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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Hepatitis C
C Wendy Spearman1, Geoffrey M Dusheiko2, Margaret Hellard3
1Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects millions globally, with limited diagnosis and treatment hindering elimination efforts. Expanding access to diagnostics and curative therapies is crucial for achieving WHO 2030 targets.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern, with approximately 71.1 million individuals chronically infected.
- HCV transmission occurs primarily through percutaneous blood exposure, with high-risk groups including people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and prisoners.
- Chronic HCV infection can lead to severe complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma within 20-30 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the global burden of Hepatitis C virus infection.
- To emphasize the gap in diagnosis and treatment of HCV.
- To underscore the importance of accessible diagnostics and pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV elimination.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological data analysis of global HCV incidence and prevalence.
- Review of transmission routes and high-risk populations for HCV.
- Assessment of current diagnosis rates and treatment uptake for HCV.
Main Results:
- In 2015, global HCV incidence was 23.7 per 100,000 population, with 1.75 million new infections.
- HCV genotypes 1, 3, and 4 are the most prevalent globally.
- Only 20% of individuals with hepatitis C are aware of their diagnosis, and merely 15% of those diagnosed have received treatment.
Conclusions:
- Despite curative direct-acting antiviral therapies, significant barriers to diagnosis and treatment persist.
- Achieving the World Health Organization's 2030 HCV elimination targets requires increased diagnosis and linkage to care.
- Universal access to affordable point-of-care diagnostics and pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral therapy is essential for HCV eradication.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C is a global health problem, and an estimated 71·1 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The global incidence of HCV was 23·7 cases per 100 000 population (95% uncertainty interval 21·3-28·7) in 2015, with an estimated 1·75 million new HCV infections diagnosed in 2015. Globally, the most common infections are with HCV genotypes 1 (44% of cases), 3 (25% of cases), and 4 (15% of cases). HCV transmission is most commonly associated with direct percutaneous exposure to blood, via blood transfusions, health-care-related injections, and injecting drug use. Key high-risk populations include people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and prisoners. Approximately 10-20% of individuals who are chronically infected with HCV develop complications, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma over a period of 20-30 years. Direct-acting antiviral therapy is now curative, but it is estimated that only 20% of individuals with hepatitis C know their diagnosis, and only 15% of those with known hepatitis C have been treated. Increased diagnosis and linkage to care through universal access to affordable point-of-care diagnostics and pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral therapy is essential to achieve the WHO 2030 elimination targets.
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