Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Research Articles

Seroprevalence of HCV infection among Indian patients with hemodialysis.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists as the most common hepatotropic disease with a severe complication in significant patients. Maximum incidence of HCV infection occurred specifically in hemodialysis patients and they were related with increased illness and fatality rate. Therefore, it is of interest to know the seroprevalence of HCV infections in hemodialysis patients using anti-HCV and PCR diagnosis. Hence, this study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital for a period of 12 months. 92 blood samples were collected and subjected for the detection of HCV antibodies using ELISA followed by RT-PCR. Out of 92 HD patient samples, 7 were positive for Anti-HCV and 9 samples showed positive for HCV RNA. Thus, ELISA has less sensitivity with false negative rate for identification of HCV infection. Thus, hemodialysis patients should be routinely screened for HCV using RT-PCR for adequate management of the disease.

The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Hemodialysis Patients in Oman: A National Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundHCV infection in hemodialysis units is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The risk of HCV infection among dialysis patients is higher compared to the general population due to high potential blood exposures in hemodialysis settings. This study aims to assess the national HCV seroprevalence in selected dialysis units and to determine the risk factors for acquiring HCV infection.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January to 31 March 2021. A total of 734 patients from 11 hemodialysis centers in Oman were included. Samples were tested simultaneously for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. HCV genotyping was determined in all viremic patients. Demographic and hemodialysis center related data were gathered and their association with the positive HCV serology were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOut of 800 patients selected from 11 dialysis units for the study, 734 patients (91.8%) were included. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients was 5.6%. (41/734). HCV RNA was detected in 31.7% (13/41) of seropositive hemodialysis patients. The most common genotype was subtype 1a, followed by subtype 3. Variables associated with high HCV prevalence were family history of HCV and duration of dialysis.ConclusionThe prevalence of infection within hemodialysis patients in Oman has significantly decreased but remained higher than the general population. Continuous monitoring and follow-up, including periodic serosurvey and linkage to care and treatment are recommended. Additionally, practice audits are recommended for identifying gaps and ensuring sustainability of best practices and further improvement.

Seroprevalence and Associated Factors of HBV and HCV among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are worldwide problems that particularly place a heavy burden on developing nations. HBV and HCV infections during pregnancy have a high rate of vertical transmission and harmful consequences for both the mother and the child. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15th to September 16th, 2022, at the Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital antenatal care clinic. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected from 422 pregnant women selected using a simple random sampling method. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors were collected using a prestructured questionnaire. A chi-square test, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the association between dependent and independent variables. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections was found to be 13% and 0.5%, respectively. Undertaking blood transfusion (AOR = 14.2, CI = 5.81-34.526, p = 0.001), tattooing (AOR = 3.99, CI = 1.1-14.36, p = 0.034), and dental therapy (AOR = 4.9, CI = 1.41-17.025, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with HBV infection. HBV infection in pregnant women was shown to have a high endemicity (13%) in this investigation, whereas the seroprevalence of HCV infection was low (0.5%). HBV infection was significantly associated with a history of blood transfusions, tattooing, and dental therapy. Screening pregnant women for HBV and HCV infections and providing effective therapy would ensure better outcomes for the newborn. In addition, health education must be used to increase knowledge of screening and modes of transmission.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Malaysia: findings from a nationwide cross-sectional study

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Malaysia: findings from a nationwide cross-sectional study

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased age in sub-Saharan Africa: Results from a cross-sectional comparative analysis

BackgroundSeveral epidemiological studies have established the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the determinants and reasons for the high prevalence of HCV infection in people with T2DM are not well understood especially in sub-Saharan African populations. In this study, we aimed to assess determinants of the association between HCV infection and T2DM.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study amongst 442 T2DM patients recruited from an out-patient adult diabetes clinic in a tertiary hospital and 442 non-diabetic controls recruited from the general population. Serological testing for HCV antibody was performed using standard ELISA technique. Anti-HCV antibody prevalence was reported by age group in participants with diabetes and the non-diabetic controls. Logistic regression was used to examine for factors associated with the HCV infection in patients with diabetes.ResultsWe reported an overall HCV prevalence of 11.5% [95% CI: 9.4-13.6] irrespective of diabetes status in this study. The seroprevalence of HCV infection in diabetics patients was 17.6% [95% CI: 14.0-21.2] compared to 5.5% [95% CI: 3.4-7.6] in non-diabetics (p< 0.001). We did not find a significant HCV seropositivity difference in diabetic patients with common risk factors of HCV infection. When investigating the HCV seroprevalence by age group in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, no case of HCV infection was found in patients less than 30 years old while the highest HCV seropositivity was reported in patients older than 60 years (36.7% T2DM and 11.1% for non-diabetics) followed by the patients belonging to 50-59 years age group (16% in T2DM and 5.8% in non-diabetics) and those in 40-49 years age group (4.4% in diabetic, 0.8% in non-diabetic). To support this finding, in a multivariate logistic regression, only diabetic patients belonging to age group > 65 years had a significant risk (OR: 16.7 [95% CI: 1.7-160.0]) to acquire HCV infection.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HCV infection is higher among T2DM adult patients than in non-diabetic patients, and is associated with increased age. This age-dependent association may suggest a generational exposure that may no longer exist overtime.

