Association between hepatitis virus infection and risk of colorectal polyps: a cross-sectional study of Taiwanese adults

BACKGROUND: Hepatic viral infections, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), represent major global health concerns and may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Previous studies have suggested potential associations between viral hepatitis and colorectal malignancies; however, the relationship between hepatic viral infections and benign colorectal polyps remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between hepatic viral infections and benign colorectal polyps in an adult Taiwanese population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 69,226 participants who underwent health examinations between 2010 and 2016. Eligible participants were categorized into four groups: uninfected, HBV infection, HCV infection, and HBV + HCV coinfection. Benign colorectal polyps were confirmed by colonoscopy. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between hepatic viral infections and benign colorectal polyps. RESULTS: Participants with HCV infection had a significantly lower risk of benign colorectal polyps compared with those without hepatic viral infection across all adjusted models (OR = 0.74 and 0.68). However, this association was not observed in participants with HBV infection. Stratified analysis revealed that the inverse association remained statistically significant only in males, with ORs of 0.66, 0.61, and 0.60. CONCLUSION: Hepatic viral infection, particularly HCV infection, was inversely associated with the risk of benign colorectal polyps, especially among males. Routine colorectal cancer screening and appropriate lifestyle modification remain essential regardless of hepatitis virus infection status.