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Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Europe
Margarida Simão1, Cristina Gonçalves1
1Pediatric Gastrenterology and Hepatology Unit, Pediatric Hospital Dona Estefânia, ULS S. José, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remains a major European health issue, with injection drug use as the primary transmission route. Despite effective treatments, undiagnosed cases and barriers like cost hinder control efforts, requiring enhanced screening and public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) poses a significant public health challenge in Europe.
- Historically linked to healthcare, HCV transmission now predominantly occurs via injection drug use.
- Despite effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies, HCV infection control remains elusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current status of HCV infection control in Europe.
- To identify barriers to HCV diagnosis and treatment with DAAs.
- To assess progress towards World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 elimination targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of HCV transmission routes and prevalence across European countries.
- Analysis of factors limiting DAA therapy uptake.
- Evaluation of challenges in achieving WHO HCV elimination goals.
Main Results:
- HCV distribution and genotype prevalence vary significantly across Europe.
- Undiagnosed infections contribute to ongoing viral transmission.
- Barriers include high treatment costs, stigma, poor care linkage, and geographical disparities.
Conclusions:
- Effective HCV control requires addressing undiagnosed cases and treatment barriers.
- Enhanced screening programs and robust public health strategies are crucial.
- Achieving WHO 2030 targets necessitates coordinated European efforts and increased funding.
