Clara Corona-Lau1, Linda Muñoz2, Enrique Wolpert3, Luz Ma Aguilar4, Margarita Dehesa3, Concepción Gutiérrez5, David Kershenobich4. 1. Laboratorio Biomedica de Referencia, México, D.F., Mexico. 2. Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico. 3. Fundación Mexicana para la Salud Hepática, México, D.F., Mexico. 4. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, D.F., Mexico. 5. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, México, D.F., Mexico.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients infected with hepatitis C virus remain unaware of their infection, as this is a silent disease for many years. Patients are frequently detected at advance stages of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and viremic stage of hepatitis C among a general population cohort. METHODS: Anti-hepatitis C virus detection and viral RNA were offered without cost to individuals who voluntarily considered it relevant to be examined, as part of the World Hepatitis Day annually from 2007-2014. RESULTS: A total of 32,945 individuals were analyzed; 57% were female and 43% male. Of them, 75.7% were between 21-50 years old. In 59%, the sample was obtained at their work place and in 41% at the facilities of 12 private laboratories. Anti-hepatitis C virus was positive in 194 patients (0.58%), of which 129 (66%) were confirmed positive by polymerase chain reaction. The overall prevalence of viremic cases in the sample was 0.39%. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate estimation of the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus and viremic population, not only among high-risk groups but also in the general population, is central to the allocation of resources in an effort to reduce the consequences of the disease.
BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients infected with hepatitis C virus remain unaware of their infection, as this is a silent disease for many years. Patients are frequently detected at advance stages of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and viremic stage of hepatitis C among a general population cohort. METHODS: Anti-hepatitis C virus detection and viral RNA were offered without cost to individuals who voluntarily considered it relevant to be examined, as part of the World Hepatitis Day annually from 2007-2014. RESULTS: A total of 32,945 individuals were analyzed; 57% were female and 43% male. Of them, 75.7% were between 21-50 years old. In 59%, the sample was obtained at their work place and in 41% at the facilities of 12 private laboratories. Anti-hepatitis C virus was positive in 194 patients (0.58%), of which 129 (66%) were confirmed positive by polymerase chain reaction. The overall prevalence of viremic cases in the sample was 0.39%. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate estimation of the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus and viremic population, not only among high-risk groups but also in the general population, is central to the allocation of resources in an effort to reduce the consequences of the disease.