Clinical Impact of Hepatitis C Infection in Military Active Duty Women
Abstract
To determine the prevalence of HCV among women in the US military, 3 categories of subjects were studied: 464 healthy women, 396 women in outpatient clinics and 89 women hospitalized for a variety of diagnosis (not liver disease). HCV epidemiological risks were sought. Sera were tested for ALT and anti-HCV (ELISA, RIBA, Ortho Lab). HCV RNA and HCV genotype were determined (Inno-LIPA, Belgium). Data analysis showed a mean age of 31.5 yrs (18-55). Racial distribution was 59% White, 29% Black, 7% Hispanic, 2% Asian. Overall 2.7% had abnormal ALT, eight (1.7%) healthy and 18 (3.7%) ill women. Mean abnormal ALT: 90, range: 53-260. Eleven women (1.16%) had anti-HCV. HCV infection was 1.7% (8) for healthy women and 0.5% for outpatients and 1.1% for hospitalized women. Four of the 11 had abnormal ALT, 7/11 had detectable HCV RNA. HCV genotypes were type one and three. HCV risks were present only in two women (occupation and promiscuity). HCV infection only correlated with age, older women had a higher prevalence (3.1%), younger women HCV rate was 0.6%. HCV infection did not correlate with ethnic background, job assignment, military rank or serum ALT level. In conclusion, HCV infection is silently present in military women.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADB232218
Entities
People
- Maria H. Sjogren
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center