Seroprevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in Singapore.

The prevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in Singapore was assessed using a recombinant-based enzyme linked immunoassay system. 1004 serum samples were obtained from normal subjects (463), hemodialysis patients (112), hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers (188), patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (58) and patients with non-hepatitis B virus related liver diseases (183). Anti-HCV was found to be positive in 1.7% of healthy subjects, and in 20% of patients on regular hemodialysis. Three percent of HBV carriers were positive for anti-HCV. Twelve percent of patients with acute hepatitis with no known causes and 20% patients with chronic hepatitis with no known causes were positive for anti-HCV. Among patients with cirrhosis for which no known causes were found 33% were positive for anti-HCV. Thirty six percent of patients with HCC not associated with the presence of HBsAg were positive of anti-HCV. None of the patients with known causes of liver disease were positive for anti-HCV.