SARS-CoV-2 massive testing: A window of opportunity to catch up with HCV elimination

Abstract

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Detecting HCV infection by means of mass population SARS-CoV-2 screening: A pilot experience in Northern Italy

“…We read with interest the paper by Crespo et al , who suggested that mass severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing offers a unique opportunity to screen for viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection [ 1 ].…”

Let’s leverage SARS-CoV2 vaccination to screen for hepatitis C in Spain, in Europe, around the world

“…We read with interest the article by Blach S et al to do so(4). We believe that that time is now and we must and can combat the J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f dual threats of SARS-CoV-2 and HCV infection jointly, as has recently been suggested (6).…”

Hepatitis C diagnosis slowdown in high-prevalence groups and using decentralised diagnostic strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…It has been proposed to incorporate different diagnostic options into care circuits during the pandemic, along with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (19). In this regard, HCV screening has been promoted in conjunction with COVID-19 diagnostic tests or with routine vaccination (20), such as the experience published in Italy by Giacomelli A. et al, in patients over 50 years of age with a participation rate close to 50% (21); or even considering a more simplified circuit using the DBS for joint screening (22). Additionally, given the least impact achieved at the hospital as opposed to the primary level during the pandemic, promoting diagnosis at the primary care level should be considered (23,24).…”