Hepatitis C Infection in Patients With Hemoglobinopathies

Hemoglobinopathies, inherited disorders of the structure or synthesis of hemoglobin, are the commonest monogenic diseases because almost 7% of the worldwide population are carriers. Hemoglobinopathies have originally emerged from the Mediterranean regions, large parts of Asia and Africa. However, international migration contributed to their spread from those areas to all over the world. The majority of hemoglobinopathies occur in low- or middle-income countries, many of which also have a high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The extremely limited facilities of developing countries with concomitant HCV and hemoglobinopathies limit the abilities of such countries to control such comorbidities. Developing control program for detection and management of HCV in patients with thalassemia in low-income countries is crucial for improving the outcome of both diseases.