Early detection and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a community-based setting in Doha, Qatar: A dynamic preventive model
Background: Detecting early infection of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) can prevent late-stage complications including the need for transplant and death. However, screening hepatitis C virus for early detection of the disease has not been found to be beneficial in average risk individuals according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to detect infection with hepatitis C antibodies using a rapid immunochromatographic assay in a community setting. The secondary aims included assessment of prevalence rate, disease characteristics and response to the standard treatment. Methods: A screening survey of 13,704 people (0.9% of the population) was conducted from December 2008 through July 2010. It was carried out in three phases involving 4000, 3212 and 6492 average and high risk people. Hepatitis C antibodies were detected using a colloidal gold enhanced rapid immunochromatographic assay. The diagnosis of CHC was confirmed by measuring the viral load using highl...