[Infection with hepatitis B and C viruses in the mentally retarded].
OBJECTIVE
To study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and the associated risk factors in an institution for the mentally retarded, in addition to its relation with hepatitis B infection (HBV).


METHODS
The presence of antibodies against the HCV (anti-HCV) and markers for the HBV was evaluated in 94 mentally retarded subjects admitted to a single institution. Information concerning the sex, age, length of admission, type and degree of mental retardation, history of sexual promiscuity, surgery and blood transfusions was collected in every individual.


RESULTS
The prevalence of infection by HBV was 22.3%. Only one individual was detected as being positive for the HCV.
Campins
M
M
Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Ciutat Sanitària Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Orti
R
R
Rosselló
J
J
Esteban
I
I
Jardí
R
R
Lucas
J M
JM
Vaqué
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies