Clinico-epidemiology of hepatitis C viral infection in northeastern Thailand

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Epidemiology
• Virology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global cause of chronic liver disease.
• Understanding the clinico-epidemiology of HCV infection is crucial for public health strategies.
• Previous research highlights the need for regional data on HCV prevalence and risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Hepatitis C virus infection.
• To identify prevalent risk factors associated with HCV acquisition in northeastern Thailand.
• To analyze the spectrum of clinical manifestations in HCV-infected patients.

Main Methods:

• A clinico-epidemiological study was conducted on 214 patients positive for anti-HCV antibodies.
• Data were collected at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, between August 1997 and December 1998.
• Patient demographics, clinical features, and risk factors (intravenous drug use, tattooing, blood transfusion) were recorded.

Main Results:

• The study included 214 patients (199 males, 15 females) with a mean age of 34.96 years.
• Clinical presentations included acute hepatitis (2), chronic hepatitis (115), liver cirrhosis (15), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (2), and asymptomatic infection (80).
• Identified risk factors were intravenous drug use (46.7%), tattooing (32.2%), and blood transfusion (18.8%); 23.36% had multiple risk factors.

Conclusions:

• HCV infection presents with diverse clinical outcomes, with chronic hepatitis being the most common manifestation.
• Intravenous drug use, tattooing, and blood transfusions are significant risk factors for HCV infection in this Thai population.
• The findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies addressing these identified risk factors to control HCV transmission.