disease
by Irfan Basharat (2012-VA-802) | Dr. Akhtar Ali | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. Muhammad Tayyab.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: In developed countries cardiovascular disorders are prominent cause of death. One third deaths in the world are due to cardiovascular disorders. Among cardiovascular disorders coronary artery disease responsible for one in five deaths in USA. Its main reason is the lipids values particularly cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. An estimation made by WHO indicated that 9 million people die per year due to hypercholesterolemia.
100 blood samples were collected from patients of coronary artery disease and from normal patients with no myocardial history. Allele specific primers for SORT1 gene and APOA5 genes were designed using Primer 3 software web facility. Genomic DNA will be amplified by PCR then genotyping will be carried out and DNA will also be sequenced.
Hardy-Weinberg principle and Fisher Exact test were used to assess the allele frequency and significant variations from results
When patient of MI and normal group were genotyped and sequenced we find out that there are 34 AA homozygous, 1 GG homozygous and 12 heterozygous persons in case of APOA5. The SORT1 person shows 24 GG homozygous and 3 AA homozygous and 13 heterozygous persons.
Our study shows a definite association between APOA5 and SORT1 with respect to MI disease persons. This study shows a significant association of single nucleotide polymorphism in APOA5 and SORT1 genes with coronary artery disease. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2326-T] (1).
4.
Expression And Purification Of A Potent Surface Antigen (Sag1) Of Toxoplasma Gondii In Prokaryotic Expression System
by Zunaira Zafar (2009-VA-542) | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. M. Yasir Zahoor | Dr. Imran Rashid.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular obligate parasite infects almost all warm-blooded animals including human. Toxoplasmosis, caused by T. gondii, may show minute to severe clinical results in humans. Currently, there is no vaccine available for human use. SAG1 is a major candidate of interest for vaccine development that elicits humoral as well as cellular immune response against this devastating parasite.
rSAG1 that had already been ligated in pET28/His expression vector, was transformed in E. coli (BL21) host and expression was confirmed by means of SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Nickel columns were utilized for affinity based chromatographic purification of rSAG1. This purified protein was then quantified via protein quantification kit. Immunogenic recombinant SAG1 can be used in diagnostic antigen-antibody tests e.g. in ELISA. Moreover, it might be used in vaccination against T. gondii. Vaccine against this parasite may alleviate socio-economic burden on human society that ultimately modulates the health parameters for better living. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2393-T] (1).
5.
Mutational Analysis Of Hcv Gene Encoding E1 Glycoprotein
by Muhammad Saad Junjua (2013-VA-893) | Dr. Muhammad Imran | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. Abu Saeed Hashmi.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive single stranded RNA virus that belongs to Flaviviridae family and causes liver related issues like hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease. HCV is affecting people worldwide; more than 170 million peoples have been affected so far and the number is increasing day by day. Its prevalence in Pakistan is about 3% to 6%. There is lot of variation in its genome and it is classified into 6 major genotypes and these genotypes are further classified into many subtypes. Size of HCV is about 9500 bps which only encodes single polyprotein. This 3000 to 3300 amino acids polyprotein is processed by cellular and viral proteases to generate 10 polypeptides consisting of 4 structural (Core, E1, E2 and P7) and 6 non-structural proteins (NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, NS5B). The most immunogenic gene from all the genes is E1. It involves in the interaction with the host cell and easily escapes from the immune system of host due to the presence of hypervariable regions in E1 gene.
To isolate the E1 gene, RNA extraction was done using the kit method. RNA was converted to cDNA which was then amplified in two rounds of PCR using nested primers from HCV core region. After confirming the presence of HCV RNA in serum samples, PCR amplification of HCV E1 gene was carried out using gene specific nested primers. Amplified E1 gene products were Sanger sequenced and aligned with standard sequence to find out genetic variations. E1 gene sequences were converted to protein sequences for which secondary protein structures were made and analyzed. No noticeable change was seen in these secondary protein structures. The protein sequences were also analyzed for the presence of B-cell and T-cell epitopes; two T-cell epitopes (QAFTFRPRR, FLVGQAFTF) were found which may inform the development of a proper vaccine against HCV. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2399-T] (1).
6.
Development Of Dna Based Diagnosis Of Theileriosis In Cattle And Its Specificity With Blood Smear Microscopy
by Uzma Sarwar (2014-VA-777) | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. M. Yasir Zahoor | Dr. Ali Ahmed Sheikh.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2016Dissertation note: Theileria annulata and Theileria parva are intra-erythrocytic parasites which are responsible for
causing tropical theileriosis and East Coast fever in cattle respectively. This parasite is
transmitted by ticks to vertebrate host i.e. cattle. Currently used diagnostic methods for diagnosis
of bovine theileriosis are clinical symptoms, peripheral blood smear microscopy and serological
tests (IFAT and ELISA).
