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Hepatitis C antibody prevalence in blood donors in different governorates in Egypt
R R Arthur1, N F Hassan, M Y Abdallah
1Virology Branch, United States Naval Medical Research Unit no. 3, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence in Egyptian blood donors reached 24.8%, with higher rates in the Nile delta. Co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) was also common.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose significant global health challenges.
- Understanding the seroprevalence of these viral infections is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among blood donors in Egypt.
- To identify geographical variations and risk factors associated with these infections.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 2644 blood donors across 24 Egyptian governorates were tested.
- Enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and recombinant immunoblot assays were used to detect anti-HCV antibodies.
- Hepatitis B core antigen total antibody was used as a marker for HBV infection.
Main Results:
- HCV antibody prevalence was 24.8% (656/2644), with significant regional variations (0-38%).
- Higher HCV prevalence was observed in the Nile river delta and south of Cairo.
- 39.4% of subjects showed evidence of HBV infection.
- HCV infection was more frequent in individuals with HBV markers (36% vs. 18%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Egypt exhibits a substantial burden of HCV infection, particularly in specific regions.
- The high co-infection rate between HCV and HBV suggests a need for integrated management strategies.
- Geographical mapping of seroprevalence is essential for targeted public health initiatives.
Abstract:
Markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections were sought in serum samples from 2644 blood donors in 24 of Egypt's 26 governorates. Of the 2644 samples, 656 (24.8%) were shown to contain anti-HCV immunoglobulin G antibody by Abbott second generation enzyme immunoassays (EIA). Of 85 EIA-positive samples tested by recombinant immunoblot assay, 72 (85%) were positive. HCV seroprevalence in the governorates ranged from zero to 38%; 15 governorates (62%) had an HCV antibody prevalence greater than 20%, and 6 (25%) greater than 30%. Governorates with higher sero-prevalences were located in the central and north-eastern Nile river delta, and south of Cairo in the Nile river valley. Subjects from areas in and adjoining the Sinai peninsula, in the eastern and western desert, and in southernmost Egypt, had the lowest prevalence of HCV antibody. The large urban governorates of Cairo and Alexandria had antibody prevalences of 19% and 11%, respectively. A total of 39.4% subjects had evidence of HBV infection (and-HBV core antigen total antibody). HCV infections were detected more frequently in donors with markers for HBV infections than in uninfected subjects (36% versus 18%, P < 0.001).