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Hepatitis C in Poland in 2014
Magdalena Rosińska1, Natalia Parda1, Małgorzata Stępień1
1National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw, Department of Epidemiology
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|November 22, 2016
Summary
Hepatitis C (HCV) infection cases and mortality increased in Poland in 2014, with higher incidence rates reported under both 2005 and 2009 definitions. This rise may reflect improved reporting practices and an increasing burden of undiagnosed infections.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is a global public health priority.
- Chronic HCV infections often have a long, asymptomatic course, making accurate epidemiological assessment challenging.
- Testing practices and reporting modifications influence registered HCV infection numbers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the epidemiological situation of HCV infections in Poland in 2014.
- To compare 2014 data with previous years' trends.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of aggregated data from Poland's routine surveillance system for infectious diseases.
- Inclusion of hepatitis C mortality data from the Central Statistical Office.
Main Results:
- In 2014, 3,076 HCV infections (incidence 7.99/100,000) were registered under the 2005 definition, a 14% increase from 2013.
- Under the modified 2009 definition, 3,551 HCV infections (incidence 9.23/100,000) were reported, a 35% increase from 2013.
- Hepatitis C mortality reached a record high of 241 deaths in 2014.
Conclusions:
- The increasing burden of undiagnosed or untreated HCV infections is evident.
- Rising hepatitis C mortality and incidence trends (especially under the 2005 definition) indicate a growing problem.
- The increase in reported cases under the 2009/2014 definition may be linked to mandatory reporting of positive HCV test results by laboratories since 2014.
