Hepatitis C--the Malaysian story

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) are significant global health concerns.
• Understanding the sero-prevalence and transmission of these viruses is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies in a Malaysian population.
• To investigate the association between HCV and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections.
• To identify the primary modes of HCV transmission within the studied population.

Main Methods:

• A sero-prevalence study involving 1,434 serum samples from eleven distinct risk groups.
• Utilized sensitive recombinant DNA second-generation Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) kits for antibody detection.
• Included diverse groups such as intravenous drug users (IVDU), haemophiliacs, blood donors, and patients with chronic liver conditions.

Main Results:

• HCV antibodies were detected in all groups except laboratory and dialysis staff, with prevalence ranging from 3% (blood donors) to 85% (IVDU).
• Identified parenteral drug use, transfusions, and dialysis as primary HCV transmission routes.
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) was the main cause of chronic liver disease (CLD) (75%), with co-infection of HCV and HBV in 10% of CLD cases. HCV alone was implicated in only 1.5% of CLD.

Conclusions:

• HCV infection is widespread in Malaysia, with significant prevalence in high-risk groups like IVDU.
• Parenteral exposure routes are critical for HCV transmission.
• While HBV is the dominant viral agent in chronic liver disease, co-infection with HCV is common, and HCV plays a smaller role as a sole etiological agent.