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[Hepatitis C in Egypt, a iatrogenic epidemy]
1UCLA-NELC 90.025-1511, USA. wendrich@barnard.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|November 10, 2000
Summary
Millions of Egyptians treated for bilharzia (Schistosoma mansoni) from 1918-1982 were inadvertently exposed to hepatitis C virus due to unsterilized needles. This led to Egypt having the world's highest hepatitis C prevalence, causing a devastating iatrogenic epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Historical mass treatment campaigns in Egypt for bilharzia (Schistosoma mansoni) infection.
- Use of potassium-antimony tartrate injections between 1918 and 1982.
- Non-sterilized syringe and needle reuse during these campaigns.
Purpose:
- To explain the origin of the high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Egypt.
- To highlight the unintended consequences of public health interventions.
- To underscore the link between past medical practices and current disease burdens.
Summary:
- Mass treatment for bilharzia using shared, unsterilized needles in Egypt from 1918-1982 facilitated widespread hepatitis C virus transmission.
- This historical iatrogenic transmission is identified as the primary driver for Egypt's current status as having the world's highest HCV prevalence.
- The long-term health and societal consequences of this epidemic are projected to be severe.
Impact:
- Understanding the historical roots of the hepatitis C epidemic in Egypt.
- Informing current and future public health strategies regarding infection control and treatment.
- Highlighting the critical importance of sterile medical equipment in preventing iatrogenic disease transmission.