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11 pages, 1426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Utilization of the HCV Care Cascade Before and After Implementation of a Program to Streamline Care and Promote Treatment

by Daniella Rahamim-Cohen, Ayelet Aviva Basson, Clara Weil, Izana Kaplan-Lavi, Odelia Tassa-Liani, Yael Topol, Gabriel Chodick, Bar Cohen, Limor Adler and Shirley Shapiro Ben David

Viruses 2026, 18(5), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18050499 - 24 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) goal of eradicating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030 has encouraged healthcare providers to implement proactive strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment. The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to assess a program designed to [...] Read more.

Objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) goal of eradicating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030 has encouraged healthcare providers to implement proactive strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment. The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to assess a program designed to improve the HCV care cascade and facilitate access to treatment, within a national healthcare provider in Israel, Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS). Methods: Included were adult patients newly diagnosed with HCV infection before and after the implementation of a screening and care optimization program. Patients diagnosed in 2017 served as the reference group (RG), while those diagnosed in 2019 (following the program implementation) comprised the intervention group (IG). Study outcomes included completion of HCV laboratory testing, time to consultation with gastroenterologist/hepatologist (GE), and initiation of treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Results: The study sample included 356 HCV Ab+ patients in the RG (median age = 46 years; 41% females), and 328 in the IG (median age = 48 years; 39% females). Compared to RG, IG demonstrated higher rates of patient visiting GE visit (78.1% vs. 63%) and initiating DAA treatment (66.3% vs. 35.5%). Conclusions: Implementation of a restructured HCV care cascade was associated with a greater proportion of patients receiving expert consultation and higher DAA treatment uptake, important steps towards HCV eradication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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17 pages, 3512 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Screening Strategies of Hepatitis B in Guangdong Province, China

by Weizhao Lin, Xiaoping Shao, Junjie Wang, Hongqing Wen, Jiahong Liu, Can Xiong, Zixia Qian, Wei Zhao, Jun Liu and Jiufeng Sun

Viruses 2026, 18(5), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18050486 - 22 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Determining the characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the healthy population and evaluating the effectiveness of detection strategies will facilitate the optimization of hepatitis B screening strategies in the community and accelerate the elimination of HBV infection in China by the [...] Read more.

Determining the characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the healthy population and evaluating the effectiveness of detection strategies will facilitate the optimization of hepatitis B screening strategies in the community and accelerate the elimination of HBV infection in China by the end of 2030. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (ECLIAs), HBsAg-rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and HBV DNA-nucleic acid tests (NATs) were performed on serum samples from 2721 community-based healthy participants in Guangdong Province. The screening performance of the RDT and NAT and the distribution characteristics of HBsAg and HBV DNA were evaluated. The prevalence rates of HBsAg-ECLIA, HBsAg-RDT and HBV DNA-NAT in Guangdong Province were 6.10% (95% CI: 5.26~7.06), 4.96% (95% CI: 4.21~5.84) and 6.55% (95% CI: 5.64~7.49), respectively, and the prevalence rates for the three methods for individuals aged over 30 years were 11.18%, 10.92% and 12.57%, respectively. When the ECLIA was used as the gold standard, the sensitivities of the RDT, NAT and RDT and NAT in parallel were 80.7% (95% CI: 73.9~86.4), 86.7% (95% CI: 80.6~91.5) and 93.4% (95% CI: 88.5~96.6), respectively, and the sensitivity of the RDT and NAT in parallel was greater than that of the RDT alone (p < 0.001). The parallel RDT and NAT revealed an additional cost–benefit ratio (ACBR) < 1 for males and individuals aged over 30 years, which indicated that switching from the RDT screening strategy to the RDT and NAT in parallel is more cost effective. Adults aged over 30 years are the main population with hepatitis B infection in Guangdong Province, China, whose prevalence of HBsAg-ECLIA was 11.18%. Single RDT screening is prone to miss individuals with low levels of HBsAg. It is recommended to implement an RDT and NAT in parallel for individuals older than 30 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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14 pages, 652 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predictive Value of Sustained Virologic Response at Week 4 in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection Treated with Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir

by Gia Landry, Mark Sulkowski, Jordan J. Feld, Nancy Reau, Stacey Scherbakovsky, Farrah Black, Candido Hernández, Renee-Claude Mercier, Liyun Ni, Marc Bourlière and Alessandra Mangia

Viruses 2026, 18(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18020269 - 21 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Direct-acting antiviral therapies can cure most people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with little need for testing or monitoring. A major challenge to eliminating HCV is ensuring patients complete all steps of care, including confirmation of cure. We assessed the concordance of [...] Read more.

