Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in Jinan, China, 2008-2020.

BACKGROUND

The updated estimates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence are critical for developing strategies to manage or eliminate HCV infection.

METHODS

A comprehensive study on HCV seroprevalence was conducted among 365,210 patients at Jinan Central Hospital, China, from 2008 to 2020. The patients were tested for anti-HCV, HCV core antigen, hepatitis B surface antigen, syphilis antibody, human immunodeficiency virus antigen + antibody, antihepatitis A virus IgM, and antihepatitis E virus IgM.

RESULTS

HCV seroprevalence was 0.79% and was related to age. HCV seropositivity was lower in children (aged  < 18 years) than in adults (aged  ≥ 18 years) (0.15% vs. 0.81%). High HCV prevalence was reported in adults aged  ≥ 41 years, and HCV seropositivity in those aged 41-80 years accounted for 74.56% of all seropositive individuals. Notably, the rate of HCV-HIV coinfection was 0. HCV seroprevalence was considerably higher in patients at the Kidney Disease Unit and Dialysis Department than in those at other departments (inpatient or outpatient).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV seroprevalence was lower in Jinan region but higher in patients at the Kidney Disease Unit and Dialysis Department, especially in those undergoing hemodialysis.