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HCV activity in Calcutta--a serological study
D K Neogi1, N Bhattacharya, T Chakrabarti
1Department of Virology, School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, India.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in India. This study found 13% of multi-transfused patients and 8.8% of those with needle-stick injuries had anti-HCV antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents a significant global health challenge, with notable prevalence in India.
- Understanding HCV epidemiology is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in various demographic groups in India.
- To identify risk factors associated with HCV infection within the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 153 participants of diverse age groups and sexes.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was employed for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies.
Main Results:
- Overall anti-HCV seropositivity was detected in 13% of multi-transfused cases and 8.8% of individuals with multiple needle-stick injuries.
- The highest seropositivity rate (20%) was observed in males aged 31-40 years.
- HCV prevalence was higher in males (13%) compared to females (8.2%) and in individuals without a history of jaundice (11.5%) versus those with jaundice (10.5%).
- An increasing trend of HCV infection was noted among multi-transfused cases in Calcutta.
Conclusions:
- HCV infection is a significant concern in India, particularly among multi-transfused individuals and those with occupational exposure.
- Males in the 31-40 age group and individuals without a history of jaundice represent key demographics for HCV surveillance.
- Findings underscore the need for enhanced preventive strategies and screening protocols for Hepatitis C virus in India.
Abstract:
HCV infection, a global public health problem is quite prevalent in India. In the present study conducted during February-July 1996 a total of 153 samples of different age groups and of both sexes were tested by ELISA for detection of Anti-HCV antibody. Anti-HCV was found in 13% of multi-transfused cases and in 8.8% cases with multiple needle-stick injury. Maximum seropositivity (20%) could be observed amongst males between 31-40 yrs. age group. HCV activity was noted more in males (13%) than in females (8.2%) and more relatively in subjects without a history of jaundice (11.5%) than those having the features of jaundice (10.5%). An increasing trend has also been observed amongst the multi-transfused cases in Calcutta.