Prevalence Of anti-HCV Research Articles

Frequent Transient Hepatitis C viremia without Seroconversion among Healthcare Workers in Cairo, Egypt

BackgroundsWith 10% of the general population aged 15–59 years chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), Egypt is the country with the highest HCV prevalence worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are therefore at particularly high risk of HCV infection. Our aim was to study HCV infection risk after occupational blood exposure among HCWs in Cairo.Methodology/Principal FindingsThe study was conducted in 2008–2010 at Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo. HCWs reporting an occupational blood exposure at screening, having neither anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) nor HCV RNA, and exposed to a HCV RNA positive patient, were enrolled in a 6-month prospective cohort with follow-up visits at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24. During follow-up, anti-HCV, HCV RNA and ALT were tested. Among 597 HCWs who reported a blood exposure, anti-HCV prevalence at screening was 7.2%, not different from that of the general population of Cairo after age-standardization (11.6% and 10.4% respectively, p = 0.62). The proportion of HCV viremia among index patients was 37%. Of 73 HCWs exposed to HCV RNA from index patients, nine (12.3%; 95%CI, 5.8–22.1%) presented transient viremia, the majority of which occurred within the first two weeks after exposure. None of the workers presented seroconversion or elevation of ALT.Conclusions/SignificanceHCWs of a general University hospital in Cairo were exposed to a highly viremic patient population. They experienced frequent occupational blood exposures, particularly in early stages of training. These exposures resulted in transient viremic episodes without established infection. These findings call for further investigation of potential immune protection against HCV persistence in this high risk group.

A nationwide seroepidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in South Korea

The aim of this study was to reveal nationwide seroprevalence of HCV infection in South Korea by a large-scale survey. From January to December 2009, a total of 291314 adults underwent health check-up in 29 centres nationwide. The data concerning anti-HCV antibody and biochemical tests were obtained from all participants. Among subjects with positive anti-HCV, such data as HCV RNA, genotypes and treatment detail were additionally analysed. Using an estimated 2009 population of Korea, the age, sex and area-adjusted anti-HCV positive rate was 0.78%. Anti-HCV prevalence in female patients (0.83%) was higher than that in male patients (0.75%). Gradual increase in anti-HCV positivity was observed, from 0.34% in those aged 20-29years to 2.31% in those >70years. The age- and sex-adjusted anti-HCV prevalence varied in different areas, being higher in Busan and Jeonnam (1.53-2.07%), mid-level in Seoul and surrounding districts (0.50-0.61%) and lower in Jeju (0.23%). The comparative analysis of laboratory variables between anti-HCV (+) and anti-HCV (-) group revealed significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and lower levels of serum lipids in anti-HCV (+) group. Among 1 718 anti-HCV positive subjects, serum HCV RNA was measured only in 478 people, of whom 268 (56.1%) patients had detectable HCV RNA in serum. Among 50 patients for whom assessment of response to antiviral therapy was feasible, overall sustained virological response was achieved in 84% of patients. The prevalence of HCV infection is low in South Korea. Studies to analyse risk factors are warranted to reduce HCV infection.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Highly Endemic HBV Areas in China

BackgroundWuwei City has the highest prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in China. From 2007 to 2011, the average reported incidence rate of hepatitis B was 634.56/100,000 people. However, studies assessing the epidemic features and risk factors of HCV in the general population of Wuwei City are limited.MethodsA total of 7189 people were interviewed and screened for HCV antibodies. HCV RNA and HCV genotypes were analyzed by PCR. Relevant information was obtained from the general population using a standardized questionnaire, and association and logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe anti-HCV prevalence was 1.64% (118/7189), and HCV-RNA was detected in 37.29% (44/118) of the anti-HCV positive samples. The current HCV infection rate was 0.61% (44/7189) in the Wuwei general population. Hepatitis C infection rate was generally higher in the plains regions (χ2 = 27.54,P<0.05), and the most predominant HCV genotypes were 2a (59.1%) and 1b (34.1%). The concurrent HCV and HBV infection rate was 1.37%, and a history of blood transfusion (OR = 17.9, 95% CI: 6.1 to 52.6, p<0.001) was an independent risk factor for HCV positivity.ConclusionsAlthough Wuwei is a highly endemic area for HBV, the anti-HCV positive rate in the general population is low. More than one-third of HCV-infected people were unaware of their infection; this may become an important risk factor for hepatitis C prevalence in the general population. Maintaining blood safety is important in order to help reduce the burden of HCV infection in developing regions of China.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B and C virus infections among the general population and blood donors in Morocco

