Detecting Factor Ⅺ Deficiency in Holstein Cattle Using PCR Analysis

[Objective] This study established a method to detect Factor Ⅺ by polymerase chain reaction analysis.[Method]A pair of primers was designed and synthesized according to sequences of FⅪ gene in Holstein calves,published in Genbank. Polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze FⅪ deficiency of 576 Holstein calves in Henan,and the result was verified by DNA sequencing. [Result] We detect 576 cows,which include two carriers and one F Ⅺ deficiency,and the result was consistent with the DNA sequencing. The frequency of the FⅪ mutant allele was 0.3%,the carrier was 0.3%,the prevalence was 0.2%.[Conclusion]A method detecting FⅪ by polymerase chain reaction analysis was established. This method is not only simple and convenient,but also has a high accuracy and low cost,which is more suitable for large-scale FⅪ investigation.

Acquired factor XIII deficiency presenting with multiple intracranial hemorrhages and right hip hematoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Factor XIII(FXIII)deficiency is a rare yet profound coagulopathy.FXIII plays a pivotal role in hemostasis,and deficiencies in this factor can precipitate unchecked or spontaneous hemorrhaging.Immunological assays for detecting FXIII inhibitors are indispensable for diagnosing acquired FXIII deficiency;however,the availability of suitable testing facilities is limited,resulting in prolonged turnaround times for these assays.CASE SUMMARY In this case study,a 53-year-old male devoid of significant medical history presented with recurrent intracranial hemorrhages and a hematoma in the right hip.Subsequent genetic analysis revealed a homozygous mutation in the ACE gene,confirming the diagnosis of acquired FXIII deficiency.CONCLUSION This case underscores the significance of considering acquired deficiencies in clotting factors when evaluating patients with unexplained bleeding episodes.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in dialysis patients:risk factors,diagnosis,complications,and treatment:A comprehensive review

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a significant concern among patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis.However,there hasn’t been extensive research conducted on this particular patient group.The reported incidence rates vary widely,ranging from 20%to 90%,reflecting the complexity of its diagnosis.Dialysis patients often face multiple nutritional deficiencies,including a lack of essential vitamins,due to factors such as dietary restrictions,impaired absorption,and nutrient loss during dialysis.Diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency in these patients is challenging,and addressing it is crucial to prevent complications and improve their overall quality of life.This review paper delves into the available body of evidence on vitamin B12 deficiency in dialysis patients,examining the contributing risk factors,diagnostic challenges,potential complications,and available treatment options.It provides a well-rounded perspective on the topic,making it a valuable resource for researchers,healthcare practitioners,and policymakers interested in addressing the nutritional needs of dialysis patients.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Pi^(*)Z allele as important co-factors in the development of liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency(AATD)is a codominant autosomal hereditary condition that predisposes patients to the development of lung and/or liver disease,and Pi*Z allele is the most clinically relevant mutation.AIM To evaluate the impact of clinical parameters and AATD phenotypes,particularly the Pi*Z allele,in liver fibrosis.METHODS Cross-sectional cohort study including consecutive patients with AATD followed in Pulmonology or Hepatology consultation.RESULTS Included 69 patients,49.3%had Pi*MZ phenotype and 10.1%Pi*ZZ.An age≥55 years,age at diagnosis≥41 years and AAT at diagnosis<77 mg/dL predicted a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score(NFS)not excluding advanced fibrosis[area under the curve(AUC)=0.840,P<0.001;AUC=0.836,P<0.001;AUC=0.681,P=0.025].An age≥50 years and age at diagnosis≥41 years predicted a fibrosis-4 index of moderate to advanced fibrosis(AUC=0.831,P<0.001;AUC=0.795,P<0.001).Patients with hypertension,type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM),dyslipidaemia,metabolic syndrome,and regular alcohol consumption were more likely to have a NFS not excluding advanced fibrosis(P<0.001,P=0.002,P=0.008,P<0.001,P=0.033).Patients with at least one Pi*Z allele and type 2 DM were 8 times more likely to have liver stiffness measurement≥7.1 kPa(P=0.040).CONCLUSION Risk factors for liver disease in AATD included an age≥50 years,age at diagnosis≥41 years,metabolic risk factors,regular alcohol consumption,at least one Pi*Z allele,and AAT value at diagnosis<77 mg/dL.We created an algorithm for liver disease screening in AATD patients to use in primary care,selecting those to be referred to Hepatology consultation.

