An epidemiological study of hepatitis C virus infection in a local district in Japan

Mass screening of anti-HCV in Iyo city, Japan was performed. Sera from 136 subjects were tested for anti-HCV by ELISA (Ortho Diagnostic Inc.). Anti-HCV was positive in 13 subjects (9.6%). The familial study for anti-HCV revealed 2 persons positive for anti-HCV in 2 families each, while only 1 person was positive in each of the 8 other families. Two females were positive for both anti-HCV and HBsAg, and all of their 3 children were negative for anti-HCV and positive for HBsAg. Positive rate of anti-HCV was higher in subjects who had a history of blood transfusion or "Chinese acupuncture" than that in those who did not. These results indicate that not only blood transfusion but also "Chinese acupuncture" and intrafamilial transmission are possible routes of HCV infection. The rate of vertical transmission of HCV is definitely lower than that of HBV.