Is HCV screening working in Italy? Data from a Local Health Unit in the Metropolitan City of Rome
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remains a public health issue in Europe, with Italy being one of the countries with the highest prevalence. In line with the national HCV elimination strategy, a one-time screening program targeting individuals born between 1969 and 1989 was implemented across the country. This study presents data from Local Health Unit (LHU) Roma 2 in the Metropolitan City of Rome, covering the period from January 2022 to April 2025. Methods Approximately 375,000 residents in the territory of the LHU Roma 2 born between 1969 and 1989 were invited by letter to participate in free HCV screening. Testing included HCV antibody detection, followed by reflex RNA testing in antibody-positive cases. Results A total of 35,610 individuals underwent screening, resulting in a 9.5% participation rate. Of these, 289 (0.81%) tested positive for HCV antibodies. Reflex testing confirmed active infection (RNA+) in 41 individuals (14.2% of Ab+; 0.12% of all screened). Conclusions The detection rate is consistent with national estimates for Italy (0.1-0.15%) and aligns with figures reported in other European countries with similar birth-cohort screening strategies. However, it remains lower than overall national HCV prevalence estimates (0.66%), suggesting that limiting screening to a single age cohort may miss a substantial number of infections. Broader or risk-based strategies, including older age groups or high-risk populations, may be more effective in identifying undiagnosed cases. Increasing participation and integrating screening into routine healthcare services will be essential to reach HCV elimination goals. Key messages • The observed rate of active HCV infection is lower than estimates for the general population in Italy. • Current screening criteria in Italy may miss a substantial number of infections.
Authors: D Marotta, M T Riccardi, E Rossi, F Amadori, V Pettinicchio
Institutions: ASL Roma, University of Rome Tor Vergata
Language: English
Topic: Hepatitis C virus research
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7101401910
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