Relationship between hepatitis C infection and treatment status and COVID-19-related hospitalizations in Georgia

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and treatment status on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–related hospitalizations in Georgia.<p> <p>Methods. We analyzed 2020–2021 Georgian health registry data for COVID-19–positive individuals and categorized the data by HCV infection and treatment status. Logistic regression was used to assess the strengths of the associations. <p>Results. Treated individuals with HCV had lower odds of COVID-19–related hospitalization compared to antiHCV-negative individuals, while untreated HCV-viremic and anti-HCV-positive nonviremic individuals had higher odds. <p>Conclusions. HCV treatment prior to COVID-19 infection was associated with lower odds of COVID-19–related hospitalization, highlighting the benefits of HCV management in the context of the pandemic.