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Boudova S, Tholey D, Fenkel JM, Derman R, Boelig RC. Pregnancy as an Opportunity for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination and Eradication. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:199-201. [PMID: 38150734 PMCID: PMC10859822 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals, the WHO has set a goal of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030. Key to this strategy is increased screening and treatment. Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent a unique time when underserved populations have increased contact with the healthcare system. We propose using antenatal care to maximize case identification, treatment, and prevention. Pregnant individuals are an ideal sentinel population for HCV surveillance. Universal screening in pregnancy can provide population-level data. Once cases are identified, pregnancy presents an opportunity for intervention. Although not currently WHO approved, clinical trials are examining treatment during pregnancy. In the interim, identification of infection during pregnancy allows for optimization of the treatment cascade postpartum. Pregnancy can be used as a time for prevention. Taking advantage of patient engagement and existing infrastructure, pregnancy presents an opportunity to intervene in the fight for HCV eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Boudova
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Danielle Tholey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jonathan M. Fenkel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard Derman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rupsa C. Boelig
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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2
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Caroline A, Kate M, Roberts M, Ryan J, Murphy S, Richardson C, Coyte A, Taha Y, Stuart M. What is the impact of a Hepatitis C 'test, trace and treat' pilot using peer workers? J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:922-925. [PMID: 37723934 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and deaths worldwide. HCV treating teams are working toward the goal of eliminating HCV by 2030. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) are at high risk of HCV but contact tracing is not routine practice. Here, we present the outcomes of a HCV 'test, trace and treat' pilot using peer workers to test contacts of individuals with HCV. PWIDs with HCV were invited to participate when they presented for treatment. For those agreeing to participate, a peer approached them to invite potential contacts for HCV testing. Data were collected on uptake, HCV test results, treatment rates and reasons for declining. Overall, 295 individuals (162 recent HCV [<1 year], 69 reinfections, 64 known chronic HCV) were invited to participate, of whom 147 (50%) agreed and 30 (20% of those agreeing) brought forward 120 contacts for testing. Of these, 44 (37%) were HCV RNA positive, including 23 who were not known to services. 34 (77%) started antiviral treatment. HCV RNA positivity was highest in contacts of reinfections (45%) compared with recent HCV (33%) and known chronic HCV (25%). The most common reason for index individuals declining participation was that they reported no longer being in contact with individuals from their injecting network (65%). In conclusion, half of PWIDs with HCV agreed to participate in the pilot, but only 20% of these brought contacts forward. The frequency of active HCV was high in the contacts and the majority started antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allsop Caroline
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mcque Kate
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Jelley Ryan
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Aishah Coyte
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - McPherson Stuart
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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3
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Siegele-Brown C, Siegele-Brown M, Cook C, Khakoo SI, Parkes J, Wright M, Buchanan RM. Testing to sustain hepatitis C elimination targets in people who inject drugs: A network-based model. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:242-249. [PMID: 36529668 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the level of testing required to sustain elimination of hepatitis C (HCV), once achieved. In this study, we model the testing coverage required to maintain HCV elimination in an injecting network of people who inject drugs (PWID). We test the hypothesis that network-based strategies are a superior approach to deliver testing. We created a dynamic injecting network structure connecting 689 PWID based on empirical data. The primary outcome was the testing coverage required per month to maintain prevalence at the elimination threshold over 5 years. We compared four testing strategies. Without any testing or treatment provision, the prevalence of HCV increased from the elimination threshold (11.68%) to a mean of 25.4% (SD 2.96%) over the 5-year period. To maintain elimination with random testing, on average, 4.96% (SD 0.83%) of the injecting network needs to be tested per month. However, with a 'bring your friends' strategy, this was reduced to 3.79% (SD 0.64%) of the network (p < .001). The addition of contact tracing improved the efficiency of both strategies. In conclusion, we report that network-based approaches to testing such as 'bring a friend' initiatives and contact tracing lower the level of testing coverage required to maintain elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloë Siegele-Brown
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Charlotte Cook
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Julie Parkes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Wright
- University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ryan M Buchanan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Southampton, UK
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4
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Eckhardt B, Aponte‐Melendez Y, Kapadia SN, Mateu‐Gelabert P. Contact tracing in acute hepatitis C: The source patient identification and group overlap therapy proof-of-concept pilot program. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 20:72-76. [PMID: 36033428 PMCID: PMC9405500 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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5
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Mateu-Gelabert P, Sabounchi NS, Guarino H, Ciervo C, Joseph K, Eckhardt BJ, Fong C, Kapadia SN, Huang TTK. Hepatitis C virus risk among young people who inject drugs. Front Public Health 2022; 10:835836. [PMID: 35968435 PMCID: PMC9372473 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.835836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Injection drug use (IDU) is the leading risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the U.S. While the general risk factors for HCV transmission are known, there is limited work on how these factors interact and impact young people who inject drugs (YPWID). Methods Project data were drawn from a study of 539 New York City (NYC) residents ages 18-29 who were recruited via Respondent-Driven Sampling and, reported past-month non-medical use of prescription opioids and/or heroin. Analyses are based on a subsample of 337 (62%) who reported injecting any drug in the past 12 months. All variables were assessed via self-report, except HCV status, which was established via rapid antibody testing. Integrating the observed statistical associations with extant literature on HCV risk, we also developed a qualitative system dynamics (SD) model to use as a supplemental data visualization tool to explore plausible pathways and interactions among key risk and protective factors for HCV. Results Results showed a 31% HCV antibody prevalence with an overall incidence of 10 per 100 person-years. HCV status was independently correlated with having shared cookers with two or more people (AOR = 2.17); injected drugs 4–6 years (AOR = 2.49) and 7 or more years (AOR = 4.95); lifetime homelessness (AOR = 2.52); and having been incarcerated two or more times (AOR = 1.99). These outcomes along with the extant literature on HCV risk were used to develop the qualitative SD model, which describes a causal hypothesis around non-linearities and feedback loop structures underlying the spread of HCV among YPWID. Conclusions Despite ongoing harm reduction efforts, close to a third of YPWID in the community sample have been exposed to HCV, have risks for injection drug use, and face challenges with structural factors that may be preventing adequate intervention. The qualitative SD model explores these issues and contributes to a better understanding of how these various risk factors interact and what policies could potentially be effective in reducing HCV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
| | - Nasim S. Sabounchi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Center for Systems and Community Design (CSCD), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Honoria Guarino
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | - Courtney Ciervo
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | - Kellie Joseph
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Chunki Fong
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | - Shashi N. Kapadia
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Terry T. K. Huang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Center for Systems and Community Design (CSCD), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
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6
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Nagot N, D’Ottavi M, Quillet C, Debellefontaine A, Castellani J, Langendorfer N, Hanslik B, Guichard S, Baglioni R, Faucherre V, Tuaillon E, Pageaux GP, Laureillard D, Donnadieu-Rigole H. Reaching hardly reached people who use drugs: a community-based strategy for the elimination of hepatitis C. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac181. [PMID: 35774932 PMCID: PMC9239554 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Elimination of HCV among people who use drugs (PWUD) remains a challenge even in countries in which HCV care is provided free of cost. We assessed whether an innovative community-based respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey, coupled with HCV screening and immediate treatment, could be efficient to detect and cure active PWUD with chronic HCV in a large city of Southern France.
Methods
At a community site with peers, PWUD (cannabis not included) were enrolled after confirmation by a urine drug test. Participants were then screened for HBV/HCV/HIV and benefited from on-site HCV treatment evaluation and prescription. Peer support was provided during treatment, and a systematic visit was scheduled 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The cost of the intervention was estimated.
Results
554 participants were enrolled. Most were male (78.8%) with a median age of 39 years (IQR: 33-46). Cocaine (73.1%) and heroine (46.8%) were the main drugs consumed. Overall, 32.6% of PWUD (N = 181) were HCV seropositive, of which 49 (27.1%) had detectable HCV RNA and were thus eligible for treatment. Ten of these patients had severe fibrosis. HCV treatment was initiated for 37 (75.5%) patients among whom 30 (81.1%) completed their treatment and 27 (73.0%) achieved sustained viral response at week 12. The total cost was 161€ per screened patient and 1,816€ per patient needing treatment.
Conclusions
Community-based RDS survey approach, involving peers, proved efficient and cost-effective to reach and cure PWUD for HCV. This innovative strategy could be key for the final step of HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Morgana D’Ottavi
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Debellefontaine
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
- Groupe SOS Solidarité, Montpellier, France
| | - Joëlle Castellani
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Langendorfer
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Bertrand Hanslik
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvain Guichard
- Association of Marginality and Drug Addiction (AMT), Montpellier, France
| | - René Baglioni
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Faucherre
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Edouard Tuaillon
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Caremeau University Hospital, Nimes, France
| | - Hélène Donnadieu-Rigole
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
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7
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Brickley DB, Forster M, Alonis A, Antonyan E, Chen L, DiGiammarino A, Dorian A, Dunn C, Gandelman A, Grasso M, Kiureghian A, Maher AD, Malan H, Mejia P, Peare A, Prelip M, Shafir S, White K, Willard-Grace R, Reid M. California's COVID-19 Virtual Training Academy: Rapid Scale-Up of a Statewide Contact Tracing and Case Investigation Workforce Training Program. Front Public Health 2021; 9:706697. [PMID: 34434915 PMCID: PMC8381767 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.706697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Case investigation (CI) and contact tracing (CT) are key to containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Widespread community transmission necessitates a large, diverse workforce with specialized knowledge and skills. The University of California, San Francisco and Los Angeles partnered with the California Department of Public Health to rapidly mobilize and train a CI/CT workforce. In April through August 2020, a team of public health practitioners and health educators constructed a training program to enable learners from diverse backgrounds to quickly acquire the competencies necessary to function effectively as CIs and CTs. Between April 27 and May 5, the team undertook a curriculum design sprint by performing a needs assessment, determining relevant goals and objectives, and developing content. The initial four-day curriculum consisted of 13 hours of synchronous live web meetings and 7 hours of asynchronous, self-directed study. Educational content emphasized the principles of COVID-19 exposure, infectious period, isolation and quarantine guidelines and the importance of prevention and control interventions. A priority was equipping learners with skills in rapport building and health coaching through facilitated web-based small group skill development sessions. The training was piloted among 31 learners and subsequently expanded to an average weekly audience of 520 persons statewide starting May 7, reaching 7,499 unique enrollees by August 31. Capacity to scale and sustain the training program was afforded by the UCLA Extension Canvas learning management system. Repeated iteration of content and format was undertaken based on feedback from learners, facilitators, and public health and community-based partners. It is feasible to rapidly train and deploy a large workforce to perform CI and CT. Interactive skills-based training with opportunity for practice and feedback are essential to develop independent, high-performing CIs and CTs. Rigorous evaluation will continue to monitor quality measures to improve the training experience and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie B Brickley
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Maeve Forster
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Amelia Alonis
- Curry International Tuberculosis Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Antonyan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Chen
- Curry International Tuberculosis Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alicia DiGiammarino
- Center for Excellence in Primary Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alina Dorian
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Caitlin Dunn
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alice Gandelman
- California Prevention Training Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mike Grasso
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alice Kiureghian
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrew D Maher
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hannah Malan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Patricia Mejia
- Center for Excellence in Primary Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Anna Peare
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael Prelip
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shira Shafir
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Karen White
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rachel Willard-Grace
- Center for Excellence in Primary Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michael Reid
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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8
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Hochstatter KR, Tully DC, Power KA, Koepke R, Akhtar WZ, Prieve AF, Whyte T, Bean DJ, Seal DW, Allen TM, Westergaard RP. Hepatitis C Virus Transmission Clusters in Public Health and Correctional Settings, Wisconsin, USA, 2016-2017 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:480-489. [PMID: 33496239 PMCID: PMC7853590 DOI: 10.3201/eid2702.202957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ending the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic requires stopping transmission among networks of persons who inject drugs. Identifying transmission networks by using genomic epidemiology may inform community responses that can quickly interrupt transmission. We retrospectively identified HCV RNA–positive specimens corresponding to 459 persons in settings that use the state laboratory, including correctional facilities and syringe services programs, in Wisconsin, USA, during 2016–2017. We conducted next-generation sequencing of HCV and analyzed it for phylogenetic linkage by using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Global Hepatitis Outbreak Surveillance Technology platform. Analysis showed that 126 persons were linked across 42 clusters. Phylogenetic clustering was higher in rural communities and associated with female sex and younger age among rural residents. These data highlight that HCV transmission could be reduced by expanding molecular-based surveillance strategies to rural communities affected by the opioid crisis.
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9
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Ohata PJ, Su Lwin HM, Han WM, Khwairakpam G, Tangkijvanich P, Matthews GV, Avihingsanon A. Elimination of hepatitis C among HIV-positive population in Asia: old and new challenges. Future Virol 2021. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people living with HIV co-infected with HCV, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and inmates in correctional settings. The barriers to eliminate HCV among these key populations include diagnosis challenges, lack of awareness, discrimination and stigmatization. In addition, scaling up of HCV treatment has been a challenge in Asia–Pacific with the lack of national policies, targets and unavailability of appropriate direct-acting antivirals regimens. In order to achieve HCV micro elimination within these high-risk populations, novel strategies to improve the cascade of care from diagnosis to treatment with direct-acting antivirals, complemented by behavioral change interventions, harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, civil society led advocacy and policies from the government, will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pirapon June Ohata
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Hay Mar Su Lwin
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Win Min Han
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Giten Khwairakpam
- TREAT Asia, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Road, Suite 2104, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis & Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Gail V Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Anchalee Avihingsanon
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Tuberculosis Research Unit (TB RU), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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10
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Hohman M, McMaster F, Woodruff SI. Contact Tracing for COVID-19: The Use of Motivational Interviewing and the Role of Social Work. CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK JOURNAL 2021; 49:419-428. [PMID: 33776159 PMCID: PMC7982339 DOI: 10.1007/s10615-021-00802-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
One method in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 is that of contact tracing. It is estimated that in the US, 35,000-100,000 contact tracers will be hired (and trained) to talk to recently-infected individuals, understand who they have exposed to the virus, and encourage those exposed to self-quarantine. The Center for Disease Control recommends the use of motivational interviewing (MI) by contact tracers to encourage compliance with contact tracing/quarantine. Contact tracers need to sensitively communicate with COVID-19-exposed individuals who may also be experiencing other issues caused by the pandemic, such as anxiety, depression, grief, anger, intimate partner violence, health problems, food insecurity, and/or unemployment. Social workers are particularly prepared to address the mental health and other psychosocial problems that may be encountered in the tracing process. This article describes contact tracing, its use in other diseases, the role of MI, psychosocial issues that contact tracers may encounter, and how social work can respond to these needs. A sample dialogue of contact tracing using MI is presented with a discussion of the content and skills used in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Hohman
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA
- 24645 Kings Pointe, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 USA
| | | | - Susan I. Woodruff
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA
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11
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Brown J, Ring K, White J, Mackie NE, Abubakar I, Lipman M. Contact tracing for SARS-CoV-2: what can be learned from other conditions? Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 21:e132-e136. [PMID: 33541911 PMCID: PMC8002783 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Contact tracing is central to the public health response to COVID-19, but the approach taken has received criticism for failing to make enough of an impact on disease transmission. We discuss what can be learned from contact tracing in other infections, and how the natural history of COVID-19 should shape the strategies used.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Brown
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kyle Ring
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jacqui White
- North Central London TB Service, Whittington Health, London, UK
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12
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Kapadia SN, Katzman C, Fong C, Eckhardt BJ, Guarino H, Mateu-Gelabert P. Hepatitis C testing and treatment uptake among young people who use opioids in New York City: A cross-sectional study. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:326-333. [PMID: 33141503 PMCID: PMC8207521 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Young people who use drugs have a rising hepatitis C (HCV) incidence in the United States, but they may face barriers to testing and treatment adoption due to stigma. We conducted a cross-sectional study of New York City residents aged 18-29 years who reported non-medical prescription opioid and/or heroin use in the past 30 days. Participants were recruited from the community between 2014-2016 via respondent-driven sampling. Participants completed an in-person structured survey that included questions about HCV testing and treatment and received HCV antibody testing. There were 539 respondents: 353 people who inject drugs (PWID) and 186 non-PWID. For PWID, median age was 25 years, 65% were male and 73% non-Hispanic White. For non-PWID, median age was 23 years, 73% were male and 39% non-Hispanic White. 20% of PWID and 54% of non-PWID had never been tested for HCV (P < .001). Years since first injection (aOR 1.16, CI: 1.02-1.32, P = .02) and history of substance use treatment (aOR 3.17, CI: 1.53-6.61, P = .02) were associated with prior testing among PWID. The seroprevalence of HCV among PWID was 25%, adjusted for sampling weights. Of the 75 who were aware of their HCV-positive status, 53% had received HCV-related medical care, and 28% had initiated treatment. HCV prevalence among young PWID is high, and many have never been tested. Injection experience and treatment engagement is associated with testing. Interventions to increase testing earlier in injection careers, and to improve linkage to HCV treatment, will be critical for young PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi N Kapadia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Katzman
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chunki Fong
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J Eckhardt
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Honoria Guarino
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
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Stoové M, Wallace J, Higgs P, Pedrana A, Goutzamanis S, Latham N, Scott N, Treloar C, Crawford S, Doyle J, Hellard M. Treading lightly: Finding the best way to use public health surveillance of hepatitis C diagnoses to increase access to cure. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 75:102596. [PMID: 31743860 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3008, Australia; School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
| | - Jack Wallace
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3008, Australia
| | - Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3008, Australia
| | - Ned Latham
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3008, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3008, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia; Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sione Crawford
- Harm Reduction Victoria, North Melbourne, VIC 3051, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3008, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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14
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Elimination of hepatitis C virus infection among people who use drugs: Ensuring equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care for all. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:1-10. [PMID: 31345644 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There have been major strides towards the World Health Organization goal to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a global public health threat. The availability of simple, well-tolerated direct-acting antiviral therapies for HCV infection that can achieve a cure in >95% of people has provided an important tool to help achieve the global elimination targets. Encouragingly, therapy is highly effective among people receiving opioid agonist therapy and people who have recently injected drugs. Moving forward, major challenges include ensuring that new infections are prevented from occurring and that people who are living with HCV are tested, linked to care, treated, receive appropriate follow-up, and have equitable access to care. This editorial highlights key themes and articles in a special issue focusing on the elimination of HCV among people who inject drugs. An overarching consideration flowing from this work is how to ensure equitable access to HCV treatment and care for all. This special issue maps the field in relation to: HCV prevention; the cascade of HCV care; strategies to enhance testing, linkage to care, and treatment uptake; and HCV treatment and reinfection. In addition, papers draw attention to the 'risk environments' and socio-ecological determinants of HCV acquisition, barriers to HCV care, the importance of messaging around the side-effects of new direct-acting antiviral therapies, the positive transformative potential of treatment and cure, and the key role of community-based drug user organizations in the HCV response. While this special issue highlights some successful efforts towards HCV elimination among people who inject drugs, it also highlights the relative lack of attention to settings in which resources enabling elimination are scarce, and where elimination hopes and potentials are less clear, such as in many low and middle income countries. Strengthening capacity in areas of the world where resources are more limited will be a critical step towards ensuring equity for all so that global HCV elimination among PWID can be achieved.
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