Evaluation of Screening Program for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) At AST Pesaro-Urbino: First Year Results

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global-screening initiative aimed at eliminating HCV as a public health threat by 2030. In Italy, the national screening program targeted all people born between 1969 and 1989. This study reports on an HCV screening program conducted within the population served by AST Pesaro-Urbino of the Marche region, central Italy. Methods: This prospective study was conducted within the AST Pesaro-Urbino, following the launch of an HCV screening campaign in July 2023. The program targeted all individuals born between 1969 and 1989. Between August 2023 and July 2024, all subjects were submitted to anti-HCV tests, and those testing positive were subsequently tested for HCV-RNA test. Results: Six blood collection centers participated in the HCV screening campaign. A total of 12.4% of the target population born between 1969 and 1989 was screened, corresponding to 6,319 individuals, of whom 2,579 (40.8%) were males and 3,740 (59.2%) were females. Among those screened, 64 individuals (1.0%; 35 males and 29 females) tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Of these, 8 individuals (0.13%; 5 males and 3 females) were confirmed to be HCV-RNA positive. This screening program allowed us to obtain a prevalence of viremic infections of 0.13%. Conclusion: The prevalence of active HCV infection in the sample tested from 1969-1989 present in the territory of AST Pesaro-Urbino is remarkably low, at 0,13%; prevalence either represents true population value or could be due at a biased sample.