Search Results (290)

Background/Objectives: Viral hepatitis A–E represents a significant public health problem. Data on the prevalence of viral hepatitis markers among alcoholics are inconsistent. Methods: The study included 151 patients treated for alcohol abuse in one Croatian center. The control group consisted of 110 individuals from the general population tested for a routine check-up. The prevalence of viral hepatitis markers was assessed using serology and molecular methods. Results: The prevalence rates of hepatitis markers among patients were as follows: anti-HAV, 15.2%; anti-HBs, 11.9%; anti-HBc/anti-HBs, 2.6%; anti-HCV, 4.0%; and anti-HEV, 14.6%. HCV RNA was detected in one patient (0.6%). Compared with the control group, patients showed significantly higher HCV seroprevalence (4.0 vs. 0%), while the prevalence of other hepatitis markers did not differ significantly between the groups. The anti-HAV prevalence was associated with age (from 0% in patients aged <40 years to 42.9% in patients aged 60+ years), employment status (highest among retired individuals at 46.2%), and age of occasional alcohol consumption (highest seroprevalence of 26.3% in those who reported consumption between 22 and 25 years). The association between anti-HEV and educational level was of borderline significance. Logistic regression showed that older and retired patients and those who consumed alcohol occasionally between 22 and 25 years showed higher odds for HAV seropositivity (OR = 11.454–49.400, OR = 6.857, and OR = 4.464, respectively). Patients with university degrees were at lower risk for HEV seroprevalence (OR = 0.083). Conclusions: Alcoholic patients showed a higher HCV seroprevalence than the general population, while the prevalence of other viral hepatitis markers did not differ between the groups. Further studies on a larger cohort of patients are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) remain major public health challenges in Romania despite vaccination and antiviral therapy. Understanding infection patterns in different healthcare settings is essential for targeted elimination strategies. Methods: We conducted the prospective screening phase of the RE-LINK project (January–June 2025) through two nationwide private laboratory networks. Adults undergoing routine testing were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV. HBsAg-positive samples were further analyzed for HBV DNA, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HDV, and HDV RNA, while anti-HCV-positive cases were tested for HCV RNA. Risk factors were assessed using chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Results: Among 9149 individuals (66.6% women with a median age of 53 years), HBsAg prevalence was 2.9%, and anti-HCV was 1.3%, both increasing significantly with age (p < 0.001). Of all HBsAg-positive individuals, 12.5% had undetectable HBV DNA, 70.4% had low viremia (<2000 IU/mL), and 17.1% had high viral loads. Anti-HDV antibodies were detected in 2.3% of HBsAg-positive subjects, all with detectable HDV RNA (range 1250–680,000 IU/mL). Significant risk factors for HBsAg positivity were male sex, older age, urban residence, physician-indicated testing, neuropsychiatric comorbidity, family or parental hepatitis, and institutional/orphanage care, while HBV vaccination and moderate alcohol use were protective. Anti-HCV positivity correlated with older age, cardiovascular disease, elevated transaminases, transfusions, surgery, and HIV co-infection. Only 20.2% of anti-HCV-positive individuals were viremic. Conclusions: Private-laboratory screening reveals residual low-replicative HBV and declining viremic HCV, while community programs uncover HDV and advanced disease in vulnerable groups. A coordinated approach integrating private, community, and hospital-based pathways can accelerate elimination efforts and ensure that HDV is not overlooked. Full article

Human Pegivirus (HPgV) is an understudied flavivirus that is highly prevalent and often persists in the blood and tissues of humans. HPgV-infected brain tissue from individuals with Parkinson’s disease has shown significant transcriptomic and immune signaling differences compared to non-infected Parkinson’s brains. The HPgV genome is similar to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), a well-characterized flavivirus with multiple approved small-molecule therapeutics. Here, we used HCV crystal structures to create homology models for two HPgV non-structural (NS) proteins, the serine protease (NS3) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B), and performed molecular dynamic simulations. HCV and HPgV proteins had minimal structural differences, as seen by the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) difference between NS3 (1.00 Å) and NS5B (1.26 Å). FDA-approved small molecules were then docked in silico to the NS3 and NS5B subunits of HCV and HPgV. HCV had weak to moderate correlated docking scores with HPgV NS3 (R² = 0.21, p < 0.001) and NS5B (R² = 0.58, p < 0.001). The predicted protein–ligand interactions showed potential binding between HCV antivirals and conserved residues of HPgV, including the catalytic triad for NS3 or the GDD motif for NS5B. Together, these results provide structural insights for key HPgV proteins and highlight possibilities for therapeutic repurposing of HCV antivirals. Full article

