Emerging Infectious Diseases (Jan 2022)

Unexpectedly High Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Southern Laos

  • Antony P. Black,
  • Vilaysone Khounvisith,
  • Kinnaly Xaydalasouk,
  • Kong Sayasinh,
  • Aurelie Sausy,
  • Claude P. Muller,
  • Judith M. Hübschen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2801.211307
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 1
pp. 256 – 259

Abstract

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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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