Current study was conducted to compare the specificity and sensitivity of blood smear
microscopy and PCR techniques to diagnose bovine theileriosis. This study is comparative as
well as developmental in nature. Although peripheral blood smears microscopy is cost effective
and quick method of diagnosis in case of high or moderate parasitaemia in blood. But the
limitations associated with microscopy include false negative diagnosis in case of low
parasitaemia in chronic and asymptomatic infection, morphological similarity of Theileria with
other species of Plasmodium and Babesia. These limitations may lead to misdiagnose the
infection due to which disease may remain unnoticed. PCR based method, developed in this
study, and is found to be more specific and sensitive than conventional microscopy. Fifty blood
samples were collected from September, 2015 to November, 2015. These samples were screened
microscopically as well as with PCR for presence of Theileria. Nine samples were found to be
positive microscopically but 18 samples were found positive by PCR. The results obtained from
the study clearly show that PCR is more reliable, precise and sensitive assay for diagnosis of
bovine theileriosis then microscopy. It is hoped that proposed method to diagnose Theileria will
help to nullify the problems associated with microscopy. This will ultimately facilitate in the
formulation of effective treatment control and vaccine development strategies. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2547-T] (1).
7.
Identification Of Genetic Variants In The Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Gene Causing Familial Hypercholesterolemia And Its Sequence Homology With Mus Musculus
by Ameer Hassan (2014-VA-504) | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. Muhammad Yasir Zahoor | Dr. Muhammad Tayyab.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2016Dissertation note: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is caused by mutations in the genes coding for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B-100, or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). In this study, a molecular analysis of LDLR gene was performed in 20 unrelated patients from Pakistan. All patients were clinically diagnosed with definite or possible hypercholesterolemia according to a uniform protocol and internationally accepted WHO criteria. Preferable study was made to highlight the Genetic variation in Exon 4 of LDLR gene associated with defective catabolism of cholesterol effecting lipid metabolism which results in Familial Hypercholesterolemia. The extraction of genomic DNA was done from all selected blood samples. By selecting primers they were synthesized and optimized on extracted DNA samples. PCR product was sequenced and aligned. Mutations in the LDLR gene and its sequenced homology with Mus musculus were analyzed. We didn’t found any polymorphisms in the LDLR gene exon 4. So we concluded that there is no association between SNPs and increased levels of cholesterol in Pakistani population. More research should be carried out in Pakistan by increasing the sample size and considering the other regions of LDLR gene. This study will help the early detection and treatment of such cases and may ultimately reduce the incidence of mortality due to myocardial infarction. Apart from diagnosis, we also suggest it will be a potential therapeutic strategy to manage FH. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2538-T] (1).
8.
Development Of Novel MtDNA Metabarcodes For Species Differentiation Of Class Reptilia
by Imran Tariq (2014-VA-505) | Dr. Muhammad Imran | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. Saadat Ali.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2016Dissertation note: The FoImer COI: mtDNA. universal primers that are considered standard for DNA barcoding of life contain so many =matches against the target sequences of vertebrate men tat they often end in failure to amplify many of vertebrate DNA eurections. This disaepancy fawn foe the seaman and designing of new metabarcode panes that can be used m ideally all inditdrals of vertebrees or at least all individuals represented in a class of Vertebrate such as Cass Reprilia. The current study was embadang on such an endeavor
The proposed study was develop new m5DNA membarc ode that may be used as universal Kilns; to amplify almost all species of Class Repalia for different formic and molectdr biodivesity analyses.
Blood and tissue samples were collected from Class Repdha (at :east 24 species from every ceder reported to be present in Pakistan) DNA was extracted from the collected specimen through stacdasd organic method. qualified and =meted and then PCR-amplified using novel universal primers selected from aligned =DNA sequences origtadng from all repdlian mitochondria DNA pnomes submitted to diens online sequence databases such as NCB: micleotide database. Tne sensitiviry. of PCR was assessed using a range of DNA come:madam. The amplified products were sequenced on A131 Genetic Analyzed following Sarge's dideacy method of sequencing.
The correctness of obtained croDNA sequences were examined visually in Chromes Lite 2.1 software and then alipmmt of these sequences were per: waxed agitinc highly similar DNA sequences in NCBI nu6eonde databases using BLAST in order to identify the coigin of la-noun =DNA sequences
sequencing everimeas and phyla...net< studies was confirm the specificity of the universal primer set developed and present a novel metabarcode for species level identification of large number of reptelian species. So, In future this barcode can be used for species identification in various fields of study such as illegal trade and molecular estimation of boidiversity.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2628-T] (1).
9.