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in ColombiaEpidemiologia da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C na Colômbia

RESUMENObjetivo.Describir la epidemiología de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) en Colombia.Métodos.Revisión crítica de los estudios de epidemiología de la infección por VHC en Colombia mediante búsqueda de artículos originales y revisiones de tema publicados en el período 1989 a 2020 en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO y ScienceDirect. Además, se revisaron los informes del Instituto Nacional de Salud y de la Cuenta de Alto Costo del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social.Resultados.Los datos de seroprevalencia de anticuerpos anti-VHC en donantes de sangre están en un rango de 1,5% a 0,32%, que corresponden a los informes del inicio y el final del período de estudio, respectivamente. En la población con factores de riesgo se observa una alta prevalencia de infección por VHC, aunque con variaciones a lo largo del tiempo. Con respecto a los genotipos de VHC en Colombia, se han identificado los genotipos 1, 2, 3 y 4 (subgenotipos 1a, 1b, 2a y 3a).Conclusiones.En el período de observación, se describe una disminución en la seroprevalencia de la infección por VHC en donantes de sangre y en pacientes en tratamiento con hemodiálisis en Colombia, lo que demuestra el impacto de las políticas de sangre segura y las medidas de bioseguridad. Los estudios en personas que usan drogas ilícitas por vía inyectable indican una alta prevalencia de infección, con diferencias según la región del país. El genotipo 1, subgenotipo 1b, del VHC es el más frecuente en los distintos estudios realizados en Colombia, y el informe más reciente de la Cuenta de Alto Costo del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social señala que el genotipo 4 es el segundo genotipo más frecuente en el país.

Predictors of Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Infection among Health Care Workers in Nigeria; A Year after Post Implementation of Nigeria’s National Hepatitis Prevention Policy

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health issue. Health care workers (HCWs) are particularly at risk. Nigeria hepatitis prevention policy aims to achieve country wide elimination of hepatitis through early detection using mass screening with life-style modifications of “at risk population” which are key preventive strategies. 
 
 AIM: To determine the seroprevalence of HCV infection among HCWs in a large regional referral hospital in Nigeria 
 
 METHODS: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study (hepatitis mass screening) was done at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria between July and August 2016. Non-randomised sampling was used. Blood samples were assayed for antibodies to HCV. Data on knowledge, risk factors and mode of transmission were collected using a structured, pre-validated, pretested, questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 20.
 
 RESULTS: A total of 3132 out of 5144 (60.9%) HCWs participated in the study. The seroprevalence of hepatitis C among UNTH staff was 0.90% (28/3132). The mean knowledge score of 68.95% ± 24.23 and 56.70±17.25 translates to fair knowledge level about mode of transmission and risk of transmission of hepatitis C among HCWs, respectively. There was no reported case of hepatitis B and C co-infection. Females HCWs had highest sero-prevalence for HCV 17/5144 (0.33%) (P = 0.164, AOR= 1.76, 95%CI =0.431-2.413) 
 
 CONCLUSION: This study found a low seropositivity of HCV among HCWs. A pointer to the possible success of the hospital-based education awareness programme, an implementation of Nigeria’s national hepatitis prevention policy.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C infection in patients undergoing haemodialysis in a tertiary care centre

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem among these patients in developing countries like India. This could be either due to a non-adherence to strict infection control measures or the unavailability of vaccine to prevent HCV infection.Objectives of the Study: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection in patients undergoing haemodialysis and assess the major risk factors, the efficacy of infection control measures in the dialysis unit by studying the seroconversion rates from HCV negative to HCV positive and also formulate ways to prevent the nosocomial spread of HCV infection in the dialysis unit.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 250 patients undergoing haemodialysis in the dialysis unit of a tertiary care centre. They were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibody by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The seroprevalence of HCV infection among the patients undergoing haemodialysis as per this study is 4.8%. The risk factors identified were age >50, prolonged duration of dialysis and multiple blood transfusions. One significant observation was of the probability of lateral spread of HCV infection within the dialysis unit.Conclusions: Although there is no consensus regarding machine dedication between HCV non-infected and HCV-infected patients, we found that using dedicated HD machines had an important role in reducing HCV transmission in our dialysis unit. However, risk prevails if any seronegative patient acts as HCV carrier.

