People with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at risk of serious liver disease such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and remain infectious to others. Because chronic HBV and HCV infections are typically asymptomatic, notification data reflect national screening and testing practices and do not give accurate insights into the prevalence of infections. Thus, to adequately inform primary or secondary prevention efforts, supplementary information such as prevalence data are needed. People with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at risk of serious liver disease such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and remain infectious to others. Because chronic HBV and HCV infections are typically asymptomatic, notification data reflect national screening and testing practices and do not give accurate insights into the prevalence of infections. Thus, to adequately inform primary or secondary prevention efforts, supplementary information such as prevalence data are needed.   

Author: Dr. Siamak Tonekaboni