HEPATITIS-C VIRUS SEROCONVERSION RATE IN A HYPERENDEMIC AREA OF HCV IN JAPAN - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

We have studied the prevalence, seroconversion rate of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the transmission of HCV in a cohort of individuals living in a hyperendemic area of HCV in Japan. We investigated 509 sub jects, of which 375 could be studied again after 5, ears. A remarkable high prevalence of anti-HCV (23.4-24.0%) was observed. Of 287 subject s negative at the first examination in 1990, 4 became positive until t he second in 1995 (seroconversion rate: 0.28% per year). Furthermore, we investigated the route of transmission in HCV seroconverted subject s through a detailed interview. All of the HCV seroconverted subjects had past histories of medical treatment. Seroconversion rates of HCV i n a hyperendemic area of HCV, mere extremely high. Medical treatment w as considered to be a causative route of HCV transmission.