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Universal screening for chronic hepatitis C virus
Author(s) -
Shiffman Mitchell L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.13012
Subject(s) - medicine , hepatocellular carcinoma , cohort , chronic hepatitis , hepatitis c virus , population , cirrhosis , pediatrics , chronic infection , cohort study , virus , virology , immunology , environmental health , immune system
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects an estimated 123 million persons worldwide and is the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in most countries. Approximately 75% of persons with chronic HCV were born between the years 1945–1965 and screening of patients in this birth cohort is now advocated. Unfortunately, these recommendations are not readily applied and a sizable population of infected persons who could benefit from treatment fall outside the birth cohort. Universal screening for HCV would be optimal. However, the primary limitation once patients are identified is accessing treatment which remains restricted in most countries.