Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence rate among Saudis.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study is to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors, children, pregnant women, hemodialysis patients and drug addicts in Saudi Arabia. METHODS Using third generation enzyme immunoassay kits, we have screened Saudi cohorts of all ages and sexes, namely infants, pre-school, school children, young adults and adults (blood donors and antenatals) for antibodies to HCV. We have also reviewed HCV seroprevalence data among high risk groups from 1998 to 2002. RESULTS An overall 1.1% (6313 out of 557813) seroprevalence rate was determined among Saudi blood donors; 0.1% (5 out of 3854) in Saudi children; and 0.7% (22 out of 3127) among pregnant women. Hemodialysis patients remain at highest risk of infection at 55.7% whereas intravenous drug addicts have 14% exposure rate. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the present public health schemes have been effective in reducing hepatitis C infection in the general community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but the infection among high risk groups remain a major problem that needs to be actively addressed.