scholarly journals 1064. Hepatitis C Epidemiology at the Dallas County Jail: A Changing Demographic

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S560-S561
Author(s):  
Emily Hoff ◽  
Andrea E Warden ◽  
Ruby Taylor ◽  
Ank E Nijhawan
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Blood Draw ◽  
Demographic Trends ◽  
County Jail ◽  
Dallas County ◽  
Routine Blood ◽  
Prevalence Ratios

Abstract Background Nearly 1 in 3 people living with HCV pass through the CJ system each year. As a result, the CJ system is a crucial location for Hepatitis C screening, education and linkage to care. We aim to 1) identify the prevalence and incidence of HCV and 2) evaluate HCV demographic trends at a large urban jail. Methods Universal opt-out HCV testing was offered in four separate testing cycles from 2015 to 2019 to any individual undergoing a routine blood draw at the Dallas County Jail (N=14490; Figure 1). HCV antibody (Ab) assay (LabCorp) was used with reflex RNA testing added on in 2017. Demographic variables were extracted from the electronic medical record for all tested, with risk factors collected from those who tested positive for HCV Ab (HCV Ab+). Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Figure 1. HCV Ab and HCV RNA positivity among people screened for HCV in the Dallas County Jail from 2015 to 2019 (N=14490). Results The prevalence of HCV Ab+ was 16.7% in the Dallas County Jail; 75.3% of those who tested HCV Ab+ were also HCV RNA+ (Figure 1). The HCV Ab+ incidence rate was 13.5 cases per 1000 person-years. People who were HCV Ab+ were more frequently (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], p-value): older (1.07 (1.06-1.07), p< 0.001), female (1.24 [1.07-1.44], p=0.004), white (2.12 [1.83-2.45], p< 0.001), and in the birth cohort 1945-65 (1.79 [1.44-2.23], p< 0.001; Table 1). In earlier birth cohorts (1940s), black men were more often HCV Ab+; in more recent birth cohorts (1990s), white and Hispanic females were more often HCV Ab+ (Figure 2). Among individuals who tested HCV Ab+, IDU was more frequently reported by white individuals, particularly women, compared to black individuals (p< 0.001; Figure 3). Table 1. Demographic predictors of Hepatitis C Antibody positivity among those undergoing routine blood draws from 2015-19 at the Dallas County Jail (AIC 7041; BIC 7048; df 10; p<0.001). Figure 2. Trends of Hepatitis C Antibody prevalence and demographic prevalence ratios by birth year (prevalence ratio= proportion with disease/proportion with exposure) among people at the Dallas County Jail screened from 2017-2019 (N=10183). Demographic prevalence ratios were categorized by race (White, Hispanic, Black) and gender (Male, Female) into six categories. Gray bars represent the overall prevalence of HCV Ab+ by birth year. Figure 3. The racial demographics of injection drug use by gender among those who tested HCV Ab positive at the Dallas County Jail in 2017-2018 (n=672; total population p<0.001; male p=0.004; female p=0.008). Conclusion The high prevalence and incidence of HCV at the Dallas County Jail argues for routine, universal testing and linkage to treatment. Additionally, demographic trends mirror the IDU epidemic and have valuable implications for risk reduction and treatment interventions. Disclosures Ank E. Nijhawan, MD, MPH, Gilead (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Research Grant or Support)

scholarly journals Rapid point-of-care (POC) testing for Hepatitis C antibodies in a very high prevalence setting: persons injecting drugs in Tallinn, Estonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneli Uusküla ◽  
Ave Talu ◽  
Jürgen Rannap ◽  
David M. Barnes ◽  
Don Des Jarlais
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Blood Draw ◽  
Persons Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Oral Swab ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Hcv Antibody

Abstract Background Between December 2018 and January of 2019, we evaluated the accuracy of the point-of-care Hepatitis C (HCV) antibody test (POC; OraQuick HCV) used at a community-based needle and syringe exchange program serving persons who inject drugs in Tallinn, Estonia. Methods We compared the results of screening for HCV antibodies by OraQuick (oral swab) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA; blood draw) and assessed test results implications in a high prevalence setting. Findings Of the 100 participants, 88 (88%) had reactive POC test results, and 93 were HCV antibody positive on EIA testing. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) for the POC assay with EIA as the relevant reference test were as follows: 94.6% (95% CI 90.0–99.2%), 100% and 58.3% (95% CI 30.4–86.2%). Of the 12 testing, HCV-negative with the POC only 7 (58.3%) were true negatives. Conclusions Oral swab rapid testing HCV screening in this nonclinical setting was sensitive and specific but had unacceptably low NPV. In high prevalence settings, POC tests with high sensitivity and that directly measure HCV RNA may be warranted.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in the Population of Albania for the Period 2007-2010

