Searching for the optimal population for hepatitis C virus screening in Poland
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Anna Piekarska1, Krzysztof Tomasiewicz2, Waldemar Halota3
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódz, Łódź, Poland.
Insights
Optimal hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening in Poland targets diagnostic labs and hospitals. Rapid anti-HCV testing identifies positive individuals, with 40% showing viremia, informing national screening strategies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- Effective national screening programs require precise identification of high-prevalence populations.
- Poland's current HCV epidemiology data is crucial for optimizing screening strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal target population for a national HCV screening program in Poland.
- To analyze recent epidemiological data for HCV prevalence across various settings.
- To inform policy decisions regarding nationwide HCV testing initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of anti-HCV screening data from 723,654 participants across diverse populations in Poland.
- Utilization of rapid anti-HCV kits for whole blood testing.
- Confirmation of HCV RNA presence using real-time polymerase chain reaction in a subset of anti-HCV positive individuals.
Main Results:
- Overall anti-HCV prevalence was 0.5% (3,548 positive individuals).
- Highest prevalence observed in diagnostic laboratories (1.2%) during an awareness campaign.
- Hospitals and private medical centers showed 0.6-0.7% prevalence; general practitioners' offices had the lowest (0.2%).
- Among 502 anti-HCV positive individuals tested, 40% demonstrated viremia (HCV RNA presence).
Conclusions:
- Recommend implementing rapid anti-HCV testing upon patient admission to hospitals.
- Suggest offering anti-HCV testing universally in diagnostic laboratories and private medical centers.
- These targeted approaches aim to maximize detection rates within a national screening framework.
Aim Of The Study:
The purpose of the study was to select the optimal target population for a possible national hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening program in Poland, based on the most recent available data.
Material And Methods:
The analysis included 723,654 participants from different populations screened for anti-HCV. Testing was performed in the whole blood using rapid anti-HCV kits. Presence of HCV RNA was additionally demonstrated in some anti-HCV positive patients with the real-time polymerase chain reaction method.
Results:
Altogether 3,548 anti-HCV positive individuals were identified, so the prevalence rate in the whole studied population was 0.5%. The highest percentage (1.2%) was shown by diagnostic laboratories, which offered rapid testing for patients visiting their offices during the HCV awareness campaign. Relatively high anti-HCV prevalence of 0.6-0.7% was noted in hospitals and in private medical centers, as well as during music concerts. Surprisingly, the lowest prevalence (0.2%) was observed in general practitioners' offices. Among 502 anti-HCV positive individuals tested additionally for HCV RNA, viremic presence was demonstrated in 40%.
Conclusions:
Anti-HCV testing in Poland should be carried out using rapid anti-HCV kits at the patients' admission to the hospitals and should also be offered to patients during their visits for any purpose in diagnostic laboratories or private medical centers.
