Abstract: To determine the rate of hepatitis C infection among active duty women, 932 volunteers were enrolled in the study. Subjects were grouped under 3 categories: 463 healthy women, 388 women who visit outpatient clinics and 81 women who are hospitalized for a variety of diagnosis. Demographic data and serologic diagnosis of the infection were conducted. Serological assays were: a marker of liver disease: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and specific markers of HCV infection: antibody to HCV by ELISA and recombinant immunoblot assay. Data are being analyzed at the present time and results are preliminary. 932 women in active duty, aged between 18 and 54 years participated. Among the 932, 420 were officers and 512 were enlisted. Overall, 25 (2.7%) of the volunteers had abnormal ALT levels, the distribution was 1.5% among healthy women, 2.83% among clinic patients and 8.64% among inpatients. Similarly approximately 25 (2.7%) serum specimens tested positive for antibody to hepatitis C. HCV antibody were tested under code and we are in the process of analyzing the results to establish statistical correlations. In summary, active duty women have evidence of abnormal ALT which increases when disease is present. HCV-infection (2.7%) is seen in excess than the rate observed among healthy American blood donors (0.5%) .
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Annual rept. 1 Dec 94-1 Aug 95 |
| Pages: |
10 |
| Report Date: |
30 SEP 95 |
| Report Number: |
A194303 |
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