Hepatitis C virus infection at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors

ABSTRACT

A sample of 1422 individuals was included in the study, using multistage sampling technique. Exposures and demographic characteristics were obtained through a pre-designed questionnaire. Antibody to HCV was assessed using micro-particle enzyme immunoassay [MEIA] enzyme assay by IMX and the HCV RNA was tested by real-time PCR technique using ABI Prism 7700 system. The seroprevalence of antibodies to HCV was 23.4% and 27.4% in urban and rural areas, respectively, with an overall prevalence of 25.8%. This reflected prior HCV infection, but not necessarily a current liver disease. The prevalence was higher among males than females and increased sharply with age, from 4.8% in those <20 years old to 41.9% in the older ages [>/40 years]. Those who were not educated and farmers had a significantly high prevalence. The significant predictors of HCV infection were previous parenteral therapy for schistosomiasis [OR = 4.3, 95%, CI = 3.6-7.9], among those over 20 years of age [3.5, 2.18-5.8], blood transfusion [4.1, 2.4-6.9], invasive procedures [surgery and endoscopy] and the use of contaminated syringes and needles. Also, shaving at community barbers added a significance to the model