Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Croatia in the European context

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek
• Author: Jasmina Kučinar
• Author: Bernard Kaić
• Author: Maja Vilibić
• Author: Nenad Pandak
• Author: Ljubo Barbić
• Author: Vladimir Stevanović
• Author: Jasmina Vraneš
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Clinical Medical Sciences

Abstract (english)

We analyzed prevalence, risk factors and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution in different population groups in Croatia in the context of HCV epidemiology in Europe, with the aim to gather all existing information on HCV infection in Croatia which will be used to advise upon preventive measures. It is estimated that 35000-45000 of the Croatian population is chronically infected with HCV. Like in other European countries, there have been changes in the HCV epidemiology in Croatia over the past few decades. In some risk groups (polytransfused and hemodialysis patients), a significant decrease in the HCV prevalence was observed after the introduction of routine HCV screening of blood/blood products in 1992. Injecting drug users (IDUs) still represent a group with the highest risk for HCV infection with prevalence ranging from 29% to 65%. Compared to the prevalence in the Croatian general population (0.9%), higher prevalence rates were found in prison populations (8.3%-44%), human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients (15%), persons with high-risk sexual behavior (4.6%) and alcohol abusers (2.4%). Low/very low prevalence was reported in children and adolescents (0.3%) as well as in blood donors (0%-0.009%). In addition, distribution of HCV genotypes has changed due to different routes of transmission. In the general population, genotypes 1 and 3 are most widely distributed (60.4%-79.8% and 12.9%-47.9%, respectively). The similar genotype distribution is found in groups with high-risk sexual behavior. Genotype 3 is predominant in Croatian IDUs (60.5%-83.9%) while in the prison population genotypes 3 and 1 are equally distributed (52.4% and 47.6%). Data on HCV prevalence and risk factors for transmission are useful for implementation of preventive measures and HCV screening.

• Keywords (english): Croatia/epidemiology; Genotype; Hepacivirus/genetics; Hepatitis C/diagnosis; Hepatitis C/epidemiology; Hepatitis C/prevention & control; Hepatitis C/transmission; Humans; Mass Screening/methods; Prevalence; Risk Factors
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: World Journal of Gastroenterology
• Numbering: vol. 21, no. 32, pp. 9476-9493
• p-ISSN: 1007-9327
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v21.i32.9476
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:929724
• Publication: 2015-08-28
• Document URL: https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v21.i32.9476
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-03-28 08:47:36