Research Progress on the Influencing Factors and Preventive Interventions of Iron Deficiency

Iron is an important element that maintains the normal operation of the body.It not only participates in various physiological reactions as a component of various enzymes,but also is an indispensable component in the synthesis of hemoglobin(Hb)and myoglobin,which transport oxygen.About two-thirds of the iron in the body is stored in the Hb of red blood cells,with a small amount present in myoglobin in muscle tissue and enzymes required for various metabolic reactions.The remaining amount is mostly in the form of ferritin as a mobilized iron reserve.When dietary iron intake is limited and the stored iron in the body is insufficient or depleted,iron deficiency occurs.Iron deficiency can be further divided into three stages based on their severity,namely iron deficiency(ID),iron deficiency erythropoiesis(IDE),and iron deficiency anemia(IDA).This study aims to explore the prevalence,diagnosis and differentiation,influencing factors,and preventive interventions of iron deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency and increased inflammatory factor intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 indicate severe leukoaraiosis in northern China

Background and objective:Commonly plaguing in the frigid zone of the world,vitamin D deficiency,as indicated by low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D,exacerbated inflammatory responses and impaired endothelial function.Leukoaraiosis(LA)is a prevalent cause of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly and is potentially associated with inflammatory responses.This study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D on the severity of LA.Methods:Patients with LA were categorized based on 3.0 T brain MRI findings into mild(N=43),moderate(N=40),or severe groups(N=29)using the Fazekas scale(scoring 1-6).A control group consisting of 41 healthy individuals was included.Serum fibrinogen C,homocysteine,plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D,and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)levels were measured using ELISA.Results:All LA severity groups exhibited lower plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared to the control group,with a more pronounced decrease observed as LA severity increased.Low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was identified as an independent risk factor for LA(P<0.05)according to Multiple logistic regression analysis.Additionally,a negative association was observed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vascular inflammatory factor ICAM-1.Conclusions:Disease severity positively correlated with levels of the inflammatory marker ICAM-1,worsening as plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration decreased.Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D emerged as an independent risk factor for LA,potentially exacerbating the inflammatory response.These findings suggest 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic approach for LA.

Ethylene accelerates maize leaf senescence in response to nitrogen deficiency by regulating chlorophyll metabolism and autophagy

Leaf senescence is an orderly and highly coordinated process,and finely regulated by ethylene and nitrogen(N),ultimately affecting grain yield and nitrogen-use efficiency(NUE).However,the underlying regulatory mechanisms on the crosstalk between ethylene-and N-regulated leaf senescence remain a mystery in maize.In this study,ethylene biosynthesis gene ZmACS7 overexpressing(OE-ZmACS7)plants were used to study the role of ethylene regulating leaf senescence in response to N deficiency,and they exhibited the premature leaf senescence accompanied by increased ethylene release,decreased chlorophyll content and F_v/F_m ratio,and accelerated chloroplast degradation.Then,we investigated the dynamics changes of transcriptome reprogramming underlying ethylene-accelerated leaf senescence in response to N deficiency.The differentially expressed genes(DEGs)involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis were significantly down-regulated,while DEGs involved in chlorophyll degradation and autophagy processes were significantly up-regulated,especially in OE-ZmACS7 plants in response to N deficiency.A gene regulatory network(GRN)was predicted during ethylene-accelerated leaf senescence in response to N deficiency.Three transcription factors(TFs)ZmHSF4,Zmb HLH106,and ZmEREB147 were identified as the key regulatory genes,which targeted chlorophyll biosynthesis gene ZmLES22,chlorophyll degradation gene ZmNYC1,and autophagy-related gene ZmATG5,respectively.Furthermore,ethylene signaling key genes might be located upstream of these TFs,generating the signaling cascade networks during ethylene-accelerated leaf senescence in response to N deficiency.Collectively,these findings improve our molecular knowledge of ethylene-accelerated maize leaf senescence in response to N deficiency,which is promising to improve NUE by manipulating the progress of leaf senescence in maize.

Relationship between Acquired Deficiency of Vitamin K-dependent Clotting Factors And Hemorrhage

This study examined the changes of activities of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors(VKDCF) under various pathological conditions and explored the relationship between acquired deficiency of VKDCFs and hemorrhage.Clinical data of 35 patients who were diagnosed as having acquired deficiency of VKDCF were retrospectively analyzed.Coagulation factors involved in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were detected in these patients and 41 control subjects.The results showed that the average activities of VKDCFs were decreased in the patients in comparison to the control subjects and significantly increased after treatment of these patients with vitamin K and blood products.Multivariate regression analysis indicated that decreased activity of VKDCF was not an independent risk factor for bleeding disorders owing to deficiency or metabolic disturbance of vitamin K.It was concluded that acquired deficiency of VKDCF occurs under a variety of pathologic conditions and is closely associated with hemorrhagic events.Administration of vitamin K and transfusion of blood products containing high concentrations of VKDCFs helps alleviate the hemorrhagic diseases.

