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Prevalence of Hepatitis C and treatment uptake in regional Victoria
Kristen Glenister1, William Kemp2, Dunya Tomic2
1Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in regional Victoria was 1.1%, with most infected individuals amenable to treatment. This highlights the need for systematic public health strategies to eliminate HCV, especially in underserved areas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding regional prevalence and treatment amenability is crucial for elimination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in regional Victoria.
- To assess the willingness of HCV-positive individuals to undergo treatment.
Main Methods:
- Random household selection of adult participants.
- Clinical assessment including HCV antibody and PCR testing, liver function, and fibrosis evaluation.
- Survey on treatment amenability among HCV-reactive individuals.
Main Results:
- Identified eight HCV cases (1.1%) among 748 participants; half were new diagnoses.
- HCV-reactive participants were predominantly male (89%).
- No significant differences in liver function or fibrosis between HCV-reactive and non-reactive groups; most identified individuals were amenable to treatment.
Conclusions:
- Regional Victorian HCV prevalence (1.1%) aligns with national estimates.
- High amenability to treatment suggests a viable pathway for HCV elimination.
- Public health efforts must focus on systematic treatment implementation, barrier reduction, and addressing stigma in marginalized populations, particularly in regional settings.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in regional Victoria and assess amenability to treatment.
Methods:
Households were randomly selected and one adult from each was invited to a 'clinic', which included HCV, liver function and liver stiffness/fibrosis tests. Participants reactive to HCV were asked about their amenability to treatment.
Results:
The study identified eight cases of HCV (antibody and PCR reactive, 1.1%) among 748 participants, half of which were new diagnoses. Most of the HCV-reactive participants were male (89%). Liver function and fibrosis were not significantly different between HCV-reactive and non-reactive participants. Most participants notified of their HCV were amenable to treatment.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of HCV in this regional Victorian study (1.1%) was similar to the Australian modelled prevalence estimates. Most participants were amenable to treatment. Implications for public health: The unique opportunity to eliminate HCV requires a reorientation of the public health response toward systematic implementation of treatment to address barriers and reduce stigma and discrimination for marginalised populations. This should include targeting regional areas where the HCV prevalence of undiagnosed cases may be higher than metropolitan areas.
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