Direct-acting antiviral therapies can cure most people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with little need for testing or monitoring. A major challenge to eliminating HCV is ensuring patients complete all steps of care, including confirmation of cure. We assessed the concordance of sustained virologic response (SVR) at 4 weeks (SVR4) and 12 weeks (SVR12) post-treatment to evaluate the viability of SVR4 as a predictor of cure in patients treated with sofosbuvir (SOF)/velpatasvir (VEL). We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients from the Phase 3 ASTRAL-1, -2, and -3 programs and a historical cohort from the Louisiana Department of Health Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)/HIV/Hepatitis Program claims database. Concordance analyses were performed for patients with both SVR4 and SVR12 data. The concordance analysis in the ASTRAL studies included 1015 patients; 1005 and 1002 achieved SVR4 and SVR12, respectively. Among SVR4 achievers, 3 failed to maintain SVR12, while all (10/10) patients who did not achieve SVR4 also failed SVR12. In the real-world cohort, 479/509 (94%) patients achieved SVR4 and 485/509 (95%) achieved SVR12. Of those with SVR4, 7 failed SVR12; 17 of 30 patients who did not achieve SVR4 also failed SVR12. High concordance between SVR4 and SVR12 was observed in both ASTRAL and the real-world dataset, supporting the use of SVR4 as a predictor of long-term SVR in patients with HCV infection treated with SOF/VEL. Streamlining cure confirmation by shifting SVR determination from week 12 to week 4 post-treatment may reduce patient loss to follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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14 pages, 528 KB

Open AccessArticle

Suboptimal Linkage to Care of Delta-Infected Patients in an Area with Increasing Migration-Driven Prevalence of Hepatitis D in Recent Years

by Ângela Carvalho-Gomes, Ariadna Bono, Lola Gómez, Susana Sabater, Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Antonio Palau, Ana Forés, María Rodríguez, Sonia Pascual, Maria Àngels Cebrià i Iranzo, Martín Prieto and Marina Berenguer

Viruses 2026, 18(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18020174 - 28 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Background and Aims: Changes in hepatitis delta virus (HDV) epidemiology have been highlighted recently in the context of increasing worldwide migrations. The lack of comprehensive real-world data on HDV in the Valencia region highlights the need for a structured registry to accurately [...] Read more.

Background and Aims: Changes in hepatitis delta virus (HDV) epidemiology have been highlighted recently in the context of increasing worldwide migrations. The lack of comprehensive real-world data on HDV in the Valencia region highlights the need for a structured registry to accurately estimate disease prevalence and burden and to generate robust real-world evidence on clinical outcomes and therapeutic effectiveness. We aimed to better understand the barriers for successful HDV patient care in our region by establishing a registry as well as linking previously under-recognized or lost to follow-up (FU)cases to care. Methods: After a search of all possible HDV cases in a Spanish region, attempts were made (through letters and phone calls) to relink to care those lost to FU. Two approaches were undertaken: (i) search of the Microbiology Labs Database, and (ii) clinical chart review from adult patients attending the Hepatology or Infectious Disease (ID) Units outpatient clinics of the three participant hospitals between January 2011 and June 2021. Results: Only one third of anti-HDV positive patients without adequate clinical management could be successfully linked or re-linked to care, highlighting a substantial gap in follow-up. Among 243 HDV cases detected (7.5% of HBsAg-positive patients), 111 belonged to the hospitals’ health department, and after excluding deceased or transplanted individuals, the final study cohort consisted of 84 patients. Of these, 27.4% were adequately followed in Hepatology or Infectious Disease Clinics, 11.9% had been inadequately followed recently, 45.2% had been lost to follow-up for several years, and 15.5% had never been evaluated in outpatient clinics. Overall, only a third of the patients without adequate clinical management could be successfully linked/relinked to care. Conclusions: In our setting, only a minority of anti-HDV positive patients are adequately managed in specialized outpatient clinics, with unsuccessful attempts to link many patients to care, particularly among young migrant men. These findings underscore the need for alternative strategies, such as decentralized testing, reflex testing, and the involvement of patient navigators or social workers, to strengthen linkage to care and improve retention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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13 pages, 2651 KB

