Impact of CDC Hepatitis Lab Closure on US Public Health
The loss of surveillance capabilities complicates efforts to control hepatitis outbreaks, explore new preventive treatments, and support new research trials.
On April 1, 2025, the closure of the CDC's hepatitis laboratory significantly affected the United States' ability to manage hepatitis outbreaks and prevent further transmission of viral hepatitis. The lab, part of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, was essential for testing, surveillance, and monitoring hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Without this lab, the US now faces challenges in assessing the scope of hepatitis infections, identifying sources of outbreaks, and taking timely action to stop transmission.1
Hepatitis B and C continue to pose significant public health risks. An estimated 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, and 2.4 million are chronically infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine, and hepatitis C is curable with direct-acting antivirals. Although, the inability to effectively track these infections limits the country's ability to control and ultimately eliminate these diseases.1
The loss of the CDC's hepatitis lab has disrupted key functions, including:1
- Surveillance for outbreak detection
- Estimating the prevalence of hepatitis in the general population and high-risk groups, including people with HIV, who are at higher risk for HBV co-infection
- Research on point-of-care testing for hepatitis C, which could improve the speed and accessibility of diagnosis, especially as hepatitis C is curable with the right treatment
Research Potential in Hepatitis B Prevention
Amid the challenges posed by the CDC lab closure, new research continues to emerge that could offer innovative approaches to hepatitis prevention. One area of research involves the use of statins, HMGCR inhibitors, currently used to manage cholesterol levels. A recent Mendelian randomization study published in Scientific Reports suggests that statins could have a potential protective effect against chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study found that genetic proxies for HMGCR inhibitors were significantly associated with a lower risk of CHB and myocardial infarction (P < .05). Among the 168 metabolites studied, citrate was identified as a key mediator of this effect.2
This study opens the possibility of using statins as a preventive tool for hepatitis B, particularly in high-risk populations such as people living with HIV, who face increased liver-related complications. Further testing is needed to understand the clinical implications and establish statins as a viable prevention method for HBV.2
The CDC’s Role in Hepatitis Management and Research Gaps
The CDC has long been a leader in managing hepatitis B and C, particularly through its guidelines focused on prevention, screening, and treatment. For individuals with HIV, who are at an elevated risk for HBV co-infection, the CDC recommends:3
- Vaccination against hepatitis A and B
- Routine screening for hepatitis B and C
- Antiviral treatment for people with both HIV and HBV to reduce liver disease risk
Although, without the CDC hepatitis lab, these efforts face significant hurdles. Surveillance is critical for identifying outbreak trends and understanding the full scope of hepatitis infections. Without reliable data from the lab, it's challenging to implement effective public health responses and monitor progress.
While statins show promise in the prevention of hepatitis B, especially in high-risk populations, the closure of the CDC’s hepatitis laboratory highlights the role of strong surveillance systems in managing hepatitis. The loss of this lab disrupts the ability to track and measure hepatitis infections across the nation, hampering efforts to eliminate hepatitis C and improve outcomes for those with chronic hepatitis B.
