An update to a large national health survey finds that the total number of people infected with hepatitis C virus has not changed substantially between 1994 and 2002. However, the most frequent age bracket of those infected has shifted from 30 to 39 in the earlier study to 40 to 49 in the current study (Article, p. 715 - Annals of Internal Medicine - May 16, 2006).

Most infected people engaged in IV drug use in their youth and are now entering the age when the consequences of HCV infections, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and kidney disease, begin.

An editorial writer says that the "curious distribution" of HCV infection probably reflects "the aging of the same cohort with HCV infection that was identified during the 1988-1994 survey" (Editorial, p. 770 - Annals of Internal Medicine - May 16, 2006).

These people, now in their 40s and 50s, "acquired their infections primarily through injection drug use that began in the 1960s and peaked in the 1980s - a time of widespread experimentation with substances of abuse."

The writer says, "This cohort has lived with unrecognized HCV infection for several decades; however, as they age, they are more likely to seek regular medical care and apply for life insurance, unearthing their HCV infection."

Susan Anderson
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American College of Physicians
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Annals of Internal Medicine - May 16, 2006
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