Effect of electro-acupuncture on basic fibroblast growth factor protein and mRNA expression in hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats

BACKGROUND： Spleen deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the functional disorder of spleen, pancreas, intestines, and nervous system in modern medicine. OBJECTIVE; To test whether electro-acupuncture could alter basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, in vivo animal experiment was performed at the National LeveI-B Laboratory of Clinical Cell Molecule and Biology in Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, between March and November in 2008. MATERIALS： Reserpine injection was produced by Guangdong Bangmin Pharmaceutical Co. Rhubarb extract granule preparation was produced by Guangdong Yifang Pharmaceutical. Huanqiu Brand sterile acupuncture pin was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. Huatuo Brand electroacupuncture instrument （type SDZ-II） was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. METHODS： A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control （n = 32） and induction （n = 64） groups. Spleen deficiency was induced via intraperitoneal injection of reserpine and intragastric administration of rhubarb. The successful models were randomized into two groups： model and electro-acupuncture, with 32 rats in each group. Electro-acupuncture was administered at Zusanfi （ST 36） and Sanyinjiao （SP 6） acupoints using a condensation wave and rarefaction （condensation wave 15 Hz） at a strength of 6-15 V for 20 minutes, once per day. The appearance of a slight shiver in the corresponding locus was taken as the standard. According to electro- acupuncture time points, each group was assigned to four subgroups at 7, 14, 28, and 49 days, respectively, with eight rats in each subgroup. Immunohistochemical staining, image analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed at different time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. RESULTS： After 7 days of electro-acupuncture therapy, bFGF protein and mRNA expression significantly increased compared with the model and control groups （P 〈 0.05）. After 14 days, bFGF protein and mRNA expression decreased until 28 days, where levels were then equal to the model group and greater than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. After 49 days, the above indices remained increased in the electro-acupuncture group compared to the model and control groups （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Continuous electro-acupuncture maintained a high level of bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats.

Transcriptome-wide identification and expression profiling of Pinus massoniana MYB transcription factors responding to phosphorus deficiency

Myeloblastosis(MYB) proteins constitute one of the largest transcription factor(TF) families in plants and play crucial roles in regulating plant physiological and biochemical processes, including adaptation to diverse abiotic stresses. These TF families contain highly conserved MYB repeats(1 R, R2 R3, 3 R and 4 R) at the N-terminus. Roles for MYB TFs have been reported in response to such stresses as dehydration, salt, cold, and drought. The characterization of Masson pine(Pinus massoniana) MYB TFs are reported, including the analysis of MYB TFs expression in seedlings under controlled conditions and two different phosphate(Pi) deficient treatments. By searching for conserved MYB motifs in full transcriptomic RNA sequencing data for P. massoniana, 59 sequences were identified as MYB TFs. Conserved domainstructures and comparative functional and phylogenetic relationships of these MYB TFs with those in Arabidopsis were assessed using various bioinformatics tools. Based on microarray analysis, P. massoniana MYB genes exhibited different expression patterns under the two Pi deficiency conditions. Genes encoding MYB TFs that showed increased expression under critical Pi deficiency were identified, and some MYBs were differentially expressed only under conditions of severe Pi starvation. These results are useful for the functional characterization of MYB TFs that may be involved in the response to Pi deficiency and play divergent roles in plants.

Intraoperative thromboelastography-guided transfusion in a patient with factor XI deficiency: A case report

BACKGROUND Factor XI(FXI)deficiency,also known as hemophilia C,is a rare bleeding disorder of unpredictable severity that correlates poorly with FXI coagulation activity.This often poses great challenges in perioperative hemostatic management.Thromboelastography(TEG)is a method for testing blood coagulation using a viscoelastic hemostatic assay of whole blood to assess the overall coagulation status.Here,we present the successful application of intraoperative TEG monitoring in an FXI-deficient patient as an individualized blood transfusion strategy.CASE SUMMARY A 21-year-old male patient with FXI deficiency was scheduled to undergo reconstructive surgery for macrodactyly of the left foot under general anesthesia.To minimize his bleeding risk,he was scheduled to receive fresh frozen plasma(FFP)as an empirical prophylactic FXI replacement at a dose of 15-20 mL/kg body weight(900-1200 mL)before surgery.Subsequent FFP transfusion was to be adjusted according to surgical need.Instead,TEG assessment was used at the beginning and toward the end of his surgery.According to intraoperative TEG results,the normalization of coagulation function was achieved with an infusion of only 800 mL FFP,and blood loss was minimal.The patient showed an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 8.CONCLUSION TEG can be readily applied in the intraoperative period to individualize transfusion needs in patients with rare inherited coagulopathy.

