Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in Korea

Mortality due to liver cancer in Korea ranks as one of the highest in the world. Both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are high-risk factors for liver cancer. Although HBV is by far the more important risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Korea, HCV infection is more closely associated with HCC in elderly patients. Therefore, the evaluation of risk factors for HCV infection, including blood transfusion, is important. This study reviews the literature on HCV prevalence and risk factors among the general population, as well as the distribution of HCV genotypes in Korea. An overall estimate of the prevalence of anti-HCV among Koreans older than 40 years was 1.29% (95% confidence interval 1.12-1.48) during 1995-2000. Blood transfusion was the strongest risk factor for transmission of HCV infection. Risk factors for HCV infection in Korea other than blood transfusion and history of acupuncture have not been proven. The most prevalent HCV genotype is 1b followed by 2a. Even though the prevalence of anti-HCV in Korea has been reduced and the risk of HCV transmission through blood transfusion has markedly decreased, public-health programs to prevent de novo infections should be developed. Moreover, most people infected with HCV in Korea are older than 40 years, and therefore, the surveillance of adults (> or =40 years) for HCV infection will be helpful in early detection of HCC developing in them.