HCV Transmission by Intravenous Therapy in Central Africa

Among older individuals in Cameroon, IV therapy for malaria during the colonial era was associated with hepatitis C virus seropositivity.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is extremely high in central Africa. In Cameroon, Gabon, and the Central African Republic, the number of infections began to rise before 1945 and subsequently declined. The increase coincided with large-scale implementation of medical therapies, including intravenous (IV) treatments, for tropical diseases. Researchers postulated that these medical interventions transmitted not only HCV but also HIV-1, which was introduced into human populations in this region during the same period.

To investigate this possibility, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of older individuals (median age, 70) living in Ebolowa, Cameroon. They interviewed 451 residents and obtained blood samples for HCV testi…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

HCV Transmission by Intravenous Therapy in Central Africa

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Reviewing Author