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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

Systematic review: Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

L H Nguyen1, M H Nguyen

  • 1Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|April 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in Asians, who may be underdiagnosed. Screening all Asians from high-prevalence areas is recommended due to their favorable response to antiviral therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health Epidemiology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant risk factor for liver disease and cancer.
  • Over 170 million people globally have hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with a high burden in Asia.
  • CHC is underrecognized in Asian populations, including in the US.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment response of CHC in Asian populations.
  • To assess the current literature on hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Asians.
  • To inform screening and management strategies for CHC in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed.
  • Keywords included 'hepatitis C' and 'Asia'.
  • 341 articles were identified, and 99 relevant manuscripts were selected for review.

Main Results:

  • Many Asian patients with CHC lack identifiable risk factors and may be underdiagnosed.
  • HCV infection rates are high in community screenings of Asians in the US.
  • HCV genotype 6 is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Southern China.
  • Asian patients tend to present at an older age and have a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • Asians demonstrate better response rates to antiviral therapy compared to non-Asians across all HCV genotypes.

Conclusions:

  • High HCV endemicity in Asia, coupled with underdiagnosis and favorable treatment outcomes, supports targeted screening.
  • Screening for HCV infection is advocated for all individuals of Asian descent from regions with ≥2% HCV prevalence.
  • Early detection and treatment can mitigate the risk of liver disease and HCC in Asian populations.
Abstract

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