Prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies in patients with liver disorders in the west of Ireland.

During the period from August 1989 to October 1990, 93 patients living in the West of Ireland were screened for Hepatitis C antibodies (Anti HVC) using a commercially available assay. The tests were performed because of abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) or clinical suspicion of Hepatitis C. Nine positive results were obtained (10.3%) seven of whom had a history of transfusion of blood or a blood product. The study revealed that the prevalence of anti HCV was low in patients with chronic liver diseases, in comparison to reported prevalence rates in other parts of the world and that blood transfusion was the commonest predisposing factor to acquisition of anti HCV in this area.