Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis C in Kermanshah (West of Iran, 2006)

Abstract

Background and Aims: Chronic and serious outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection impose a remarkable economic burden to the health system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection in the general population of Kermanshah in the year 2006. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1721 residents from Kermanshah were chosen by systematic and cluster sampling in the year 2006. After interview, serum samples were taken and evaluated for HCV-Ab using ELISA method (3rd generation). Positive samples were confirmed by Western Blot (WB) and PCR if necessary. Results: The prevalence of HCV was 0.87% (male: 1.4% vs. female: 0.3%). There was 88.2% coordination between ELISA and WB results. Statistical relationship was observed between HCV infection and male sex (P