Paboriboune P. auteur aut IRD Vial Thomas auteur aut IRD Sitbounlang P. auteur aut IRD Bertani Stéphane auteur aut IRD Trepo C. auteur aut IRD Deny P. auteur aut IRD Babin F. X. auteur aut IRD Steenkeste N. auteur aut IRD Pineau P. auteur aut IRD Deharo Eric auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern, notably in Southeast Asia, and in Laos the presentation of the HCV-induced liver disease is poorly known. Our objective was thus to describe a comprehensive HCV infection pattern in order to guide national health policies. A study on a group of 1765 patients formerly diagnosed by rapid test in health centres was conducted at the Centre of Infectiology Lao Christophe Merieux in Vientiane. The demographic information of patients, their infection status (viral load: VL), liver function (aminotransferases) and treatments were analysed. Results showed that gender distribution of infected people was balanced; with median ages of 53.8 for men and 51.6years for women (13-86years). The majority of patients (72%) were confirmed positive (VL>50IU/mL) and 28% of them had high VL (>6log(10)). About 23% of patients had level of aminotransferases indicative of liver damage (>40IU/mL); but less than 20% of patients received treatment. Patients rarely received a second sampling or medical imaging. The survey also showed that cycloferon, pegylated interferon and ribavirin were the drugs prescribed preferentially by the medical staff, without following any international recommendations schemes. In conclusion, we recommend that a population screening policy and better management of patients should be urgently implemented in the country, respecting official guidelines. However, the cost of biological analysis and treatment are significant barriers that must be removed. Public health resolutions should be immediately enforced in the perspective of meeting the WHO HCV elimination deadline by 2030. specialized Hepatitis C virus (HCV) HCV incidence Antiviral agents Laos LAOS 052 050 33 4 295-303 2018 1674-0769 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010073995 10.1007/s12250-018-0039-9 1674-0769 [F B010073995] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010073995 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2018/09/010073995.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2018-10-03 2023-07-11 fdi:010073995 fre