Risk factors for HCV infection in Pakistan.

摘要

In this issue of the Journal of Viral Hepatitis, Dr. Janjua and his colleagues from Aga Khan University report results of a cross-sectional survey and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) testing in almost 2000 adults living in a periurban community in Pakistan [1]. They found that 24% of their subjects were anti-HCV positive; and risks that increased HCV infection were being female, increasing age, lower family income, being Sindhi rather than a member of another ethnic group, and having more blood transfusions, injections, hospitalizations, and dental treatments. Using a multivariable regression model, age, receiving two or more blood transfusions or >5 injections during the past 6 months and dental treatment remained risks for the women; while increasing age, extramarital intercourse, being hospitalized and being shaved by a barber increased the prevalence of anti-HCV among men.