[Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus among persons visiting the Burundi health services].

Abstract

The epidemiology of hepatitis C (HCV), especially on the African continent, is not well known. In this study, we investigated the presence of antibodies to HCV in 685 out-patients, seen in several health care centers or hospitals in different regions in Burundi from January to February 1991. Serological tests of the second generation were used. The global prevalence varied from 3.2% to 14.1% according to the center. Urban seroprevalence tended to be higher than rural prevalence. Also, with increasing age, a higher prevalence was observed. Anti-HCV antibodies were absent in patients younger than 21, while specific antibodies were detected in 23.1% of patients older than 50. Although the prevalence in men (10.4%) was higher than in women (7.4%), this difference was not statistically significant. Taking into account the selection of subjects participating in this evaluation, the results can not be extrapolated to the general population. No association between HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was seen in this study. In contrast to previously described results from studies using reagents of the first generation, no cross-reactions were observed with anti-malarial antibodies.