Should Viral Hepatitis B and C Screening Programs Be Implemented?

Background: Hepatitis viruses constitute a major global health risk with 350 million people being chronically infected with hepatitis B and 170 million people being chronically infected with hepatitis C.  An estimated 4.4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis; most of them are unaware they are infected. 

Objectives: To recognize the urgent need for Hepatitis B and C screening programs in the USA.

Methods: We analyzed the database in our laboratory between 01/2010 – 08/2011 for positive Hepatitis B and C test results (samples from patients attended Planned Parenthood). We identified the positivity rates of both Hepatitis B (HBsAg) test and Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV). We also analyzed the positivity rates of HIV for the same time period in the same population group to compare the positivity rates of Hepatitis with that of HIV.

Results: We observed a positivity rate of 0.60% and 2.92% of Hepatitis B and C, respectively compared with 0.38% for HIV. 

Conclusions: : We identified a higher positivity rates for Hepatitis B (0.60%) and C (2.92%) respectively, compared with HIV (0.38%). These data confirm the need for Hepatitis screening programs in the USA to increase earlier detection of infection.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Hepatitis screening programs will identify patients with early infection which will reduce spread of infection, decrease future major health complication and healthcare costs.