长沙市孕产妇乙型肝炎、丙型肝炎、艾滋病病毒和梅毒的感染情况

目的了解长沙市孕产妇乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)、丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)、艾滋病病毒(HIV)和梅毒螺旋体(TP)的感染情况,为疾病的预防,保护母婴的身体健康提供依据。方法用ELISA的方法检测HIV、TP、HBV和HCV。结果长沙市孕产妇乙肝表面抗原(HBsAg)、抗-HCV、抗-TP、抗-HIV的阳性率分别为5.85%、0.52%、1.24%、0.09%,且HBsAg、抗-HCV、抗-TP的阳性率随年龄的增大而升高;HBsAg阳性率各年龄组之间比较,差异有统计学意义;HBsAg阳性孕产妇的感染模式以小三阳、大三阳为主;抗-TP阳性率30岁～、40岁～年龄组明显高于20岁～年龄组。结论长沙市孕产妇乙型肝炎、丙型肝炎、梅毒及HIV的感染情况有逐年升高的趋势,需即时采取干预措施,阻断和降低上述疾病的母婴传播。     

Prevalence and risk factors of HIV,hepatitis B and hepatitis C in a forensic population of rapists and child molesters

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence as well as the possible risk factors of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, in 194 male prisoners who had been convicted for rape (n = 105) or child molestation (n = 89). HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV-1/2 were tested for. The participants also completed a standard sociodemographic questionnaire, indicating possible risk factors, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the life-time history of aggression. Anti-HIV antibodies were not found in any of the prisoners. HBsAg was found in 25 (13%), anti-HBc in 94 (49%), anti-HBs in 40 (21%) and anti-HCV in 13 (6.5%) subjects. Logistic regression analysis showed that anti-HCV positivity was associated with intravenous drug use (OR 20.7, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, P<0.001), while HBsAg positivity was associated separately with being foreign (OR 4.0, 95% CI 0.2-2.5, P<0.1), as well as with impulsiveness score (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.11, P<0.02). The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in this sex offender sample was highly increased in relation to the general population. Since it has been proved that sex offenders are a high-risk group for reoffending, monitoring their health is a necessary step towards prevention of sexually transmitted diseases being spread.     

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections among drug addicts in Bangladesh

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among 266 drug users attending a drug-addiction treatment centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 1996 to April 1997. Of the 266 addicts, 129 were injectable drug users (IDUs), and 137 were non-injectable drug users (non-IDUs). The seroprevalences of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV antibodies among the IDUs were 8 (6.2%), 41 (31.8%), 15 (11.6%), and 32 (24.8%), and among the non-IDUs were 6 (4.4%), 33 (24.1%), 9 (6.6%), and 8 (5.8%) respectively. None of the drug users were positive for anti-HIV antibody. Although the prevalence of HBV infection did not significantly differ between the IDUs and the non-IDUs, the prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher among the IDUs. Among the IDUs, the prevalence of both HBV and HCV infections was associated with sharing of needles and longer duration of injectable drugs used. The seroprevalence of HBV infection in both IDUs and non-IDUs was significantly higher among those who had a history of extramarital and premarital sex. The prevalence of HCV infection was not associated with sexual promiscuity. There was no association between the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and age. Active preventive programmes focusing on educational campaigns among the youths against substance abuse should be undertaken.     

Decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis B and a low prevalence of hepatitis C virus infections in the general population of the Seychelles

