Hepatitis C virus: A critical approach to who really needs treatment

Introduction of effective drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global eradication target by 2030. Propositions have been made to screen the general population and treat all HCV carriers irrespective of the disease status. A year ago the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus appeared causing a worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 disease. Huge financial resources were redirected, and the pandemic became the first priority in every country. In this review, we examined the feasibility of the World Health Organization elimination program and the actual natural course of HCV infection. We also identified and analyzed certain comorbidity factors that may aggravate the progress of HCV and some marginalized subpopulations with characteristics favoring HCV dissemination. Alcohol consumption, HIV coinfection and the presence of components of metabolic syndrome including obesity, hyperuricemia and overt diabetes were comorbidities mostly responsible for increased liver-related morbidity and mortality of HCV. We also examined the significance of special subpopulations like people who inject drugs and males having sex with males. Finally, we proposed a different micro-elimination screening and treatment program that can be implemented in all countries irrespective of income. We suggest that screening and treatment of HCV carriers should be limited only in these particular groups.

Automated summary

This article discusses the feasibility of the World Health Organization's HCV elimination program and analyzes the natural course of HCV infection. The study finds that comorbidities such as alcohol consumption, HIV coinfection, and components of metabolic syndrome are major factors contributing to increased liver-related morbidity and mortality in HCV cases. The article also highlights the significance of special subpopulations such as people who inject drugs and males having sex with males. Finally, a micro-elimination screening and treatment program that can be implemented in all countries, regardless of income, is proposed, with a recommendation to limit screening and treatment of HCV carriers to specific groups.