EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION IN PUERTO RICO: HIV COINFECTION

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This epidemiologic study examines the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and assesses sex-related practices, other risk behaviors, and patterns of co-infections (hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, HIV and herpes simplex type 2) that might promote transmission among the household population aged 21 to 64 years in Puerto Rico. To our knowledge, this is the first population-based study to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and investigate correlates of infection in a homogeneous population of Hispanic origin. Findings from this study can contribute to understand the burden of this infection in a Hispanic population and provide baseline data for comparison purposes with other mainland Hispanic groups that will ultimately lead to interventions that may reduce the risk of transmission of hepatitis C virus. As part of this ongoing population-based study, an estimated 2,000 serum samples of participants infected and non-infected with these viral pathogens will be stored. This repository would allow us to conduct epidemiologic studies related to the role of biological markers in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis, HIV and herpes simplex. In addition, this bank might be used to investigate the role of these markers in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and other types of cancer. This information would facilitate translation of research findings to a better understanding of prevention strategies of hepatocellular carcinoma as well as other related complications. A total of 390 participants have completed all the study procedures. Caribbean Medical Testing and Reference Laboratory, who is processing all study tests, will be transferring the serum samples to the CRC Core Laboratory for storage and future processing.