Homology & Polymorphism Analysis Of Cc2d1a Gene In Human And Canine For Cognitive Function
by Hafiz Qamar Abbas (2014-VA-214) | Dr. Muhammad Yasir Zahoor | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. Saadat Ali.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2016Dissertation note: Cognitive disability is a group of genetically heterogeneous abnormality that leads to variable degrees of cognition deficits. It has been shown that inherited disorders can be caused by mutations in large number of different genes and there is evidence for the presence of as yet unknown genes in a significant proportion of patients. This disease can affect 1-3% of overall population and higher in consanguineous families. We aimed to identifying the homology and polymorphism of the gene CC2D1A between human and canines. The present research work was carried out in four phases. The first phase was including enrolment of 10 affected non relevant families with disease history and consent was taken on consent forms as approved by IRB, UVAS. Secondly DNA extraction was done by using standard lab protocols. Thirdly amplification of the selected domains of selected gene (CC2D1A) was done through PCR amplification after designing primers of the selected domains. Sequencing of the amplified products has to be done through Sanger method and mutation analysis was conducted for variants We found two new asynonymous mutation one is deletion of c. 1664_1664delA which lead to the change in the normal function of protein (88%) and other is heterozygous mutation c.1921A/T that result in amino acid change from R to W (12%). Whereas homology analysis shows that deletion region is partially conserved as it code different amino acid but some key domains are conserved. This homology shows that deletion in this region can change the protein expression which can relate to unconscious condition like behavioral or mental retardation. This will be helpful in providing genetic counseling services to indigenous population for intellectual disability cases. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2627-T] (1).
10.
Molecular Characterization Of Canine Babesiosis In Ticks And Dogs
by Tahira Sarwar (2014-VA-523) | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. M. Yasir Zahoor | Dr. Ali Ahmed Sheikh.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2016Dissertation note: Babesia canis is an intra-erythrocytic parasite which cause canine babesiosis in both animals and humans. Currently, there are three sub-species of Babesia canis has been identified i.e Babesia canis canis , Babesia canis vogeli and Babesia canis rossi. Currently used diagnostic methods are clinical symptoms, peripheral blood smear microscopy and serological tests (IFAT and ELISA).Current study was conducted to compare the specificity and sensitivity of blood smear microscopy and PCR techniques to diagnose canine babesiosis. This study is comparative as well as developmental in nature. Although peripheral blood smear microscopy is cost effective and quick method of diagnosis in case of high or moderate parasitaemia in blood. But the limitations associated with microscopy include false negative diagnosis in case of low parasitaemia in chronic and asymptomatic infection,morphological similarity of Babesia with other species of Plasmodium and Theileria these limitations may lead to misdiagnose the infection due to which disease may remain unnoticed.Total 50 samples comprising of 25 blood samples and 25 ticks were collected randomly from infected dogs from June, 2015 to November, 2015. These samples were screened microscopically as well as with PCR. Out of 50 samples of dogs and ticks, 18 samples found to be positive for the Babesia canis. 11 samples are Babesia canis vogeli and 07 samples are Babesia canis canis were to be identified in positive samples of dogs and ticks.The results obtained from the study clearly show that PCR is more reliable, precise and sensitive assay for diagnosis of canine babesiosis then microscopy. It is hoped that proposed method to diagnose babesiosis will help to nullify the problems associated with microscopy. This will ultimately facilitate in the formulation of effective treatment control and vaccine development strategies which may eradicate babesiosis. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2642-T] (1).
11.
Molecular Diagnosis Of Brucella Zoonosis As Blood Transfusion Hazard In Metropolitan Population Of Lahore And Okara
by Amna Azam (2011-Va-3560 | Dr. Wasim Shehzad | Dr. Iahtasham Khan | Dr. Muhammad Imran | Dr. Imran Rashid.
Material type: Publisher: 2017Dissertation note: Brucellosis and Coxiellosis are one of the most spreading zoonotic diseases. They both are facultative, intracellular, Gram negative and involved in bioterrorism and agro-terrorism attacks. Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensisare common among all specie of Brucella. Total two hundred Human Blood transfusion samples were collected from hospitals of Okara and Lahore. Blood was collected in vacutainers (without EDTA). After serum isolation serological test RBPT were performed of all samples. Eighty nine out of two hundred were positive to RBPT with seroprevalence of 44.5% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 37.61 – 51.4). DNA extraction was done. The concentration of DNA was analyzed through Nanodrop 2000. Then these samples were subjected to Genus specific Real-time PCR analysis. Forty one out of two hundred were positive to Genus specific Real-time PCR with seroprevalence of 20.5% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 14.9 – 26.09). Brucella genus positive samples were subjected to two species specific PCR Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis respectively. Forty one out of forty one Brucella genuspositive samples were positive to Brucella melitensisand none of the sample was positive to Brucella abortus. These two hundred DNA samples were then subjected to Coxiella specific Real-time PCR analysis and 4 were found positive with seroprevalence of 2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.06 – 3.94). Results were recorded in the form of Ctvalue. Results indicate that Real-time PCR is more efficient than RBPT and due to increasing seroprevalence in Blood transfusion samples its screening should be included in normal blood transfusion screening procedure through collaboration with Government to prevent transfusion transmitted infections (TTI’s). Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2873-T] (1).
