Underascertainment of Acute HCV Infections Underascertainment of Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infections in the U.S. Surveillance System A Case Series and Chart Review

摘要

Estimates of the incidence of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are complicated by the lack of a specific laboratory test and its generally asymptomatic presentation. This study aimed to validate estimates of the incidence of acute HCV infection in Massachusetts. The authors found that acute HCV infection may be underreported when current methods of surveillance are used.BackgroundIn 2010, the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States was estimated to be 17 000 cases annually, based on 850 acute HCV cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by local public health authorities. Absence of symptomatic disease and lack of a specific laboratory test for acute infection complicates diagnosis and surveillance.