A serological survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections was carried out on a random sex- and age-stratified sample of 1006 individuals aged 25-64 years in the Seychelles islands. Anti-HBc and anti-HCV antibodies were detected using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), followed by a Western blot assay in the case of a positive result for anti-HCV. The age-adjusted seroprevalence of anti-HBc antibodies was 8.0% (95% CI: 6.5-9.9%) and the percentage prevalence among males/females increased from 7.0/3.1 to 19.1/13.4 in the age groups 25-34 to 55-64 years, respectively. Two men and three women were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, with an age-adjusted seroprevalence of 0.34% (95% CI: 0.1-0.8%). Two out of these five subjects who were positive for anti-HCV also had anti-HBc antibodies. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc was significantly higher in unskilled workers, persons with low education, and heavy drinkers. The age-specific seroprevalence of anti-HBc in this population-based survey, which was conducted in 1994, was approximately three times lower than in a previous patient-based survey carried out in 1979. Although there are methodological differences between the two surveys, it is likely that the substantial decrease in anti-HBc prevalence during the last 15 years may be due to significant socioeconomic development and the systematic screening of blood donors since 1981. Because hepatitis C virus infections are serious and the cost of treatment is high, the fact that the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies is at present low should not be an argument for not screening blood donors for anti-HCV and eliminating those who are positive.     

Age-specific seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infection among injection drug users admitted to drug treatment in 6 US cities

OBJECTIVES: This study measured age-specific seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs) admitted to drug treatment programs in 6 US cities. METHODS: Remnant sera collected from persons entering treatment with a history of illicit drug injection were tested for antibodies to HIV, hepatitis C (anti-HCV), and hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). RESULTS: Prevalence of anti-HBc and anti-HCV increased with age and reached 80% to 100% among older IDUs in all 6 cities. Although overall age-specific HIV prevalence was lower than anti-HCV or anti-HBc, this prevalence was greater in the Northeast than in the Midwest and West. CONCLUSIONS: The need continues for effective primary prevention programs among IDUs specifically targeting young persons who have recently started to inject drugs.     

Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, C and D in Bangladesh's trucking industry: prevalence and risk factors

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C, viral infections with shared percutaneous, mucosal and perinatal routes of transmission, are responsible for serious morbidity and mortality globally. In Bangladesh there is a dearth of research on prevalence and risk factors for these diseases. This study examines the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis (B, C, D) and risk factors associated with infection in men in Bangladesh's trucking industry (drivers and helpers on trucks), a population at risk for sexually transmitted infections. METHODS: The study population comprised 388 men (245 drivers, 143 helpers) working out of Tejgaon truck stand in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Subjects were selected through a two-tiered sampling strategy. Of 185 trucking agencies 38 were randomly selected and a of 10 subjects was recruited from each agency. Subjects were interviewed, underwent a comprehensive physical examination and had blood samples taken. Gold standard laboratory tests were conducted to detect HIV, hepatitis B, C, and D infections. To assess risk factors associated with current hepatitis B infections or being a carrier (HBsAg) and lifetime exposure to hepatitis B infection (anti-HBc), simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of diseases were: HIV 0%, hepatitis C <1%, hepatitis B surface antigen 5.9%, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen 48.1% (with 5 of the 23 HBsAg positive cases testing positive for HBeAg and 18 for anti-HBe), and hepatitis D 0%. Having ever received a therapeutic injection and having had relations with a commercial sex worker (CSW) in the past year were both significantly associated with lifetime exposure to hepatitis B (anti-HBc); having received a therapeutic injection in the past year was associated with being either currently infected with hepatitis B or a carrier (HBsAg). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study illustrate the importance of educating health care practitioners about the dangers of unsterile injections, and of educating men in the trucking industry as well as their partners (CSW in particular) about the importance of condom use, especially in high-risk sexual contacts.     

Heterosexual and homosexual transmission of hepatitis C virus: relation with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

A seroprevalence study was carried out on 1757 outpatients consecutively seen in a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in order to evaluate the sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 1442 consenting patients were tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HCV, HBV, HIV-1) antibodies. The relations between anti-HCV, anti-HBc and anti-HIV-1 were studied. Of 73 anti-HCV positive reactions, 45 (61.6%) were confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). The proportion of individuals with anti-HCV was higher in outpatients with a history of sexually transmitted disease than without. It was 2.8% in non drug user heterosexuals and 2.9% in non drug user homosexuals. Intravenous drug users (IDU) had higher anti-HCV prevalence when a history of STD was taken into account (42.3% in subjects with STD versus 36.7% in subjects without STD). Among non drug user heterosexuals an association was found between anti-HCV and anti-HBc. These data suggest that sexual transmission of HCV occurs, although it seems to be less efficient than other parenteral modes of transmission. When a more sensitive and specific marker of HCV infection become available, a more accurate estimate of the frequency and efficiency of the sexual transmission will be possible.     

女性吸毒人员HIV及病毒性肝炎感染状况及预防模式探讨

目的：了解女性吸毒人员中HIV及病毒性肝炎的感染状况，为制定相应的预防措施提供依据。方法：采用横断面调查的方法，对妇教系统新收入劳教的吸毒人员进行HIV及B型病毒性肝炎(乙肝)及C型病毒性肝炎(丙肝)的血清学检测，分析相互感染的关系。结果：现在或曾经感染过乙肝的比例为60．3％，丙肝感染率为30．3％，HIV感染率为3．3％．其中10例HIV阳性吸毒人员中的4例曾经感染过乙型肝炎。结论：女性吸毒人员HIV及病毒性肝炎的感染情况严重，应该考虑使用包括针具交换及美沙酮维持治疗方法等措施来控制这些疾病在吸毒者中的流行。     

Infection by hepatitis B and C virus in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes in Spain

We have studied the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serologic markers in female blood donors and in female prostitutes and the relationship of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) with the presence of treponemal antibodies (FTA-ABS) in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was found in 1.0% of the female blood donors, anti-HBc in 15.6% and anti-HCV in 0.7%. In the prostitutes, the prevalence of HBsAg was 6.1%, anti-HBc was positive in 29.0% and anti-HCV in 8.8%. No significant statistical association between the prevalence of anti-HBc or anti-HCV and the age of prostitutes (p = 0.9111 and p = 0.8254 respectively) or the length of time as prostitutes (p = 0.3583 and p = 0.5770) was found. FTA-ABS positive prostitutes had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HCV than FTA-ABS negative prostitutes (p < 0.001). No statistical association was found between anti-HBc antibodies and positive FTA-ABS prostitutes (p = 0.336).Corresponding author.     

Cross-sectional study on risk factors of HIV among female commercial sex workers in Cambodia

To describe epidemiological features on HIV prevalence among female commercial sex workers (CSWs), a cross-sectional study on sexual behaviour and serological prevalence was carried out in Cambodia. The CSWs were interviewed on their demographic characters and behaviour and their blood samples were taken for testing on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, Chlamydia trachomatis, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Associations between risk factors and HIV seropositivity were analysed. High seroprevalence of HIV and Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody (CT-IgG-Ab) was shown among the CSWs (54 and 81.7%, respectively). Univariate logistic regression analyses showed an association between HIV seropositivity and age, duration of prostitution, the number of clients per day and CT-IgG-Ab. Especially, high-titre chlamydial seropositivity showed a strong significant association with HIV prevalence. In multiple logistic regression analyses, CT-IgG-Ab with higher titre was significantly independently related to HIV infection. These suggest that existence of Chlamydia trachomatis is highly related to HIV prevalence.     

Hepatitis-C and hepatitis-B co-infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Tehran, Iran

We carried out a study to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections in HIV positive patients at a main referral center for HIV/AIDS in Iran. Serum samples from 201 HIV positive patients referring to a referral center for HIV/AIDS were analyzed for the presence of some hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) and Hepatitis C (anti-HCV) markers, during 2004- 2005. HBsAg was positive in 27 patients (13.4%), anti-HBc was positive in 60 patients (29.8%) and anti-HBs in 23 patients (11.4%). Anti-HCV Ab was positive in 135 of 201 (67.2%). HBV and HCV coinfection was observed in 73 of 201 (36.3%). The maximum prevalence of HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV coinfections were seen in intravenous drug users; 61.2% and 85.1%, respectively (P<0.0001). The minimum prevalence of HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV were seen in HIV patients' wife (HIV(+) patients who were infected by monogamous sexual contact with their HIV positive husband) both of them were 8% (P<0.0001). This study showed that HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV coinfections are significant in patients with HIV/AIDS in Iran. A greater relevance was observed in the association between HCV and HIV. This study suggests that it is necessary to investigate risk factors and risk groups for these infections in Iran.     