Open AccessArticle

The SCANVIR^® Project: A Success in Hepatitis C Micro-Elimination in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

by Sandrine Francois, Gwennaick Villain, Samy Yahiaoui, Christine Silvain, Brigitte Reiller, Paul Carrier, Sophie Alain, Veronique Loustaud-Ratti and Marilyne Debette-Gratien

Viruses 2026, 18(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18020151 - 23 Jan 2026

Viewed by 752

Abstract

The SCANVIR^® project is a regional initiative aimed at accelerating the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by reaching high-risk populations outside traditional healthcare settings. Launched in 2017 in Limoges and later expanded to Poitiers and Bordeaux, the project organized dedicated screening [...] Read more.

The SCANVIR^® project is a regional initiative aimed at accelerating the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by reaching high-risk populations outside traditional healthcare settings. Launched in 2017 in Limoges and later expanded to Poitiers and Bordeaux, the project organized dedicated screening and treatment days in 43 facilities taking care of intravenous drug users, migrants, and prisoners in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. These events involved multidisciplinary teams and advanced diagnostic tools, including rapid tests for HCV, HBV, and HIV; FibroScan^® for liver assessment; and GeneXpert^® for on-site HCV RNA detection. Patients also received counseling on risk prevention, addiction, psychosocial support, and treatment when needed. Between 2017 and 2024, SCANVIR^® screened 1664 patients, with 98.9% accepting FibroScan^®. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 23.4% of participants, among whom 41.5% (N = 162) had a replicative profile. Of these, 83% initiated treatment and 80% were cured or were still undergoing therapy. FibroScan^® assessments showed advanced fibrosis in 17% of patients, severe fibrosis in 7.2%, and severe steatosis in 18%. By promoting a “Test, Treat, Prevent” strategy, SCANVIR^® proved cost-effective in diagnosing and treating individuals distant from care structures, highlighting the value of integrating education and prevention into liver disease screening. SCANVIR^® is an officially registered European trademark. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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14 pages, 4056 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity of the Hepatitis C Virus Among Patients with HIV in EECA Countries

by Vasiliy E. Ekushov, Maksim R. Halikov, Irina P. Osipova, Alexei V. Totmenin, Ludmila G. Gotfrid, Vardan G. Arzakanyan, Siranush V. Martoyan, Kristine V. Lalayan, Tamara V. Hovsepyan, Lilit H. Petrosyan, Susan G. Muradyan, Hermine M. Hovakimyan, Aibek A. Bekbolotov, Elmira B. Narmatova, Aida S. Karagulova, Kunduz T. Momushova, Aikanysh K. Djusupbekova, Baarinisa M. Iskanova, Aida K. Mamirbaeva, Ulukbek T. Motorov, Vitalla-Victoria V. Minikhanova, Sergey E. Skudarnov, Tatyana S. Ostapova, Alexander P. Agafonov and Natalya M. Gashnikova Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2026, 18(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18010016 - 22 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Against the backdrop of active efforts to combat HCV worldwide with the help of DAAs, knowledge of the genetic diversity of HCV in the general population and in groups most at risk of infection is becoming increasingly important. The aim of this study [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of active efforts to combat HCV worldwide with the help of DAAs, knowledge of the genetic diversity of HCV in the general population and in groups most at risk of infection is becoming increasingly important. The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular genetic diversity of HCV among individuals with HIV in Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and the Krasnoyarsk Krai region of Russia. The study included residents of Armenia (n = 73), Kyrgyzstan (n = 180) and the Krasnoyarsk Territory (n = 141) with HIV/HCV co-infection who were under observation at AIDS centers in these countries, collected between 2021 and 2023. The Core/E1 gene fragments obtained were analyzed using the maximum likelihood method to create a phylogenetic tree. HCV subtype 3a was dominant in Armenia (56.2%) and Kyrgyzstan (51.4%). The circulation of HCV subtype 4a was detected for the first time in Armenia, while the spread of HCV genotype 2, represented by three different subtypes, was documented in Kyrgyzstan. The genetic diversity of HCV in Krasnoyarsk Krai is consistent with the findings of previous Russian studies. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the formation of HCV clusters with a high level of bootstrap support, suggesting shared transmission routes, predominantly among PWID. This suggests that there are common routes of HCV transmission between and within countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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13 pages, 328 KB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Nurse-Led Community Health Centre–Corrections Partnership for Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in Victoria, British Columbia

by Marion Selfridge, Tamara Barnett, Lesley Munro, Kiffer Card, Sarah Nishimura, Adam Beaumont, Catherine Clarke, Kellie Guarasci, Karen Lundgren, Katie Besko, Anne Drost and Chris Fraser

Viruses 2025, 17(12), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17121590 - 6 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 849

Abstract

People who are incarcerated experience a high rate of hepatitis C (HCV) worldwide, and HCV micro-elimination in prisons is an effective strategy to support treatment. In Victoria, British Columbia, administrative barriers limited HCV testing and treatment at Vancouver Island Correctional Centre (VIRCC), and [...] Read more.

People who are incarcerated experience a high rate of hepatitis C (HCV) worldwide, and HCV micro-elimination in prisons is an effective strategy to support treatment. In Victoria, British Columbia, administrative barriers limited HCV testing and treatment at Vancouver Island Correctional Centre (VIRCC), and people who were HCV RNA+ were lost to follow up. Cool Aid Community Health Centre (CACHC) is an inner-city, primary care clinic that serves a marginalized population. The CACHC HCV nurse coordinator with the VIRCC nurse held HCV testing ‘blitzes’ at VIRCC and offered phlebotomy for screening and pre-treatment bloodwork. Clients who tested HCV RNA+ were started on HCV treatment and if discharged before completion, CACHC followed them in the community. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all clients who accessed HCV testing and treatment through the VIRCC partnership. To date, 230 clients were tested: 49 tested HCV antibody+, 11 tested HCV RNA+, and 10 started on treatment (6 SVR). Case management and consultation with the nurse coordinator and VIRCC nurse supported treatment starts for an additional 18 clients (14 SVR). This pragmatic and innovative approach to HCV care with people who are incarcerated demonstrated effective HCV testing and treatment. CACHC and VIRCC have established closer relationships and reduced barriers to reach and maintain continuity with this target population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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21 pages, 1858 KB

Open AccessArticle

Regional, Age, and Sex Patterns of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Russia: Insights from a 42,000-Participant Serosurvey

by Victor A. Manuylov, Vladimir A. Gushchin, Vladimir P. Chulanov, Olga V. Isaeva, Denis A. Kleymenov, Andrei A. Pochtovyi, Elena P. Mazunina, Evgeniia N. Bykonia, Irina N. Tragira, Yana V. Simakova, Sergey V. Netesov, Artem P. Tkachuk, Tatyana A. Semenenko, Alexander L. Gintsburg, Karen K. Kyuregyan and Mikhail I. Mikhailov

Viruses 2025, 17(12), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17121529 - 21 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1596

Abstract

Identifying population groups at greatest risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential for targeting screening and treatment. We analyzed the seroprevalence of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA in serum samples from 37,291 conditionally healthy volunteers collected between 2018 and [...] Read more.

Identifying population groups at greatest risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential for targeting screening and treatment. We analyzed the seroprevalence of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA in serum samples from 37,291 conditionally healthy volunteers collected between 2018 and 2022, and from 4764 individuals sampled in 2008, totaling 42,055 participants. In 2018–2022, anti-HCV prevalence varied by region, ranging from 1.1 to 1.4% in Belgorod, Moscow, and St. Petersburg to 1.8–2.1% in Dagestan, Tatarstan, Novosibirsk, Tyva, and southern Yakutia, and reaching 3.4–5.2% in Khabarovsk and the Arctic zone of Yakutia. In 2008, prevalence in Moscow, Rostov, Sverdlovsk, Tyva, and Yakutia ranged from 1.7% to 3.3%. A significant decline over time was observed: from a mean of 2.6 ± 0.5% in 2008 to 1.9 ± 0.1% in 2018–2022 (p < 0.01). In recent years, men were more frequently anti-HCV-positive than women (2.5 ± 0.2% vs. 1.5 ± 0.2%, p < 0.01), whereas no sex differences were noted in 2008. The age of a sharp prevalence increase shifted from the 20–29 cohort in 2008 to the 30–39 cohort in 2018–2022. Based on the demographic structure, we estimate ~3.23 million anti-HCV carriers in Russia. HCV RNA was detectable in only one-third of seropositive individuals, identifying them as candidates for antiviral therapy. Thus, in contemporary Russia, men aged over 30 years have the highest risk of HCV infection and should be prioritized for targeted screening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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12 pages, 564 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Treatment Efficacy and Safety Profile of Sofosbuvir- and Velpatasvir-Based HCV Treatment in South Korea: Multicenter Prospective Study

by Jae Hyun Yoon, Chang Hun Lee, Hoon Gil Jo, Ju-Yeon Cho, Jin Dong Kim, Jin Won Kim, Ga Ram You, Sung Bum Cho and Sung Kyu Choi

