Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Village in Northeastern Romania-A Population-Based Screening-The First Step to Viral Micro-Elimination

Overview

Journal Healthcare (Basel)

Specialty Health Services

Date 2021 Jun 2

PMID 34072635

Citations 5

Authors

Laura Huiban

Carol Stanciu

Cristina Maria Muzica

Tudor Cuciureanu

Stefan Chiriac

Sebastian Zenovia

Vladut Mirel Burduloi

Oana Petrea

Ana Maria Singeap

Irina Girleanu

Catalin Sfarti

Camelia Cojocariu

Anca Trifan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

(1) Background: The World Health Organization adopted a strategy for the Global Health Sector on Viral Hepatitis in 2016, with the main objective of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection and risk factors in a Romanian village using population-based screening as part of the global C virus eradication program. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective study from March 2019 to February 2020, based on a strategy as part of a project designed to educate, screen, treat and eliminate HCV infection in all adults in a village located in Northeastern Romania. (3) Results: In total, 3507 subjects were invited to be screened by rapid diagnostic orientation tests (RDOT). Overall, 2945 (84%) subjects were tested, out of whom 78 (2.64%) were found to have positive HCV antibodies and were scheduled for further evaluation in a tertiary center of gastroenterology/hepatology in order to be linked to care. In total, 66 (85%) subjects presented for evaluation and 55 (83%) had detectable HCV RNA. Of these, 54 (98%) completed antiviral treatment and 53 (99%) obtained a sustained virological response. (4) Conclusions: The elimination of hepatitis C worldwide has a higher chance of success if micro-elimination strategies based on mass screening are adopted.

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