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Seroprevalence of HCV among Cairo University students in Egypt
Gamal Esmat1, Maissa El Raziky1, Mohammed M Nabeel1
1Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is present in Egyptian university students. This study found a 4.6% anti-HCV antibody prevalence, with higher rates in females, and confirmed active HCV RNA in over 30% of antibody-positive students.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Egypt has a high prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- Understanding HCV seroprevalence in young, educated populations like university students is crucial for public health strategies.
- Previous data on HCV infection rates among Egyptian university students is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among students at Cairo University.
- To investigate the presence of active HCV RNA in antibody-positive students.
- To analyze potential differences in prevalence between male and female students.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3,000 students from Cairo University.
- Blood samples were tested for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV).
- HCV RNA detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on anti-HCV positive samples.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 4.6%.
- Prevalence was higher in females (5.2%) than males (3.8%), though not statistically significant.
- HCV RNA was detected in 31.4% of anti-HCV positive students, with a statistically significant difference between males and females (P=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus infection is confirmed among Cairo University students.
- The findings highlight the ongoing need for HCV screening and management in this demographic.
- Significant differences in active viral RNA detection between genders warrant further investigation.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent in Egypt. This work aimed at determining the seroprevalence of HCV among Cairo University students. The present study included 3,000 students from Cairo University, Egypt. Blood sample was obtained from each participant to be tested for HCV seromarker. HCV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for those with positive anti-HCV. Overall prevalence rate of HCV antibody (anti-HCV) was 4.6%. It showed that the prevalence was relatively higher among females (86/1660; 5.2%) while males (51/1340; 3.8%) with no significant difference. PCR for HCV RNA was detected in 31.4% of the HCV antibody positive subjects (43/137). Which showed statistical significant difference between males (29/51) and females (14/86) at P = 0.001. Despite the prevalence rate reported in the present study was similar to anti-HCV prevalence among persons in the same age group, confirmed that HCV infection is detected among Cairo University students. J. Med. Virol. 88:1384-1387, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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