Viruses 2025, 17(7), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17070949 - 4 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1873

Abstract

Background: The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has marked a significant milestone in the therapeutic landscape of hepatitis C, greatly improving treatment efficacy. A therapeutic regimen encompassing sofosbuvir (SOF), velpatasvir (VEL), and voxilaprevir (VOX) has demonstrated strong efficacy across all genotypes of the [...] Read more.

Background: The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has marked a significant milestone in the therapeutic landscape of hepatitis C, greatly improving treatment efficacy. A therapeutic regimen encompassing sofosbuvir (SOF), velpatasvir (VEL), and voxilaprevir (VOX) has demonstrated strong efficacy across all genotypes of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and has recently been incorporated into the Korean healthcare system. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of these antivirals in the South Korean population. Methods: This prospective, multicenter, observational study enrolled patients with chronic HCV treated with SOF/VEL-based regimens at six hospitals between November 2022 and January 2024. DAA-naïve patients received SOF/VEL ± ribavirin for 12 weeks. Patients who had failed prior DAA therapy received SOF/VEL/VOX for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was a sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). Results: Among 101 patients treated with SOF/VEL, the mean age was 64.71 years, and 40.9% were male. Genotypes 1b and 2 were identified in 40.6% and 59.4% of patients, respectively. Two patients had a history of interferon-based treatment. The mean baseline HCV RNA level was 3,088,097 IU/mL. Cirrhosis was observed in 26.7% of patients (21.8% compensated; 5.0% decompensated). Of the 101 patients, 12 were lost to follow-up. Among the 89 patients who completed follow-up, SVR12 was achieved in 100.0% (89/89), including 5 patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In the SOF/VEL/VOX group, 17 patients were treated. The mean age was 61.84 years, 29.4% were male, and four had compensated cirrhosis. One patient was lost to follow-up. SVR12 was achieved in 100.0% (16/16) of the patients who completed follow-up. No serious adverse events (≥grade 3) were reported in either group during the DAA treatment period. Conclusions: In this first prospective real-world study in South Korea, SOF/VEL-based regimens demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety, achieving 100% SVR12 in the per-protocol population, including patients with cirrhosis and prior treatment failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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12 pages, 738 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis in Spain: Bases for Implementation

by Joaquin Cabezas, Antonio Aguilera, Federico García, Raquel Domínguez-Hernández, Araceli Casado-Gómez, Nataly Espinoza-Cámac, Miguel Ángel Casado and Javier Crespo

Viruses 2025, 17(5), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17050667 - 3 May 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1612

Abstract

In 2022, scientific societies agreed on a document with recommendations for a comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis (B, C, and D). The aim was to evaluate the situation in Spain regarding the comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis in a single blood draw before [...] Read more.

In 2022, scientific societies agreed on a document with recommendations for a comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis (B, C, and D). The aim was to evaluate the situation in Spain regarding the comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis in a single blood draw before it is recommended. A panel of experts prepared a structured survey directed at hospitals (public or private with teaching accreditation) with ≥200 beds (sent 20 October 2022, closed 1 December 2022). The response rate was 61% (79/129; 52 hospitals with >500 beds). Among the participating hospitals, all could perform tests for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and HIV serology; 94% could perform PCR testing for HCV, 63% could test for anti-HDV, and 28% could test for HDV-RNA (67% [53/79] outsourced this testing). Point-of-care (POC) testing availability was low (24%), with 84% of these tests being supervised by the reference microbiological laboratory and the results being registered in the patients’ medical history. Ninety percent of the centers carried out the diagnosis in a single step (99% HCV, 70% HBV, 48% HDV, and 44% HBV-HDV). In addition, 77% used some communication strategy when an active infection was encountered (100% HCV, 49% HBV, and 31% HDV). Only 20% had an automated system for scheduling a specialist physician appointment. Most hospitals had the means for a comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis in a single sample, but <50% could test for HBV/HDV. Alerts for continuity of care were available for HCV, but not HBV or HDV. POC device implementation is important for decentralized testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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Review