HIV and selected blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections in a predominantly Roma (Gypsy) neighbourhood in Budapest, Hungary: a rapid assessment

We assessed the prevalence of HIV and selected blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections among a convenience sample of 64 residents of Dzsumbuj, a predominantly Roma (Gypsy) neighbourhood in Budapest, Hungary. No cases of HIV were detected, while the prevalence of hepatitis B infection (anti-HBc) was 27% and syphilis prevalence was 2%. Romas (n = 50) were significantly more likely than non-Romas (n = 14) to have HAV antibodies (80% vs. 43%) and less likely to be HBV immunized (anti-HBs only; 6% vs. 29%). Current drug injectors (n = 13) were more likely than non-injectors (n = 51) to have antibodies against HAV (85% vs. 69%) and HCV (85% vs. 8%). While HIV has not been introduced in this population, risk conditions for a potentially explosive HIV epidemic are present. Health care policies should focus on expanding coverage for HAV and HBV immunizations, and access to HIV preventive services needs to be extended to marginalized, mostly minority populations, such as the Roma in Europe.     

如皋市400名暗娼梅毒、HIV检测结果分析

目的:通过对暗娼性病感染情况的监测分析,为制定遏制艾滋病的发病对策提供科学依据。方法:对400名暗娼利用ELISA和TRUST试验进行梅毒抗体和艾滋病毒抗体的检测。结果:本次调查的400名娱乐场所女性从业人员中,共检出梅毒24例,梅毒检出率为6.0%,HIV未检出。结论:梅毒感染已经在暗娼这个群体中广泛存在,对这类人群进行相关知识的健康教育和监管防控措施,对预防和控制性病的传播具有要意义。     

四类重点人群HIV、梅毒、肝炎感染状况调查

目的了解中小工业城市重点人群HIV、梅毒和肝炎的感染现状。方法现场调查采用哨点监测的方法，血清检测应用ELISA法，检测了256名有偿供血者、266名性病门诊患者、271名孕妇、228名吸毒者的HIV抗体、梅毒抗体、抗-HCV和乙肝HBsAg。结果吸毒者检出1例HIV抗体阳性，阳性检出率为0．43％，吸毒者丙型肝炎的感染率为83.87％，与有偿供血者（5.86％）、性病门诊患者（2．26％）和孕妇（1．11％）相比较均有统计学意义，有偿供血者丙型肝炎感染率与除吸毒人群外的其他两类人群比较也有统计学意义。经多因素logistic回归分析发现性病门诊患者梅毒感染率与性别、年龄、婚外性伴数呈正相关。结论性病门诊患者和吸毒人群梅毒感染率、吸毒人群和有偿供血者丙型肝炎感染率较高，性病门诊患者和吸毒人群存在感染HIV／性病的危险因素。应加强上述重点人群的监测和管理，防止艾滋病等疾病的流行。     

Differences in Sexual Identity,Risk Practices,and Sex Partners between Bisexual Men and Other Men among a Low-Income Drug-Using Sample

