The Hidden Epidemic of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in theUnited States: Occult Transmission and Burden of Disease

摘要

Society faces an immense burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection-relatedmorbidity and mortality. Transmission of HCV is ongoing, and the incidence ofHCV infection has been increasing in recent years. New therapies for treatingHCV infection hold considerable promise for increasing cure rates and thusreducing HCV transmission. However, many persons with HCV infection inthe United States are unaware of their infection status. The Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently expanded its HCV testingrecommendations to include 1-time HCV testing for individuals born between1945 and 1965, a population with a 3% prevalence of infection. Linkageto care and treatment for those identified with infection through testingwould have a profound impact in reducing HCV disease burden. Coordinatedefforts by public health agencies, clinical care providers, laboratories, andpayers are necessary to improve primary and secondary prevention of HCVdisease. This article summarizes a presentation by John W. Ward, MD, at theIAS–USA live continuing medical education program held in Atlanta, Georgia,in October 2012.