Hepatitis C among primary school children in Sharkia Governorate

ABSTRACT

One hundred and fifty school children including 79 males and 71 females with ages ranging 6-12 years [8.7 +/- 2.3] and of different residences and social standards in Sharkia Governorate were included in this study. All of the children were subjected to history taking, complete clinical examination; liver function tests, ELISA testing for HCV antibodies [IgG] and RT-PCR for detection of HCV-RNA. The family members of children positive for HCV antibodies or RT-PCR were investigated for HCV infection. It was found that the seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 3/150 [2%] as determined by ELISA. While PCR revealed only 1/150 [0.7%] positivity for HCV-RNA. Sex and age of children were not significant risk factors in relation to seropositivity of HCV antibodies. Blood transfusion and needle stick injuries were highly significantly associated with seropositivity for HCV antibodies, while surgical operations were not significantly related to seropositivity. In conclusion, HCV infection is not uncommon, however, it doesn't seem to play a major role in hepatitis among primary school children in Sharkia Governorate. ELISA is a good negative screening test in low risk groups. Further studies on large number are recommended to confirm these results: