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Viral hepatitis C in Hong Kong
Nancy Leung1, Carol Chu, John S Tam
1Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, 11 Chuen-On Road, Taipo, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China. leungwyn@ha.org.hk
Intervirology
|September 17, 2005
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is low in Hong Kong, primarily affecting older blood donors and high-risk groups like intravenous drug users. Transfusion and drug use are key transmission routes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant medico-socio-economic burden.
- Understanding HCV epidemiology is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Hong Kong.
- To identify prevalent HCV genotypes and risk factors within the Hong Kong population.
Main Methods:
- Review of data from the Department of Health.
- Analysis of relevant publications from Medline searches.
- Examination of data from two acute hospitals.
Main Results:
- Stable anti-HCV prevalence (0.035-0.099%) in blood donors over 10 years, higher in older individuals.
- High anti-HCV prevalence in specific groups: intravenous drug users (46.0%), children with transfusion-dependent hematologic disease (16.3%), hemodialysis patients (16.4%), and HIV-infected patients (7.9%).
- HCV genotype 1b (58.8%) and 6a (27.0%) are common in blood donors, with genotype 6a prevalent among intravenous drug users.
Conclusions:
- Hong Kong exhibits a low overall prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- Historical blood transfusions and illicit drug use are identified as significant risk factors for HCV infection.
- Increasing population movement between China and Hong Kong since 1997 may influence future HCV epidemiology.