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14 pages, 2480 KB

Open AccessReview

Hepatitis D Virus: Enigmas and Gaps of Knowledge

by Flor H. Pujol, Rossana Celeste Jaspe, Armando Andres Roca Suarez, Enkhtuul Batbold, Fabien Zoulim, Barbara Testoni and Isabelle Chemin

Viruses 2026, 18(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18020244 - 14 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a very peculiar virus that shares many characteristics with plant viroids. One of its unique characteristics is the requirement for the presence of a helper virus for its replication, and in particular enveloping its virion, a role often [...] Read more.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a very peculiar virus that shares many characteristics with plant viroids. One of its unique characteristics is the requirement for the presence of a helper virus for its replication, and in particular enveloping its virion, a role often played by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infection with HDV is frequently associated with more severe disease, which may present with fulminant hepatitis or a more rapid progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), when compared to HBV mono-infection. HDV exhibits many peculiarities and enigmas, which have led to it being considered a neglected virus. This review aims to identify the most important gaps in knowledge and peculiarities in the study of this enigmatic virus, from virology to clinical implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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31 pages, 1537 KB

Open AccessReview

Hepatitis C Virus: Epidemiological Challenges and Global Strategies for Elimination

by Daniela Toma, Lucreția Anghel, Diana Patraș and Anamaria Ciubară

Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081069 - 31 Jul 2025

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5124

Abstract

The global elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a key public health target, with a deadline set for 2030. This initiative aims to significantly reduce both new infection rates and HCV-associated mortality. A [...] Read more.

The global elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a key public health target, with a deadline set for 2030. This initiative aims to significantly reduce both new infection rates and HCV-associated mortality. A major breakthrough in achieving this goal has been the development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), which offer cure rates exceeding 95%, along with excellent safety and tolerability. Nevertheless, transmission via parenteral routes continues to be the dominant pathway, particularly among high-risk groups, such as individuals who inject drugs, incarcerated populations, those exposed to unsafe medical practices, and healthcare professionals. Identifying, monitoring, and delivering tailored interventions to these groups is crucial to interrupt ongoing transmission and to reduce the burden of chronic liver disease. On a global scale, several nations have demonstrated measurable progress toward HCV elimination, with some nearing the targets set by WHO. These achievements have largely resulted from context-adapted policies that enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic access while emphasizing outreach to vulnerable communities. This review synthesizes current advancements in HCV prevention and control and proposes strategic frameworks to expedite global elimination efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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Other

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8 pages, 200 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

HCV Screening in a Sicilian Centre: A Descriptive Cohort Profile

by Maria G. Minissale, Salvatore Petta and Fabio Cartabellotta

Viruses 2025, 17(9), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17091252 - 16 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 709

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence in Italy varies according to geographical areas and clusters of infection. Moreover, epidemiological studies are old, and the actual prevalence of HCV active infections is also affected by the use of direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs) that [...] Read more.

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence in Italy varies according to geographical areas and clusters of infection. Moreover, epidemiological studies are old, and the actual prevalence of HCV active infections is also affected by the use of direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs) that achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) in >95% of treated patients. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infections in in- or outpatients referred to a Sicilian hospital. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Buccheri La Ferla Hospital, in Palermo (Sicily), from 1 November 2019 to March 2022. We consecutively screened for HCV infections all inpatients who were evaluated on admission to the ward and all outpatients who referred to the central laboratory. All patients were screened using serological detection of HCV antibodies. Results: In the entire cohort, 469 out of 15,550 patients (3%) showed anti-HCV positivity, and this rate progressively increased according to classes of age (0.4% for <40 yrs, 3% for 40–60 yrs, 4% for >60–80 yrs, and 6.4% for >80 yrs). Among patients with anti-HCV positivity, 44.3% were HCV-RNA negative, 39.2% had HCV-RNA not available, and 16.4% were HCV-RNA positive. In total, 44.1% of patients with HCV-RNA positivity underwent DAA-based antiviral therapy. Conclusions: HCV screening programs can be useful in identifying infected patients at risk of liver disease progression and/or infection spreading. The implementation of laboratory strategies based on HCV reflex testing, the activation of dedicated linkage-to-care plans, and a focus on higher-risk groups could increase the effectiveness of screening programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: HBV, HDV, and HCV)

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