HCV and HBV infection in 3 communities in the Neapolitan area

: Using the antibody to HCV and HBc (anti-HCV, anti-HBc), we studied the prevalence of Hepatitis C and B virus in three groups: intravenous drug abusers, subjects lodging in huts and elderly clergymen. Statistical analysis was carried out by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Our results show statistical significance for anti-HCV seroprevalence among the three groups, while anti-HBc doesn't differ. These preliminary data seem to show that the two viruses have different ways of transmission.