Hepatitis Central

The latest research & treatment news about Hepatitis C infection, diagnosis, symptoms and treatments.

Bull Acad Natl Med 1996 Jun;180(6):1253-1262
[Epidemiology of infections linked to hepatitis C virus in France].

[Article in French]
Roudot-Thoraval F

Departement de Sante Publique, CHU Henri Mondor, Creteil.

In France, the population of adult carriers of anti-HCV antibodies has been estimated about 600,000, but only 10 to 15% are aware of the diagnosis. Two major sources of infection have been identified : transfusion and intravenous drug use, accounting for 60% of HCV infections. In contrast, sexual or household transmission, mother-to-infant transmission or occupational exposure account for a small part of the HCV epidemic. In about 15% of cases, a nosocomial exposure is questioned, probably related to an insufficient decontamination of medical devices. Finally, no source of infection can be recognized in about 20% of infected patients. Among them, many have spent a long stay in high HCV prevalence areas, suggesting local percutaneous exposures. The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C is often made late in the course of the disease, an average of 10 years after exposure. At this time, a cirrhosis is present in about 20% of the patients. The frequency of cirrhosis depends on the duration of the HCV infection, and probably also on the source of transmission, independently of the duration of the disease. Thus, it has been observed that cirrhosis was more frequent in transfusion recipients than in intravenous drug users. Such a difference could be related to different HCV genotypes in the different groups at risk. The genotype 1b has been found predominant in transfusion recipients whereas genotype 3a was more frequent in drug users. Recently, a slight modification in the relative frequency of the different genotypes, mainly spreading and increased frequency of genotype 3a could lead to a modified epidemiology of HCV infection. The consequences of such modifications need to be evaluated.

PMID: 8991607, UI: 97103848

Table of Contents

Site Topics

  • HCV Symptoms

    You'll find links to a comprehensive symptoms list, as well as various studies and discussions about Hepatitis C symptoms.

  • Lab Tests

    What they are and what they mean. Helps you interpret & understand all the various hepatitis lab tests likely to be encountered.

  • Hepatitis C Genotypes

    Learn about Hepatitis C Genotypes and their variants.

  • Viral Load

    Provides detailed information on how to analyze and interpret viral load numbers as well as a link to a convenient Viral Load Chart.

  • What is...?

    Learn more about various Hepatitis C related topics, including HCV, Ascites, Biopsies, and much more.

  • HCV Medicines

    Numerous links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of Ribavirin/Rebetron medicines.

  • Glossary

    Commonly used medical terms and definitions.

  • Hepatitis C Doctors

    A state-by-state and worldwide reference listing physicians who treat HCV, including an email link to submit your physician for inclusion.

  • Biopsy Info

    A comprehensive resource of information relating to the liver biopsy.

  • Cirrhosis

    Many discussions and analyses of cirrhosis, including causes, complications, pathology, symptoms, and much more.

  • Liver Cancer

    Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis.

  • Liver Disease Medicines

    An exhaustive list of links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of the various drugs used to treat liver disease.

  • Hep-Central Email List

    Sign up to learn about advances and breakthroughs in Hepatitis C research, including information about medical and complementary treatments.

  • HCV Links

    Convenient links to other sites external to Hepatitis-Central.

  • HCV Transmission

    Information about the transmission of Hepatitis C.

  • HCV Natural Remedies

    A number of herbal products useful in the management of liver disease.

  • HCV Books

    Recommended reading for those interested in hepatitis information.

  • Hepatitis C Forum

    A Bulletin Board for discussions on hepatitis, treatments, etc.

  • Hepatitis C Activism

    An easy way to get involved in urging our government to do more for Hepatitis C awareness and treatment research.

Advertisement

Advertisement