[Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in different groups of selected populations]

P Bellissima1, S Bonfante, A Petralia

  • 1Divisione Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Gravina, Caltagirone (CT).

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is significant among drug users (68.44%), hemodialysis patients (58.55%), and thalassaemics (67.50%). Drug abuse, hemodialysis, and blood transfusions are key risk factors for HCV infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Understanding HCV prevalence and risk factors in specific populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • This study focuses on the Caltagirone (CT) region, examining diverse risk groups.

Purpose:

  • To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
  • To identify key risk factors associated with HCV transmission in the studied populations.
  • To explore the correlation between HCV infection and liver function.

Summary:

  • Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 0.64% of blood donors, 68.44% of drug users, 58.55% of hemodialysis patients, and 67.50% of thalassaemics.
  • Major identified risk factors for HCV infection include drug abuse, undergoing hemodialysis, and history of blood transfusions.
  • The study highlights significant HCV burden in specific high-risk groups within the Caltagirone region.

Impact:

  • Provides crucial epidemiological data on HCV prevalence in specific risk groups.
  • Informs public health strategies for HCV prevention and control.
  • Highlights the importance of screening and risk factor management in vulnerable populations.

Related Concept Videos

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...
Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence01:28

Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence

Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable temporal or...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...