(1) Background: Post-arrival screening for infectious diseases is routinely offered to newly arrived refugees in Denmark, including tests for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis. This study aimed to examine the cascade of care following positive screening results in a local cohort of refugees in Denmark, with a focus on subsequent clinical management, follow-up, and outcomes. (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1506 newly arrived refugees of all ages and countries of origin. All were offered a post-arrival infectious disease screening in Denmark. Clinical records were reviewed to assess progression through the cascade of care, including referral, evaluation, follow-up, and clinical outcomes among individuals with positive screening results. (3) Results: Of the 1506 screened refugees, 33 (2.2%) had at least one positive screening result. Among the 15 individuals with detectable hepatitis B surface antigen, six (43%) attended regular follow-up, while eight (57%) were lost during the cascade of care. Two participants screened positive for HCV antibodies; both underwent initial clinical evaluation, but their subsequent care trajectories differed due to repeated non-attendance or undocumented reasons. Only one participant with non-specific syphilis antibodies completed follow-up in accordance with national guidelines. One participant was diagnosed with HIV and successfully linked to care. (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of screened infectious diseases in this local Danish refugee cohort was low and consistent with findings from comparable settings. Although post-arrival screening facilitates the identification of infectious diseases, substantial loss to follow-up occurred after initial diagnosis, limiting the effectiveness of follow-up and treatment. These findings highlight the need for targeted, interdisciplinary strategies addressing organisational, social, and individual barriers to improve continuity of care following screening. Full article

Background: Thyroid hormones regulate energy homeostasis, lipid/glucose metabolism, and protein turnover. Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is highly associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism, which may have profound metabolic implications. This study evaluates thyroid dysfunction and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) autoimmunity in HCV patients and explores its potential metabolic implications in a high-prevalence region. Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study adhering to STROBE guidelines, we enrolled 100 PCR-confirmed chronic HCV patients and 100 age/gender-matched controls from District Peshawar, Pakistan. Serum TSH, fT3, fT4, and anti-TPO antibodies were quantified. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for age, gender, and viral load, was used to compute adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Thyroid dysfunction affected 41% of HCV patients vs. 12% of controls (aOR 5.2, 95% CI 2.8–9.6, p < 0.001), predominantly hypothyroidism (29% overall; 18% overt, 11% subclinical). Anti-TPO positivity was 38% in HCV vs. 8% in controls (aOR 6.7, 95% CI 3.1–14.5, p < 0.001). Anti-TPO titers correlated positively with TSH (r = +0.62, p < 0.001) and inversely with fT3/fT4. Subgroup analysis showed higher dysfunction in patients aged ≥40 years (52% vs. 28%, p = 0.012) and viral load ≥ 10⁶ IU/mL (48% vs. 32%, p = 0.041). We hypothesize that these findings may have significant metabolic implications, including impaired mitochondrial β-oxidation and insulin resistance. Conclusions: HCV infection is strongly associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism, which may amplify cardiometabolic risk. The paper has not explicitly identified metabolic parameters, including lipid profiles, indices of insulin resistance, and metabolomic signatures, and, therefore, any metabolic inferences are speculative and based on established thyroid and HCV pathophysiology. Routine thyroid screening pre- and post-DAA therapy is recommended, alongside metabolomic profiling to validate these proposed metabolic pathways. Full article

