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.
Center for Liver Research and Diagnostics, Deccan College of Medical Sciences and Allied Hospitals, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad 500056, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Mohammed N
MN
Khaja
Chandra
C
Madhavi
Rekha
R
Thippavazzula
Farees
F
Nafeesa
Aejaz M
AM
Habib
Chittoor M
CM
Habibullah
Ramareddy V
RV
Guntaka
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