[High prevalence of hcv infection in a town where high mortality from liver disease is observed].
It was recognized that the mortality rate from chronic liver diseases in town T was greater than 2 times the average for other areas of Miyazaki Prefecture. A seroepidemiological survey of the hepatitis viral markers, such as, HBs antigen (RPHA method) and CP antibody (EIA method) an HCV core antibody, was conducted among 7,178 residents both in town T and in its neighboring town Y. There was no difference in the rates of HBs antigen positives between town T (1.1%) and town Y (0.9%). However, the rates of CP antibody positives were 23.7% and 2.7% in town T and town Y, respectively. The former was significantly higher than the latter (p < 0.001, Chisquare test). CP antibody positives are more likely to have abnormal liver function than negatives. These results clearly suggest that the rate of the residents with abnormal levels of liver function in town T was significantly higher than in town Y. Of 33 people who had a history of acute hepatitis in 1972, 30 tested positive for CP antibody. An epidemic of acute hepatitis in 1972 is speculated to have been caused by HCV infection, which in turn may account for the higher incidence of liver disease mortality in town T.
Hidaka
Y
Y
Miyakonojo Health Center, Miyazaki Prefectural Government.
Hiramatsu
Y
Y
Tsuda
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D014504:Urban Health