Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus antibodies in Khartoum State
Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus antibodies in Khartoum State
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Date
2003-01
Authors
Ahmed, Omer
Elkhidir, Isam
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
uofk
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a blood borne liver disease caused by hepatitis C
virus (HCV). First identified in 1989, the disease was initially known as
“Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis”. The hepatitis C virus belongs to the
Flaviviridae family of viruses, and spread primarily through direct contact
with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals.
With the increasing use of antibody testing, the recognized
prevalence of HCV infection has increased and an estimated 3% of the
world’s population currently infected, equating to 170 million chronic
HCV carriers world wide. HCV infection is a leading cause of chronic liver
disease, including cirrhosis of the liver; therefore World Health
Organization (WHO) recognizes hepatitis C as a global health problem.
The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C
virus antibodies in Khartoum State, and to determine the possible modes of
transmission. To achieve the objectives of the study antibody to HCV (anti-
HCV) was studied by third generation Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent
Assay (ELISA) 201 blood donors, 158 pregnant women, 198 dialysis
patients, and 18 multiple transfused patients.
According to the result obtained, anti- HCV was present in 0.4%
among blood donors, and 0% in pregnant women. It was found in 28%
dialysis patients and 5.5% among multiple transfused patients. Thus HCV
infection was found predominantly among dialysis patients, and the
possible risk factors were blood transfusion, longer duration, and loose
application of universal precautions. Also this study concluded that dialysis
especially in countries with high prevalence of HCV may be with possible
mean of transmission of HCV.
According to the results obtained, the study suggests some
recommendations.
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Keywords
HCV, virus,Hepatitis,blood