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection in hemodialysis patients: Report from 37 hemodialysis centers in Libya

Background/Aims: Data on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Libya, and particularly among hemodialysis patients, are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients at 37 dialysis centers in Libya and review the demographic features in this group of patients. Patients and Methods: The present cross-sectional study included a total of 2325 patients who had spent at least 3 months in hemodialysis at 37 dialysis centers in different cities across the three main regions of Libya (Western, Eastern, and Southern regions). There were 1028 (44.2%) female and 1297 (55.8%) male with mean age 53.4 ± 15 years. Hypertension (36.4%), diabetes mellitus (33.3%), renal diseases (10.9%), genetic diseases (7.5%), and unclear reasons (12%) were diverse underlying causes of end-stage renal disease in these patients. Anti-HCV antibody was screened by a third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in Libya was 16.7% (388/2325), ranging from 0% to 26.3% at different centers. The overall frequency of anti-HCV antibodies was higher in Western region (18.9%) than Eastern (18.3%) and Southern (6.1%) regions of Libya. It is noteworthy that the prevalence of HCV was 0% in numbers of dialysis centers across the three regions. The duration of hemodialysis was significantly longer in HCV-positive hemodialysis patients than in HCV-negative patients (P = 0.01). Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 92 hemodialysis patients (4%), of them 8 patients (8.7%) had coinfection with HCV infection. Conclusion: The present study showed an intermediate-prevalence rate of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in Libya. The relatively low prevalence of HCV infection in the general Libyan population and HCV infection associated with a longer duration of hemodialysis indicate nosocomial transmission due to inappropriate infection control practices as the main HCV route of infection in these health-care settings.

Seroprevalence of HCV Infection at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease. The incidence of this is rising rapidly in India, and spreads by contaminated blood and blood products. This infection is detected by presence of anti-HCV antibody in patient’s serum. This study aims to determine HCV seroprevalence in our region. Methods: This cross sectional hospital based study was conducted from May to December 2018. 2-4 ml of venous blood sample was collected from all patients, and subjected to anti-HCV antibody detection by Chemiluminescence ELISA in Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at Department of Microbiology. Results: A total of 9340 blood samples were screened for anti-HCV antibody, of these 217 (2.3%) were found positive. This seroprevalence was contributed by 122 (56.2%) males and 95 (43.8%) females. The mean age and standard deviation of all seropositive cases was (Mean±SD) 40.35±15.38 years. Although, most of the seropositivity was seen in the age group of 20-39 (47%), and least (4.6%) in age group 0-19 years. Conclusion: HCV infection predominantly affects young adults, which is due to cumulative risk of exposure with increasing age. Infection approximately equally distributed in both gender.

A very high prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Kosovo: a nationwide study

BackgroundPatients on hemodialysis are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection if measures for effective control of HCV infection in the hemodialysis environment are not implemented. Whereas in developed countries isolated small-scale outbreaks of HCV in hemodialysis units are occasionally reported, HCV transmission in the hemodialysis environment still represents a substantial problem in low-resource countries. This study systematically assessed the prevalence of HCV infection among all patients at all hemodialysis centers in Kosovo, determined the HCV genotype distribution, and reviewed the main risk factors associated with HCV infection in this group of patients.MethodsFrom January to March 2013, blood samples from all patients undergoing hemodialysis at all seven hemodialysis centers in Kosovo were collected. The samples were screened for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies, and seropositive samples were also tested for HCV RNA. Genotyping was performed by sequencing the core region of the HCV genome. Subsequently, face-to-face interviews were conducted with consented patients attending hemodialysis in December 2015 and with the management of all hemodialysis centers in Kosovo.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in Kosovo was 53.0% (354/668), ranging from 22.3 to 91.1% at different centers. HCV RNA was detected in 323/354 (91.2%) seropositive patients. The most frequent HCV genotype was genotype 1a (62.2%), followed by genotypes 4d (33.1%), 1b (4.0%), and 2c (0.7%). The duration of hemodialysis and receiving dialysis at more than one center were identified as independent significant predictors of anti-HCV positivity. Shortage of staff, lack of resources, and inconsistent use of hygienic precautions and/or isolation strategies were observed.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in Kosovo is extremely high. The relatively low prevalence of HCV infection in the general population, predominance of two otherwise rare HCV genotypes among hemodialysis patients, and longer history of hemodialysis as a predictor of HCV infection all indicate nosocomial transmission due to inappropriate infection control practices as the main transmission route.

Current challenges and possible solutions to improve access to care and treatment for hepatitis C infection in Vietnam: a systematic review

BackgroundHepatitis C infection is a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries where an estimated 71.1 million individuals are living with chronic infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently released new guidance for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment programs, which include improving the access to new direct-acting antiviral agents. In Vietnam, a highly populated middle-income country, the seroprevalence of HCV infection is approximately 4% and multiple genotypes co-circulate in the general population. Here we review what is currently known regarding the epidemiology of HCV in Vietnam and outline options for reducing the significant burden of morbidity and mortality in our setting.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the currently available literature to evaluate what has been achieved to date with efforts to control HCV infection in Vietnam.ResultsThis search retrieved few publications specific to Vietnam indicating a significant gap in baseline epidemiological and public health data. Key knowledge gaps identified included an understanding of the prevalence in specific high-risk groups, characterization of circulating HCV genotypes in the population and likely response to treatment, and the extent to which HCV treatment is available, accessed and utilized.ConclusionsWe conclude that there is an urgent need to perform up to date assessments of HCV disease burden in Vietnam, especially in high-risk groups, in whom incidence is high and cross infection with multiple genotypes is likely to be frequent. Coordinating renewed surveillance measures with forthcoming HCV treatment studies should initiate the traction required to achieve the WHO goal of eliminating HCV as a public health threat by 2030, at least in this region.

Prevalence and epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C among prisoners of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

In Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, the number of prisoners has increased in the recent years and the control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become more complex. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and identify the genotypes of HCV in prisoners as well as the factors associated with this infectious disease. Thereby, 443 men and 243 women from prisons were interviewed and subjected to blood collection. Anti-HCV reactive samples were analyzed by RT-PCR and genotyped. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection was 4.8% (95%CI: 3.4 to 6.8%). Furthermore, the prevalence was higher in: men, injecting drug users, tattooed persons, those who were more than 50 years old, individuals who have been arrested multiple times, people with previous history of sexually transmitted disease (STD), persons who received blood transfusions or those with HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of RNA HCV by PCR was 3.0% (95%CI: 1.7 to 4.2%). Moreover, the coinfection of HIV and HCV was 33.3%. In addition, genotype 1 was the most frequent (85%) followed by genotype 3 (15%). The screening strategy for HCV and other infectious diseases in inmates is important as it establishes an early diagnosis, opportunity for treatment and allows the breaking of the transmission chain.

Changing prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among teenagers in an endemic area in Taiwan

Tzukuan Township in Taiwan has been reported to be an endemic area for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection both in adults and adolescents. The maritime part of the township carries a higher prevalence than the non-maritime part and, as a consequence, several public education strategies have been introduced during the past decade. The current follow-up study aimed to clarify the changing prevalence of HCV infection among teenagers in the endemic maritime part of Tzukuan. In addition to viral hepatitis markers and biochemical profiles, we compared the epidemiological characteristics of 887 and 394 teenagers (aged 13-16 years) from the maritime part enrolled in 1995 and 2005, respectively. Compared with the results of surveillance in 1995, the prevalence of anti-HCV seropositivity (1.0% vs. 2.8%; P=0.045) and HCV RNA (0.5% vs. 2.3%; P=0.026) had decreased significantly by 2005. Transfusions and anti-HCV-positive families were the main risk factors amongst the 25 anti-HCV-positive teenagers in 1995, and became non-significant amongst the four anti-HCV-positive teenagers in 2005. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of HCV infection has significantly decreased after one decade of intervention among the teenage population in this endemic area.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Evaluation of Serum Aminotransferase Levels among Haemodialysis Patients in Izmir, Turkey

The seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was investigated among haemodialysis (HD) patients. Mean serum aminotransferase levels were also compared over 3 months in HCV-seropositive patients with and without viraemia, as well as in HCV-seronegative HD patients and HCV-seropositive, non-uraemic, viraemic patients. Seroprevalence of HCV infection was 19% among the 437 HD patients tested. Of the 61 HD HCV-seropositive, hepatotoxic medication- and alcohol-free patients, 38 (62%) were found to be viraemic, using quantitative HCV-RNA, on at least one occasion. Mean serum aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in viraemic HD patients (compared with non-viraemic patients), suggesting that HCV-RNA positivity is an important predictor of increased enzyme activity in these patients. As expected, aminotransferase levels in HCV-seropositive HD patients tended to be lower than levels in HCV-seropositive non-uraemic patients.