Background and Objectives: The increase in rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to HCV infection supported the implementation of screening programs for control of this infection in Italy. The HepCoVe network has collected cases with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in the Veneto region of North-East Italy since the 2000s. This platform allowed us to (a) compare the characteristics of the HCV cohort exposed to parenteral risk before or after 1995 (introduction of mandatory HCV testing), and (b) track the changes induced by IFN-based therapy and the novel direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Methods: From January 2000 to December 2005, 2703 prospectively recruited cases with CHC were analyzed and followed up for 16.2 ± 8.4 years, by a per protocol analysis. Results: Two epidemic waves occurred; the first, related to blood transfusions and infection with the HCV-1b and 2a/2c genotypes, affecting an elderly population, and the second, spread through drug addiction, among young people and with a prevalence of HCV-1a, 3a/3b and 4c/4d. Patients treated with DAA had more advanced liver disease; despite this, they achieved the highest SVR rate, compared to those who received an IFN-based regimen (95.1% vs. 61.5%; p < 0.01). The 10-year HCC incidence rate by KM was 0.81, 3.75, and 1.26 per 100 person-years (p-y) in cases with or without SVR and in the untreated group, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The period of exposure to HCV in Italy (born from 1939 to 1989) was supported by two epidemic waves. Unknowing cases of HCV infection are disappearing, particularly those included in the first cohort, among the “boomers”. Despite the eradication of HCV in all treated cases, antiviral therapy does not completely eliminate the risk of HCC onset. Full article

Background: In Bangladesh, a number of sex workers are involved in commercial sex work in different brothels in both legal and illegal settlements due to reasons such as lack of social support, depression, forced sex, abuse, violence, polyamory, being kidnapped, and unemployment. In this study, we tried to evaluate the demographic characteristics and prevalence of viral and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the study population. Methods: A total of 250 female sex workers were interviewed and tested from the Daulatdia brothel of Rajbari district, Bangladesh, who had been working there for at least 1 month. Through questionnaires, demographic data were collected. Primarily, lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests were used to investigate HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), and Syphilis, which were reconfirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cases of positive results. Results: The mean age was 27.51 ± 6.69 years with a range of 18–50 years. Most of them (n = 243, 97.98%) had elementary knowledge of STDs. We determined that overall, 96 (38.40%) were positive for either of these diseases. Individually, 10 (4.00%), 18 (7.20%), and 68 (27.20%) were positive for HCV, HBV, and syphilis, respectively. Conclusions: Our observation indicates that females of all ages should be strictly protected from forced sex work. Current sex workers should be educated regarding the dangers and protective mechanisms of STDs. In addition, as a public health concern, regular clinical check-ups and STD associated diagnoses are necessary to ensure the safety of FSW from these highly infectious and concerning diseases. Due to their socio-economic condition, proper treatment and rehabilitation are highly recommended. Full article

People who use crack cocaine (PWUCC) constitute a key population due to vulnerability and marginalization, especially in a socio-ecologically diverse, relatively isolated region with limited public health infrastructure. This study aimed to perform a genetic characterization of circulating HCV among PWUCC in the municipality of Bragança, situated on the Brazilian Amazon coast, identifying viral genotypes, subtypes, resistance-associated substitutions (RAS)—naturally occurring mutations in the viral genome that can reduce the efficacy of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents—and predictions of phenotypic resistance. Methods: Between 2016 and 2018, biological samples and epidemiological data were obtained from 165 PWUCC. Viral detection was performed using RT-PCR, while genotyping, subtyping, and RAS profiling were conducted through nucleotide sequencing and fragment analysis. Results: In 165 PWUCC, 22 (13.3%) tested positive for HCV RNA. Most of them had not had access to public health services (91.5%), and more than half (57.0%) reported living in unstable housing conditions. HCV subtypes 1a (27.3%), 1b (40.9%), and 3a (31.8%) were detected. Evidence of resistance associated with DAAs, such as daclatasvir and dasabuvir, was detected in five PWUCC with HCV (22.7%). Conclusions: The high prevalence of HCV infection, predominantly subtype 1b, and significant levels of resistance are very concerning. This demonstrates the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to expand access to testing, treatment, and effective antiviral therapy in this vulnerable population of the Brazilian Amazon. Full article