Role of bisphosphonates in osteoporosis caused by adult growth hormone deficiency

In recent years,growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors have become key regulators of bone metabolism and remodeling,crucial for maintaining healthy bone mass throughout life.Studies have shown that adult growth hormone deficiency leads to alterations in bone remodeling,significantly affecting bone microarchitecture and increasing fracture risk.Although recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy can mitigate these adverse effects,improving bone density,and reduce fracture risk,its effectiveness in treating osteoporosis,especially in adults with established growth hormone deficiency,seems limited.Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by targeting farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in osteoclasts,and clinical trials have confirmed their efficacy in improving osteoporosis.Therefore,for adult growth hormone deficiency patients with osteoporosis,the use of bisphosphonates alongside growth hormone replacement therapy is recommended.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF SERUM INSULIN- LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN- 3 IN CHILDREN WITH OR WITHOUT GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in differential diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD). METHODS: To measure serum IGFBP-3 levels by RIA in normal children and adolescents, GHD children and short-stature children without GHD. RESULTS: Serum level of IGFBP-3 in 129 children with untreated GHD and with no pubertal development was 1.6 +/- 0.9 mg/L, which was less than that in normal group of the same age, but overlapped with the normal children in Tanner stage I. After six-month treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), serum level of IGFBP-3 in 59 GHD significantly increased from 1.3 +/- 0.7 mg/L to 2.7 +/- 0.9 mg/L, accompanied by an increase of body heights, growth velocities and serum level of IGF-1. Serum level of IGFBP-3 in 55 short-stature children without GHD was 3.3 +/- 2.2 mg/L, which was not significantly different from that in normal group. CONCLUSION: Serum IGFBP-3 level can reflect the status of GH secretion in children with GHD and is a useful marker for differential diagnosis of GHD.

Abnormal ACT in a Patient with Prekallikrein Deficiency Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Prekallikrein deficiency is a disorder that often remains undiagnosed. Prekallikrein activates factor XII, which initiates the intrinsic coagulation pathway. Prekallikrein deficiency results in prolonged Partial Thromboplastin Time and Activated Clotting Time in absence of anticoagulants or active bleeding. This case report describes the anesthesia management of a patient with Prekallikrein deficiency who underwent cardiac surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass for correction of a congenital cardiac malformation. We highlight the importance of understanding the different tests available for the diagnosis of coagulation factors deficiency during administration of heparin in the setting of cardiovascular procedures under general anesthesia.

Acquired coagulation dysfunction resulting from vitamin Kdependent coagulation factor deficiency associated with rheumatoid arthritis: A case report

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with the main clinical feature of progressive joint synovial inflammation,which can lead to joint deformities as well as disability.RA often causes damage to multiple organs and systems within the body,including the blood hemostasis system.Few reports have focused on acquired coagulation dysfunction resulting from vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency associated with RA.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old woman with a history of RA presented to our hospital,complaining of painless gross hematuria for 2 wk.Blood coagulation function tests showed increased prothrombin time,international normalized ratio,and activated partial thromboplastin time.Abnormal blood coagulation factor(F)activity was detected(FII,7.0%;FV,122.0%;and FX,6.0%),indicating vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency.Thromboelastography and an activated partial thromboplastin time mixed correction experiment also suggested decreased coagulation factor activity.Clinically,the patient was initially diagnosed with hematuria,RA,and vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency.The patient received daily intravenous administration of vitamin K120 mg,etamsylate 3 g,and vitamin C 3000 mg for 10 d.Concurrently,oral leflunomide tablets and prednisone were administered for treatment of RA.After the treatment,the patient's symptoms improved markedly and she was discharged on day 12.There were no hemorrhagic events during 18 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION RA can result in vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency,which leads to acquired coagulation dysfunction.Vitamin K1 supplementation has an obvious effect on coagulation dysfunction under these circumstances.

