Abstract
Aim: To study the virological and host factors influencing hepatitis C infection outcomes in heroin users in southern China. Methods: HCV RNA and associated factors were analyzed among 347 heroin users from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China who were hepatitis C virus (HCV) EIA positive for two or more consecutive visits. Results: Using the COBAS AMPLICOR HCV TEST, a remarkably low HCV RNA negative rate of 86% was detected. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, HCV RNA clearance was significantly associated with the presence of HBsAg (OR = 8.436, P < 0.0001), the lack of HIV-1 infection (OR = 0.256, P = 0.038) and age younger than 25 (OR = 0.400, P = 0.029). Conclusion: Our study suggests HCV infection among Chinese heroin users results in high levels of viral persistence even amidst factors previously found to enhance viral clearance. Prospective studies of a possible genetic component within the Chinese population and the pathogenicity of non-genotype 1 HCV infections are needed.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1878-1884 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | World Journal of Gastroenterology |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 28 2008 |
Keywords
- Clearance
- Hepatitis C virus
- Heroin users
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology