Risk factors associated with hepatitis C virus infection in an urban population of the State of Mexico.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and risk factors associated with patients attending primary-care clinics in the State of Mexico. A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted on 10,524 consenting patients with history of at least one risk factor for HCV. Antibodies were detected by immunoassay, third-generation ELISA; RT-PCR was carried out to confirm HCV infection. The seroprevalence of HCV antibodies was 1.2% (128). The most common risk factor was blood transfusion prior to 1993 (56.3%), followed by family history of cirrhosis 29 (22.7%); tattoos and/or piercings, 28 (21.9%); high-risk sexual practices, 4 (3.1%); healthcare work, 8 (6.3%); and intravenous drug use, 1 (8%). RT-PCR was performed on samples from 83 patients. Forty-five were considered positive. Genotype 1a was the most prevalent (37.7%).