A study using 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to update hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence estimates in US adults included groups outside the NHANES scope, like incarcerated individuals and homeless populations. About 1.7% (4.1 million) of US adults were HCV antibody-positive, indicating past/current infection. Roughly 1.0% (2.4 million) were HCV RNA-positive, signifying current infection. Approximately 3.7 million noninstitutionalized adults had HCV antibodies, and 2.1 million had current HCV RNA infection. Additionally, 0.38 million outside NHANES were antibody-positive, and 0.25 million were RNA-positive.

The study concluded over 2 million people in the United States had an active HCV infection through 2013-2016, noting a possible increase in antibody prevalence and decrease in RNA prevalence influenced by the opioid crisis, HCV treatments, and mortality rates. Addressing the HCV epidemic, researchers highlighted, requires more robust testing, better care linkage, and accessible treatment options.

Reference: Hofmeister MG, Rosenthal EM, Barker LK, et al. Estimating Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2013-2016. Hepatology. 2019 Mar;69(3):1020-1031. doi: 10.1002/hep.30297. Epub 2018 Nov 6. PMID: 30398671; PMCID: PMC6719781.