BackgroundViral hepatitis is a serious public health problem affecting billions of people globally. Limited information is available on this issue in Morocco. This cross-sectional study was undertaken with the aim of determining the seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among the general population and among blood donors.MethodsBlood samples from volunteers, have been screened with ELISA tests for detecting the hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV. Within the seroreactive patients for HCV in the general population, RT-PCR was performed by the Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas Amplicor.ResultsHCV and HBV-seropositivity was documented in 1.58% and 1.81% out of 41269 and 23578 participants respectively from the general population. Two patients were found to be co-infected. HCV-RNA was detected by PCR in 70.9% of the 195 anti-HCV positive subjects. The anti-HCV prevalence was not different among males and females (P = 0.3). It increased with age; the highest prevalence was observed among subjects with >50 years old (3.12%). Various risk factors for acquiring HCV infection were identified; age, dental treatment, use of glass syringes and surgical history. In addition to these factors, gender and sexual risk behaviors were found to be associated with higher prevalence of hepatitis B. The HBV positivity was significantly higher among males than females participants in all age groups (P < 0.01). The peak was noticed among males aged 30–49 years (2.4%). None of the 152 persons younger than 20 years had HBsAg or anti-HCV. The prevalence of anti-HCV and HBsAg among 169605 blood donors was 0.62% and 0.96% respectively.ConclusionsOur study provided much important information concerning hepatitis B and C prevalence and risk factors; it confirmed the intermediate endemicity for HCV infection and pointed to a decreasing trend of HBV incidence, which might reclassify Morocco in low HBV endemicity area. This could be attributed primarily to the universal HBV vaccination among infants and healthcare workers over the past 13 years. HCV and HBV infections in the present survey were mainly associated with nosocomial exposures. Prevention and control of HBV infection are needed to reduce HBV transmission between adults.

Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection among attendants of voluntary counseling and testing centre and HIV follow up clinics in Mekelle Hospital.

IntroductionHepatitis C virus remains a large health care burden to the world. HIV and HCV coinfection is major global health concern worldwide. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection in Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of HIV/HCV coinfection and the potential risk factors in attendants of voluntary counseling and testing centre and HIV follow up clinics of Mekelle hospital.MethodsA cross sectional seroprevalence survey of HCV infection was carried out on 300 HIV negative and positive subjects attending voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) center and HIV follow up clinics of Mekelle hospital, Ethiopia from December 2010-February 2011. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using immunochromatographic test.ResultsOf the 300 study participants, 126(42%) were HIV negative and 174(58%) HIV seropositive from VCT and HIV follow up clinics, respectively. The overall anti-HCV prevalence was 18(6.0%). There were no significant differences in HCV seroprevalence among the different categories of age and sex (p> 0.05). Of the 174 persons with HIV, 16 (9.2%) cases had antibodies to HCV, where as among 126 HIV negative subjects 2 (1.58%) were HCV seropositive (p= 0.006, OR= 6.28, 95% CI= 1.42-27.82).ConclusionAccordingly, there was a significant difference in sero-positivity of HCV between HIV positive and HIV negative participants. No apparent risk factor that caused HCV infection was inferred from this study.

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B and C

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among surgical nurses, their patients and blood donation candidates in Poland

To assess the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) in surgical nurses and midwives, to compare the rate with other female groups (their patients from the same hospitals and blood donation candidates) in a cross-sectional serosurvey, and to evaluate the alleged risk factors for acquiring an occupational infection. Between February 2008 and June 2009, participants from 16 hospitals selected at random in West Pomerania, Poland completed a written questionnaire detailing potential risk factors for HCV infection. Serum samples were assayed for anti-HCV using third-generation testing methods. Of 414 staff members, six were found to be anti-HCV positive [1.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-3.1%]. The seropositive status of staff was discovered during this one-off screening. A logistic regression model indicated that for anti-HCV seropositivity, only the length of employment was associated with increased odds of being infected [odds ratio (OR) 2.8; P < 0.006]. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 1.1% (12/1118, 95% CI 0.6-1.9%) in 1118 female patients, and 0% (0/801, 95% CI 0-1.1%) in 801 female blood donation candidates. A significant staff/patient difference in anti-HCV prevalence was observed among those aged >50 years (6.9% vs 1.0%; P < 0.007). For this age group, being a nurse was associated with higher odds (OR 8.8; P < 0.005) of being infected with HCV. Comparison of HCV prevalence rates pointed to a decreasing trend in the order: surgical nurses/midwives, patients and blood donation candidates; this may indicate occupational risk. The greatest risk factor for contracting HCV infection was length of employment, suggesting a possible effect of accumulated exposure to contaminated blood and other body fluids. There is a need for better recognition of HCV infection as a consequence of prolonged blood exposure among surgical and gynaecological staff.

