SUMMARY

In Peru there is limited information on the prevalence of HVC in the general population, for which reason we seek this information through blood donors in the different departments throughout the country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: information was gathered from the Blood Bank Programs of the Ministry of Health establishments between 2000 and 2001, on which basis prevalences and their distribution by departments were obtained.

RESULTS: the average prevalence, nationwide, was in the year 2000, 0.25% for HVC (0.08-0.48), 0.95% for HbsAg, 4.25% for Anti-HBc. In 2001, it was 0.60% for HVC (0.18-1.33), 0.9% for HbsAg and 4.51% for anti HBc. During 2000, for HVC, the result was 0.28% in the Coast and Jungle area 0.20% in the Sierra (Andean area) and during 2001 it was 0.89% in the jungle, 0.6% in the Coast and 0.46% in the Sierra.

CONCLUSION: HVC prevalence in blood donors in Peru is low, however, it is necessary to extend the studies in the general population.

KEY WORDS: Hepatitis Type C, Prevalence, Peru

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