Transmission of hepatitis C virus: a study of the main risk factors in a Sicilian population of volunteer blood donors.
OBJECTIVE
The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is quite widespread in Sicily, and in the absence of a vaccine, prophylaxis is important. In order to determine the most effective means of prophylaxis, we must first understand the main vectors of transmission.


METHODS
We performed a case control study on 274 consecutive anti-HCV virus positive subjects and compared them with 548 anti-HCV negative subjects, matched for sex and age and selected from voluntary blood donors. The modes of transmission were investigated by means of a detailed questionnaire focused on the common risk factors of HCV contagion.


RESULTS
Univariate analysis showed associations between HCV infection and transfusions (OR 23.0), surgery (OR 2.2), family history of chronic liver disease (OR 4.54), and drug addiction (OR 5.74). Multiple logistic regression indicated that transfusions (p < 0.0001), surgery (p < 0.002), family history (p < 0.0001), drug addiction (p < 0.002) and alcohol consumption (p < 0.002) are related to the development of HCV infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The modes of transmission of HCV in an endemic area of Sicily do not greatly differ from those in other Italian regions; the subjects at greatest risk were those who had received blood transfusions or underwent surgery, alcoholics, drug abusers and those with a family history of chronic liver disease, who are probably more exposed to contracting the infection by non-conventional ways of transmission.
Soresi
M
M
Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Università di Palermo.
Mazzola
A
A
Carroccio
A
A
Agliastroa
R
R
Magliarisi
C
C
Cassarà
A
A
Cartabellotta
A
A
Bascone
F
F
Montalto
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies