[Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and dependency on country of origin of refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany in 2015].

BackgroundHepatitisC, aliver disease transmitted by the hepatitisC virus (HCV), can result in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to WHO estimates for 2015, approximately 71million people worldwide are chronically infected with HCV, representing 1% of the world population. Worldwide migration movements lead to immigration from HCV high- to low-prevalence countries. There are, however, no published data available on HCV seroprevalence and its correlation with the country of origin in current unselected larger refugee populations (>1000people) having entered Europe/Germany.ObjectivesDocumentation and evaluation of hepatitisC seroprevalence and its correlation with the country of origin of refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate/Germany in 2015.MethodsAs part of routine diagnostics during the initial medical examination, 12,880refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate were screened for HCV antibodies in 2015. The data have been analyzed retrospectively and anonymously.ResultsThe collective comprising 12,880refugees showed aHCV seroprevalence of 1.5%. This is higher than the HCV prevalence of the general German population (0.5%). In particular, acorrelation between HCV seroprevalence and the country of origin could be demonstrated.ConclusionsTo reach the 2030 HCV-elimination target of the WHO, national and international recommendations to screen refugees/migrants from HCV high-prevalence countries for HCV should be emphasized. The chronically infected should be treated in accordance with HCV-guidelines. National, easily accessible information on HCV high-prevalence countries is required by attending physicians.