Definition of the profiles of hepatitis C virus patients based on the identification of risky practices in Spain.

ABSTRACT

The absolute number of patients infected with the hepatitis C virus and its prevalence in Spain according to risk practices are not precise. The objective of the study was to estimate the current direct-action antiviral candidates, according to risky practices. The exposed population was determined according to each risky practice and age, based on the data obtained in two epidemiological studies and other bibliographic sources. The overall prevalence of positive serology for the Hepatitis C virus according to the analyzed data was 1.1% (41% with an active infection). The most at-risk group are intravenous drug users (60,368-82,454). It is estimated that between 37,387 to 51,065 patients would be infected via sexual transmission, between 55,505 and 75,812 patients following a blood transfusion and around 18,528 to 25,307 patients by socio-family transmission. According to these data, more than half (55-79%) of the subjects with risky practices would have significant fibrosis (≥ F2). It is estimated that more than half a million people have a positive serology for the Hepatitis C virus and 144,191 to 227,773 antiviral treatments are expected in the coming years. The identification of people with risky practices is key to increase the percentage of diagnosed cases.