Related Experiment Videos
[Epidemiological study of the hepatitis C virus in our population and vaccine coverage]
M A Martínez Adell1, A Vives Argilagós, F X Sibera Aresté
1Especialistas en Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria. ABS Florida Nord. DAP L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Barcelona. España. 29201mam@comb.es
Insights
This study found a lower-than-expected prevalence of chronic hepatitis C. Improving serological status knowledge, particularly for hepatitis A (HA), and increasing vaccination coverage for HA and hepatitis B (HB) are recommended for patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the serological status of co-infections like hepatitis A (HA) and hepatitis B (HB) is crucial for patient management.
- This study investigates HCV patients' serological status for HA and HB viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an epidemiological study of patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C.
- To determine the serological status of these patients concerning hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus infections.
- To identify areas for improved public health interventions regarding vaccination and disease awareness.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted.
- 291 patients with chronic hepatitis C from two urban health centers participated.
- Data collected included demographics, personal histories, alcohol intake, and serological status for HA, HB, and HIV, along with transaminase levels.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C was 0.98%, lower than anticipated.
- Hepatitis B (HB) serological status showed natural immunity in 22%, chronic infection in 9%, and vaccine immunity in 3%.
- Hepatitis A (HA) serological status revealed low natural immunity (2%) and vaccine immunity (2.5%), with 87% not recorded; 4.5% were HIV-positive.
Conclusions:
- The observed prevalence of chronic hepatitis C was below expectations.
- There is a need to enhance awareness and knowledge of serological status, particularly for hepatitis A.
- Increasing vaccination coverage for both hepatitis A and B in this patient cohort is recommended.
Objective:
Epidemiological study of patients with chronic hepatitis C and its serological status in relation to the hepatitis A (HA) and B (HB) viruses.
Design:
Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting:
Two urban health centres. Participants. 291 patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Variables:
age, sex, year and reason for diagnosis, personal histories, alcohol intake, serological status of the HA and HB viruses and HIV, and initial level of transaminases.
Results:
Mean age, 55 +/- 16. Sex, 52% women. Prevalence, 0.98%. Reason for diagnosis, 41% health study, 15% study of hepatic pathology, 18% study of other pathologies. Personal histories, surgical intervention, 37.5%; intravenous drug users, 21.4%; transfusion, 14%; high-risk sexual conduct, 2.4%; health material used more than once, 2.4%; family member HC positive, 1.4%; no personal history recorded, 26.5%. Alcoholism, 17.9%. Mean transaminases: AST, 79.7 +/- 100 (9-920); ALT, 114.8 +/- 160 (6-1640). HB serological status: natural immunity, 22%; chronic, 9%; vaccine immunity, 3%; negative, 44%; not recorded, 21%. HA serological status: natural immunity, 2%; vaccine immunity, 2.5%; negative, 9%; not recorded, 87%. HIV-positive: 4.5%.
Conclusions:
Prevalence was below the expected level. Knowledge of serological status needs to be improved, especially for HA. The degree of vaccine coverage in these patients for HA and HB should be increased.