Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus antibodies among intravenous drug abusers and prostitutes in Damascus, Syria

OBJECTIVE: In studies of risk factors among patients presenting with acute and chronic hepatitis C, a history of intravenous drug use is the most common finding, accounting for 40% or more of subjects. The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies among intravenous drug users is considered one of the highest numbers among high risk groups. Whether hepatitis C virus is transmitted efficiently or at all via sexual contact remains controversial. Therefore, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies among a group of Syrian intravenous drug users, prostitutes, and blood donors was studied.

METHODS: The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus in a population of 38 Syrian intravenous drug abusers, 102 Syrian prostitutes, and 2100 blood donors, was carried out in the laboratory of Al-Assad University Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Antibodies of hepatitis C virus were studied by 3rd generation enzyme immunoassay. Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to hepatitis B core were carried out using enzyme immunoassays. Liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) and total bilirubin were measured using reagents on chemistry autoanalyzer (Hitachi 911). Intravenous drug users group (38) was aged 31 ± 5.6 years, 33 males and 5 females. Prostitutes group (102) were aged 25.1 ± 7 years. Blood donors group (2100) aged were 26.3 ± 10.3 years, 1960 males and 140 females.

RESULTS: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies was 60.5% among intravenous drug abusers, 1.96% among the prostitutes group, and 0.95% among blood donors group. Whereas, the positivity of hepatitis B surface antigen was 5.3% among the intravenous drug abusers, 10.8% among the prostitutes group, and 3.8% among blood donors group. Biochemical parameter results were compared to the results of these parameters that were determined in a group of healthy members (blood donors) during our study.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies among intravenous drug abusers is considered the highest number among high risk groups, however, it is comparable to that reported in other countries. The impact of hepatitis C among drug users is profound, amplifying the spread of hepatits C virus infection and sustaining it in the general population. The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus among the prostitutes group was a little higher than that determined among the general population. The transmission of hepatitis C virus via a sexual route is still common and important. The control of the sexual behavior may have a role in minimizing the spread of this pathogen among the general population.