Aims: This study aimed to reveal nationwide anti-HCV prevalence in 2015, and to compare it with a previous survey in 2009, South Korea.
Methods: A total of 268,422 subjects who underwent health-check examination including anti-HCV antibody in nationwi...
Aims: This study aimed to reveal nationwide anti-HCV prevalence in 2015, and to compare it with a previous survey in 2009, South Korea.
Methods: A total of 268,422 subjects who underwent health-check examination including anti-HCV antibody in nationwide 33 hospitals from Jan 2015-Dec 2015, were enrolled in this study. For those showing positive anti-HCV, medical records were reviewed to search whether tests of HCV RNA or the antiviral treatment were performed.
Results: Age, gender and area-adjusted anti-HCV positive rate was 0.60% (95% CI 0.57-0.63%) based on the estimated standard population of Korea in 2015. Anti-HCV prevalence was higher in females (0.66%, 95% CI 0.61-0.71) rather than in males (0.54%, 95% CI 0.51-0.58). It showed gradual increase according to age (0.38% in 40s, 0.61% in 50s, 1.06% in 60s, and 1.63% in 70s). The most prevalent area of anti-HCV in South Korea was Jeju (1.54%), followed by Gyeongbuk (0.95%), Gyeongnam (0.89%) and Busan (0.88%). Compared to the previous nationwide data in 2009, the odds ratio of adjusted anti-HCV prevalence was 0.70 (95% CI 0.70-0.71), showing 30% decrease of anti-HCV positivity. Among 7 metropolitan cities and 9 provinces, Chungbuk (0.62%, OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.18-1.26) and Jeju (1.54%, OR 5.35, 95% CI 5.00-5.72) showed increased anti-HCV positivity compared to those in 2009. Of 1,359 anti-HCV positive subjects, 776 (57.1%) had tested for HCV RNA, showing an increased testing rate compared to it in 2009 (27.8%). A total of 251 (18.4%) of anti-HCV positive subjects had received antiviral therapy until Dec 2016.
Conclusions: The anti-HCV seroprevalence in South Korea decreased from 2009 to 2015. Moreover, subsequent HCV RNA test rate was increased, though not optimal yet. Regional variation of anti-HCV positivity and change of the prevalence warrants continuous monitoring of HCV epidemiology for optimal strategy of national HCV control.