Logo Medical Science Monitor

Call: +1.631.470.9640
Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 02:00 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor

20 February 2012

Anti-HCV prevalence in the general population of Lithuania

Valentina LiakinaABCDEF, Jonas ValantinasADG

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.882511

Med Sci Monit 2012; 18(3): PH28-35

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for HCV acquisition and prevalence of anti-HCV in the general population of Lithuania.
Material/Methods: The study enrolled 1528 randomly selected adults from the 5 biggest cities of Lithuania and its rural regions. Screening for anti-HCV was performed by analysis of peripheral capillary blood with lateral flow immunochromatography and confirmation of positive cases by peripheral venous blood testing with 2-step chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.
Results: Anti-HCV prevalence in Lithuania is 2.78% and according to the standard European population the adjusted anti-HCV rate is 2.85%. It is more prevalent among men (crude rates: 4.02% males vs. 1.49% females, p=.0030) and this does not depend on age. Vilnius and Kaunas regions have higher infection rates than smaller rural regions (2.92% and 3.01% vs. 2.24%, 0.74% and 1.35%). Nowadays among our population HCV infection spreads mainly via intravenous drug use (OR=42.5, p<.0001). HCV transmission occurs through blood transfusions (OR=6.4, p=.0002), tooth removal (OR=4.1, p=.0048), childbirth (OR=5.0, p=.0224), multiple and a long-term hospitalization (OR=3.0, p=.0064), tattooing (OR=4.4, p=.0013), open traumas (OR=3.7, p=.0009) and intrafamilially (OR=11.3, p=.0002).
Conclusions: 2.78% of the population is anti-HCV-positive. The anti-HCV rate is higher in Vilnius and Kaunas in comparison with other regions. HCV spreads mainly through intravenous drug use, but intrafamilial and some nosocomial routes are also important. The anti-HCV prevalence did not depend on age. Despite active prevention of nosocomial HCV transmission, the incidence of HCV infection does not decrease due to virus spread mostly in “trusted networks” of intravenous drug users.

Keywords: Lithuania - epidemiology, Hepatitis C Antibodies - blood, Hepatitis C - epidemiology, Hepacivirus - isolation & purification, Cross-Sectional Studies, Aged, 80 and over, Adolescent, Risk Factors, Seroepidemiologic Studies, young adult

0 Comments

Editorial

01 March 2023 : Editorial  

Editorial: Global Surveillance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Poultry, Wild Birds, and Mammals to Prevent a Human Influenza Pandemic

Dinah V. Parums
Science Editor, Medical Science Monitor, International Scientific Information, Inc., Melville, NY, USA

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.939968

Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e939968

SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

In Press

27 Mar 2023 : Database Analysis  

Relationship Between Physical Activity and Adult Asthma Control Using NHANES 2011-2020 Data

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.939350  

27 Mar 2023 : Clinical Research  

Evaluation of the One-Hour ¹³C-Propionate Breath Test in 49 Patients from a Single Center in Japan to Detec...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940238  

24 Mar 2023 : Database Analysis  

Causes of Death Following Gastric Cancer Diagnosis: A Population-Based Analysis

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.939848  

22 Mar 2023 : Special report  

One Year On: Poland’s Public Health Initiatives and National Response to Millions of Refugees from Ukraine

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940223  

Most Viewed Current Articles

13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research  

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788

Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788

30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research  

Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379

Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379

08 Mar 2022 : Review article  

A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292

01 Jan 2022 : Editorial  

Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750
Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750