A comparative national survey on the gradual decline of hepatitis C virus prevalence in Thailand, 2004, 2014, and 2024

A comparative national survey on the gradual decline of hepatitis C virus prevalence in Thailand, 2004, 2014, and 2024

Abstract This study investigates the seroprevalence and trends of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Thailand in 2024 through a nationwide serosurvey. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2024, recruiting 6069 participants aged 6 months to 80 years from four provinces representin...

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Main Authors: Sitthichai Kanokudom, Pornjarim Nilyanimit, Jiratchaya Puenpa, Nungruthai Suntronwong, Duong Hoang Huy Le, Lakkhana Wongsrisang, Sirapa Klinfueng, Prangnapitch Wihanthong, Narong Thawinwisan, Pichet Puedkuntod, Watcharanan Tinnaitorn, Pornsawan Meechin, Nasamon Wanlapakorn, Sittisak Honsawek, Yong Poovorawan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Hepatitis C elimination
Seroprevalence
The Elecsys® HCV Duo-assay (Duo-assay)
Anti-HCV
HCV core antigen (HCVcAg)
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04578-0
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Summary:Abstract This study investigates the seroprevalence and trends of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Thailand in 2024 through a nationwide serosurvey. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2024, recruiting 6069 participants aged 6 months to 80 years from four provinces representing Thailand’s geographical regions. Serum samples were tested using the Elecsys® HCV Duo-assay, with confirmatory HCV RT-PCR performed on positive cases. The Elecsys® HCV Duo-assay identified 0.33% (20/6069) of participants as positive; among these, 0.18% were anti-HCV positive, and 0.26% were HCVcAg positive. Notably, seven cases were confirmed positive by RT-PCR. Participants born before 1992 (aged ≥ 32 years) exhibited a significantly higher seroprevalence compared to those aged < 32 years (p < 0.001). Comparative national estimates from 2004, 2014, and 2024 revealed a substantial decline in anti-HCV seroprevalence, from 2.15 to 0.94% and then to 0.56%, particularly among the general population under 40 years old. Correspondingly, HCV viremia gradually declined from 1.00 to 0.39% and subsequently to 0.36%, respectively. Thailand has made significant progress in reducing HCV seroprevalence over the past two decades, attributed to effective preventive measures policies. However, targeted interventions in high-risk and older populations remain essential to achieve the WHO’s goal of HCV elimination by 2030.
ISSN:2045-2322

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