Commercial tattooing is a strong risk factor for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity but is not regulated in the U.S. because it is rarely a risk factor for acute hepatitis. Blood borne risk factors were ascertained by an internist in a medical examination of 626 consecutive patients in a spinal clinic, and HCV serostatus was measured. A commercially acquired tattoo was strongly associated with being HCV seropositive (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=6.5. 95% CI 2.9-14.4 ) but not with a history of acute hepatitis (AOR=1.2~ 95% CI 0.5-3.3). In contrast a history of injection-drug use was strongly associated with both HCV seropositivity (AOR=7.2, 95% CI 3.1-16.5) and a history of acute hepatitis (AOR=5.9, 95% CI 2.5-13.8). Tattooing may commonly transmit chronic, asymptomatic HCV infection without causing acute hepatitis.
Learning Objectives: 1) At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to discuss the risk of tattooing related to HCV seropositivity.
Keywords: Hepatitis C,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.