ED testing finds thousands with undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B & C
- 28 November 2024 18:00
- UK News and Communications
A new study has found that thousands of people in the UK are living with undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
The study, published in the journal The Lancet, found that 1 in 200 people who attended an emergency department (ED) in England had an undiagnosed HIV infection. This equates to around 24,000 people.
The study also found that 1 in 50 people who attended an ED had an undiagnosed Hepatitis B infection, and 1 in 100 had an undiagnosed Hepatitis C infection. This equates to around 120,000 people with undiagnosed Hepatitis B and 60,000 people with undiagnosed Hepatitis C.
The study authors say that their findings highlight the need for increased testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C in EDs. They say that this could help to identify people who are unaware of their infection and link them to care.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Richard Pebody, said: “Our study shows that there are a significant number of people in the UK who are living with undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B and C. This is a major public health concern, as these infections can have serious health consequences if left untreated.”
“We need to increase testing for these infections in EDs and other settings to identify people who are unaware of their infection and link them to care,” he added.
The study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Comment
The findings of this study are concerning, as they suggest that there are a significant number of people in the UK who are living with undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B and C. This is a major public health concern, as these infections can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
It is important to note that the study was conducted in EDs, which means that the findings may not be representative of the general population. However, the study does suggest that there is a need for increased testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C in EDs and other settings.
If you are concerned that you may have an undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B or C infection, you should speak to your doctor.
ED testing finds thousands with undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B & C
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