Epidemiology of HCV infection in Latin America

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and one of the principal indications for liver transplantation. The prevalence and incidence worldwide is variable, although there may be some similarities among different regions. Worldwide prevalence has been estimated around 3.1% or 170 million infected people. The Latin America region has one of the lowest prevalence around the world with an overall prevalence estimated around 1.23%, nevertheless it varies from country to country and even between regions of the same country. Although the principal route of transmission continues being blood transfusion, the epidemiological change around the world is affecting our region, increasing the virus transmission among intravenous drugs users. Also in Latin America the most prevalent genotype is 1 different from other regions like Africa and Asia. The knowledge of epidemiology of Hepatitis C in our region is basic for the prevention and treatment of this arising disease, and further research with greater general population based studies must be carried out.