PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-ANTIBODIES IN THE GENERAL-POPULATION AND IN SELECTED GROUPS OF PATIENTS IN LIMOGES, FRANCE

In this study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence in Franc e, the prevalence of antibodies to HCV (as tested by second generation ELISA, with RIBA-2 confirmation in ELISA 2 positive samples) was foun d to be low (0.3%) in the healthy general population. HCV infection pr evalence increased in the general population in association with Afric an or Asian origin and risk factors such as bisexuality, previous hist ory of transfusion, and intravenous drug abuse. The prevalence of anti -HCV infection was also higher in specific patient groups infected wit h HIV or a history of transfusion or haemodialysis.