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Viral hepatitis in the Canadian Inuit and First Nations populations

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CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY

December 2003, Volume 17, Number 12 : 707-712

Viral hepatitis in the Canadian Inuit and First Nations populations

GY Minuk, J Uhanova

OBJECTIVE: To review published prevalence data regarding hepatitis A (HAV),

B (HBV) and C (HCV) in Canadian Inuit and First Nations populations.

METHODS: PubMed database search and review of all papers describing data

derived from seroepidemiological surveys.

RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HAV positivity in Canadian Inuit and First

Nations populations reported to date is high (range 75% to 95%) and

approximately three times that of non-Aboriginal Canadians residing in the

same communities. Among the Canadian Inuit, the prevalence of HBV infection

is approximately 5%, or 20 times that of non-Aboriginal Canadians, while the

risk of exposure to HBV is 25%, or five times higher. Regarding the First

Nations population, preliminary data suggest the prevalences of HBV

infection (0.3% to 3%) and exposure (10% to 22%) are similar to rates in

non-Aboriginals residing in the same regions and participating in similar

high risk activities. Serological evidence of HCV infection (anti-HCV) is

more common in the Canadian Inuit and First Nations (1% to 18%) than the

remainder of the Canadian population (0.5% to 2%); however, viremia (HCV-RNA

positivity) is less common (less than 5% versus 75% of anti-HCV positive

individuals, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Viral hepatitis is common in the Canadian Inuit and First

Nations populations. In the absence of coexisting human immunodeficiency

virus infection and alcohol abuse, the outcomes of HBV and HCV appear to be

more benign than in non-Aboriginal Canadians.

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CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY

December 2003, Volume 17, Number 12 : 707-712

Viral hepatitis in the Canadian Inuit and First Nations populations

GY Minuk, J Uhanova

OBJECTIVE: To review published prevalence data regarding hepatitis A (HAV),

B (HBV) and C (HCV) in Canadian Inuit and First Nations populations.

METHODS: PubMed database search and review of all papers describing data

derived from seroepidemiological surveys.

RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HAV positivity in Canadian Inuit and First

Nations populations reported to date is high (range 75% to 95%) and

approximately three times that of non-Aboriginal Canadians residing in the

same communities. Among the Canadian Inuit, the prevalence of HBV infection

is approximately 5%, or 20 times that of non-Aboriginal Canadians, while the

risk of exposure to HBV is 25%, or five times higher. Regarding the First

Nations population, preliminary data suggest the prevalences of HBV

infection (0.3% to 3%) and exposure (10% to 22%) are similar to rates in

non-Aboriginals residing in the same regions and participating in similar

high risk activities. Serological evidence of HCV infection (anti-HCV) is

more common in the Canadian Inuit and First Nations (1% to 18%) than the

remainder of the Canadian population (0.5% to 2%); however, viremia (HCV-RNA

positivity) is less common (less than 5% versus 75% of anti-HCV positive

individuals, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Viral hepatitis is common in the Canadian Inuit and First

Nations populations. In the absence of coexisting human immunodeficiency

virus infection and alcohol abuse, the outcomes of HBV and HCV appear to be

more benign than in non-Aboriginal Canadians.

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