718 IS HEPATITIS C PREVALENCE DECREASING AMONG OPIATE-SUBSTITUTED DRUG USERS ATTENDING AN ADDICTION OUTPATIENT UNIT IN FRANCE?

Specimens of living S. mansoni worms and Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were grounded separately into sterile mortar after adding 5 ml. of sterile saline.After centrifugation sterile supernatant were tested for 1. HCV Antigen by ElISA 2. Detection of HCV-RNA by RT-PCR 3. HCV-RNA quantitation Results: 1. HCV-Antigen: Worms, Miracidia, Snails and Cercariae of S. mansoni were Positive for HCV-Ag.The Snails gave strong positive result.Eggs gave negative result.2. HCV-RNA by RT-PCR: Worms, Miracidia, Snails and Cercariae of S.mansoni tested for HCV-RNA By Qualitative RT-PCR were Positive.The eggs gave negative result.3. HCV-RNA Quantitation: Miracidia were positive (800 Copies/ml) and Snails were positive (1100 Copies/ml) while other specimens gave negative results. Conclusions:1. Existence of virus and its replication in parasite 2. S. mansoni parasite carries HCV and considered as a non-human vector for transmission of HCV infection 3. Parasitic and viral co-infection will change already known pathology of hepatic schistosomiasis from periportal fibrosis to cirrhosis with its expected outcome of hepatic decompansation as well as the development of HCC.