Anti-Hepatitis C Virus in the Elderly: A Seroepidemiological Study in a Home for the Aged

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Abstract
A seroepidemiological survey of anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was carried out in 315 institutionalized elderly people. HBV serum markers were tested in the same sera. Clinical details were also studied in the anti-HCV-positive subjects. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 2.2%, while the prevalence of HBV serum markers was 36.8% (the HBsAg prevalence was 0.6%). In 1 subject anti-HCV was found in association with HBsAg positivity. Serum transaminase levels were found within the normal range in all 315 subjects (either anti-HCV+ve and anti-HCV––ve), except in the subject who was found to be HBsAg-positive and anti-HCV+ve. In conclusion we found in the institutionalized elderly people a similar prevalence of anti-HCV compared to blood donors of the same geographical area; homes for the aged appear to bring together subjects with previously acquired infections.

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