(1) Background: Mongolia has historically reported one of the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence rates globally, with past national estimates exceeding 15%, making HCV infection a major public health priority. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, genotype distribution, and risk factors of HCV infection among residents of Arkhangai Province. (2) Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 including 2304 individuals aged 0–80 years. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using ELISA and for HCV RNA using PCR. Positive samples were genotyped, and demographic and exposure data were analyzed using logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. (3) Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 12.0%, and HCV RNA positivity was 7.16%. Infection increased significantly with age (p < 0.001) and was higher among females (14.6%) than males (8.4%). Genotype 1b predominated (98.2%), followed by 1a (1.2%) and 2 (0.6%). Several exposures showed strong associations with HCV infection in univariate analysis, including cupping therapy (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.71–3.28), shared razor use (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.59–3.60), cosmetic procedures (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.11–2.45), and unsafe injections (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.40–3.02). In multivariable analysis, four exposures remained independently associated with HCV infection: cupping therapy (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.32–2.70), shared razor use (adjusted OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.24–2.89), cosmetic procedures (adjusted OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39–2.24), and unsafe injections (adjusted OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.19–2.83). (4) Conclusions: HCV infection remains prevalent, particularly among older adults and women. Genotype 1b continues to predominate, indicating that the viral genetic distribution has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. Continued education, safe injection practices, and regulation of traditional and cosmetic procedures are essential to reduce HCV transmission and support Mongolia’s elimination goals. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive prevention strategies addressing both unsafe traditional/medical practices and the rapidly expanding cosmetic and aesthetic service sector. Full article