Hepatitis B vaccination and targeted testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are recommended for jails with medical services available. This study estimates hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infection prevalence among jail inmates, since most previous studies have been conducted among prison inmates. Prison and jail populations differ: jails hold a wide spectrum of persons for an average of 10–20 days, including persons awaiting arraignment, trial, conviction, or sentencing, while prisons typically hold convicted criminals for at least 1 year. A stratified random sample of sera obtained during routine syphilis testing of inmates entering jails in Chicago (March–April 2000), Detroit (March–August 1999), and San Francisco (June 1999–December 2000) was tested for serologic markers of HBV and HCV infection. All sera had been previously tested for antibody to HIV (anti-HIV). A total of 1,292 serum samples (12% of new inmates) was tested. Antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) prevalence was 13%. Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) prevalence was 19%, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 0.9%; 12% had serologic evidence of hepatitis B vaccination. Hispanics had high rates of chronic HBV infection (3.6% HBsAg positive) along with Asians (4.7% HBsAg positive). Among HIV-infected persons, 38% were anti-HCV positive and 8.2% were HBsAg positive. Anti-HBc positivity was associated with anti-HCV positivity (aOR = 4.58), anti-HIV positivity (aOR = 2.94), syphilis infection (aOR = 2.10), and previous incarceration (aOR = 1.78). Anti-HCV-positivity was associated with anti-HBc positivity (aOR = 4.44), anti-HIV-positivity (aOR = 2.51), and previous incarceration (aOR = 2.90). Jail entrants had high levels of HCV and HBV infection and HIV co-infection; HBV prevalence was comparable to previous prison studies, and HCV prevalence was lower than prison studies. Hispanics had an unexpectedly high rate of chronic hepatitis B infection and had the lowest rate of hepatitis B vaccination. The finding that hepatitis B vaccination coverage among jail entrants is lower than the general population, despite this population’s increased risk for infection, highlights the need to support vaccination in jail settings.     

清远市不同人群艾滋病、梅毒、丙型肝炎、乙型肝炎感染状况调查

目的了解清远市不同人群艾滋病、梅毒、丙型肝炎、乙型肝炎感染状况,为制定艾滋病等传染病预防控制策略提供科学依据。方法2005年1月—2009年5月分别对清远市辖戒毒所吸毒人群、英德监狱服刑人员、清远市区从事商业性活动的性服务工作者及从事餐饮、旅业、桑拿按摩、美容美发行业的从业人员进行问卷调查,同时抽取血标本进行HIV抗体、梅毒抗体、HCV抗体、HBsAg血清学检测。结果调查和检测不同人群共11229人,HIV抗体、梅毒抗体、HCV抗体、HBsAg总体阳性率分别为0.43%、1.59%、8.71%、5.15%;其中吸毒人群1073人,阳性率分别为3.08%、9.97%、45.01%、22.93%;监狱服刑人群4973人,阳性率分别为0.30%、0.62%、9.63%、2.03%;性服务人群551人,阳性率分别为0、3.63%、1.81%、3.81%;从业人群4632人,阳性率分别为0、0.45%、0.13%、4.53%。结论清远市吸毒人群和监狱服刑人群有较高的艾滋病、梅毒、丙型肝炎和乙型肝炎的感染率;性服务人群有较高的梅毒感染率;静脉吸毒者和性乱是艾滋病等传染病感染的主要因素;应加强对吸毒人群、监狱服刑人群、性服务人群的疾病监测、宣传及行为干预,继续加强对从业人员的卫生监督。     

Comparison between self-reported hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV antibody status and oral fluid assay results in Irish prisoners

Self-reported hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infection status was compared with the results of oral fluid assays of antibodies to these viruses in prisoners from nine of the 15 prisons in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 1205 out of 1366 prisoners completed a confidential questionnaire and 1193 provided analysable oral fluid specimens for testing for antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), HCV (anti-HCV), and HIV (anti-HIV). The self-reported prevalence of hepatitis infection (hepatitis B: 5%; hepatitis C: 19%) was lower than that derived from oral fluid assays (anti-HBc: 9%; anti-HCV: 37%). The self-reported prevalence of HIV infection was similar to that found by oral fluid assay (2%). Many discrepancies were found between self-reported results and the results of oral fluid assays. Of those who reported being positive for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 48%, 5%, and 58%, respectively, tested negative on the oral fluid assay. Of those who reported a previous negative test result for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 10%, 37%, and 2%, respectively, had positive oral fluid assays. Self-reports of hepatitis and HIV infection status are unreliable and should not be used as a basis for planning preventive and treatment services for prisoners. All prisoners should have the opportunity to be tested for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection.     

