Vitiligo is a common skin disorder, characterized by depigmented patches due to selective destruction of melanocytes. The etiology of this disease is unknown. A number of hypotheses including viral theory have been proposed to explain the etiology. To determine the prevalence of antibody to HEPATITIS C VIRUS infection in vitiligo patients, the present study was performed. Third generation ELISA test was used for detection of antibodies to HCV in human sera. All normal controls were anti-HCV negative whereas only one patient was positive for anti-HCV and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of anti-HCV between patients and controls. These results indicate that HEPATITIS C VIRUS has not a direct causal role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, however, this does not rul out a "hit and run" VIRUS induced disease.

Over 170 million patients worldwide are chronically infected with HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV); making it a globally important infection. Dentists constantly handle sharp instruments infected with biological fluids and are therefore considered at high-risk of contracting HCV infection. Needle-stick injuries seem to be the most common route of exposure to blood-borne pathogens in dental practice. Moreover, endodontist’s constant use of sharp instruments such as endodontic files with limited operative vision in a small working field (i.e. root canal system) increases their risk of exposure to infection. The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology of HCV infection in dental healthcare staff and the tests required for its diagnosis. We also look at the protocols for dental treatment in infected individuals and screening and dental examination tailored for HCV patients.

Background: HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) is a blood-borne VIRUS. It is a major global public health problem and can cause both acute and chronic HEPATITIS. The aim of this study was to report the epidemiological features of HCV infection and risk factors based on the data from Azar Cohort, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Methods: The population of this study comprised the people in the age range of 35-70 years from Azar Cohort, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. The study was conducted between 2015 and 2016. Based on cluster sampling, 4, 949 people were selected and invited to complete the questionnaire and perform the tests. Blood samples collected in this study were analyzed to detect the presence of antibodies against HCV using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) Kit. The positive samples were re-tested by qualitative HCV-RNA polymerase chain reaction. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. 0 software. Results: The mean age of the participants was 49. 15± 9. 02 years. Of these participants, 54. 3% (n=2686) were females. Seven people (0. 14%) were detected as HCV positive and the highest frequency was seen in the age range of 40-50 (0. 16%). There was a statistical significant relationship between history of hospitalization (P=0. 02) and history of abnormal urine (P=0. 01) with the frequency of HCV infection. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the frequency of HEPATITIS C VIRUS infection is 0. 14% in the general population of Azar Cohort.