Protocol: Prospective observational study aiming for micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus in Nagawa town: The Nagawa Project

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256711
• Publication Date: 2021-08-26T17:29:21Z
• Authors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi; Satoru Joshita; Yuki Akahane; Katsuhiko Matsuzaki; Hiromi Yamada; Daiki Aomura; Nao Joshita; Hajime Midorikawa; Kazuhiro Suyama; Masao Ota; Shun-ichi Wakabay...; Yuki Yamashita; Ayumi Sugiura; Tomoo Yamazaki; Hiromichi Misawa; Takeji Umemura
• Keywords: Male; 0303 health sciences; Science; Q; R; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C, Chronic; World Health Organization; 16. Peace & justice; Antiviral Agents; 3. Good health; Study Protocol; 03 medical and health sciences; Japan; Medicine; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Disease Eradication

Background The World Health Organization has set a goal of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by the year 2030. However, no regions in Japan have succeeded eradicating HCV. Micro-elimination is an approach to attain eradication which national goals are applied specific populations so that viral treatment and control efforts can move forward quickly efficiently. In order eradicate HCV from Japan, this study aims achieve micro-elimination town Nagawa. Methods design Nagawa Project ongoing, prospective, multiple-institution, observational running April 1, 2021, March 31, 2024. All residents town, excluding those under 20 years age, not consenting study, or unable undergo health check-ups due nursing care needs, will be included. If found antibody-positive, participant recommended see doctor consideration MAC-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer values. Then, serum RNA measurement with real-time polymerase chain reaction attending physician. RNA-positive, he she referred hepatologist for further evaluation. case definitive diagnosis chronic C, direct acting antiviral initiated. Through process, systematically micro-eliminated region. Discussion reveal prevalence addition rate towards achieving micro-elimination. Trial registration This performed Shinshu University School Medicine was registered as UMIN 000044114 on May 6, 2021.