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 525-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hysaj Vila Brunilda ◽  
Shundi Lila ◽  
Abazaj Erjona ◽  
Bino Silva ◽  
Rexha Tefta
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C is a blood-borne, infectious, viral disease that is caused by a hepatotropic virus called Hepatitis C virus (HCV).AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of active HCV infection (HCV–RNA) in the cases that were anti-HCV positive.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma of 301 high-risk for HCV infection consecutive from University Hospital Centre “Mother Theresa” Tirana-Albania, during January 2007 to December 2010 was included in this study. To identify the presence of HCV RNA, the samples were examined by Cobas Amplicor HCV test (qualitative method).RESULTS: From 301 samples analyzed in total, 214 of them resulted positive for the presence of HCV-RNA's, corresponding to a prevalence of 71.1%, with 95% CI interval [65.8 - 75.9] for value of χ2 = 52.7 p value <0.0001. Divide by the sex 56% were males and 44% females, with statistically significant difference between them for value χ2 =4306 p value=0.0380. Among the age groups the highest prevalence was observed in the age groups > 25 years with a significant difference with other age groups for p value <0.001.CONCLUSION: Among tested samples, 71.1 % were confirmed to be positive for HCV –RNA infections. The prevalence of male was highest compared to female. For males and females infected the prevalence was highest in the age group of > 25 years.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Dallas County Jail: Implications for Screening, Prevention, and Linkage to Care

2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (6) ◽  
pp. 626-633
Author(s):  
Caroline M. Abe ◽  
Merilyne Aguwa ◽  
Michelle Zhao ◽  
Jacqueline Sullivan ◽  
Esmaeil Porsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
County Jail ◽  
Health Insurance Status ◽  
Dallas County ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Hcv Screening

Objectives: Screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in jail provides an opportunity to educate and offer care to a high-risk population. We aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of HCV infection in jail; (2) describe the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and pre-incarceration health insurance status associated with HCV infection; and (3) examine the implementation of HCV screening in jail. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of an opt-out HCV screening program with HCV RNA confirmation and patient education at the Dallas County Jail from April 1 through November 2, 2017. We extracted data on test results, demographic characteristics, and release destination from electronic medical records. A nurse navigator recorded data on patient self-reported risk factors and pre-incarceration health insurance status. Results: Of 4089 incarcerated persons screened, 708 (17.3%) had a positive HCV antibody result. Of these, 641 (90.5%) had an HCV RNA test ordered; 576 (89.9%) had RNA tests completed, of whom 413 (71.7%) had a positive HCV RNA result. Of these 413, 352 (85.2%) received patient education. Half of HCV RNA-positive incarcerated persons (n = 207, 50.1%) were born outside the birth cohort (1945-1965). Among those with HCV infection, commonly reported risk factors were injection drug use (168 of 352; 47.8%) and tattoos (82 of 352; 23.4%). Most incarcerated persons with HCV infection (284 of 350; 81.1%) did not have health insurance. HCV antibody prevalence was higher among incarcerated persons released to prison (232 of 961; 24.1%) than to outside agencies (38 of 403; 9.4%) or the community (178 of 1026; 17.4%). Conclusions: Screening for HCV with RNA confirmation in jail provides an opportunity for disease education, transmission prevention, and navigation to HCV treatment. Future efforts should examine post-incarceration linkage to care.

scholarly journals HEPATITIS-C GENOTYPE-3A INFECTION;

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (05) ◽  
pp. 670-674
Author(s):  
Nizamuddin - ◽  
Abdul Hameed Khan ◽  
Ayesha Jamil ◽  
Fazal Rahim ◽  
Muhammad Riaz
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis C ◽  
Human Factor ◽  
Dual Therapy ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Genotype 3A

