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[Prevalence of viral hepatitis type C in blood donors in Peru]
Gustavo Farfán1, César Cabezas
1Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.
Insights
Hepatitis C Virus (HVC) prevalence in Peruvian blood donors is low, with nationwide averages of 0.25% in 2000 and 0.60% in 2001. Further studies are recommended to assess HVC prevalence in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Limited data exists on Hepatitis C Virus (HVC) prevalence in Peru's general population.
- Blood donors represent a key demographic for epidemiological surveillance.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of HVC among blood donors in Peru.
- To establish baseline data for HVC infection rates nationwide.
Summary:
- Data from Ministry of Health blood banks (2000-2001) revealed low HVC prevalence: 0.25% in 2000 and 0.60% in 2001.
- Prevalence varied by region, with higher rates observed in the jungle and coast compared to the Sierra.
- Hepatitis B markers (HbsAg, Anti-HBc) showed higher prevalence rates.
Impact:
- Findings indicate a low HVC burden among blood donors in Peru.
- Highlights the need for broader epidemiological studies in the general population to confirm these trends.
- Provides essential data for public health strategies and blood transfusion safety.
Unlabelled:
In Peru there is limited information on the prevalence of HVC in the general population, for which reason we seek this information through blood donors in the different departments throughout the country.
Materials And Methods:
Information was gathered from the Blood Bank Programs of the Ministry of Health establishments between 2000 and 2001, on which basis prevalences and their distribution by departments were obtained.
Results:
The average prevalence, nationwide, was in the year 2000, 0.25% for HVC (0.08-0.48), 0.95% for HbsAg, 4.25% for Anti-HBc. In 2001, it was 0.60% for HVC (0.18-1.33), 0.9% for HbsAg and 4.51% for anti HBc. During 2000, for HVC, the result was 0.28% in the Coast and Jungle area 0.20% in the Sierra (Andean area) and during 2001 it was 0.89% in the jungle, 0.6% in the Coast and 0.46% in the Sierra.
Conclusion:
HVC prevalence in blood donors in Peru is low, however, it is necessary to extend the studies in the general population.
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