Emerging Infectious Diseases (Jan 2022)
Unexpectedly High Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Southern Laos
Abstract
During 2017–2019, a total of 88/753 (11.7%) of patients 5–90 years of age in hospitals in Saravan Province, Laos, were seropositive for hepatitis C virus antibodies. Viral RNA was found in 44 samples. Sequencing showed high diversity within genotype 6. We recommend exposure-risk investigations and targeted testing and treatment.
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