Relationship between chronic liver diseases and hepatitis C in Burundi adults

A case/control study was conducted in Bujumbura, Burundi, from 1991 to 1992 to assess the relationship between chronic liver disease and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Patients presenting chronic liver disease (n = 80) were selected based on clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic, and/or endoscopic findings. Patients with AIDS or hepatocellular carcinoma were excluded. Controls (n = 159) matched with regard to age and sex were recruited from outpatients who had blood tests at a liver disease clinic. Patients and controls were tested for anti-HCV antibodies by ELISA and LIA. Screening for hepatitis B virus (HBs antigen, anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was achieved by ELISA with confirmation of HIV infection by LIA. The incidence of anti-HCV antibodies was significantly higher in patients (55.0%) than controls (33.3%) (p < 0.001). The incidence of HBs antigens was significantly higher in patients (28.8%) than controls (7.5%) (p < 0.0001). The incidence of anti-HIV antibodies was not significantly different in the two groups. Multifactorial analysis indicated that anti-HCV antibodies and HBs antigens were risk factors for chronic liver disease, but did not detected a significant interaction between these two risk factors. Prevention of hepatitis C and B would reduce the incidence of chronic liver disease but cost currently limits widespread use of this approach.