Study risk factors, genotype and prevalence of HCV infection among the populations in Arkhangai, Mongolia
- VernacularTitle:Архангай аймгийн хүн амын дундах гепатитын С вирусийн халдварын тархалт, генотип, эрсдэлт хүчин зүйлсийн судалгаа
- Author:
Amgalan B
1
;
2
;
Tsolmon Ch
2
;
Myagmarjaltan B
2
;
Naranzul N
3
;
Khurelbaatar N
4
;
Baatarkhuu O
3
Author Information
1. School of Graduate, Department of Health Research, MNUMS
2. Arkhangai General Hospital
3. School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, MNUMS
4. MNUMS
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Hepatitis C virus, Prevalence, Genotype, Risk factors
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2025;89(5):18-24
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne infectious disease that, if left untreated, can lead to chronic
infection, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In Mongolia, the prevalence of HCV is relatively high, posing
significant public health concerns. In alignment with the global goal to eliminate hepatitis B and C by 2030, this study
aimed to investigate the prevalence, genotype distribution, and associated risk factors of HCV infection among the general
population in Arkhangai province, Mongolia.
Aim:To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among the relatively healthy population of Arkhangai
Province and to study its genotypes and risk factors.
Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a two-stage sampling method, enrolling
2,304 individuals aged 0–80 years. Participants completed a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were collected
for anti-HCV and HBsAg testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the central laboratory of the
provincial hospital. Serum from anti-HCV positive individuals was preserved at –80°C and transported to Ulaanbaatar
for HCV RNA quantification via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and genotyping through molecular
diagnostics. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0.
Results:A total of 2,304 individuals from the provincial center and 8 soums participated in the study, of whom 57.8%
were female. The overall HCV seroprevalence was 12.0%, with chronic HCV infection confirmed in 7.16%. Among
patients with chronic HCV, genotype 1b was identified in 98.2% of cases. Risk factor analysis revealed statistically
significant associations between HCV infection and undergoing cosmetic procedures, receiving injections in non-medical
settings, cupping therapy, and sharing shaving equipment.
Conclusion:This study HCV seroprevalence of 12.0% among the relatively healthy population in Arkhangai province,
with genotype 1b detected in 98.2% of chronic HCV cases. The following risk factors were found to be independently
associated with HCV infection: undergoing cosmetic procedures (OR: 2.3), cupping therapy (OR: 1.7), receiving nonmedical injections (OR: 2.4), and sharing shaving tools (OR: 1.5) (p<0.001)
- Full text:2025120912265274032Архангай аймгийн хүн амын дундах гепатитын С вирусийн халдварын тархалт, генотип,.pdf
