Increased detection of hepatitis B and C through opt-out testing in a UK sexual health clinic

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its UKHSA HBV England 2023 report estimating that 270 000 people (0.6% of the population) in the UK are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Over 95% are thought to have acquired the infection overseas, with the remainder infected via sexual contact, perinatal transmission or intravenous drug use. It estimates that at least 50% of people living with HBV in England remain undiagnosed.1