Research project Hepatitis and Covid-19 is a study exploring how chronic hepatitis B and C influence the risk of severe Covid-19, as well as the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccination in these patient groups. By merging nationwide registry data, clinical insights, and epidemiological methods, the project aims to clarify whether hepatitis modulates disease severity and vaccination outcomes.
The project is financed by Region Norrbotten Bas-ALF. This initiative examines whether individuals living with chronic hepatitis B or C face an increased likelihood of severe Covid-19 or reduced vaccine efficacy. Drawing from Swedish registries and clinical data, the work identifies which factors—such as antiviral treatments, cirrhosis, or socioeconomic status—are most crucial to patient outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen clinical guidelines, optimize preventive measures, and improve survival rates for these overlapping conditions.
Background
Hepatitis B and C remain prevalent causes of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis worldwide, with thousands of new or existing cases tracked annually in Sweden. Early data suggest that patients with advanced liver disease can be at higher risk of complications following Covid-19, underscoring the need for deeper investigation. Covid-19 poses major threats to multiple organs, and its impact on vulnerable groups, including those with chronic viral hepatitis, is still not fully understood. Several reports show potentially elevated mortality among hepatitis B patients, while other findings indicate no strong association. These inconsistencies—combined with questions over vaccine uptake—emphasize the urgency of robust, population-wide studies.
Project
This study uses large-scale registry information for everyone in Sweden who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, along with individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and C.
We will determine the incidence of severe Covid-19, including hospitalization, intensive care, and survival, while accounting for confounders such as age, sex, comorbidity burden, and antiviral treatment for hepatitis. A key objective is to determine whether antiviral therapy for hepatitis B confers any protective effect against severe Covid-19. Additional aims include evaluating vaccination coverage and the protective effects of different Covid-19 vaccine regimens in people with hepatitis, clarifying whether they mount a response comparable to the general population.
