COMPARISON OF PREVALENCE OF ANTI-HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-ANTIBODIES IN DIFFERING SOUTH-AMERICAN POPULATIONS

Very little is known about the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) within South America. To assess the exposure of the general populatio n to this virus, a number of sera obtained from three distinct geograp hical and racial groups were screened using a combination of immunoass ays. Initial screening was undertaken with an inhouse immunoassay (cor e-ELISA) using synthetic peptides based on the N-terminus of the HCV c ore protein. Sera which were repeatedly positive by core-ELISA were al so assessed using a commercial third-generation assay. The highest pre valence rate (2.3%) was seen in sera taken from the Tumaco region of C olombia. Lower rates were found in sera taken from La T, Ecuador (0.7% ) and Las Majadas, Venezuela (0.7%). This indicates significantly diff erent prevalence in different racial and geographical groups within th e region. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss. Inc.