PREVALENCE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) AMONG PATIENTS IN RWANDA

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus causes a serious liver infection and affects approximately 3% of the world's population. In Rwanda, the prevalence of the disease is not well understood. The study was aimed at investigating the active prevalence of hepatitis C virus, characterize genotypes circulating in the general population and analyze haematological changes among hepatitis C virus infected persons in Rwanda. A total of 324 patients attending Rwanda Military hospital were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was administered to each consenting participant to determine the risk factors. Blood was collected, screened for anti-HCV antibodies and seropositive samples subjected to polymerase chain reaction method to confirm active infection. Hematology abnormalities in the HCV infected patients were also investigated. Anti-HCV antibody was found in16.0% of the participants and 9.6% of the total participants had active HCV RNA infection. Prevalence was highest (28.4%; 19/67) among participants above 55years and least (2.4%; 3/123) among younger participants (18-35years). There was a significant relationship (p = 0.031) between place of residence and HCV infection with residents of Southern Province having significantly higher prevalence (13.1%;13/99). The hematological abnormalities observed in the HCV infected patients included; leukopenia (48.4%; 15/52) neutropenia (6.5%; 2/52) and thrombocytopaenia (25.8%; 8/52). There is a significant association of HCV infection and thrombocytopenia (P=0.033). The study showed a high rate of HCV infection in Rwanda and was significantly higher in the older population (> 55years) and exposure to injection from traditional Doctors was identified as a significant (p=0.036) risk factor of infection. xvi Further studies to determine the factors causing the high prevalence with an aim of instituting intervention strategies are recommended.