High prevalence of chronic hepatitis C in 8009 patients with migration background living in Germany

Aims: The prevalence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) in the general German population has been estimated to be around 0.5%. Meanwhile nearly 20% of the German population has a migration background. Since there is a growing body of data demonstrating an increase in the burden of migration-related chronic viral hepatitis in Western societies we aimed to assess the anti-HCV prevalence in patients (pts) with a migration background.

Hepatitis C virus infection among drug addicts in Italy

There is a lack of updated nationwide records regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug addicts in Italy. The prevalence and characteristics of HCV infection in a national sample of drug addicts in Italy were determined. Five hundred forty-three drug addicts (mean age 35.3 years, 85.1% males), selected from 25 Italian Centers for Substance Dependence were enrolled to be evaluated for anti-HCV, HCV-RNA, HCV genotype, HBV markers, anti-HDV, and anti-HIV during the period of April-November 2009. Anti-HCV prevalence was 63.9%. HCV-RNA was detected in 68.3% of patients positive for anti-HCV. Genotypes 1 and 3 prevailed (49.3% and 39.7%, respectively). However, 9.3% of the subjects had genotype 4, a rate over threefold higher than the one observed in 1996 among drug addicts in central Italy. Needle sharing was the strongest independent predictor of the likelihood to contract an HCV infection (OR 8.9; 95% CI: 5.0-16.0). Only 19.3% of subjects received antiviral treatment for HCV. The prevalence of HBsAg and HIV positivity was 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. The pattern of HBV markers showed that nearly one-third of subjects had been vaccinated, while 42.3% were negative for any marker of HCV. The prevalence of HCV infection is high among drug addicts in Italy. The incidence of Genotype 4 is increasing and this may lead to the spreading of the disease to the general population in the near future. Efforts should be made to improve the rate of antiviral treatment for drug addicts with HCV infection and vaccination against hepatitis B.

Epidemiology, Responses, and Way Forward

Viral hepatitis is a disease of great concern to public health that is now met by a favorable momentum to combat the global epidemic. This article is intended to highlight the importance of viral hepatitis in the Vietnam population as well in the group of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We reviewed available data on epidemiology and response on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV coinfection in Vietnam. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence in the general population ranged from 5.7% to 24.7%. The anti-HCV prevalence ranged from 0.38% to 4.3% in the general population, while among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) it ranged from 31% to 97.2%. The HBV prevalence among PLWHA is similar to the general population, while HCV/HIV coinfection is concentrated in some groups. Anti-HCV prevalence among HIV-infected PWIDs can be as high as 98.5%. Developing policies for diagnosis and treatment of chronic HBV and HCV infections are critical priorities in order to prevent clinical progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infections and Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes among Korean Blood Donors

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a worldwide health-care burden. Prevalence rates vary and the distribution of genotypes depends on geographical location. Here, the recent prevalence of HCV infections and distribution of HCV genotypes among Korean blood donors were studied.MethodsBetween February 2005 and December 2009, a total of 11,064,532 donors were screened for anti-HCV and 11,412,690 donors were screened for HCV RNA. HCV genotyping was conducted for 748 blood donors with HCV RNA by using the line probe assay (VERSANT HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay, Bayer Healthcare, USA) after amplification of the 5'-untranslated and core regions of the genome.ResultsThe anti-HCV prevalence was 0.16% (17,250/11,064,532). HCV RNA was detected in 959 out of the 11,412,690 donors (8.4/100,000). HCV RNA was more prevalent among women, donors who resided at harbor sites, and first-time donors. In addition, the prevalence of HCV RNA increased with age. The genotypes of 740 out of the 748 tested donors (98.9%) were identified. HCV genotype 1b (47.7%) and 2a/2c (35.0%) were dominant. Genotypes 2 (7.6%), 2b (2.3%), 3a (1.6%), 1a (1.3%), 1 (0.9%), 2v (0.5%), 1v (0.1%), and 3 (0.1%) were also identified. Genotype 4a/4c/4d (0.1%) was detected for the first time in one Korean blood donor.ConclusionsThe distribution of HCV genotypes in Korea has not changed remarkably, with the exception of genotype 4a/4c/4d. A periodic study to monitor the prevalence of HCV infections and the distribution of HCV genotypes is required to identify emerging genotypes in Korea.

