Hepatitis C community prevalence is over-estimated: a prospective, birth cohort study.
Ir J Med Sci
; 193(3): 1257-1260, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38285072
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Hepatitis C virus infection is often asymptomatic, and many patients may be unaware they are infected. Community-based, birth cohort screening has been advocated to identify these patients. It has been estimated that 0.7-1% of individuals born between 1965 and 1985 in Ireland are infected. The cost-effectiveness of screening is critically dependent on the population prevalence.AIMS:
The aim is to determine the community prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the birth cohort 1965-1985.METHODS:
Residual serum samples from blood tests ordered by community general practitioners were anonymised and analysed for the presence of hepatitis C antibody ± antigen. Twelve large general hospitals throughout the country participated.RESULTS:
A total of 14,320 samples were tested, 9347 of which were from the birth cohort 1965-1985. Seventy-two samples were positive for hepatitis C antibody of which 12 were positive for hepatitis C antigen (17%). The overall prevalence of hepatitis C antigen in the birth cohort was 0.09%. A higher prevalence (0.39%) was identified in males in two urban areas of Dublin.CONCLUSIONS:
Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence was much lower than previously estimated. The proportion of antibody positive patients with hepatitis C antigen was also lower than expected suggesting the effects of treatment and/or high spontaneous viral clearance. Universal birth cohort screening is unlikely to be cost-effective. Targeted birth cohort screening in high prevalence areas could be considered.Palavras-chave
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Hepatite C
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article