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among oncology patients in Turkey

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the public-health issues worldwide. Approximately two billion people are infected with HBV, and about 350 million people are chronic carriers globally. About 3% of the world population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Oncology patients receiving packed red blood cell suspensions and other blood products usually are in the high-risk group for infections due to these viruses. The aim of the study was to detect the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among chemotherapy patients at the Oncology Department of the Tepecik Education and Research Hospital. HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBcIgM, anti-HBc total and anti-HCV assays were studied by enzyme immunoassay method (Diasorin, Italy) in serum samples of patients (n = 448) referred to the Department of Oncology of the Tepecik Education and Research Hospital during 1 June 2006-1 January 2007. Of the 448 patients, 19 (4.2%) were HBsAg-positive, and three (0.7%) had anti-HCV positivity. In this study, the seroprevalence of HBV was similar to previous data in Turkey. This could be due to widespread vaccination programmes. The seroprevalence of low anti-HCV may be because of controlled blood transfusion. Oncology patients should be monitored for their protective antibody levels against HBV, and they must be included in the vaccination programme. Their anti-HCV status should also be checked as well.     

Prevalence study of different hepatitis markers among pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece

Aim of the study was to record the prevalence of the various types of viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, in pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece. The study comprised 500 pregnant refugees of mean age 25:1 ± 4,6 years. In Albania, all women had lived in overcrowded houses and had been exposed to non throw-away needles and syringes. Various indices for all hepatitis types were determined. The prevalence of HBsAg was 13.4%, of anti-HBs 53%, of total anti-HBc 70.8%, of anti-HBc IgM 0.4%, of HBeAg 1.2%, of anti-HBe 58.6%, of anti-HAV 96.2%, of anti-HAV IgM 1%, of anti-HDV 0.4%, of anti-HCV 0.6% and of anti-HEV 2%. HBeAg was found positive in 7.5% of HBsAg carriers. Prevalence of hepatitis B markers, as determined by HBsAg and/or anti-HBs and/or total anti-HBc was significantly higher in those with a history of previous hospitalization in Albania (p = 0.01) and those with previous history of hepatitis (p = 0.02). The high prevalence of hepatitis B markers in pregnant Albanian refugees proves that HBV infection is highly endemic in Albania and the possibility of perinatal transmission to the offsprings urges for HBV vaccination programmes. On the other hand improvements in the socioeconomic conditions and the sanitation system in Albania is anticipated to reduce the incidence of HAV and HBV infections.     

A ten year serological survey of hepatitis A, B and C viruses infections in Nepal

BACKGROUND: In 1987, we reported that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Nepal was low, as compared to hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and that no human T-lymphotropic type-1 (HTLV-1) infection was found in Nepal. OBJECTIVES: To determine changes in the prevalence of HAV, HBV, and HCV infections between 1987 and 1996 in inhabitants of Bhadrakali (suburban) and Kotyang (rural) villages in Nepal. STUDY DESIGN: We did a cross-sectional survey of 458 inhabitants of two Nepalese villages, to assess the prevalence of antibody to HAV (anti-HAV), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), and antibody to HTLV-I (anti-HTLV-I). RESULTS: Anti-HAV was detected in 454 (99.1%), HBsAg in 5 (1.1%), anti-HBc in 33 (7.2%) and anti-HCV in 8 (1.7%) of serum samples tested in 1996. Statistically significant differences by gender or age group were nil. The prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in 1996 than in 1987 after adjusting for age of subjects living in the two villages (p < 0.01). The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in 1996 than 1987 in Bhadrakali after adjusting for the factor of age (p < 0.05). Between 1987 and 1996, evidence for HTLV-1 positive residents was nil. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HAV has been endemic in Nepal for long time while not of HBV, and that HCV infection tends to be increased recently.