Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in former Brazilian soccer players

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. C. R. AZEVEDO ◽  
N. A. FILGUEIRA ◽  
E. P. LOPES

SUMMARYWe evaluated the occurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in 97 former soccer players who played in Recife, Brazil in the 1960s and 1970s, and analysed the risk factors for infection, such as history of transfusions, surgery, tattoos, piercings, and the use of illicit drugs or injectable vitamin complexes. Immunochromatographic testing was performed to detect anti-HCV antibodies. All former soccer players were men (mean age 59·2 years), of whom 62 (64%) and 35 (36%) were classified as amateurs and professionals, respectively. Seven (7·2%) tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies; three (4·8%) were amateurs, and four (11·4%) were professionals. In univariate analysis, transfusion, surgery, and use of injectable vitamin complexes were associated with HCV infection, while in multivariate analysis, only the use of injectable vitamin complexes was related (P=0·0005). We observed a high frequency of HCV infection in former soccer players, especially in professionals who used injectable vitamin complexes.

1994 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 595-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. R. Neal ◽  
D. A. Jones ◽  
D. Killey ◽  
V. James

SUMMARYThe introduction of screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) by the National Blood Transfusion Service identified donors who had acquired HCV infection. We undertook a case-control study amongst blood donors in the Trent Region to determine risks for HCV infection. A total of 74 blood donors confirmed positive for hepatitis C infection and 150 age, sex and donor venue matched controls were included in the study. Fifty-three percent of hepatitis C infected blood donors reported previous use of injected drugs compared to no controls; relative risk (RR) not estimatable (lower limit 95% CI = 20). Other risk factors were a history of: receipt of a blood transfusion or blood products RR = 3·6 (95% CI 1·5–8·3), having been a ‘health care worker’ RR = 2·8 (95% CI 1·1–7·6), tattooing RR = 3·3 (95% CI 1·2–8·7), and an association with having been born abroad RR = 3·2 (95% CI 1·1–9·5). No risk was shown for a history of multiple sexual partners, ear piercing or acupuncture. Injecting drug use explains more than 50% of hepatitis C infections in blood donors, a group who are less likely to have injected drugs than the general population.


2005 ◽  
Vol 192 (11) ◽  
pp. 1880-1889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric E. Mast ◽  
Lu‐Yu Hwang ◽  
Dexter S. Y. Seto ◽  
Frederick S. Nolte ◽  
Omana V. Nainan ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harnoldo Colares Coelho ◽  
Sabrina Alberti Nóbrega de Oliveira ◽  
Juliana Custódio Miguel ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Aguiar Oliveira ◽  
José Fernando de Castro Figueiredo ◽  
...  

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has quite high prevalence in the prison system, reaching rates of up to 40%. This survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection and evaluate risk factors for this exposure among male inmates at the Ribeirão Preto Prison, State of São Paulo, Brazil, between May and August 2003. A total of 333 participants were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire and underwent immunoenzymatic assaying to investigate anti-HCV. The prevalence of HCV infection among the inmates was 8.7% (95% CI: 5.7-11.7). The participants'mean age was 30.1 years, and the prevalence was predominantly among individuals over 30 years of age. Multivariate analysis showed that the variables that were independently associated with HCV infection were age > 30 years, tattooing, history of previous hepatitis, previous injection drug use and previous needle-sharing.


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (03) ◽  
pp. 445-449
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD NAEEM ◽  
AMEER AHMAD ◽  
IMRAN QAISAR ◽  
Fiaz Ahmad

Objective: To know the status of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in children admitted in Pediatric ward of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and duration of study: Pediatric unit-1 Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur over a period of 2 months and 15 days. Material and methods: This study was conducted over 500 children admitted in children ward-1 of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. Children of 1-15 years of age were included in the study. The blood samples of these children were taken at the time of admission and serum was tested for HCV with ICT method and later on confirmed by ELISA. Children having HCV infection were tested for SGPT level. Different risk factors for transmission of HCV infection were also studied. Results: Out of 500 children 43 were HCV positive by ICT method. Out of these 43 ICT positive children 38 were confirmed by ELISA. In this way 7.6% children were found positive for HCV. In 23 cases (60.5%) SGPT was raised (>40). Statistically significant risk factors for transmission of HCV infection found in this study were past history of blood transfusion and history of injections in past. Conclusions: HCV infection is quite common in children. Safe blood transfusions and use of disposable and sterilized syringes is important for prevention of this infection. 


