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  • Title: High rate of hepatitis C virus infection and predominance of genotype 4 among elderly inhabitants of a remote village of the rain forest of South Cameroon.
    Author: Njouom R, Pasquier C, Ayouba A, Gessain A, Froment A, Mfoupouendoun J, Pouillot R, Dubois M, Sandres-Sauné K, Thonnon J, Izopet J, Nerrienet E.
    Journal: J Med Virol; 2003 Oct; 71(2):219-25. PubMed ID: 12938196.
    Abstract:
    To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and genotype distribution in a rural isolated area of Central Africa, plasma of 409 Bantous (mean age, 32 years; range, 2-78 years) living in a remote village of the rain forest of Southern Cameroon was screened for anti-HCV antibodies. HCV seropositive samples were also subjected to qualitative detection of viral RNA. HCV antibodies were detected in 70 (17.1%) individuals, 48 (68.8%) of whom had detectable viremia. The seroprevalence did not differ by gender (P = 0.37), but increased significantly with age (P < 0.05), with a strong increase in the oldest age groups. Indeed, nearly one-half (48%) of the adults >50 years old were HCV seropositive. The characterization of the viral genotypes indicated that most of the HCV strains were of genotype 4 (76%), while genotype 2 (16%), and 1 (8%) were marginally represented. The results suggest a cohort effect with an old, possibly iatrogenic, group exposure rather than a continuous exposure. A more in-depth population-based epidemiological study is needed to address this issue further.
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