Study of the high prevalence of HCV in Egypt

The correlation of schistosomiasis and other variables as a risk factor behind the remarkable high rates of HCV seropositivity in Egypt was studied by examining the sera of 188 subjects (94 apparently healthy villagers and 94 non professional blood donors) for schistosoma antibodies by Falcon assay screening test enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (FAST-ELISA) and for HCV antibodies by the application of screening (ELISA) and confirmatory (RIBA) techniques. The results showed that the overall prevalence of HCV antibodies was 29.8% by ELISA reduced to 21.8% i.e. 73.2% confirmation by RIBA test. HCV-RNA (HCV viraemia) was detected in 76% of 25 ELISA anti-HCV positive sera by P.C.R. technique. After adjustment for age, there was no statistical significant correlation between the remarkable high rates of HCV seropositivity in Egypt and risk factors studied other than blood transfusion, and schistosomiasis.