Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors in an HIV-epidemic area

Objective - The role of sexual transmission in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not yet been completely elucidated. This study aimed to compare the risk factors for HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in an HIV epidemic area of Thailand where HIV is mainly transmitted heterosexually. Design and subjects - Sera from 3053 blood donors were collected and tested for HCV and HIV between January and March 1994. Altogether 1756 (57-5%) of the donors were interviewed about demographics and sev eral risk factors. Results - The prevalence rates of HIV and HCV infections determined by antibody assays were 2*3% and 2*2%, respectively. Sexual risk factors were clearly shown among anti-HIV positive donors. These clear associations were not found, how ever, among anti-HCV positive donors. In contrast, previous histories of injecting drug use and being tattooed were found in some anti-HCV positive donors but less frequently in anti-HIV positive donors. Conclusions - Sexual transmission may play a relatively minor role in HCV trans mission compared with HIV, in this area. (J Epidemiol Community Health 1996;50:174-177) Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for most cases of non-A non-B hepatitis that arise after