Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in an area of hyperendemicity in southern Italy: a population-based study

J Clin Microbiol. 1999 Jul;37(7):2371-2. doi: 10.1128/JCM.37.7.2371-2372.1999.

Abstract

In a cohort of subjects from Italy, anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV RNA [HCV(+) subgroup] prevalences were 24.6 and 79.6%, respectively. HCV types 1b and 2a/c accounted for 95% of infections. Adjusted alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in males than in females and in RNA-positive subjects than in RNA-negative subjects regardless of HCV type. Genotype distribution was unrelated to demographic variables.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Hepacivirus / classification
  • Hepacivirus / genetics*
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C / blood
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Registries
  • Serotyping
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Alanine Transaminase