A nationwide seroepidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in South Korea

• DOI: 10.1111/liv.12108
• Publication Date: 2013-01-04T15:20:55Z
• Authors: Do Young Kim; In Hee Kim; Sook‐Hyang Jeong; Yong Kyun Cho; Joon Hyoek Lee; Young‐Joo Jin; Don Lee; Dong Jin Suh; Kwang‐Hyub Han; Neung Hwa Park; Ha Yan Kang; Young Kul Jung; Young Seok Kim; Kyung‐Ah Kim; Youn Jae Lee; Byung Seok Lee; Hyung Joon Yim; Heon Ju Lee; Soon Koo Baik; Won Young Tak; Sun Jae Lee; Woo Jin Chung; Sung‐Kyu Choi; Eun‐Young Cho; Jeong Heo; Dong Joon Kim; Byung‐Cheol Song; Man Woo Kim; Jun Lee; Hee Bok Chae; Dae Hee Choi; Hwa Young Choi; Moran Ki
• Keywords: Seroprevalence; Alanine aminotransferase; Hepatitis C

The aim of this study was to reveal nationwide seroprevalence HCV infection in South Korea by a large-scale survey.From January December 2009, total 291 314 adults underwent health check-up 29 centres nationwide. data concerning anti-HCV antibody and biochemical tests were obtained from all participants. Among subjects with positive anti-HCV, such as RNA, genotypes treatment detail additionally analysed.Using an estimated 2009 population Korea, the age, sex area-adjusted rate 0.78%. Anti-HCV prevalence female patients (0.83%) higher than that male (0.75%). Gradual increase positivity observed, 0.34% those aged 20-29 years 2.31% >70 years. age- sex-adjusted varied different areas, being Busan Jeonnam (1.53-2.07%), mid-level Seoul surrounding districts (0.50-0.61%) lower Jeju (0.23%). comparative analysis laboratory variables between (+) (-) group revealed significantly levels alanine aminotransferase serum lipids group. 1 718 subjects, RNA measured only 478 people, whom 268 (56.1%) had detectable serum. 50 for assessment response antiviral therapy feasible, overall sustained virological achieved 84% patients.The is low Korea. Studies analyse risk factors are warranted reduce infection.