High Prevalence of Hepatitis C Infection among High Risk Groups in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad Province, Southwest Iran

Background: Detection of Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected people in each community assists with infection prevention and control. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection among high risk groups in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad Province, Southwest Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from 2009-2010 in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad Province. High risk groups for HCV were the subjects of this study. Blood samples were taken from 2009 individuals at high risk for HCV that included inmates, injecting drug users (IDUs), health care workers, patients on maintenance hemodialysis, hemophilic patients, and those with histories of blood transfusions. Patients were residents of Yasuj, Gachsaran, and Dehdasht (3 main townships in the province). Samples were analyzed by ELISA for anti-HCV antibodies. Demographic features of participants were recorded by a questionnaire during sample collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13 software. Results: Of 2009 subjects, HCV antibodies were detected in 172 (8.6%). Rate of infection was higher in males (11.4%) compared to females (3.2%). Rate of infection in inmates was 11.7% while this rate was 42.4% in IDUs, 4.2% in health care workers, and 6.1% in thalassemic patients. Significant correlation was found between HCV infection, history of imprisonment, and thalassemia. Conclusion: Results of this study have provided epidemiologic features of HCV and its risk factors in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad Province, Southwest Iran. This information may assist in preventing the spread of HCV infection in this and other similar settings in the region. The findings of this study may help in improving surveillance and infection control in the community through management and monitoring of infected individuals.