Carriage prevalence of HCV markers in the working environment (Cameroun)

Goals: Hepatitis C is a serious public health issue in Cameroon. Disease prevalence is estimated at 13.8%. In 2012, the Government of Cameroon signed a partnership agreement with Hoffman-Laroche Laboratories to improve healthcare provision. Within the framework of the Access-Roche program, anonymous screening campaigns free of charge, follow-up checkups and access to subsidized treatment have been organized. This work reports the carriage prevalence of HCV markers in the working environment. Methods: From January 2012 to 31st May 2014 (30 months), 23,990 workers in towns were tested for HCV antibodies. Testing was made using a rapid immune-chromatographic strip test. An Elisa test was made on positive samples to confirm the result. Results: On the 23,990 persons tested, 613 carried the HCV antibodies, representing a prevalence rate of 2.55%. Most subjects tested (64.02%) were young people between 21 and 45 years with an average prevalence of 2.42%. In the 46-60 years age group, (35.9%), the average seroprevalence stood at 2.76%. There was no major difference despite increased prevalence in the older subjects, 3.11%. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HCV markers is low in workers in urban areas. This result may be explained by improved hospital hygiene, blood security and increased information on sexually transmitted infections hepatitis in Cameroon.