Background and Objectives: Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) impose a considerable healthcare burden globally. Despite rigorous screening protocols, these infections can still be present among apparently healthy blood donors, potentially compromising the safety of transfusion recipients. Understanding the frequency of TTIs among blood donors is crucial for ensuring a healthy blood supply and gaining insights into the epidemiology of these infections within a community. Materials and Methods: The main objective of this study is to determine the frequency of TTIs among healthy blood donors, aged 18 to 60 years, at King Abdulaziz Hospital in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected retrospectively at the blood bank center from 1 January 2023, to 31 December 2023. Results: There were 8831 blood donors included. Saudi participants emerged as the dominant nationality, comprising 57% of the total sample (5036 out of 8831 donors). The prevalence of TTIs among blood donors varied according to the individual markers used. The overall TTI reactivity rates were low. Anti-HBc was the most common TTI-positive marker (7.5%), followed by syphilis (0.5%), HBV NAT (0.3%), HBsAg, and anti-HCV (0.3%). On the other hand, the lowest TTI-positive markers were HIV-1/-P2 and HTLV-1/-2 (0.04%). In Saudi participants, the most prevalent TTI marker was anti-HBc with a rate of 5.8% (293 out of 5036), followed by HBsAg (0.3%), syphilis (0.3%), and HBV NAT (0.2%). Conclusions: The present study found that HBV outperformed other TTI markers compared to the regional reports. However, in our research and the earlier reports, the rates of seropositive patients were noticeably low for HIV, HTLV, and malaria, while the rate for syphilis was higher, particularly among non-Saudi donors. NAT assays are crucial for screening blood donations for TTIs, which can help the early detection of infections and significantly reduce serological window periods. For a precise estimation of the frequency of TTIs, large prospective multicenter studies from various regions of the KSA are required. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major public health concern in Taiwan, particularly in southern regions with high endemicity. While HCV elimination is a national priority, resources are often limited. Relying solely on broad, township-level prevalence rates is inefficient, as the true disease burden can vary dramatically at the village level. Therefore, identifying local hotspots through fine-scale mapping is critical for efficient resource allocation and targeted intervention. This study aimed to validate village-level prevalence estimates and evaluate the efficiency of a community-based, targeted screening approach utilizing this detailed prevalence data in Chiayi County. Methods: We integrated data from the Chiayi Health Bureau and Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (2000–2015) to generate village-level risk maps for five townships: Lioujiao (LJ), Yijhu (YH), Dongshih (DS), Taibao (TB), and Lucao (LC). Between 2018 and 2021, we conducted door-to-door community screening using anti-HCV testing with reflex HCV antigen (Ag) testing. Anti-HCV/HCV Ag prevalence, number needed to test (NNT), and linkage-to-care rates were calculated to validate prevalence estimates and assess screening efficiency. Results: Among 3910 participants, anti-HCV prevalence ranged from 5.4% (TB) to 8.7% (DS). Estimated and observed village-level prevalence showed moderate-to-strong correlation (r = 0.696–0.830, p < 0.001). Screening efficiency was highest in DS (NNT = 21) and lowest in TB (NNT = 42). Of 132 antigen-positive individuals, 131 (99.2%) initiated direct-acting antiviral therapy. Conclusions: The village-level risk maps accurately predicted local HCV burden, enabling targeted screening with high diagnostic yield and near-complete treatment uptake. This approach maximizes resource efficiency and may serve as a scalable model for advancing Taiwan and the WHO’s 2030 HCV elimination goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is not negligible; however, data from Italy—especially regarding MSM who are not infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)—are limited. We report data from an HCV screening programme targeted at MSM in Rome, starting in 2019 in two hospital settings and in four urban community-based (CB) settings run by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Methods: Adult MSM (>18 years old) who presented for HIV or sexually transmitted infection testing, or who attended CB activities, were invited to undergo a free-of-charge rapid HCV antibody test (OraQuick HCV^®), after providing informed consent. For all participants, demographic, clinical and behavioural data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire for all participants. Free confirmatory standard serology tests were offered for those found reactive at a rapid HCV test. Individuals with confirmed chronic HCV infection were referred through a dedicated “fast track” pathway for further clinical and laboratory assessment and direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) treatment according to the national treatment guidelines. Results: Between July 2019 and July 2023, 2714 MSM agreed to be screened for HCV infection. The median age was 36 years (interquartile range, IQR = 29–46), 91.0% were Italians, 58.0% enrolled in the two clinical centres and 10.7% reported living with HIV (people living with HIV, PLWH). Overall, 9 (0.33%) MSM tested reactive for HCV-specific antibodies using a rapid test. Eight MSM were retested and seven were confirmed to have chronic HCV infection (HCV viremia range: 8 × 10³–23 × 10⁶ IU/mL). The prevalence of confirmed cases was 0.26% (7/2714; 95%CI: 0.10–0.53) and was higher in PLWH compared to those not reporting HIV infection (1.04% vs. 0.17, p = 0.03). Four of seven confirmed HCV cases attended the STI clinic. All confirmed HCV cases reported high-risk behaviours for HCV infection and/or history of sexual transmitted infection (STI). Bening a PLWH (OR = 6.30) and current/former IDU (O = 17.02) resulted in being significantly associated with HCV infection. Other risk factors such as fisting, groupsex, chemsex and condomless anal intercourse were more common in the HCV case (OR > 2), but lacked statistical significance, likely due to small sample size. All seven individuals were linked to care, clinically assessed and started on DAAs treatment, achieving sustained viral response (SVR) in all cases. Conclusions: These data suggest the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a preventive programme targeting MSM living in Rome, combining HCV screening, case finding and prompt linkage to care. HCV prevalence in the screened population was lower than anticipated, although it is significantly higher in PLWH and in those with high-risk behaviours. Considering this condition of low prevalence of HCV infection among MSM in Italy, a targeted screening in PLWH and in individuals with high-risk behaviours may be more effective to achieve HCV eradication than universal screening in MSM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thalassemia is among the most common hereditary disorders globally, characterized by impaired hemoglobin synthesis and ineffective erythropoiesis. This study analyzed data on hemoglobinopathies, with a particular focus on thalassemia, to support the development of a comprehensive national database and to improve understanding of the disease burden in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, a total of 910 patients admitted to the region’s sole blood disorder center since its establishment were included. Results: The study analyzed 46.7% male and 53.3% female thalassemia patients in Duhok, with 58.46% reporting parental consanguinity. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence was 11.87%, while 8.90% underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and 30.11% had splenectomies. Blood group distribution was O⁺ (36.26%), A⁺ (30.99%), and B⁺ (18.46%). Common medications included Deferasirox (34.62%), Hydroxyurea (26.70%), and Deferoxamine (5.82%), with 8.24% and 4.40% discontinuing Deferasirox and Hydroxyurea, respectively. Geographically, 29% of the patients originated from Duhok City, which exhibited a consanguinity rate of 18.65% (p = 0.020). The most prevalent conditions were β-thalassemia major (32.53%) and sickle cell anemia (24.73%). HCV-positive patients were predominantly diagnosed with β-thalassemia major (43.40%) and sickle cell anemia (33.96%). BMT recipients were mostly β-thalassemia major patients (80.25%), while splenectomy was common in β-thalassemia major (43.40%) and sickle cell β-thalassemia (22.64%). Vaccination rates included Pneumococcal (50.78%), Influenza (47.76%), and Hepatitis (39.08%, first dose). Six patients (0.66%) died, with 30.18% diagnosed before age 1 and 43.89% between 1 and 2 years. In conclusion, this study underscores the high prevalence of β-thalassemia major and sickle cell anemia in Duhok, with strong associations to parental consanguinity and low socioeconomic status. Gaps in early diagnosis and vaccination coverage remain significant challenges. Full article

