Anti-hepatitis C virus in the elderly: a seroepidemiological study in a home for the aged.
A seroepidemiological survey of anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was carried out in 315 institutionalized elderly people. HBV serum markers were tested in the same sera. Clinical details were also studied in the anti-HCV-positive subjects. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 2.2%, while the prevalence of HBV serum markers was 36.8% (the HBsAg prevalence was 0.6%). In 1 subject anti-HCV was found in association with HBsAg positivity. Serum transaminase levels were found within the normal range in all 315 subjects (either anti-HCV+ve and anti-HCV-ve), except in the subject who was found to be HBsAg-positive and anti-HCV+ve. In conclusion we found in the institutionalized elderly people a similar prevalence of anti-HCV compared to blood donors of the same geographical area; homes for the aged appear to bring together subjects with previously acquired infections.
Floreani
A
A
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
Bertin
T
T
Soffiati
G
G
Naccarato
R
R
Chiaramonte
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies