[Antibodies against hepatitis C virus in patients with liver diseases and in risk subjects. Preliminary report].
The recent discovery of an antigenic component of the causative agent of Non-A, Non-B hepatitis, has led to the characterization of this virus--Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)--and to the identification of an antibody present in infected subjects (anti-HCV) detected by means of the C-100 antigen derived from a nonstructural region of the viral genome. Using a commercial Kit (Ortho Diagnostic Inc.), the incidence of anti-HCV antibody was studied in the Military Hospital "Dr. Carlos Arvelo" of Caracas, Venezuela with the following results: Health personnel (doctors, nurses, laboratory staff): 102 persons studied, 2 positives (1.96%); 16 patients in chronic hemodialysis: 6 positives (33%); 20 subjects with antibodies against HIV virus, confirmed by Western Blot: 7 positives (35.4%). Of 10 patients with Surface Antigen negative Chronic Hepatitis, 7 (70%) positive for anti-HCV, of 25 patients with cirrhosis: 12 positive (48%), 2 patients with hepatocarcinoma 1 positive (50%). There was also a high incidence of total anti-core antibodies in the patients studied. The results suggest that the hepatitis C virus could be playing an important role as a causative factor of liver diseases in our Country.
Garassini
M A
MA
Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital Militar Dr. Carlos Arvelo, Caracas, Venezuela.
Ortega
F
F
Valdés
A
A
Alvarado
M
M
Cid
A
A
Serrano
L
L
Torres
G
G
Hagen
E
E
Dugarte
I
I
Pérez
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006282:Health Personnel; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000276:immunology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012307:Risk Factors
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies
Anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis C en pacientes con hepatopatías y en sujetos a riesgo. Comunicación preliminar.