Smart Screening for Hepatitis B and C: Lessons from a Hospital Cohort in an Ongoing Screening Program in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. In the Dominican Republic, significant challenges persist regarding the early detection and epidemiological characterization of these infections. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and describe the sociodemographic characteristics of participants identified with HBV and HCV in an ongoing screening program. Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 459 participants recruited during three free screening campaigns. Rapid tests for HBsAg and anti-HCV were performed using capillary blood samples. Demographic variables were recorded, and APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated in positive cases. Results: Women accounted for 72% of participants, 73.6% were residents of Santiago, and 46.3% were younger than 40 years. Three participants tested positive for HBV (0.65%; 95% CI: 0.22–1.90) and one for HCV (0.22%; 95% CI: 0.04–1.22), with no coinfections detected. All HBV-positive cases were older than 40 years and had normal transaminase and platelet levels. No cases showed evidence of advanced fibrosis. The main risk factors identified among HBV-infected participants were a history of surgery and tattoos. Conclusions: The prevalence of HBV and HCV was low in this cohort. The identification of infected individuals with normal transaminase levels highlights the limitations of this parameter as a screening criterion. These findings support the continuation of screening programs to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and guide prevention and control strategies.