Objectives: In last decade, “treatment of chronic hepatitis-C revolved frominterferon based therapy to most effective interferon free therapy with new direct antiviraldrugs like Sofosbuvir and ribavirin” which is recommended for all genotypes of HCV infection.Treatment response in Chronic Hepatitis-C is affected both by viral and human factors. Weconducted this study “to evaluate the effect of human factor like (IL28B-rs12979860 non-CC)genotyping in response to Sofosbuvir based dual therapy in Hepatitis-C Genotype-3a infection”in population of Khyber PukhtoonKhwa (KPK). Setting: This open labeled, multi-center studywas conducted in Peshawar-Khyber PukhtoonKhwa (KPK). Period: March-2016 to August-2016.Method: Total of 70patients were enrolled. After doing “PCR for HCV-RNA-Viral level, Viral-Genotyping and Human genotyping for IL-28B, patients were put on Sofosbuvir and ribavirin for24-weeks”. Patients were assigned into two groups (1:1), “having 35 in each, including group-Aas those having favorable CC (IL28B- rs12979860-CC) genotyping and group-B as thosehaving unfavorable non-CC (IL28B-rs12979860-non-CC) genotyping”. The primary end pointwas “Sustained Virological response12 (SVR12), which is HCV-RNA level<40IU/ml at 12-weeksafter completion of therapy in these two groups”. Results: Among 70-patients, male-femaleratio was 57.15% (n=40) and 42.85% (n=30) respectively. Each group has 35-cases. Rate ofSVR12 was 88.57% (n=31/35) in group-A, 91.42% (n=32/35) in group-B, having P-value<05.Conclusion: This study confirm that “unlike interferon, unfavorable non-CC (IL28B-rs12979860-non-CC) genotyping have no or minimal role in treatment response to Sofosbuvir in Hepatitis-Cgenotype-3a infections”.

Hepatitis C Associated ITP: High Incidence of Autoantibodies Specific to Platelet Glycoproteins and Favorable Response to IL-11.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1247-1247
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Fontana ◽  
Carlos J. Bidot ◽  
Wenche Jy ◽  
Eugene R. Ahn ◽  
Lawrence L. Horstman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Immune Complex ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Clotting Factor ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract BACKGROUND. ITP is an autoimmune disorder in which autoantibodies (Ab) reacting to platelet glycoproteins (Gp) mediate immune destruction of platelets. In most cases the cause is unknown, but chronic infections such as hepatitis C, studied here, are often associated with ITP (ITP-C). In ITP-C, it is not clear whether platelets are destroyed by viral immune complex or by Gp Ab, as in classic active ITP (ITP-A). Antiviral therapy may not induce remission in ITP-C, so its management remains problematic. We investigated Gp Ab in ITP-C vs. ITP-A, and evaluated efficacy of IL-11 in a group of patients (pts) with ITP-C. A previous study found that IL-11 is ineffective in treatment of ITP-A [Am J Hematol, 2001; 66: 172–7]. METHODS. We studied 35 pts with ITP-A (19F, 16M, mean age 53yr, mean platelet count 61,000/μL) and 15 with ITP-C (9F, 6M, mean age 61yr, mean platelet count 66,0000/μL). Lab tests included CBC, platelet counts, liver function tests, HCV-RNA, and clotting factor activity (FVIII & vWF). Ab against Gp were assayed by PAICA. Six pts with ITP-C were treated with IL-11 (50 mg/kg) for 7 days to 9 mo’s. In four, clinical courses were followed after discontinuing IL-11. RESULTS. As shown in Table 1, the prevalence of all 3 Gp Ab (IIb/IIIa, Ib/IX, and IV) was significantly more frequent in ITP-C than ITP-A, for both IgG (p≤ 0.007) and IgM (p=0.005). Mean titers of Ab were also higher in ITP-C than ITP-A, but only IgM Ab were significant (p<0.001). vWF and FVIII were above normal in both groups, but the only significant difference between the groups was in vWF, higher in ITP-C than ITP-A in terms of frequency of elevation (71% vs. 34%, p=0.002) and titer (2.63 U/mL vs. 1.69 U/mL, p=0.005). Results of IL-11 treatment. In the six ITP-C pts treated with IL-11, platelet counts rose in all cases in 1–2 wk (mean pre = 61,000; mean post = 112,000/uL), and liver enzymes normalized in 1–2 wk. We also found an antiviral effect of IL-11: mean HCV-RNA fell from 3.167 x106 to 0.741 x106 after 1–3 wk. In only 1 pt did the HCV-RNA go up during the treatment, and began to decline when IL-11 was discontinued. In all 4 pts followed after discontinuing IL-11, platelet count dropped after 1–3 wk (from 112,000 to 90,000/μL). In 2 pts, liver enzymes rose after 1–3 wk but remained normal in the other two. HCV-RNA assay was repeated after 3–8 mo’s in 3 pts; mean value was 1.925 x106. In 2 pts, Gp Ab disappeared following treatment. CONCLUSIONS. (a) In excess of 90% of pts with ITP-C had specific Gp Ab. This indicates that ITP in hepatitis C is autoimmune-mediated similar to classic ITP, not immune-complex mediated. (b) The high incidences of elevated FVIII and vWF could be secondary to inflammation, and may play a role in limiting bleeding. (c) Our preliminary data on use of IL-11 in ITP-C is encouraging, as most responded favorably. Treatment was associated with decreased levels of HCV-RNA and Gp Ab. Tab 1 ITP-A, n=35 ITP-C, n=15 p value Gp IIbIIIa IgG/IgM (% elevated) 60/54 92/91 0.0007/0.005 Gp IbIX IgG/IgM (% elevated) 51/46 91/91 0.007/0.005 Gp IV IgG/IgM (% elevated) 59/40 100/90 0.0001/0.005 IIbIIIa IgG/IgM (Titre) 3.27/2.47 3.59/10.4 n.s./0.001 IbIX IgG/IgM (Titre) 2.59/2.35 3.37/8.82 n.s/0.001 IV IgG/IgM (Titre) 2.93/2.09 3.56/7.18 n.s./0.001 vWF (% elevated/titre) 34/1.69 71/2.63 0.002/0.005

