High prevalence of HCV infection among the general population in a rural area of central Italy.

The hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is the most frequent cause of hepatic infection in Europe. In Italy, anti-HCV positivity values are extremely variable, depending on the age and geographic location of the population being analysed. The aims of the study were: (1) evaluating positivity for anti-HCV antibodies in various age groups and determining the HBsAg in a mountainous and predominantly farming area in central Italy; (2) assessing some anamnestic and clinical variables through a questionnaire, submitted during the taking of blood samples, in order to determine HCV exposure and risk factors for the target population.