A Global View of HCV Infection and Barriers to Treatment

Even with new treatments on the horizon for HCV infection, worldwide issues of access, cost, and gaps in physician knowledge must be addressed.

As we anticipate a new generation of treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, it is important to view the global picture of HCV infection. The current companion studies estimate HCV seroprevalence and potential barriers to care worldwide.

To estimate global HCV seroprevalence, Mohd Hanafiah and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of studies published between 1980 and 2007 that reported the prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D virus infections. Researchers grouped countries into 21 epidemiologically homogenous regions. Overall, HCV seroprevalence increased from 2.3% to 2.8% from 1990 to 2005 (from >122 million to >185 million). The regions with the highest seroprevalence were North Africa/Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia (>3.…

Reviewing Author

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

A Global View of HCV Infection and Barriers to Treatment

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Reviewing Author