The prevalence of hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid, the risk factors, and relation with aminotransferase levels in a general population of Jakarta, Indonesia

This study identifies hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and measures ribonucleic acid of hepatitis C virus (HCV RNA) and it’s relation to aminotransferase levels in the general population of Jakarta. A population-based sample of 978 people, aged 15 and above was surveyed. Specially trained nurse-midwives conducted structured interviews with the subjects regarding demographic characteristics and some risk factors for HCV infection. Serum was analyzed for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), HCV RNA, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). HCV RNA was found in 44.8% (13/29) among positive anti-HCV cases. There was a strong positive trend between age and risk of positive HCV RNA (p < 0.001). Socioeconomic status was associated with HCV RNA (p = 0.0282). The history of transfusion was strongly associated with HCV RNA (adjusted OR = 4.06, 95% CI: 1.07 - 15.41) ALT and AST were significantly elevated in HCV RNA+ cases compared to HCV RNA- cases (adjusted OR = 6.25, 95% CI: 1.07 - 15.41 and adjusted OR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.20 - 11.90, respectively). Family size and history of surgery were moderately associated with HCV RNA, (p = 0.0678 and p = 0.0754, respectively) Education levels were weakly associated with HCV RNA. (p = 0.3462). Some risk factors such as ethnic group, current drinking habit, smoking habit, and education level were not associated with HCV RNA. The prevalence of HCV RNA among Indonesian natives are similar with those of Chinese descendants (p = 0.2729). HCV RNA as a marker of HCV actual infection is found in about half of the positive anti-HCV cases. Positive HCV RNA cases showed higher aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels than negative HCV RNA cases.