Prevalence of chronic hepatitis C infection in the general population: results from a national survey, Estonia, July to December 2022

Abstract

Introduction Obtaining epidemiological data on chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential to monitor progress towards the hepatitis C elimination targets. Aim We aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic HCV and the seroprevalence of HCV in the adult general population in Estonia. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted between 12 July and 6 December 2022, included anonymised residual sera collected prospectively from patients 18 years and older visiting a general practitioner in all counties of Estonia. Specimens were considered HCV-seropositive if they tested positive for HCV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunoassay, confirmed by line-immunoblot assay. Chronic HCV infection was determined by positive RT-qPCR. Results We tested a total of 4,217 specimens. The estimated HCV seroprevalence and prevalence of chronic HCV infection were 1.8% (95% CI: 1.4–2.2) and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.5–1.1), respectively, with ca 8,100 persons estimated to have chronic HCV infection in the general adult population of Estonia. No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of chronic HCV infection were observed between sexes, counties or age groups, with the highest prevalence rates observed in men (sex ratio: 1.7), Ida-Virumaa County (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.8–3.6) and the age group 40–49 years (1.7%; 95% CI: 0.9–2.9). Conclusion This study found an overall low prevalence of chronic HCV infection in Estonia. Continued efforts should be made for the targeted screening, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with chronic HCV infection to achieve hepatitis elimination targets.