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Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Korea
1Division of Cancer Control and Epidemiology, National Cancer Center, 809 Madu-dong, Ilsan-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 411-769, Korea. hrshin@ncc.re.kr
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant risk factor for liver cancer in Korea, particularly in individuals over 40. Blood transfusions were identified as the primary transmission route, necessitating continued public health efforts.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Liver cancer mortality in Korea is notably high, with both Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) as major risk factors.
- While HBV is the predominant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Korea, HCV is more strongly linked to HCC in elderly patients.
- Understanding HCV prevalence and transmission is crucial for mitigating liver cancer risks, especially considering blood transfusion history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on HCV prevalence, risk factors, and genotype distribution in Korea.
- To assess the significance of blood transfusion as an HCV transmission route.
- To inform public health strategies for HCV prevention and HCC surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HCV prevalence and risk factors in the Korean population.
- Analysis of HCV genotype distribution.
- Estimation of anti-HCV prevalence in Koreans over 40 years old.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of anti-HCV in Koreans over 40 was estimated at 1.29% between 1995-2000.
- Blood transfusion emerged as the most significant risk factor for HCV transmission.
- HCV genotypes 1b and 2a were the most prevalent in Korea.
- While HCV prevalence has decreased, targeted public health programs are still needed.
Conclusions:
- Despite reduced prevalence and lower transmission risk via blood transfusion, ongoing public health initiatives are essential to prevent new HCV infections.
- Given that most HCV infections in Korea occur in individuals over 40, surveillance programs for this demographic are vital for early HCC detection.
Abstract:
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.
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