Differing Epidemiology of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection, Treatment, and Outcomes Among Migrants and Australian‐Born Patients
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often falls disproportionately on migrant populations within high-income countries. Differences in health literacy, language, comorbidities, and HCV genotype may influence HCV natural history. 3537 persons including 652 migrants treated for HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) (2016-2021) were analysed. We describe the epidemiology of HCV in migrant people compared to Australian-born individuals and examine rates of sustained viral response (SVR), advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and all-cause mortality. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses examined differences by migrant status. At enrolment, Australian-born patients were younger (mean 51.5 vs. 54.2 years; p < 0.001) and more likely to report injection drug use (p = 0.011), risky alcohol use (p < 0.001), or opioid replacement therapy (p < 0.001). Among migrants, diabetes (13.9% vs. 10.3%; p = 0.008), hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure (43.3% vs. 29.7%; p < 0.001), active HBV infection (3.1% vs. 1.6%; p = 0.033), and genotypes 4, 5, and 6 (18.3% vs. 6.6%; p < 0.001) was more common. Overall SVR rates were comparable (p = 0.69), but SVR rates among migrants with cirrhosis were lower (88.2% vs. 95.2%; p = 0.002). Advanced fibrosis (24.5%), cirrhosis (35.0%), and five-year survival did not differ by migrant status (all p > 0.05). In migrants, genotype 3 was associated with more advanced liver fibrosis (adj-OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.40-2.06) and cirrhosis (adj-OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.48-2.04; p < 0.001), relative to Australian-born patients. Genotypes 2, 4 and 6 HCV were not associated with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, migrants experienced equivalent SVR and rates of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and have equivalent or better survival compared to Australian-born patients.
Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis
DOI: 10.1111/jvh.70211
Institutions: The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, The University of Queensland, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Nepean Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Liverpool Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, UNSW Sydney, St George Hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Monash Health, Monash University, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital, The Alfred Hospital
Language: English
Topic: Hepatitis C virus research
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,610
OpenAlex ID: W7171151862