Martínez MT, Ferreira CRP, Amores SI, Martínez PA, Santana HRR, Gutiérrez RÁR, García MG

Language: Spanish
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ABSTRACT

Objective: evaluate the behavior of hepatitis C virus infection in patients referred to the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the period 2004- 2012 of 4 026 patients from the gastroenterology, hemodialysis and transplant services at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital. Infection was diagnosed by qualitative UMELOSA HCV polymerase chain reaction. Results: prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection increased with time and did not show any statistically significant differences related to sex and age. Coinfection by hepatitis B virus and acquired immunodeficiency was not significant among the patients (0.2 % and 0.04 %, respectively), and positivity was low among pregnant women. Conclusions: molecular methods are an accurate tool for the clinical diagnosis of hepatitis C virus, regardless of the service referring the patient. The possibility of its use at the institution where the study was conducted is very important for the Cuban health system.