Nippon Koshu Eisei Zasshi. 1996 Nov; 43(11): 989-96.

[Survey for hepatitis in an isolated endemic area]

Watanabe Y, Machida K, Sato A, Ota S, Kiyosawa K.

Kiso Public Health Center.

Mass health screening for liver disease was conducted in A.H areas in N Town which is known to be an endemic area for hepatitis since 1985. Subjects were about 1,000 inhabitants in A.H areas and 1795 inhabitants in non-endemic areas (control) 6 years or older in age. Informed consent was obtained from all inhabitants. All subjects were interviewed for demographic data including age, sex, occupation past medical history, surgical operation daily intake of alcohol, folk use of remedies such as acupuncture and family history of liver disease. Body weight and height were also recorded. Blood obtained from all individuals was analyzed for liver function enzyme and hepatitis virus markers including anti-HCV and HBV markers. Furthermore, health education on how to prevent hepatitis and how to treat liver diseases was provided. The results were as follows. 1. Overall, the prevalence of anti-HCV was 24.1% in A.H areas, and increased in older individuals over 50 years old. To the contrary, it was 2.3% in control areas. The prevalence of HBsAg was the same in both areas. 2. Prevalence of history of surgical operations, blood transfusion and acupuncture were similar in A.H. area sand control area. 3. Risk factors for HCV infection were blood transfusion, acupuncture, history of liver diseases and anti-HBs positive. 4. Death rate due to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been increasing year by year during recent years.