Hepatitis C Screening and Gender Disparities in Positivity Rates in Argentina: A Multicenter Study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents a significant public health challenge in Argentina.
• Potential gender-based disparities in HCV seropositivity and outcomes warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate anti-HCV seropositivity within a public laboratory network in Argentina.
• To describe gender-based differences in HCV testing and positivity rates.
• To examine the association between anti-HCV serostatus and all-cause mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study utilizing data from 64 public centers (2013-2023).
• Centralized testing via chemiluminescent immunoassay.
• Mortality assessment using hospital records and national registry, with logistic regression analysis and 2:1 matching.

Main Results:

• 1.48% (1,101/74,503) of individuals tested positive for anti-HCV.
• Men comprised 17.0% of those tested but accounted for 58% of positive cases, with a seropositivity rate of 5.05% compared to 0.73% in women.
• Anti-HCV positivity was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted OR 4.75; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Men are underrepresented in HCV testing but have substantially higher seropositivity rates.
• Targeted screening strategies for men, particularly in hospital settings, are recommended.
• The strong link between HCV positivity and mortality underscores the need for prompt diagnosis and care.