Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus in Mongolia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection epidemiology in Mongolia. Method Publications on HCV antibody (Ab) and RNA prevalence, and/or genotypes/subtypes were systematically reviewed and reported following PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses and age-adjustments were conducted to estimate the prevalence of Mongolians exposed to HCV (pooled HCV-Ab prevalence) by time period, sex, and at-risk populations; and to estimate the prevalence of HCV chronically-infected individuals. Results National pooled HCV-Ab prevalence was 12.3% in 2000–2009 and 11.2% in 2013. Sex-specific pooled prevalence appeared higher among females than males (14.0% versus 6.8%). Age-specific pooled prevalence increased significantly from 3.7% among children (0–10years) to 34.1% among people ≥50 years (p-value Conclusion National HCV prevalence in Mongolia appears to be among the highest worldwide. Higher prevalence in the clinical setting indicates potential ongoing HCV iatrogenic and occupational transmission. Additionally, HCV transmission in community settings should be investigated.