Low seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibodies in refugees and asylum seekers in Germany in 2015

Only estimations are available with respect to the seroprevalence of hepatitis C in refugees arriving in Germany during the current refugee exodus. It is unknown if refugees have a higher prevalence than the German population and if routine testing is necessary. The prevalence of viral hepatitis C infection in refugees arriving in northern Germany in 2015 was assessed. In a cross-sectional study, 236 patients (3-74 years old) were analyzed for hepatitis C virus infection (anti-HCV) in August 2015 in reception centers in northern Germany. In all, 76.7 % of refugees were male, the mean age was 28.7 +/- 11.8 years, and 10.0 % were children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Anti-HCV was detected in one male refugee (1/236; 0.42 %). This refugee was hepatitis B co-infected. Liver enzymes were not elevated. This study showed a low prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in a refugee cohort in northern Germany. This prevalence is similar to the general German population. Systematic screening of all refugees for hepatitis C does not seem necessary. Known risk factors and clinical manifestations should be considered when testing. Larger studies are necessary to more accurately determine prevalence and identify specific risk groups in this population.