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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Pathway to hepatitis C elimination: insights from a large tertiary hospital in South China
Suling Chen1,2,3,4,5,6,7, Yuyuan Xu1,2,3,4,5,6,7, Bing Li1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing in China shows declining Anti-HCV rates but high HCV RNA positivity. The "Hepatitis C-Free Hospital" initiative boosted testing and treatment, achieving high sustained virological response (SVR) rates.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) have improved hepatitis C prognosis.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remain challenging in China.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze Anti-HCV and HCV RNA prevalence in South China.
- Evaluate the impact of the 'Hepatitis C-Free Hospital' initiative on HCV testing and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 368,577 patients tested for hepatitis C antibodies from 2020-2023.
- Analysis of Anti-HCV and HCV RNA positivity rates.
- Assessment of the 'Hepatitis C-Free Hospital' initiative's outcomes.
Main Results:
- Overall Anti-HCV positivity rate was 1.08%, with higher rates in males and specific age groups (40-49 males, 60-69 females).
- A gradual decline in Anti-HCV positivity was observed over time.
- HCV RNA positivity rate was 30.95%, more prevalent in males.
- The initiative increased HCV RNA testing and treatment completion, with sustained virological response (SVR) rates rising from 92.86% to 99.61%.
Conclusions:
- Identified specific patient groups with high HCV positivity rates.
- The 'Hepatitis C-Free Hospital' initiative effectively increased HCV RNA testing and treatment rates.
- The initiative provides a feasible model for regional HCV elimination.
Background:
Although the introduction of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) has greatly enhanced the prognosis for hepatitis C, the timely diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remain a severe challenge in China.
Methods:
This retrospective study involved 368,577 patients tested for hepatitis C antibodies from 2020 to 2023 at a large tertiary hospital in South China. It primarily focused on analyzing the prevalence of Anti-HCV and HCV RNA and further evaluated the impact of the 'Hepatitis C-Free Hospital' initiative.
Results:
Between 2020 and 2023, this large tertiary hospital in South China reported an overall Anti-HCV positivity rate of 1.08%, with males (1.06%) higher than females (0.57%). In particular, the highest rates were observed in males aged 40-49 (2.24%) and females aged 60-69 (1.00%). There was a gradual decline in the Anti-HCV positivity rate over time. As for HCV RNA testing, it indicated an overall positivity rate of 30.95%, more prevalent in males. Significantly, the 'Hepatitis C-Free Hospital' initiative increased HCV RNA testing and treatment completion rates, with sustained virological response (SVR) rates escalating from 92.86% to 99.61%.
Conclusions:
This study identified specific patient groups with high HCV positivity rates. Additionally, the 'Hepatitis C-Free Hospital' initiative significantly increased HCV RNA testing and treatment rates, providing a feasible model for regional HCV elimination.
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