Integrating Management of Hepatitis C Infection into Primary Care: the Key to Hepatitis C Elimination Efforts

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver disease globally.
• Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) provide highly effective, short-term curative treatment for HCV.
• Primary care providers can manage HCV infection with simplified treatment protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of primary care providers in achieving hepatitis C virus elimination.
• To identify barriers within the HCV cascade of care.
• To emphasize the importance of universal HCV screening and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current HCV treatment guidelines and diagnostic algorithms.
• Analysis of the HCV cascade of care, from screening to sustained cure.
• Discussion of strategies to integrate HCV management into primary care settings.

Main Results:

• DAA regimens offer a cure for HCV in 8-12 weeks with high tolerability.
• Primary care involvement significantly expands capacity for HCV diagnosis and treatment.
• Barriers persist at multiple stages of the HCV care continuum.

Conclusions:

• Primary care settings are pivotal for identifying and addressing barriers to HCV elimination.
• Enhanced engagement of primary care providers is essential for universal HCV screening and curative treatment.
• Overcoming care cascade challenges is necessary to realize the goal of HCV eradication.