scholarly journals Seroprevalance of hepatitis-c infection in multi-transfused thalassemic children: study from a West Indian tertiary care center

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 1871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheesham Agrawal ◽  
Pawan Kumar Sulaniya ◽  
Kapil Garg ◽  
Ramesh Choudhary ◽  
Chandrakanta Sulaniya
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Hcv Antibody

Background: To study the prevalence of hepatitis-C virus infection in multi-transfused thalassemic children and to correlate these patients with age, number of transfusion, serum ferritin levels and transaminases levels.Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of a Teaching Institute of Rajasthan. It was a hospital based cross sectional study, conducted over a period of 12 months (April 2016- March 2017). Blood sample for Ant-HCV antibody detection was taken at time of follow-up visit in the subspeciality clinic. These samples were processed in central laboratory for hep-C antibody, serum ferritin and transaminases levels. Anti-HCV antibody detection was done by BI-DOT machine. HCV RNA PCR was done to access viral load in all positive cases.Results: A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 219 (73%) males and 81 (27%) females. The mean age of the study group was 7.59±3.6 years (range 1.5-18years). At the time of our study 277 (92.4%) cases were on one or the other chelating agent whereas 23 (7.6%) cases were not taking any kind of chelation therapy. Out of 300 patients, 72(24%) cases tested positive for anti HCV antibody. Out of 72 patients only 36(12%) patients had detectable viral load in RNA PCR.  Mean age of the HCV positive cases (9.58±3.28) years was higher as compared to HCV negative cases (6.98±3.54). Maximum HCV positivity 20/38 (52.6%) was seen in 12-18 year age group; followed by 33/76 (43.4%) in 9-12yr age group. Significant association was observed between advancing age and prevalence of hepatitis C in thalassemia major patients (p=0.002). The number of blood transfusions received by anti-HCV positive children (Avg. Transfusion 185±98.40 ml/kg/year) was significantly higher than that by anti-HCV negative patients (Avg. Transfusion 102.8±71.20) (p value<0.001). Maximum HCV positive cases 33 (45.83%) had total transfusions >200 in a year followed by 15 (20.83%) cases with 151-200 transfusions (p<0.001).Conclusions: Despite ELISA screening of blood donors, our study demonstrated high (24%) prevalence of transfusion transmitted hepatitis-C virus in thalassemic children which increases with increasing number of transfusions, it also correlates with rising serum ferritin level and SGPT level. 

scholarly journals Opt-out HIV and Hepatitis C Testing at the Dallas County Jail: Uptake, Prevalence, and Demographic Characteristics of Testers

