Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence rate among Saudis

Ossama A Shobokshi1, Frank E Serebour, Abdullah Z Al-Drees

  • 1King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Medical Journal
|August 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence in Saudi Arabia is low in the general population but high in at-risk groups. Public health efforts reduced community spread, yet challenges remain for hemodialysis patients and drug addicts.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Understanding regional seroprevalence is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in various Saudi Arabian populations.
  • To assess HCV infection rates in blood donors, children, pregnant women, hemodialysis patients, and drug addicts.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized third-generation enzyme immunoassay kits for antibody screening.
  • Screened diverse Saudi cohorts including infants, children, young adults, and adults.
  • Reviewed existing HCV seroprevalence data for high-risk groups from 1998-2002.

Main Results:

  • Overall HCV seroprevalence was 1.1% in blood donors and 0.1% in children.
  • Seroprevalence was 0.7% in pregnant women, but significantly higher in high-risk groups.
  • Hemodialysis patients showed a 55.7% infection rate, and intravenous drug users had a 14% exposure rate.

Conclusions:

  • Current public health initiatives have successfully reduced HCV in the general Saudi community.
  • HCV remains a significant concern among high-risk populations, necessitating focused interventions.
  • Continued monitoring and targeted strategies are essential to control HCV in Saudi Arabia.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah04:43

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah

Published on: June 24, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Coronavirus01:29

Coronavirus

Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...