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Hepatitis C virus infection in Japan
1Japanese Red Cross Central Blood Center, Tokyo.
Gastroenterologia Japonica
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screening began in 1989 due to its link to liver cancer. Millions in Japan are infected, primarily through past blood transfusions and horizontal transmission.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Virology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- High incidence of non-A, non-B post-transfusion hepatitis.
- Established association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the implementation of HCV antibody screening for blood transfusions.
- To assess the seroepidemiological landscape of HCV infection in Japan.
Main Methods:
- Initiation of HCV antibody screening for all blood donations starting November 1989.
- Conducting seroepidemiological studies to determine the prevalence of HCV infection.
Main Results:
- Significant prevalence of HCV infection identified across various liver conditions: acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Approximately 1.6 million individuals in Japan are currently HCV antibody-positive.
- Identified major transmission routes including past horizontal blood-borne infections and blood transfusions.
Conclusions:
- HCV poses a substantial public health challenge in Japan, with millions infected.
- Blood transfusion and historical blood-borne transmission are key routes for HCV infection.
- Ongoing surveillance and screening are crucial for managing HCV prevalence and preventing liver disease.
