Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection in Saudi Arabia: A Review

Abstract

It is well established now that HCV is the major etiological agent of parenterally transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis (PT-NANBH), and that it has a worldwide distribution. Studies on HCV infection have led to three striking observations. First, there is a high frequency of chronic infection in a significant number of infected individuals. It is estimated that at least 50% of HCV infections lead to chronic liver disease, including chronic active hepatitis with or without concurrent cirrhosis. 4-6 Second, HCV has been implicated as one of the major causative agents of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan, 7 Saudi Arabia, and other parts of the world. 9-10 Third, approximately 45% of HCV cases have no obvious risk factors, including parenteral exposure, 4-6 leaving unanswered the question of virus transmission via as yet unidentified routes of exposure. The aim of this article is to review the literature about the extent of HCV infection in Saudi Arabia and see what can be concluded from the studies conducted so far. However, since there have been dramatic advances in the serologic diagnosis of HCV during the past six to seven years, we would first like to briefly review those serologic tests used and their reliability in diagnosing HCV infection.