Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects at the Departmental and Teaching Hospital of Borgou-Alibori

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem. The epidemiology of this condition in Parakou is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of hepatitis C virus infection in the internal medicine department of the Departmental and Teaching Hospital of Borgou-Alibori (DTH-B/A), Parakou. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. It concerned patients received in hepato-gastroenterology consultation from 1st January, 2017 to 30 June, 2021. Patients who had undergone a minimal pre-therapeutic workup, which included testing for hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV Ac) and quantification of viral RNA by PCR, were included. The data were collected from each patient’s medical record and transcribed on a pre-established collection form. Analysis was performed using Epi Info software version 7.2. Results: During the study period, 2786 patients were seen in hepato-gastroenterology consultations. Among them, 142 patients (5.1%) were HCV-positive. Of these seropositive patients, 73 (51.4%) met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the present study. The mean age was 45.5±14.7 years. Thirty-nine (53.4%) were male, for a sex ratio of 1.2. Forty-seven (64.4%) had progressive HCV infection with detectable RNA, including 3 (6.4%) at the stage of liver cirrhosis. Treatment was indicated in these 47 patients (64.4%) and was effective in 35 (74.5%). In all these patients, the HCV RNA test at the control PCR at least three months after the end of treatment was negative (undetectable RNA), representing a sustained virological response of 100%. Conclusion: At DTH-B/A, HCV infection most often affects young adult males. Viremic forms are in the majority. Treatment with direct-acting antivirals remains highly effective.