High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and genotype distribution among general population, blood donors and risk groups.
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the general population and in various high risk groups in south India was assessed. A total of 258 out of 3589 (7.1%) subjects (both general and risk groups) tested positive for HCV RNA by RT-PCR, while the third generation ELISA detected only 6.1% (221/3589). This suggests that a number of cases go unreported, as screening of blood and blood products is done primarily by ELISA. Among 124 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients with a history of renal transplant or haemodialysis, 37% were found to be positive for HCV RNA by RT-PCR. We also found a significantly higher rate of transmission of HCV among people exposed to tattooing (2.8%) and pilgrims (5.8%) (slashing a cultural practice in one sect of Muslims). In addition, our studies also reveal a high prevalence of HCV infection (44%) among patients with Lichen planus. The most prevalent genotype observed in our population was 1b (43.4%) followed by 3b (30.2%). The other genotype 1a was observed in 16.6% of patients followed by 3a observed in 3.4% of the patients. Our findings suggest that HCV may be the major cause of post-transplant hepatitis in Indian patients with CRF and indicate the necessity for stringent screening procedures for these viral infections.
Khaja
Mohammed N
MN
Center for Liver Research and Diagnostics, Deccan College of Medical Sciences and Allied Hospitals, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad 500056, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Madhavi
Chandra
C
Thippavazzula
Rekha
R
Nafeesa
Farees
F
Habib
Aejaz M
AM
Habibullah
Chittoor M
CM
Guntaka
Ramareddy V
RV
D001782:Blood Donors; D003710:Demography; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005838:Genotype; D006282:Health Personnel; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000453:epidemiology; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015995:Prevalence; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D013653:Tattooing; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000453:epidemiology
D012367:RNA, Viral