Searching for the optimal population for hepatitis C virus screening in Poland

Aim of the study
The purpose of the study was to select the optimal target population for a possible national hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening program in Poland, based on the most recent available data.

Material and methods
The analysis included 723,654 participants from different populations screened for anti-HCV. Testing was performed in the whole blood using rapid anti-HCV kits. Presence of HCV RNA was additionally demonstrated in some anti-HCV positive patients with the real-time polymerase chain reaction method.

Results
Altogether 3,548 anti-HCV positive individuals were identified, so the prevalence rate in the whole studied population was 0.5%. The highest percentage (1.2%) was shown by diagnostic laboratories, which offered rapid testing for patients visiting their offices during the HCV awareness campaign. Relatively high anti-HCV prevalence of 0.6-0.7% was noted in hospitals and in private medical centers, as well as during music concerts. Surprisingly, the lowest prevalence (0.2%) was observed in general practitioners’ offices. Among 502 anti-HCV positive individuals tested additionally for HCV RNA, viremic presence was demonstrated in 40%.

Conclusions
Anti-HCV testing in Poland should be carried out using rapid anti-HCV kits at the patients’ admission to the hospitals and should also be offered to patients during their visits for any purpose in diagnostic laboratories or private medical centers.