All over the world there are over 170 million people with HCV infection and in Poland--about 500-730 thousands. Early detection of HCV infection is important for obtaining better results in treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Aim of study: Detection in Opolszczyzna people infected HCV, with risk factors of chronic hepatitis C, but not diagnosed before.
Methods: In year 2006 there were tested 143 persons for presence of HCV antibodies and level of ALT activity. Information about program of early detection of HCV infection was in local radio and newspaper.
Results: Among 143 tested persons 98 (68,5%) were women and 45 (31,5%)--men. Three of male patients (2,09%) had HCV antibodies and elevated ALT activity. Then they were further diagnosed and all of them had present HCV RNA in blood samples. DISCUSSION AND COCLUSIONS: Changing criteria of selection for such programs should improve percentage of detection of HCV infected people and then it would be beneficial and advantageous from economic but also social point of view.