Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Periodontology

The aim of the present study was to measure the frequency and the risk factors of Hepatitis C infection among a sample of undiagnosed Egyptian subjects seeking dental care (192 outpatients). A simple random sample of 192 outpatients (with age ranging from 18 to 60 years old) attending the Diagnosis clinic at the Faculty of Oral and Dental medicine, Cairo University was recruited during a period of 6 months starting from October 2014 till March 2015. Randomization of that sample of subjects was done by second party (screening officer) in order to avoid selection bias. First, the participants in the study were assessed for a standardized risk factor questionnaire. Secondly, when at least one risk factor was reported, the patient was subjected to a screening test for anti-HCV (ELISA test) in the clinical laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, if they agreed. Those with positive results were informed of the necessity to carry out polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) to confirm the diagnosis of HCV infection. Positive ELISA test was found in 5 patients of those having risk factors, representing anti HCV frequency of 11.9% among those who reported risk factors (42 outpatients). Among these 5 positive cases, two cases were associated with extra oral surgery in Egypt (40%), of which one case also had PAT; while one case was associated with blood transfusion (20%), one case (20%) had abnormal alanine aminotransferase level and a case (20%) was associated with both abnormal alanine aminotransferase level and infected needle stick. The most common risk factors for HCV infection in the present

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