Analysis of integrated HCV surveillance in Shanghai, 2014-2019

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the surveillance data of the Integrated HCV surveillance in Shanghai and provide a scientific basis for HCV's elimination strategies. Methods: Descriptive statistical analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed using the multi-dimension results of the Integrated HCV surveillance in Shanghai from 2014 to 2019. Data related to reported HCV cases, HCV gene subtypes surveillance, HCV behavioral risk factors surveillance and HCV-antibody testing results of the community-based general population and high-risk/key populations. Results: The reported incidence rate of acute hepatitis C in Shanghai decreased from 2014 to 2019 (Z=-4.07, P<0.01); meanwhile, the reported incidence rate of chronic hepatitis C met an upward trend (Z=10.26,P<0.01), with an annual average, reported incidence rates of 0.18 per 100 000 and 8.60 per 100 000, respectively. Seven hundred forty-four blood samples were subtyped with 16 subtypes from 4 genotypes (GT1, GT2, GT3, and GT6). Among above, 1b (324 cases, 43.55%), 3a (121 cases, 16.26%), 3b (111 cases, 14.92%) and 6a (47 cases, 6.32%) were the principal subtypes. The composition of genotypes varied with decreased 1b and increased 3b and 6a. The major risk factors for HCV infection were blood transfusion (OR=4.18, 95%CI: 2.79-6.27), surgery (OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.26-2.12), sharing syringe (OR=4.18, 95%CI: 2.75-6.34), pedicure (OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.54-2.62), sharing razors (OR=4.09, 95%CI:1.24-13.51), and unsafe beauty practices (OR=3.15, 95%CI: 2.13-4.65). HCV antibody screening of 11 groups of high-risk/key populations showed that drug users had the highest HCV-antibody positive rate of 18.81% (1 008/5 358). The anti-HCV positive rate of the general population was 0.16% (7/4 268), which was significantly lower than that of high-risk/key populations from the same year, 2.50%(501/20 002) (χ2=94.04, P<0.01). Conclusions: Shanghai is a low-endemic area of HCV. Constantly carrying out integrated surveillance and analysis is of great value for early identification of HCV infected people and its risk factors, timely adjustment of prevention and control strategies, and eliminating the public health threat of HCV.