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. 2017 Aug 28;9(24):1040-1042.
doi: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i24.1040.

Lurking epidemic of hepatitis C virus infection in Iran: A call to action

Reza Taherkhani  1 , Fatemeh Farshadpour  2
Affiliations

Lurking epidemic of hepatitis C virus infection in Iran: A call to action

Reza Taherkhani et al. World J Hepatol. .

Abstract

Despite having a relatively low prevalence in the Iranian general population, the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is on the rise, and hepatitis C is predicted to be the most important leading cause of viral hepatitis-related mortality in the near future in Iran. The recent population-based epidemiological studies have revealed the predominant role of injecting drug use in increasing prevalence of HCV infection. Undoubtedly, new management paradigm is required to drive down the rising wave of hepatitis C in Iran. Priority should be given to young injecting drug users as the cornerstone of the lurking epidemic of HCV infection in Iran.

Keywords: Epidemiology; General population; Hepatitis C virus; Injecting drug user; Iran.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest in the content of this manuscript.

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