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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.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|November 1, 1992
Summary
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.