PCR Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Adult Population of Ulsan.
- Author:
Tae Heum JEONG
1
;
Tae Hee JEON
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
HCV;
anti-HCV;
HCV-RNA;
prevalence;
risk factor
- MeSH:
Adult*;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay;
Hepacivirus*;
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens;
Hepatitis C*;
Hepatitis*;
Humans;
Korea;
Liver Diseases;
Polymerase Chain Reaction*;
Prevalence*;
Public Health;
Risk Factors*;
Ulsan*;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine
1998;19(4):364-373
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Liver disease is an important public health problem in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody(anti-HCV) in the adult population of Ulsan and to identify risk factors for HCV infection by case centre study. METHODS: The anti-HCV test was performed in 10,140 adults older than 20 years of age who underwent a general medical checkup in Ulsan University Hospital, Health Promotior Center from January 1997 to November 1997. 33 cases and 99 controls matched for age and sex with a 1: 3 ratio of cases to controls were enrolled. The cases were defined as positive anti-HCV and positive HCV-RNA whereas the controls were negative anti-HCV negative HBsAg and ALT < OR = 40. Exposure data were obtained by self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 1.3%(95% CI : 1.1-1.5) and the positive predictive value of 3rd generation anti-HCV ELISA was 34%. Thus, true prevalence of HCV infection was 0.45%. Only history of transfusion was significantly associated with anti-HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 1.3% and true prevalence of HCV infection was 0.45% in the adult population of Ulsan. Transfusion was the major route of transmission of HCV but the risk will likely reduce.
