Hepatitis C epidemiology in Belgium

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• The burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is significant and increasing with the aging population.
• An in-depth discussion surrounding the epidemiology of HCV in Belgium is presented.
• A modeling study on HCV was published in April 2014, including Belgium.

Framework:

• A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the historical and current clinical burden of HCV in Belgium.
• Two expert panels convened to discuss data limitations and generate consensus on HCV estimates.
• Consensus was reached on the best estimates for total HCV cases, diagnosed cases, and treated/cured patients.

Implementation:

• An estimated 70,000 viremic HCV infections in 1994.
• By 2010, an estimated 22,900 individuals were diagnosed with viremic HCV.
• Approximately 710 patients were treated annually in 2011, with an estimated 13% of liver transplants attributable to HCV.

Implications:

• Genotype 1 predominated (59%), followed by genotypes 3 (19%) and 4 (14%).
• Published studies on HCV prevalence and cases in Belgium were subject to bias and were occasionally outdated.
• Improved estimates of HCV prevalence are crucial for informing treatment, prevention, and policy efforts in Belgium.