P-77 PREVALENCE OF HCV INFECTION DETECTED BY RAPID ANTIBODY TEST IN SCREENING CAMPAIGNS IN LIMA AND CALLAO – PERU

Introduction

In Peru the VHC prevalence based on population at risk and blood products donors’ studies is around 1 %. A recently published study on general population found a 0.1% prevalence.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of infection with Hepatitis C Virus detected by rapid antibody test in a population that attends 3 public hospitals in Lima and Callao in Peru.

Methods

Descriptive and cross-sectional study. From July to September 2016, Hepatitis C screening campaigns were carried out with a rapid test for detection of antibodies in 3 public hospitals in Lima and Callao. These campaigns were aimed at the general population and healthcare workers. The study population was people aged 18 and older who voluntarily attended the screening campaigns. Prior to performing the rapid test, the informed consent of the participants was obtained.

Results

A total of 920 participants were screened during the campaigns. We detected one case (Prevalence 0.11%), whose result was later confirmed with serology and viral load. The average age of the studied population was 43.6 +/- 13.22 years. The distribution by sex was men 668 (72.6%). The risk factors detected in the study population were: a prior of blood transfusion: 9.2%, antecedent of major surgery: 38.1%, tattoos 9.9%, healthcare worker: 59.4%. In the case detected, the only risk factor identified was an antecedent of blood transfusion.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HCV infection detected by rapid test in the study population was 0.11%.