Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Epidemiology and control of hepatitis C virus infection in Brunei Darussalam: a retrospective cohort study
Kai Shing Koh1,2, Justin Wong1, Liling Chaw2
1Brunei Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Environmental Health Services, Ministry of Health, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is rising in Brunei, with higher treatment initiation seen in locals and specific age groups. Strengthening HCV screening and management is crucial due to complications and deaths.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of HCV is vital for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of HCV cases in Brunei Darussalam.
- To evaluate factors associated with HCV treatment initiation and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing national databases from January 2013 to December 2022.
- Analysis of 801 anti-HCV-positive cases to assess prevalence, treatment initiation, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- HCV prevalence increased from 10.1 to 48.7 per 100,000 population.
- Treatment initiated in 52.3% of cases; locals and specific age groups showed higher initiation rates.
- Sustained virologic response achieved in 64.5% of treated patients; 7.4% had baseline complications, particularly older individuals.
Conclusions:
- Increasing HCV prevalence and significant mortality with baseline complications highlight the need for enhanced screening and management in Brunei.
- Patient-related factors and case management processes may influence rising prevalence.
- Urgent public health interventions are recommended to curb HCV burden.
Objectives:
We describe the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cases in Brunei Darussalam and evaluate factors associated with its treatment outcomes.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from two national databases between January 2013 and December 2022.
Results:
We identified 801 anti-HCV-positive cases. Although incidence remained relatively stable, prevalence rates increased from 10.1 to 48.7 per 100,00 population. Among those with detectable HCV RNA, treatment was initiated in 52.3% (n = 239). Locals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16, 5.36) and age (30-39 years [aOR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.17, 5.07], 40-44 years [aOR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.19, 5.58], and 50-54 years [aOR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.25, 6.24) were associated with treatment initiation. Among those who completed treatment (69.5%, n = 166), 64.5% (n = 107) achieved sustained virologic response. HCV-related complications at baseline were recorded in 7.4% (n = 59) of all cases, particularly among those aged ≥50 years (aOR = 3.32, 95% CI 1.93, 5.79). HCV-related deaths occurred in 36.4% (n = 47), among which 44.7% (n = 21) had HCV-related complications at baseline.
Conclusions:
An increasing HCV prevalence (likely due to case management processes and patient-related factors) and the high proportion of deaths with baseline HCV-related complications suggest the need to strengthen HCV screening and management in Brunei.