Unsafe Sex and Increased Incidence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men: The Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Data on the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons are sparse. It is controversial whether and how frequently HCV is transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse. We assessed the HCV seroprevalence and incidence of HCV infection in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study between 1988 and 2004. We investigated the association of HCV seroconversion with mode of HIV acquisition, sex, injection drug use (IDU), and constancy of condom use. Data on condom use or unsafe sexual behavior were prospectively collected between 2000 and 2004. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection was 33% among a total of 7899 eligible participants and 90% among persons reporting IDU. We observed 104 HCV seroconversions among 3327 participants during a total follow-up time of 16,305 person-years, corresponding to an incidence of 0.64 cases per 100 person-years. The incidence among participants with a history of IDU was 7.4 cases per 100 person-years, compared with 0.23 cases per 100 person-years in patients without such a history (P<.001). In men who had sex with men (MSM) without a history of IDU who reported unsafe sex, the incidence was 0.7 cases per 100 person-years, compared with 0.2 cases per 100 person-years in those not reporting unsafe sex (P=.02), corresponding to an incidence rate ratio of 3.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-10.0). The hazard of acquiring HCV infection was elevated among younger participants who were MSM. HCV infection incidence in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study was mainly associated with IDU. In HIV-infected MSM, HCV infection was associated with unsafe sex.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and its related risk factors in drug abuser prisoners in Hamedan - Iran

Recent studies in Iran has shown that prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Iranian prisoners is high, in spite of low HCV seroprevalence in general population. This study was carried out in the central prison of Hamedan--Iran, in year 2002. Inmates were interviewed using a standard questionnaire including demographic, imprisonment history and HCV-related risk behaviors items. Thereafter, the sera drawn from the participants were tested for anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies. A total number of 427 drug abuser inmates participated in our study. Three hundred and ninety-seven (93%) were men and 30 (7%) were women. Total number of IV drug abusers (IDA) and non-IV drug abusers (NIDA) was 149 (34.9%) and 278 (65.1%), respectively. The overall rate of antibody positivity among inmates was 0.9% for HIV and 30% for HCV. Of all IDAs, 31.5% and of NIDAs, 29.1% had serological evidence of HCV infection. The seroprevalence of HCV infection among drug abuser prisoners in comparison with the general population in Iran, is very high (30% vs in italics 0.2%). Our results indicate the importance of policies to prevent transmission of HCV infection during and following incarceration.

Prevalence of blood-borne infectious diseases in blood donors in Ghana.

Transfusion-transmissible infections among 808 blood donors in Ghana were investigated in 1999. Antibody seroprevalences of 3.8, 0.7, 8.4, and 13.5%, respectively, for human immunodeficiency virus, human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Treponema pallidum were obtained. The seroprevalence of HCV infection was confirmed to be 0.9% after supplementary testing, and the transfusion risk potential of these pathogens was demonstrated.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C infection among health care personnel in Beirut, Lebanon

Background: Health care workers are at risk of contracting hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection more than the general population, and chronic HCV infection may be asymptomatic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HCV among health care workers at St Georges-Orthodox Hospital, the first study done for a major teaching hospital in Lebanon. Methods: Health care personnel at St Georges-Orthodox Hospital, Beirut, were offered anonymous testing for anti-HCV antibody. Seroprevalence rates of health care personnel were compared with the rates of blood donors screened during the same year. Results: Of the 502 persons screened, 13 (2.60%) initially tested either positive or doubtful-positive by the SM-HCV rapid test; 2 (0.4%) were confirmed positive by 2 commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. This prevalence rate was comparable with the rate obtained for blood donors (n = 600) during the same period. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HCV infection among health care workers at St Georges-Orthodox Hospital was similar to the rate observed in local blood donors, which suggests that the occupational risk of HCV infection was low. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2001;29:20-3)

Hepatitis C virus infection among short-term intravenous drug users in southern Taiwan.

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with duration of drug use and other risk factors among drug users. This survey covered 899 male drug users from Kaohsiung Narcotic Abstention Institute and Kaohsiung prison. The prevalence of positive anti-HCV was 67.2% among intravenous drug users (IVDU) and 14.7% among non-intravenous drug users (non-IVDU). Among intravenous (IV) drug users, age and duration of drug use were independently related to HCV seropositivity. Seroprevalence rate for HCV in the IVDU group increased with increasing duration of injection use within the first seven years of drug use. However, the steepest trajectory in seroprevalence of HCV infection occurred within the first four months. Due to the high rate of HCV infection among drug users, investigation of risk behaviors should be routine in such a group. A high frequency of HCV infection was also found among short-term injectors, which indicated that early risk reduction intervention was an important measure in moderating HCV infection.