SASLT guidelines: Update in treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been reported to be on the decline over the past decade, although it remains a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia is generally uncertain because most studies were conducted more than 10 years ago. However, data from blood donor screening centers indicates prevalence rates of 0.4–1.1%.[1] The premarital screening data in a predominantly young population from a survey among 74662 individuals conducted in the period between January and May 2008, the results of which were published by the Ministry of Health, showed an HCV prevalence of only 0.33%.[2] Similarly, a community-based study in 16–18 years old Saudi adolescents in 2008 showed a prevalence of HCV at 0.22% in the group.[1] The most prevalent genotype is genotype (GT) 4, followed by GT1. HCV GT4 accounts for 60% of the cases, GT1 for 25.9%, GT2 for 4.3%, GT3 for 2.9%, and GT5/GT6 for 0.3%. 6.3% of the cases were of mixed genotypes, predominantly between GT1 and GT4.[3] The most common subtypes of GT4 are 4a (48%) and 4d (39%), followed by subtypes 4n (6%) and others (6%).[4] Up to 63% of Saudi patients have minimal to moderate (Metavir, F0–2) histological disease.[5]