Hepatitis C virus in prisoners.
The purpose of this study was to assess the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in prisoners and outpatients attending our center. 2205 specimens were consecutively obtained under code and screened for anti-HCV by the second generation RIBA test and Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) by CORAB test. After serum samples were tested, we reviewed demographic data and categorized four groups: Intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs), prisoners and apparently healthy subjects and warders. Anti-HCV prevalence was 59.4% in 613 IVDAs, 15.5% in 756 prisoners, 2.6% in 454 healthy subjects and 2.8% in 145 warders. These findings suggest that prisoners may be considered a group at increased risk for HCV infection.
De Mercato
R
R
Institute of Social Medicine and Public Security, University Federico II Medical School, Naples.
Cantiello
J P
JP
Celentano
U
U
Giani
U
U
Romano
A
A
Guarnaccia
D
D
D'Antonio
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011329:Prisoners; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies