SUMMARY

Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is the main cause for chronic hepatic disease around the world. Nowadays, there are highly sensitive and specialized tests such as third generation ELISA, used to detect anti-HCV antibodies and to prevent its transmission. Since 1998, this test has been applied to blood donors in our hospital. The objectives of this study were to determine the predominance and some epidemiological characteristics of the HCV infection in blood donors at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital (C.H.N.H.). This is a descriptive and retrospective study; the epidemiological facts and general sieve results were obtained from the Blood Bank register from 1998 to June 2002. The third generation ELISA test was used. 

During the time period evaluated, 15,009 blood donors were examined and 122 positive cases were found (0.813% prevalence). The yearly prevalence in 1998 was 14 cases in 2960 donors (0,47%); in 1999, 25 cases in 3136 donors (0,79%); in 2000, 46 cases in 3311 donors (1,38%); in 2001, 21 cases in 3730 donors (0,56%); and in 2002, 16 cases in 1872 donors (0,85%). Likewise, 97 cases (79,5%) were males and 25 cases (20,5%) were females. Seroprevalence predominated in the age group from 21 to 30 (36,06%), followed by the age group from 31 to 40 (27,86%). 47 cases (38,5%) came from the Districts of Lima, Comas and San Martin de Porres.

With respect to risky conducts, 79 cases (64,5%) reported having sexual relations without protection, 15 cases (12,29%) reported sexual relations with prostitutes, and only 4 cases (3,27%) reported having received blood transfusions before. In conclusion, the prevalence of the HCV infection in blood donors at the C.H.N.H. is 0,813% from 1998 to June 2002, and sexual relations without protection is the most frequent characteristic.

KEY WORDS: Hepatitis C virus, blood donors.

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