Study on improving hematopoietic function of rats with blood deficiency syndrome by Shengxuebao mixture

Background:Shengxuebao mixture(SXBM)is a novel herbal drug approved by China State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Leukopenia and iron deficiency anemia caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Methods:To explore the mechanism of SXBM in treating blood deficiency syndrome(BDS).Firstly,network pharmacology and in vivo experiments were used to screen candidate targets and important signaling pathways of SXBM,GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed.Secondly,a BDS rat model was established to verify the results of the analysis of network pharmacological enrichment.Histopathology and routine peripheral blood examination were observed.The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-6,HIF-1αand NF-κB were detected by Western blot,and the expressions of IL-6,IL-1βwere detected by ELISA.Results:62 bioactive components,66 potential targets and 131 signaling pathways of BDS were successfully identified by network pharmacology.Molecular docking simulation techniques showed that key targets tumor necrosis factor-α,IL-6,IL-1βcan dock well with crucial components,and the BDS-related signaling pathways HIF-1 and JAK-STAT play a vital role.The combined model experiment of acetylphenylhydrazine and cyclophosphamide showed that the model group had obvious blood deficiency,and the histopathology and blood routine were effectively restored after administration.Our findings indicate that SXBM’s therapeutic effect on BDS primarily involves the mediation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway and the regulation of hematopoietic factor expression.Conclusion:This study not only affirmed the protective properties of SXBM against BDS but also provided insights into a potential mechanism for blood replenishment in the treatment of BDS using SXBM.

Treatment of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency and subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND： In adults, vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency （VKCFD） increases in the recent years. We treated a VKCFD patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage, with favorable outcomes.METHODS： A 19-year-old male student with VKCFD was treated at our hospital. The initial treatment was injection of a large dose of vitamin K and fresh plasma, and then with oral high dose of vitamin K4.RESULTS： At 4 weeks after admission, the focus of hemorrhage subsided, neurological examination was normal, and the patient was discharged.CONCLUSIONS： VKCFD is rare and its diagnosis should be based on the history of the patient and the results of laboratory examinations. A large dose of vitamin K is the fi rst choice of treatment.

Parenteral iron therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia(IDA)continues to be a global public health problem.Oral iron is the universally accepted first-line therapy,and most children have a prompt and favorable response to oral formulations.In subsets of children who fail to respond due to intolerance,poor adherence,or inadequate intestinal absorption,parenteral iron is indicated.Despite numerous studies in adults with IDA of diverse etiologies,pediatric studies on parenteral iron use are very limited.Although mostly retrospective and small,these studies have documented the efficacy and safety profile of intravenous iron formulations.In this editorial the author comments on the most important published data and underscores the need to seriously consider parenteral iron use in children unresponsive to oral therapy.

A Budd-Chiari Syndrome Due to C Protein Deficiency: A Case Report at YaoundéGeneral Hospital (Cameroon)

Primary Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a spontaneously fatal disease characterized by an obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract due to thrombosis or a primary disease of the venous wall. The primary form of BCS is extremely rare. This is a disease mainly affecting young adults of both sexes. Clinical manifestations are variable;they can be asymptomatic, acute, or subacute but mostly chronic. Several causes have been identified, such as myeloproliferative syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and inherited thrombotic disorders. Data on primary BCS in Sub-Saharan Africa is rare as most publications available are case reports. In these reports, the causes are unknown with poor prognosis in most cases often leading to patient death. We herein present a case report of a male patient diagnosed with a primary BCS at Yaoundé General Hospital (Cameroon) caused by a Protein C deficiency who presented with ascites decompensating liver cirrhosis. Treatment was based on anticoagulants, diuretics and laxatives administration. Two years after the diagnosis, the patient is alive with clinical and paraclinical improvement.

Epidemiological profiles of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus infections in Malian women:Risk factors and relevance of disparities

AIM:To document the epidemiologic patterns and risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)infections in Mali in order to develop prevention means for both diseases.METHODS:Two prospective studies were conducted in Bamako in 2009 among 1000 pregnant women(i.e.,young women)who consulted six reference health centers,and in 2010,among 231 older women who attended general practice in two hospitals.Antibody tests and molecular analysis(performed only for HCV)were used to quantify the frequencies of both infections.The data were collected from patients recruited through a questionnaire.Transmission risk factors of both diseases were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis.RESULTS:HCV seroprevalence was 0.2% for young and 6.5% for older women.HIV prevalence was similar in both populations(4.1% vs 6.1%).In older women,the analysis of risk factors highlighted an association between HCV infection and episodes of hospitalization(P < 0.01).The study did not show an association between HIV infection and the variables such as hospitalization,transfusion,tattoo,dental care,and endoscopy.A significant decrease of HIV seroprevalence was detected in young women who used condoms for contraception more than for other purposes(P < 0.01).By contrast,HIV seroprevalence was significantly increased in young women using condoms mainly to prevent sexual infections rather than for contraception(P < 0.01).No HCV/HIV coinfection was detected in our study.CONCLUSION:Risk factors and epidemiologic data of HIV and HCV as well as the absence of co-infection strongly suggest epidemiological disparities between these diseases.