Occurrence of hepatitis C virus infection in type 2 diabetic patients attending Plateau state specialist hospital Jos Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Glucose intolerance is observed more in patients with HCV infection compared with control subjects with liver disease, Initial studies suggested that Hepatitis C virus infection may be an additional risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus. This study was therefore carried out to determine the correlation of HCV infection and diabetes.


METHODS
Three hundred (300) confirmed type 2 diabetic patients were screened for hepatitis C virus antibodies at the Plateau state specialist hospital, Jos, using Grand diagnostic test strip. Questionnaire comprising of age, sex, family history on diabetes, duration of disease and marital status were issued to subjects.


RESULTS
Overall result showed that the prevalence rate of HCV infection was 33(11%). In response to diabetic status, females subjects had a higher prevalence of 178(59.3%) compared to males 122(40.7%). Those aged 47-57 recorded the highest seroprevalence 10(30.3%) to the Hepatitis C Virus, while Patients without family history of diabetes showed a higher seroprevalence of 13(39.4%). Subjects who never had any blood transfusion recorded a prevalence rate of 6(18.2%). Marital status showed no significant difference [(P = 0.275; P.0.05)]. Considering duration of developing diabetes, patients within the range of 1-10 years diabetic status recorded the highest prevalence rate 25(75.8%) compared to other ranges considered.


CONCLUSIONS
This study hence, suggests a relatively strong association between HCV infection and diabetes, this therefore call for an urgent approach strategy in the control and management of this disease of the endocrine system.
Ndako
James A
JA
Department of Virology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Nigeria. ndakoj@yahoo.co.uk
Echeonwu
Georgebest O
GO
Shidali
Nathaniel N
NN
Bichi
Iliyasu A
IA
Paul
Grace A
GA
Onovoh
Ema
E
Okeke
Lilian A
LA
D000367:Age Factors; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies