title: Geographic integration of hepatitis C virus: A global threat.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess hepatitis C virus (HCV) geographic integration, evaluate the spatial and temporal evolution of HCV worldwide and propose how to diminish its burden.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search of published articles was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE and other related databases up to December 2015. A critical data assessment and analysis regarding the epidemiological integration of HCV was carried out using the meta-analysis method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data indicated that HCV has been integrated immensely over time and through various geographical regions worldwide. The history of HCV goes back to 1535 but between 1935 and 1965 it exhibited a rapid, exponential spread. This integration is clearly seen in the geo-epidemiology and phylogeography of HCV. HCV integration can be mirrored either as intra-continental or trans-continental. Migration, drug trafficking and HCV co-infection, together with other potential risk factors, have acted as a vehicle for this integration. Evidence shows that the geographic integration of HCV has been important in the global and regional distribution of HCV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HCV geographic integration is clearly evident and this should be reflected in the prevention and treatment of this ongoing pandemic.
authors.affiliation: Mohamed A Daw, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, 82668 Tripoli, Libya.
authors.forename: Mohamed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Daw
authors.affiliation: Mohamed A Daw, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, 82668 Tripoli, Libya.
authors.forename: Abdallah A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: El-Bouzedi
authors.affiliation: Mohamed A Daw, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, 82668 Tripoli, Libya.
authors.forename: Mohamed O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Mohamed A Daw, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, 82668 Tripoli, Libya.
authors.forename: Aghnyia A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Dau
authors.affiliation: Mohamed A Daw, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, 82668 Tripoli, Libya.
authors.forename: Mohamed M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Agnan
authors.affiliation: Mohamed A Daw, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, 82668 Tripoli, Libya.
authors.forename: Aisha M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Drah
keywords: Geo-epidemiology; Geography; Hepatitis C virus genotypes; Integration; Phylogeography