Identifying population groups at greatest risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential for targeting screening and treatment. We analyzed the seroprevalence of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA in serum samples from 37,291 conditionally healthy volunteers collected between 2018 and 2022, and from 4764 individuals sampled in 2008, totaling 42,055 participants. In 2018–2022, anti-HCV prevalence varied by region, ranging from 1.1 to 1.4% in Belgorod, Moscow, and St. Petersburg to 1.8–2.1% in Dagestan, Tatarstan, Novosibirsk, Tyva, and southern Yakutia, and reaching 3.4–5.2% in Khabarovsk and the Arctic zone of Yakutia. In 2008, prevalence in Moscow, Rostov, Sverdlovsk, Tyva, and Yakutia ranged from 1.7% to 3.3%. A significant decline over time was observed: from a mean of 2.6 ± 0.5% in 2008 to 1.9 ± 0.1% in 2018–2022 (p < 0.01). In recent years, men were more frequently anti-HCV-positive than women (2.5 ± 0.2% vs. 1.5 ± 0.2%, p < 0.01), whereas no sex differences were noted in 2008. The age of a sharp prevalence increase shifted from the 20–29 cohort in 2008 to the 30–39 cohort in 2018–2022. Based on the demographic structure, we estimate ~3.23 million anti-HCV carriers in Russia. HCV RNA was detectable in only one-third of seropositive individuals, identifying them as candidates for antiviral therapy. Thus, in contemporary Russia, men aged over 30 years have the highest risk of HCV infection and should be prioritized for targeted screening. Full article

Background/Objectives: While smoking, areca nut chewing, and alcohol are established risk factors, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has emerged as a potential risk for oral neoplasia. This study explores any association of HCV infection with oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and oral cancer, following adjustment for HCV-related liver disease in a large screening cohort. Methods: Data from 37,720 participants in the Changhua Community-Based Integrated Screening Program (2005–2014) with smoking or areca nut use history were analyzed. OPMD and cirrhosis were identified at screening, while oral and liver cancers were diagnosed during follow-up. Information on demographics, lifestyle, and clinical factors, including chronic and active HCV infection, was collected. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations between HCV status and disease outcomes. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis C viremia was higher in the OPMD group (4.4%) and oral cancer group (3.3%) compared to the screen-negative group (2.7%), and highest in the cirrhosis/liver cancer group (23.3%). The odds ratios of OPMD and oral cancer were 1.59 (95% CI: 1.20–2.01) and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.67–2.23), respectively, in subjects with hepatitis C viremia compared to those without. After adjusting for confounding factors, individuals with hepatitis C viremia were at increased risk of OPMD by 50% (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.17–1.92) but not a statistically significant elevated risk for oral cancer (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.59–2.01), which was possibly attenuated due to HCV-related liver disease (aOR = 11.59; 95% CI: 8.33–16.13). Conclusions: HCV infection may act as an early risk factor for OPMD, though its progression to oral cancer may occur alongside the risk of HCV-related liver diseases. Including HCV status in screening may aid early detection and secondary prevention of oral cancer in high-risk groups. Full article