Screening program in healthy individuals reveals a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis C in the general population of Austria

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remain a significant public health concern despite the introduction of direct acting antiviral agents. To reach the WHO goal of HCV eradication by 2030, adequate screening strategies and early diagnosis are crucial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV infections in an Austrian cohort and assess the feasibility of incorporating HCV screening into a colorectal screening program. Methods The study enrolled 1894 asymptomatic individuals during a colorectal screening program with a median age of 57 (± 7 years) years. Serum of the participants were screened for HCV-specific antibodies, and blood samples of individuals with detectable HCV-specific antibodies were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm a chronic HCV infection. The study also evaluated the characteristics of these individuals including their anthropometrics, biomarkers, and liver-specific information such as those obtained with a fibroscan. Results The study found that 14 (0.74%) of the participants had detectable levels of HCV-specific antibodies, with 6 (0.32%) individuals being newly diagnosed with a chronic HCV infection. One of the 6 patients showed signs of liver cirrhosis. The newly diagnosed individuals included 4 cases of HCV-genotype 1a and two cases of 1b. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of screening for HCV infections in asymptomatic individuals, not only for those at risk of HCV exposure or with elevated liver enzymes. The results showed that incorporating HCV screening into colorectal screening programs could be an effective strategy for increasing the rate of HCV diagnosis, thereby improving public health outcomes. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the distribution of HCV infections in the local population and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management of HCV to achieve the WHOs goal of HCV eradication by 2030.