Hepatitis-C prevalence in an urban native-American clinic: a prospective screening study
Neumeister, A.S.; Pilcher, L.E.; Erickson, J.M.; Langley, L.L.; Murphy, M.M.; Haukaas, N.M.; Mailliard, M.E.; Larsen, J.L.
Journal of the National Medical Association 99(4): 389-392
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 17444428 Document Number: 610199
Background: Native-American populations are disproportionately burdened by chronic liver disease, and the prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) in native Americans is unknown.Purpose: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C in a local native-American population via a prospective screening study.Procedures: Two-hundred-forty-three native Americans (161 females/82 males) using an urban clinic and representing > 30 tribes from across the United States were screened. Mean age was 41 +/- 1 years. Hepatitis-C screening was by anti-HCV with confirmation by HCV RNA. A questionnaire assessed potential risk factors for HCV.Findings: Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 11.5% (95% Cl: 7.5-15.5%). HCV RNA was present by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 8.6% (95% Cl: 5.1-12.1%) and was more common in males [13.4% (95% Cl: 6.0-20.8%)] than females [6.2% (95% Cl: 2.5-9.9%)]. The most common potential risk factors for chronic HCV infection were intravenous (IV) drug or cocaine use (p < 0.0001), tattoos > 5 years old (p < 0.0001) and having a sexual partner with HCV (p=0.0063).Conclusion: HCV prevalence is higher in an urban native-American clinic population than reported in the general U.S. population. Use of IV drugs is the most prevalent risk factor, but tattoos and sexual transmission may also be important.