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Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence in the developmentally disabled
W M Levinson1, G P Wormser, G Forseter
1Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is uncommon in outpatients with developmental disabilities in suburban New York. However, past hepatitis B virus infection was common in this population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a primary cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis globally.
- Individuals with developmental disabilities face higher risks for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.
- Limited data exists on HCV prevalence within the developmental disability population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among outpatients with developmental disabilities.
- To compare HCV prevalence with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rates in the same population.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 113 outpatients with developmental disabilities were analyzed.
- Tests included enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HCV antibodies.
- Hepatitis B core antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen were also assessed.
Main Results:
- No participants tested positive for HCV antibodies.
- 21% of participants showed evidence of past HBV infection (Hepatitis B core antibody positive).
- 2.7% of participants were positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen.
Conclusions:
- HCV infection is infrequent in this cohort of outpatients with developmental disabilities in suburban New York.
- Hepatitis B virus infection, particularly past infection, is more prevalent in this group.
- Further research is needed to ascertain HCV prevalence in institutionalized individuals and other geographic areas.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the principal cause of nonenteric non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide. While it has been well documented that people with developmental disabilities are at an increased risk for infections with hepatitis B virus, little is known of the prevalence of HCV infection among this population.
Methods:
Serum samples obtained from 113 evaluable outpatients with developmental disabilities at one center in suburban New York City (NY) were tested for antibodies to HCV and hepatitis B core antibody.
Results:
None of the 113 samples tested positive for HCV antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas 24 (21%) showed serologic evidence of past hepatitis B virus infection on the basis of hepatitis B core antibody positivity. Three (2.7%) were also positive for hepatitis B surface antigen.
Conclusions:
In contrast to hepatitis B virus, HCV infection is uncommon among outpatients with developmental disabilities in suburban New York City. Further testing for HCV is indicated to determine if these results can be generalized to individuals within institutions, or to individuals in other geographic locations.