Study reveals sources of Hep C

Anti-D injections were the main source of hepatitis C infections among those who contracted the disease through contaminated blood, a report has found.

The National Hepatitis C Database Baseline report, published today by the Minister for Health Mary Harney, looked at people who were infected with hepatitis C through contaminated blood and blood products in Ireland.

This is the first report from the datatbase, which was set up to chart the natural history of infection among the group, and examines how various factors impact on the diseas's progression, along with the outcomes of treatment.

The report found most of those eligible for inclusion in the report were infected as a result of anti-D injections, who made up 65 per cent, followed by recipients of blood transfusions, who accounted for 24 per cent of infections.

Recipients of treatment for blood clotting disorders and those treated for renal disease made up 9 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.

The majority of participants in the report were female, and most included are now aged between 40 and 65 years.

The report found that at some time, a total of 63 per cent of participants had tested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive, which indicates active infection. Less than 40 per cent of PCR positive patients had received anti-viral treatment to date.

The majority of patients also suffered from other significant medical conditions, according to their charts, which were not necessarily related to hepatitis C infection. These conditions included fatigue and lethargy, depression, and arthralgia and joint pain.

Some 62 per cent of those who had a confirmed positive result  remain chronically infected, while a further 13 per cent cleared the virus following treatment.

"This report and subsequent reports will provide an invaluable resource to researchers seeking to understand the nature of the hepatitis C virus and will not only facilitate research, but will also inform clinical practice and enable more effective service planning for the emerging needs of this group" said Ms Harney.