Diagnostic evaluation of military recruit who was accidentally found positive on hepatitis C virus test: case report

• Published in: Liječnički vjesnik Vol. 126; no. 11-12; pp. 301 - 304
• Main Author: Bilić, Ivica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Croatian
• Published: Croatia 01-11-2004
• Subjects: Adult; Blood Donors; Croatia; Diagnosis, Differential; Hepacivirus - isolation & purification; Hepatitis C Antibodies - blood; Hepatitis C, Chronic - diagnosis; Hepatitis C, Chronic - drug therapy; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Croatia
• ISSN: 0024-3477

The paper reviews diagnostic evaluation of a military recruit who was accidentally found positive on hepatitis C virus test during blood donation drive. Because of its high tendency of transferring to a chronic disease, acute hepatitis C is one of the major problems in public health. Since in a number of cases chronic hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma, it is clear that early identification of the infection and early treatment in young people, as military recruits are, is essential. Diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of the military recruit positive on hepatitis C virus test must be conducted with maximum thoughtfulness and dedication. It is obligatory to inform and include in the treatment recruit himself and more specialists of various branches of medicine. Inclusion of a military psychologist and commanding officer in evaluation and treatment is desirable. Popular health education and preventive medicine measures must be taken by troop physician in such case.