Anti-HCV prevalence in the general population of Lithuania

SummaryBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess risk factors for HCV acquisition and prevalence of anti-HCV in the general population of Lithuania.Material/MethodsThe study enrolled 1528 randomly selected adults from the 5 biggest cities of Lithuania and its rural regions. Screening for anti-HCV was performed by analysis of peripheral capillary blood with lateral flow immunochromatography and confirmation of positive cases by peripheral venous blood testing with 2-step chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.ResultsAnti-HCV prevalence in Lithuania is 2.78% and according to the standard European population the adjusted anti-HCV rate is 2.85%. It is more prevalent among men (crude rates: 4.02% males vs. 1.49% females, p=.0030) and this does not depend on age. Vilnius and Kaunas regions have higher infection rates than smaller rural regions (2.92% and 3.01% vs. 2.24%, 0.74% and 1.35%). Nowadays among our population HCV infection spreads mainly via intravenous drug use (OR=42.5, p<.0001). HCV transmission occurs through blood transfusions (OR=6.4, p=.0002), tooth removal (OR=4.1, p=.0048), childbirth (OR=5.0, p=.0224), multiple and a long-term hospitalization (OR=3.0, p=.0064), tattooing (OR=4.4, p=.0013), open traumas (OR=3.7, p=.0009) and intrafamilially (OR=11.3, p=.0002).Conclusions2.78% of the population is anti-HCV-positive. The anti-HCV rate is higher in Vilnius and Kaunas in comparison with other regions. HCV spreads mainly through intravenous drug use, but intrafamilial and some nosocomial routes are also important. The anti-HCV prevalence did not depend on age. Despite active prevention of nosocomial HCV transmission, the incidence of HCV infection does not decrease due to virus spread mostly in “trusted networks” of intravenous drug users.

Prevalence of HIV and HCV infections in two populations of Malian women and serological assays performances

To estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in women in Mali and to evaluate the performance of serological assays. Two prospective studies were conducted in 2009 and 2010 in Mali. They concerned first, 1000 pregnant women attending six reference health centers in Bamako (Malian capital) between May 26 and June 16, 2009; and secondly, 231 women over 50 years who consulted general practitioners of two hospitals in Bamako between October 25 and December 24, 2010. Blood samples were collected and kept frozen in good condition before analysis. All samples depicted as positive using HIV/HCV enzyme immuno-assay screening assays were submitted to confirmation analysis. Molecular markers of HCV were characterized. The seroprevalence of HIV and HCV in the population of pregnant women was 4.1% and 0.2% respectively. Among older women the seroprevalence was higher and similar for HIV and HCV (6.1% vs 6.5%). The anti-HIV prevalence was not different in young and older women (4.1% vs 6.1%). In contrast, the anti-HCV prevalence was higher in older compared to younger women (6.5% vs 0.2%, P < 0.01). Of 2 pregnant women who were HCV seropositive, only one was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reactive and infected by genotype 2, with a viral load of 1600 IU/mL. Regarding older women who were HCV seropositive, 13 out of 15 were PCR reactive, infected by genotype 1 or 2. Globally HCV genotype 2 was predominant. The positive predictive value (PPV) measured with VIKIA HIV test in young women was 100% therefore significantly higher than the 87.5% measured in older women (P < 0.05). Conversely, the PPV measured with Monolisa HCV assay in older women was 88.2% and higher than the 14.3% measured in younger women (P < 0.01). Whereas HIV prevalence was similar in both subpopulations HCV was more frequent among older women (P < 0.01). The PPV of screening assays varied with the age of the subjects.

Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody among blood donors in Lagos

This study was undertaken (i) to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to Hepatitis C virus (anti -HCV) among blood donors (ii) to document the incidence of known risk factors for HCV infection among blood donors. This is a cross sectional prospective study among apparently normal blood donors. Subjects were recruited from three different hospitals in Lagos metropolis. All recruited donors were evaluated for HCV infection- associated risk factors by questionnaire interviews. Sera samples from recruited donors were tested for anti-HCV using third generation Murex (Murex Biotech, South Africa) and fourth generation Dialab Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits (Dialab. Austria). A total of three hundred and thirty four blood donors were screened, of which seven (2.1 %) were positive for anti-HCV. The blood donors comprised 15 (4.5 %) females and 319 (95.5 %) males. There was an association between anti-HCV positivity and history of multiple sex partners and previous sexually transmitted infections (X2-15.9; p < 0.05) Majority of blood donors were family replacement 317 (94.9 %) with anti-HCV prevalence of 2.2 % (7/317) while 5.1 % (17/334) were voluntary non remunerated with anti-HCV prevalence of 0% (p >0.05) CONCLUSION: Prevalence of anti-HCV among blood donors in Lagos (2.1%) is low as in most previous reports from Nigeria and some other parts of Africa.

Seroprovalences of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in preoperative patients admitted to a hospital in Northern Anatolia

Infections of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are considered important health problems worldwide. In this study, we assessed results of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests which were ordered to patients before any surgical intervention in a university hospital, in Tokat, Turkey. All patients who were planned to have surgical intervention and had tests for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV in year 2009 and 2010, were included in this retrospective study. Hospital records of patients were examined and 3794 subjects were included in the study. HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalences were found to be 3.4% (128/3782) and 2.2% (85/3736), respectively while no patient was positive for anti-HIV. It was found that the risk of HBsAg positivity was 2.07 times higher in males versus females; the HBsAg prevalence increased as patients became older and it was lowest in patients ≤29 years whereas highest in the age group of 60-69 years. Anti-HCV positivity was most prevalent in the age group of 60-69 years as well. Conclusively, it seems that our region has moderate endemicity for HBV and HCV infections, thus preoperative screening may provide us to detect silent hepatitis patients, but doing anti-HIV test is unnecessary before surgical intervention in our country. Key words: Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, prevalence, vaccination.

Utility of a commercial quantitative hepatitis C virus core antigen assay in a diagnostic laboratory setting

In this study, the utility and impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (Cag) detection via a commercial assay have been evaluated in diagnostic laboratory conditions. In a total of 272 samples from 226 individuals, HCV RNA was detected in 81.3% and anti-HCV antibody prevalence was 86.4%. HCV Cag reactivity was identified in 59.9% of the samples and in 75.8% with detectable RNA. The sensitivity and specificity of HCV Cag assay have been calculated as 75.8% and 95.1%, respectively, and agreement between HCV RNA and HCV Cag was moderate (κ = 0.554). HCV Cag and RNA levels were highly correlated (r = 0.915 and 0.937). A viral load threshold of 103 IU/mL has been recognized, above which the correlation with RNA became statistically significant and sensitivity increased to 90.9%. Detection and quantification of HCV core antigen have been observed as a strong alternative to nucleic acid testing for HCV monitorization.

Hepatitis C infection among recent initiates to injecting in England 2000–2008: Is a national hepatitis C action plan making a difference?

Around 80% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in England are among injecting drug users (IDUs). The HCV Action Plan launched in 2004 includes targets to reduce HCV prevalence in recent initiates (those starting injecting in the preceding 3 years), and to increase HCV voluntary confidential testing (VCT). The Action Plan's impact is examined using surveillance data from recent initiates participating in an annual survey of IDUs in contact with specialist services across England, 2000-2008. Participants provided an oral fluid sample (tested for anti-HCV) and completed a short questionnaire (including HCV VCT and result of last test). Overall, anti-HCV prevalence among the recent initiates was 18% (619/3463); in 2004, it was 20% (59/291), other than being lower in 2000 [11%, 73/672, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.63 95%CI 0.42-0.93] there was no change over time. Prevalence increased with age; was higher among those ever imprisoned, using a needle exchange, and having a HCV VCT; and varied by region. Overall, 42% (1460) had ever had a HCV VCT; in 2004 uptake was 45% (130/291) having increased from 26% (175/672, AOR = 0.57 95%CI 0.42-0.77) in 2000, and it rose to 62% (197/320, AOR = 2.12 95%CI 1.50-2.99) in 2008. The proportion of anti-HCV-positive IDUs aware of their infection was higher in 2006-2008 than in earlier years. The HCV Action Plan has probably helped increase recent initiates' uptake of HCV VCT and the proportion of those diagnosed with HCV infection. However, its impact on HCV transmission is unclear. There is a need to reinvigorate, and improve coverage of, interventions to prevent HCV transmission.

