Serological and molecular detection of hepatitis C virus in Amran governorate, Yemen.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that causes acute or chronic hepatitis, depending on its severity, and its development leads to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to detect HCV using the serological and molecular techniques among blood donors and clinical visitors in Amran governorate, Yemen. METHODS: A total of 800 blood specimens were collected from blood donors (500 specimens) and clinical visitors (300 specimens). Blood specimens were screened for HCV using an immunochromatographic technique (ICT) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the final positive cases for HCV were confirmed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). RESULTS: Out of 800 specimens, only 21 (2.6%) were reported as positive for HCV by molecular analysis. According to diagnostic techniques, 18 (2.3%), 22 (2.7%), and 21 (2.6%), respectively, of specimens were reported as positive for HCV by ICT, ELISA, and PCR techniques. Moreover, a higher rate of HCV was found among participants aged 21-30 years (4.3%), females (2.5%), urban residents (2.7%), single individuals (3.1%), and uneducated individuals (6.1%). In addition, the proportion of HCV was significantly higher among participants with a family history of HCV infection (11.6%), previous surgery (30.8%), no blood transfusion (2.9%), prior cupping (9.1%), and perinatal injury (4.6%). CONCLUSION: This finding indicates that the prevalence rate of HCV infection in the study area is high. To protect the general public from the spread of HCV infection, it is essential to develop a public health approach including surveillance and monitoring, strengthening infrastructure, training healthcare workers in early detection and treatment of cases, and increasing public awareness.