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Prevalence of hepatitis C in the general population in the Netherlands

S Slavenburg1, F M Verduyn-Lunel, J T Hermsen

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, the Netherlands. S.Slavenburg@mdl.umcn.nl

The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|January 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the general Dutch population is estimated at 0.2%. This study assessed HCV antibodies in a sample from the Netherlands, finding a low prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a blood-borne pathogen with high prevalence in specific risk groups.
  • The prevalence of HCV in the general Dutch population was previously unknown.
  • Screened blood donors in the Netherlands show a very low HCV prevalence (0.0169%).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in a general population sample.
  • The study focused on an urbanized region in the Netherlands.
  • To provide data on HCV epidemiology in a non-risk population.

Main Methods:

  • Random selection of 2200 EDTA blood samples for biochemical analysis.
  • A three-step HCV antibody testing approach was employed.
  • Enzyme immunoassay screening, followed by a second immunoassay for confirmation, and Line Probe Assay for genotyping.

Main Results:

  • Four individuals (0.2%) tested positive for HCV antibodies.
  • Serological results were confirmed with a second specific immunoassay.
  • Hepatitis C Virus RNA, genotype 1b, was detected in two individuals.

Conclusions:

  • The estimated prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the sampled Dutch population is 0.2%.
  • This finding aligns with previous prevalence estimates in the Netherlands.
  • The study contributes to understanding HCV epidemiology in the general population.
Abstract

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