Algorithm to assist in decision making around prevalence surveys for hepatitis C
European surveillance data show on-going transmission of viral hepatitis across the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). The available notification data however, do not provide a clear epidemiological picture of hepatitis C in Europe. Prevalence data from population surveys are a key source of information to complement the surveillance data for hepatitis C due to the limitations of surveillance for hepatitis: the infection is often asymptomatic and notifications are strongly influenced by local testing practices. The overarching aim of this toolkit is to gain a better understanding of the HCV epidemiology in the EU/EEA.
This toolkit offers:
- An algorithm to assist EU/EEA Member States in their decision-making around selecting the type of HCV prevalence survey that should be undertaken
- The technical protocol for conducting hepatitis C prevalence surveys in the general population
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The ECDC hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence studies database (see below) provides an easy access compilation of results from published studies of prevalence conducted in EU/EEA countries in the general population and key risk groups.
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Hepatitis C prevalence database
Prevalence data from sources such as population surveys can be a useful complement to case based surveillance data for hepatitis C. Case-based surveillance has limitations as most diagnosed cases are chronic in nature and detection of cases depends largely on testing practices. Prevalence data can therefore contribute towards a fuller understanding of the epidemiology of hepatitis C.