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[Incidence of hepatitis C in chronic liver diseases following tattooing]

K Iwamura1, L Prónai, K Nishioka

  • 1Tokai Egyetem Orvosi Fakultása, III. sz. Beglyógyászat, Isehara.

Orvosi Hetilap
|April 12, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence was high in tattooed men with liver disease. Results suggest tattooing may be a significant risk factor for HCV infection, warranting further investigation into transmission routes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.
  • Tattooing is a common practice, and potential transmission routes for blood-borne pathogens are a public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in a cohort of tattooed men with chronic liver disease.
  • To compare HCV seroprevalence in this cohort to a control group of healthy blood donors.

Main Methods:

  • The Ortho-Chiron HCV antibody ELISA system was employed to detect HCV antibodies.
  • A total of 16 tattooed men with chronic liver disease were tested.
  • Results were compared to a control group of 2470 healthy blood donors from the Tokyo area.

Main Results:

  • HCV antibodies were detected in 11 out of the 16 tattooed men (68.75%).
  • This prevalence was significantly higher than the 1.14% observed in healthy blood donors.
  • A strong association between tattooing and HCV infection was indicated.

Conclusions:

  • Tattooing appears to be a significant risk factor for hepatitis C virus infection in individuals with chronic liver disease.
  • The findings suggest that HCV infection may have occurred during the tattooing process.
  • Public health measures should consider tattooing as a potential transmission route for HCV.

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