EPIDEMIOLOGY OF THE HEPATITIS C INFECTION IN VAN REGION

Yıl 2013, Cilt: 18 Sayı: 3, 123 - 126, 02.02.2013

Bilge Gultepe Ahmet Cumhur Dulger , Enver Aytemiz

Öz

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped positive-strand RNA virus of the genus hepacivirus in the family Flaviviridae. HCV causes chronic infection in more than 80% of cases. It is resposible for more than 50% of liver transplantation among adults in developed countries. Approximately 200 million pepople are infected with HCV entire the world. Africa and many parts of Asia are the major endemic areas for HCV infection.

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common cause of chronic liver disease in middle-east, its epidemiology remains unclear around the Lake Van region. We therefore assessed the prevalance of HCV infection in individuals who live in rural areas of eastern part of Turkey.

METHODS

We prospectively analysed 1062 ( 405 male, 657 female) patients who admitted to Gastroenterology clinic of Yuzuncuyil University Faculty of Medicine between January 2011-October 2011. Patients with prior HCV infection and with acute HCV infection were excluded. Presence of HCV infection was assessed by the routine ELISA method. All data was recorded on SPSS and was analysed by simple statistical methods.

RESULTS

The mean age was 46.1 ±17.9 years in males and was 42.5±17 years in females. 3 men and 6 women had anti-HCV antibody. Total Anti-HCV seropositivity was 0.8%.

DISCUSSION

Interestingly, HCV infection is not a serious health problem in eastern part of Turkey. It may be due to low prevalence of intravenous drug users and homosexuals as well as to strict traditional rules. Further analyses may require to establish this phenomenon particularly in eastern part of Turkey which is located on the main cross-road of the world narcotic trade.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Hepatitis C virus, Van city, prevalence

Kaynakça

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