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- Title
A nationwide seroepidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in South Korea.
- Authors
Kim, Do Young; Kim, In Hee; Jeong, Sook‐Hyang; Cho, Yong Kyun; Lee, Joon Hyoek; Jin, Young‐Joo; Lee, Don; Suh, Dong Jin; Han, Kwang‐Hyub; Park, Neung Hwa; Kang, Ha Yan; Jung, Young Kul; Kim, Young Seok; Kim, Kyung‐Ah; Lee, Youn Jae; Lee, Byung Seok; Yim, Hyung Joon; Lee, Heon Ju; Baik, Soon Koo; Tak, Won Young
- Abstract
Background & Aims The aim of this study was to reveal nationwide seroprevalence of HCV infection in South Korea by a large-scale survey. Methods From January to December 2009, a total of 291 314 adults underwent health check-up in 29 centres nationwide. The data concerning anti- HCV antibody and biochemical tests were obtained from all participants. Among subjects with positive anti- HCV, such data as HCV RNA, genotypes and treatment detail were additionally analysed. Results Using an estimated 2009 population of Korea, the age, sex and area-adjusted anti- HCV positive rate was 0.78%. Anti- HCV prevalence in female patients (0.83%) was higher than that in male patients (0.75%). Gradual increase in anti- HCV positivity was observed, from 0.34% in those aged 20-29 years to 2.31% in those >70 years. The age- and sex-adjusted anti- HCV prevalence varied in different areas, being higher in Busan and Jeonnam (1.53-2.07%), mid-level in Seoul and surrounding districts (0.50-0.61%) and lower in Jeju (0.23%). The comparative analysis of laboratory variables between anti- HCV (+) and anti- HCV (−) group revealed significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and lower levels of serum lipids in anti- HCV (+) group. Among 1 718 anti- HCV positive subjects, serum HCV RNA was measured only in 478 people, of whom 268 (56.1%) patients had detectable HCV RNA in serum. Among 50 patients for whom assessment of response to antiviral therapy was feasible, overall sustained virological response was achieved in 84% of patients. Conclusion The prevalence of HCV infection is low in South Korea. Studies to analyse risk factors are warranted to reduce HCV infection.
- Subjects
SOUTH Korea; HEPATITIS C virus; DISEASE prevalence; ALANINE aminotransferase; VIROLOGY; COMPARATIVE studies
- Publication
Liver International, 2013, Vol 33, Issue 4, p586
- ISSN
1478-3223
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/liv.12108