Evidence of intense ongoing endemic transmission of hepatitis C virus in Egypt

Abstract Egypt has the highest prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the world, estimated nationally at 14.7%. An estimated 9.8% are chronically infected. Numerous HCV prevalence studies in Egypt have published various estimates from different Egyptian communities, suggesting that Egypt, relative to the other nations of the world, might be experiencing intense ongoing HCV transmission. More importantly, a new national study provided an opportunity to apply established epidemiologic models to estimate incidence. Validated mathematical models for estimating incidence from age-specific prevalence were used. All previous prevalence studies of HCV in Egypt were reviewed and used to estimate incidence provided that there was sufficient age-specific data required by the models. All reports of anti-HCV antibody prevalence were much higher than any other single national estimate. Age was the strongest and most consistently associated factor to HCV prevalence and HCV RNA positivity.It was not possible to establish a prior reference point for HCV prevalence or incidence to compare with the 2009 incidence estimates. The modeled incidence from the national study and collectively from the modeled incidence from the previous community studies was 6.9/1,000 [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.5–7.4] per person per year and 6.6/1,000 (95% CI, 5.1–7.0) per person per year, respectively. Projected to the age structure of the Egyptian population, more than 500,000 new HCV infections per year were estimated. Iatrogenic transmission is the most likely, underlining exposure to the ongoing transmission. The study demonstrates the urgency to reduce HCV transmission in Egypt.

Anti-HCV Prevalence among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Egyptian Children

Our aim was to determine the prevalence of the HCV infection among children with type 1 DM as compared to a group of non-diabetic children attending the general outpatient clinics of the same hospital and investigate the possible risk factors. The study was carried out on 692 children with type 1 DM attending the Pediatric Diabetes Unit at Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, Egypt, and 1042 non-diabetic children attending the general outpatient clinics of the same hospital. They were screened for HCV antibodies using third generation ELISA. Anti-HCV antibody prevalence in diabetic children below 9 years of age was comparable to that of non diabetic children (2.5% vs. 1.4%; p=0.25). Diabetic children had higher exposure to medical care (p=0.04); all diabetics were exposed to daily insulin injections and daily blood glucose monitoring. Non-diabetics had higher exposure to razors used by others (p=0.05) and higher rate of traditional hair cutting (p=0.05). To conclude, the prevalence of anti-HCV in diabetic children below 9 years of age was comparable to non diabetic children of the same age group. Application of standard precautions for infection control could successfully limit spread of HCV infection in our Pediatric Diabetes Unit, in a country with high HCV load as Egypt.

High prevalence of hepatitis C associated with familial history of hepatitis in a small town of south Brazil. Efficiency of the rapid test for epidemiological survey

This report describes a cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) in Tamboara, a small community in the northwest area from Paraná State, south of Brazil with a high rate of accumulated detection for HCV. Eight hundred and sixteen residents (17.87% from all the population), independently of the age and time living in Tamboara were included in this study by an epidemiologic questionnaire and by testing for anti-HCV. The rapid immuno-chromatographic test was applied for detection of HCV antibodies. The anti-HCV prevalence by rapid test was 4.28%. The median age for positive and negative test was 60.49 ± 14.14 and 41.67 ± 20.25, respectively (p < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, only familial history of hepatitis (p = 0.001; OR = 6.41; CI 95% = 2.08-19.78) and age (p = 0.007; OR 1.06;95% CI = 1.02-1.10) showed statistical significance for positive anti-HCV. The rapid test sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 92.7% respectively, with an accuracy of 95.8% (95% CI = 91-100). These findings demonstrated a high prevalence of anti-HCV in Tamboara. The familial history of hepatitis was a significant risk factor to the infection and HCV rapid test showed to be accurate and feasible for epidemiological survey.