1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
GY Minuk ◽  
WWS Wong ◽  
KDE Kaita ◽  
BG Rosser

Previous reports from the United States indicate that as many as 40% of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) have no identifiable risk factor for HCV infection. To determine whether the same is true of Canadian patients with chronic HCV the records of 89 anti-HCV positive patients referred to the authors' tertiary care centre for evaluation of liver disease were reviewed. Each patient had been specifically asked about the following risk factors: previous blood transfusions; intravenous drug abuse; homosexual activity; sexual promiscuity (multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted diseases); tattoos made with nonsterile techniques; and ear piercing using nonsterile techniques. The results of the study revealed that 76 of 89 patients (85%) had at least one risk factor for HCV exposure, 38 (43%) had only one risk factor, 19 (21%) had two, 12 (14%) had three and the remaining three patients (3%) had four. The most common risk factor was a history of intravenous drug abuse (30 of 89 patients, 34%) followed by sexual promiscuity (28, 32%), previous blood transfusions (21, 24%), tattoos (17, 19%), homosexual contacts (seven, 8%) and ear piercing (five, 6%). Contrary to a recent report identifying sexual contact as an independent risk factor for HCV infection, only four cases (5%) were found where sexual promiscuity was identified as the only risk factor. In conclusion, these findings indicate that a possible source of HCV infection can be identified in a large majority of Canadians referred to an urban centre with chronic HCV infection.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (06) ◽  
pp. 20251-20256
Author(s):  
Mudassir Khan ◽  
Shahrukh Khan ◽  
Shohra Haider ◽  
Fazal Jalil ◽  
Muhsin Jamal ◽  
...  

Background: Prevalence of Hepatitis C viral infection and its major risk factors has been found out in population of Batkhela, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan by taking number of volunteers from the interested area. HCV prevalence has not been researched in recent time here in this area, so that’s why we contributed. Materials and Methods: Ab rapid test cassette serum/plasma (USA) kit has been used for the mentioned purpose following by ELISA and finally PCR to find out active infection of virus. ICT positive individuals were reconfirmed by ELISA and then ELISA positive samples were carefully investigated by RT-PCR for Hepatitis C Virus. Results: The study population was of 770 volunteers belonging to the mentioned area of research, 453 males and 317 females. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.32% of HCV in Batkhela. This prevalence ratio was 3.12% in males and 2.20 % in females. 3rd generation ELISA was used to refine ICT positive samples which showed that 37 of the ICT positive samples had antibodies detected by ELISA. To find out active HCV infection, ELISA positive samples were refined by real time PCR which showed 2.98% of prevalence of active HCV infection in Batkhela based on HCV RNA in their blood. Principle Conclusion: Overall prevalence was found 5.32%, contaminated reused syringes and blades at Barbour’s shop, blood transfusion, surgical operations and unhygienic food in stalls etc were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. Body weakness and pale yellow skin color was common symptom in HCV positive volunteers. Safe sexual activities, blood screening before donation and sterilizing surgical equipment’s can protect us from Hepatitis C Virus.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 651
Author(s):  
Laura Huiban ◽  
Carol Stanciu ◽  
Cristina Maria Muzica ◽  
Tudor Cuciureanu ◽  
Stefan Chiriac ◽  
...  

(1) Background: The World Health Organization adopted a strategy for the Global Health Sector on Viral Hepatitis in 2016, with the main objective of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection and risk factors in a Romanian village using population-based screening as part of the global C virus eradication program. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective study from March 2019 to February 2020, based on a strategy as part of a project designed to educate, screen, treat and eliminate HCV infection in all adults in a village located in Northeastern Romania. (3) Results: In total, 3507 subjects were invited to be screened by rapid diagnostic orientation tests (RDOT). Overall, 2945 (84%) subjects were tested, out of whom 78 (2.64%) were found to have positive HCV antibodies and were scheduled for further evaluation in a tertiary center of gastroenterology/hepatology in order to be linked to care. In total, 66 (85%) subjects presented for evaluation and 55 (83%) had detectable HCV RNA. Of these, 54 (98%) completed antiviral treatment and 53 (99%) obtained a sustained virological response. (4) Conclusions: The elimination of hepatitis C worldwide has a higher chance of success if micro-elimination strategies based on mass screening are adopted.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110472
Author(s):  
Hope King ◽  
J. E. Soh ◽  
William W. Thompson ◽  
Jessica Rogers Brown ◽  
Karina Rapposelli ◽  
...  

