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[Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and cohabiting contacts]
F López Expósito1, C Massagué Camins, A Cano Romera
1Area Básica de Salud Bon Pastor, DAP Sant Andreu, Barcelona.
Insights
The study found a Hepatitis C (HC) virus prevalence of 1.07% in the general population, with previous surgery being a significant risk factor. Among household contacts, prevalence was 7%, often transmitted sexually.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C (HC) virus infection poses a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding the prevalence and transmission routes of HC is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection within a specific health district.
- To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection among cohabiting contacts of infected individuals.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive crossover study design was employed.
- Patient histories (n=13,500) from January 1995 to December 1996 were reviewed for Hepatitis C virus antibody positivity.
- Data on risk factors including intravenous drug use, transfusions, contact with non-disposable materials, and surgical history were collected.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection was 1.07% (145 cases out of 13,500), with 135 index cases and 10 contacts.
- Key risk factors identified included contact with non-disposable material (67%), previous surgery (82%), intravenous drug use (23%), and transfusions (15%).
- A significant proportion (79%) of infected individuals exhibited transaminase abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- The observed prevalence of 1.07% aligns with findings from other studies.
- Previous surgery emerged as a prominent risk factor for Hepatitis C infection.
- A 7% prevalence was noted among cohabiting contacts, with sexual transmission accounting for half of these cases, suggesting the need for further family-focused research.
Objectives:
Study of the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection and of cohabiting contacts.
Design:
A descriptive crossover study.
Setting:
Health District.
Patients:
There were a total of 13,500 people with histories opened at our centre. The histories of patients attending for general medical consultations between January 1995 and December 1996 were reviewed for Ac+ to the Hepatitis C (HC) virus.
Results:
145 patients were found to be Ac positive for HC (1.07%; CI, 0.9-1.2). 135 were index cases and 10 contacts. The most important items of history were intravenous drug use in 33 carriers (23%), transfusion in 22 (15%), contact with non-disposable material in 97 (67%) and surgery in 119 (82%). 115 (79%) of those infected had Transaminase disorder (< x10).
Conclusions:
The 1.07% prevalence found was similar to other studies. Previous surgery stood out among the factors causing risk of infection. Prevalence among cohabitants was 7%, half through sexual contacts. Since there was a higher prevalence of HC+ among family members (50% sexual partners), we believe the study should be extended and followed up in the family environment.