[Hepatitis C virus infections among persons attending special clinics dealing with problems related to social conditions].
We have studied the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies among 526 persons who attended an HIV diagnostic and counselling clinic and a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in Oslo, Norway, during a 4-month period in early 1990. Possible risk factors for contracting hepatitis C virus infection were analysed and compared with results of the anti-hepatitis C virus test. The over-all prevalence rate of positive anti-hepatitis C virus tests was 7%. The prevalence rate was highest, 70%, among intravenous drug users (26/37). When intravenous drug users were excluded, only 2% of the remaining 484 persons had antibodies to hepatitis C virus. Among persons with no history of intravenous drug use, a positive correlation was found among women between the presence of hepatitis C virus antibodies and previous gonorrhoea. Male homosexual activity did not correlate with the presence of hepatitis C virus infection. Neither the number of heterosexual partners, nor sex with intravenous drug users, correlated with the presence of hepatitis C virus antibodies. Thus, according to our study the overwhelming risk factor for contracting hepatitis C virus infection was intravenous drug use.
Rollag
H
H
Bakteriologisk institutt Rikshospitalet, Oslo.
Thorvaldsen
J
J
Kittelsen
P
P
Bjøro
K
K
Frøland
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies