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Risk factors for hepatitis C on the Texas-Mexico border.

W Lee Hand1, Yvonne Vasquez

  • 1Department of Research Development, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 27, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Tattooing, especially when done by non-professionals, is a significant independent risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Texas-Mexico border region. This finding highlights the need for further investigation into nonsterile tattooing practices and HCV transmission.

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Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents unique epidemiological features in different geographic regions.
  • Clinical observations in the Texas-Mexico border area suggested distinct risk factors for HCV compared to other US regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology and risk factors of HCV infection in the El Paso region.
  • To identify specific characteristics of HCV infection in this border area.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective analysis was conducted over two years.
  • Individuals with positive HCV serology (patients) and negative hepatitis serology (controls) were interviewed using a questionnaire.
  • 320 patients and 307 controls participated in the study.

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Main Results:

  • Injection drug use, blood transfusion, and tattooing were identified as significant independent risk factors for HCV infection.
  • Tattoos were frequently administered by friends, inmates, or self-applied, rather than in commercial parlors.
  • Multiple potential risk factors were often present in individual patients.

Conclusions:

  • Tattooing is confirmed as an independent risk factor for HCV infection in the United States-Mexico border area.
  • Nonsterile tattooing practices require further examination for their role in HCV transmission, including specific settings, frequency, and mechanisms.