[Pathogenetic features of infection caused by hepatitis C virus in individuals from groups with high risk of parenteral infection by this virus].

Aim: Study features of pathogenetic characteristic changes of infection caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) in individuals that belong to different groups with high risk of parenteral infection (GHRPI).

Materials And Methods: 3219 blood sera obtained from individuals of 5 various GHRPI and 1541 unpaid blood donors were studied for the presence of anti-HCV. Anti-HCV-positive sera were studied by using polymerase chain reaction to detect HCV RNA in qualitative and quantitative variants.

Results: By using molecular-genetic methods the presence of HCV RNA and its concentration in HCV antibody-containing blood sera obtained from individuals of 5 various GHRPI and a group of unpaid donors infected early by HCVwas determined. Distinctive features that characterize the process of HCV infection natural evolution in individuals from various GHRPI were established to be lower frequency of spontaneous virus elimination and higher frequency of acute infection chronization, as well as a relatively higher viral load.

Conclusion: The regularities detected indicate a higher level of epidemiologic danger for individuals from GHRPI.