2017 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 617-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina de la Flor ◽  
Esmaeil Porsa ◽  
Ank E. Nijhawan
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Baby Boomers ◽  
County Jail ◽  
Dallas County ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Antibody Positivity ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Hcv Testing ◽  
Hispanic White

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are common in the criminal justice system. We offered opt-out HIV/HCV testing at the Dallas County Jail during intake from June 2015 to November 2016, after which testing was integrated into routine phlebotomy processes. The uptake of testing increased from 12.9% (118/915) in June 2015 to 80.5% (269/334) in January 2016. HIV was confirmed in 1.0% (30/3155) of inmates; 6 were new diagnoses and all were linked to care. HCV antibody positivity was found in 16.4% (500/4042) of inmates. Sixty percent (155/258) of HCV-positive inmates born between 1945 and 1965 (ie, baby boomers) were non-Hispanic black, whereas 56.2% (136/242) born after 1965 were non-Hispanic white. Testing only baby boomers would have missed approximately half of HCV infections, predominantly among young, non-Hispanic white people. Future efforts should expand HIV and HCV testing in jails, as it is feasible, acceptable, and increases prevention and engagement in care for a high-prevalence, hard-to-reach population.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Deficiency in HCV Antiviral Treatment Responders versus Non-Responders

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-49
Author(s):  
Rana M Arif ◽  
Fahad Aman Khan ◽  
Imran Khan ◽  
Muzammil Aslam Kataria ◽  
Jawed Iqbal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Study Data ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease (CLD). Pakistan has a high burden of infectious diseases, including HCV. Its prevalence varies according to geographic regions in the country from about 2·4% to 6·5%. The objective of the study was to compare the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in responders and non-responders of antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C.Material and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Hepatitis Clinic, Jinnah hospital, Lahore from 20th May to 20th November 2013. After ethical approval, participants were selected by using purposive non-probability sampling, 52 responder patients i.e. who were labeled negative for HCV RNA by PCR after 12 weeks of antiviral treatment and 52 non-responder patients were included in this study. Data was collected by using pretested structured questionnaire. Vitamin D3 levels were measured by ELISA and a cut-off value of below 30ng/ml was labeled as Vitamin D deficiency. SPSS version 21 was used to analyze data with p value less than 0.05 taken as statistically significant.Results: Out of 104 patients (mean age 35±8.1 years), 61.5% were males and 38.5 % were females. There was a significant difference in frequency of vitamin D deficiency in treatment responder group when compared to non-responders (p = 0.016). Mean level of vitamin D was 21.8±10.8ng/ml in responders whereas it was 15.6±7.5 in non-responders with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001).Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a significant vitamin D deficiency among treatment non-responders as compared to treatment responders in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

scholarly journals UNDETECTED HEPATITIS-C VIRUS INFECTION IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: IMPORTANCE OF PCR HCV RNA AND ELIZA METHOD

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (04) ◽  
pp. 182-185
Author(s):  
Yasir Hussain ◽  
Roshina Anjum ◽  
Nazish Munawar ◽  
Zahra Fatima ◽  
Saba Naz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Acute Kidney Disease ◽  
Pcr Method

Haemodialysis (HD) is one of the most common type of renal replacement therapy (RRT) used for end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Hepatitis-C is the most frequent infection in haemodialysis. Early detection of this viral infection can lead to early treatment, lesser morbidity and mortality. PCR test is being used instead of Elisa in centres where HCV infection is more prevalent as PCR for HCV RNA is considered more reliable than Eliza in haemodialysis patients. Objective: To assess the accuracy of Eliza and PCR method for the detection of Hepatitis-C viral infection in haemodialysis patients. Study design: Cross-sectional Study. Settings: Dialysis centre of DHQ hospital Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan in January 2018. Materials and Methods: All patients who were on maintenance haemodialysis for more than six months were included in the study. Patients with acute kidney disease and on dialysis less than six months were excluded. All patients were tested by enzymes linked immune-sorbent essay (ELIZA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for HCV status. Results: Out of 152 haemodialysis patients tested, 94 (61.84%) cases were positive by both ELIZA and PCR methods while 6 (3.94%) cases with negative ELIZA were PCR positive. Number of dialysis, blood transfusions and serology were important risk factors with significant p value. (<0.05) Conclusion: In centres where Hepatitis-C is more prevalent, PCR for HCV RNA should be preferred over ELIZA method for early detection of HCV viral infection.

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