Objective Approximately 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of our study was to describe demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, liver disease–related risk factors, and modifiable health behaviors associated with self-reported testing for HCV infection among adults. Methods Using data on adult respondents aged ≥18 from the 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey, we summarized descriptive data on sociodemographic characteristics and liver disease–related risk factors and stratified data by educational attainment. We used weighted logistic regression to examine predictors of HCV testing. Results During the study period, 11.7% (95% CI, 11.5%-12.0%) of adults reported ever being tested for HCV infection. Testing was higher in 2017 than in 2013 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18-1.36). Adults with ≥some college were significantly more likely to report being tested (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.52-1.69) than adults with ≤high school education. Among adults with ≤high school education (but not adults with ≥some college), those who did not have health insurance were less likely than those with private health insurance (aOR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.89) to get tested, and non–US-born adults were less likely than US-born adults to get tested (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87). Conclusions Rates of self-reported HCV testing increased from 2013 to 2017, but testing rates remained low. Demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and liver disease–related risk factors may affect HCV testing rates among adults. HCV testing must increase to achieve hepatitis C elimination targets.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-156
Author(s):  
Maryann C. Ezeilo ◽  
Godwill A. Engwa ◽  
Romanus I. Iroha ◽  
Damian N. Odimegwu

Background:The lack of a vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) places children at a high risk of contracting the infection. It becomes necessary to accurately diagnose this infection for proper treatment as well as identifying potential risk factors for effective management.Aim:This study was conceived to assess the test performance of the commonly used Immunochromatographic test (ICT) strip and identify the associated clinical manifestations and risk factors of HCV in children in Enugu Metropolis.Method:A cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 270 children below six years of age was conducted in Enugu Nigeria. The subjects were screened for anti-HCV by ICT and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the demographic, signs and symptoms and risk factors were collected.Results:A total of 50 out of 270 children were positive for anti-HCV with a seropositivity of 18.5%. ICT strip had a very low sensitivity of 38.00% with an accuracy of 88.52% in detecting anti-HCV. The presence of dark urine was associated (p= 0.01) with HCV infection.Conclusion:A seroprevalence of 18.5% of Anti-HCV was found in children below six years old in Enugu metropolis and the performance of ICT in diagnosing HCV infection was poor compared to ELISA.


Author(s):  
Bushra . ◽  
Ambreen Ghori ◽  
Azra Ahmed ◽  
Najma Dalwani ◽  
Mushtaque Ali Shah ◽  
...  

Background: Pregnancy is a very crucial time in a woman’s life. In this period of time, not only multiple physiological alterations effect the usual health status but also makes women more vulnerable to contract infection and face negative sequalae. Hepatitis C, a blood borne viral infection serve the similar fate when encountered by pregnant ladies. This study is based on exploring the prevalence of the Hepatitis C virus seropositivity among pregnant population. Moreover, we also evaluated the major risk factors leading to the infection in these mothers. Besides this, infected mothers were studied for their pregnancy outcomes.Methods: In this study 114 pregnant females were observed for this cross-sectional study. It was conducted in Gynecology Unit- 1, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, for the period of January 2017 to July 2017. Chi square test was applied for statistical analysis on SPSS version 16. The criteria for enrollment in the study was set to be a pregnant lady belonging to age group 20-35 years; having singleton pregnancy; was a booked case at the hospital with compliant to antenatal follow ups; admitted to the labor room for delivery. All the non-pregnant ladies, whom had co morbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes or had infected with hepatitis B or D were excluded from the study. Furthermore, pregnant ladies with multiple gestion or those who were either diagnosed of hepatitis C prior to conceive or had a previous history of hepatitis C were also excluded.Results: Present study revealed that out of 114, 10(8.8%) pregnant ladies were found seropositive for Hepatitis C virus. Prior history for transfusion of blood was the Foremost risk factor discovered, with 60.5% women reported this. History of surgery was the 2nd commonest factor and 43.9% had this in their medical records. On the other hand, only 8.8% women gave the history for previous evacuation. While observing pregnancy outcomes, we found 48.2% neonates had low birth weight, 41.2% were born preterm and 21.1% had low APGAR score.Conclusions: In a nutshell hepatitis c is prevalent in the pregnant population of this region and showing its effects in the form of compromised pregnancies. History of blood transfusion and previous surgery were found to be chief risk factors in the study.


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