Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in the Arabian Gulf countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence

Objective

The aims of this study were to perform a systematic review and synthesize epidemiological data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Arabian Gulf countries, and to assess the country-specific prevalence among nationals and expatriate populations.

Methods

A systematic review of HCV antibody prevalence and incidence in the Arabian Gulf countries was conducted, based on the items outlined in the PRISMA statement. Meta-analyses were performed incorporating inverse variance weighting and using a random-effects model to pool summary estimates of HCV prevalence among general population groups, for nationals and the entire resident population.

Results

A total of 557 prevalence measures and one incidence measure were identified for the Arabian Gulf countries. HCV prevalence among nationals was 0.24% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.63) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 0.44% (95% CI 0.29–0.62) in Kuwait, 0.51% (95% CI 0.43–0.59) in Qatar, and 1.65% (95% CI 1.40–1.91) in Saudi Arabia. No data were available for Bahrain or Oman. Among the entire resident populations, HCV prevalence was 0.30% (95% CI 0.23–0.38) in Bahrain, 0.41% (95% CI 0.35–0.46) in Oman, 1.06% (95% CI 0.51–1.81) in Qatar, 1.45% (95% CI 0.75–2.34) in Kuwait, 1.63% (95% CI 1.42–1.84) in Saudi Arabia, and 1.64% (95% CI 0.96–2.49) in UAE. A higher prevalence was observed among expatriate populations such as Egyptians. Among the high-risk populations, HCV prevalence was as high as 78.6% in the multi-transfused and 74.6% in people who inject drugs.

Conclusions

National-level HCV prevalence in the Arabian Gulf region is comparable to global levels. A higher prevalence is found in specific expatriate populations, reflecting the prevalence in their countries of origin. Most exposures appear to occur in high-risk groups and these are often linked to medical care.

Other Information

Published in: International Journal of Infectious Diseases
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2016.03.012