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Wu HJ, Applegate TL, Kwon JA, Cunningham EB, Grebely J, Gray RT, Shih ST. The cost-effectiveness of integrating simplified HCV testing into HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment services among men who have sex with men in Taiwan. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 48:101119. [PMID: 38974907 PMCID: PMC11227020 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Simplified hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing integrated into existing HIV services has the potential to improve HCV diagnoses and treatment. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of integrating different simplified HCV testing strategies into existing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment services among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taiwan. Methods Mathematical modeling was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of integrating simplified HCV tests (point-of-care antibody, reflex RNA, or immediate point-of-care RNA) with HCV treatment into existing HIV prevention and care for MSM from a healthcare perspective. The impact of increasing PrEP and HIV treatment coverage among MSM in combination with these HCV testing strategies was also considered. We reported lifetime costs (2022 US dollars) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) with a 3% annual discounting rate. Findings Point-of-care HCV antibody and reflex RNA testing are cost-effective compared to current HCV testing in all PrEP and HIV treatment coverage scenarios (ICERs <$32,811/QALY gained). Immediate point-of-care RNA testing would be only cost-effective compared to the current HCV testing if coverage of HIV services remained unchanged. Point-of-care antibody testing in an unchanged HIV services coverage scenario and all simplified HCV testing strategies in scenarios that increased both HIV PrEP and treatment coverage form an efficient frontier, indicating best value for money strategies. Interpretation Our findings support the integration of simplified HCV testing and people-centered services for MSM and highlight the economic benefits of integrating simplified HCV testing into existing services for MSM alongside HIV PrEP and treatment. Funding This study was made possible as part of a research-funded PhD being undertaken by HJW under the UNSW Sydney Scientia scholarship and was associated with the Rapid Point of Care Research Consortium for infectious disease in the Asia Pacific (RAPID), which is funded by an NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence. JG is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant (1176131).
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Jiuan Wu
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Tanya L. Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jisoo A. Kwon
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Evan B. Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard T. Gray
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sophy T.F. Shih
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Shabil M, Yadav A, Shamim MA, Ahmed M, Satapathy P, Zaidan AA, Khatib MN, Gaidhane S, Zahiruddin QS, Rabaan AA, Al Kaabi NA, Almosa FAM, AlSihati J, Sah R. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among HIV-positive men who have sex with men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2206. [PMID: 38933421 PMCID: PMC11199987 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is highly prevalent and often coexists with other infectious diseases, especially Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a vulnerable population in terms of HIV infection. We aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV, HBV among HIV-infected MSM. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest up-to 2023/04/22. All studies reporting the prevalence of HBV or HCV infection in MSM PLHIV were included. Meta-analysis used random effect model for synthesis and I 2 along with prediction interval for heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis based on continent and meta-regression for study size, average age and year of publication were used to explore heterogeneity. Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies according to the protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023428764). Results Fifty-six of 5948 studies are included. In 53 studies with 3,07,589 participants, a pooled prevalence of 7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5-10) was found for HCV among MSM PLHIV, while a 9% (95% CI: 4-18) prevalence was found for HBV infection from five studies which included 5641 MSM PLHIV. Asia reported the lowest pooled prevalence at 5.84% (95% CI: 2.98-11.13) for HCV while Europe reported the highest pooled prevalence at 7.76% (95% CI: 4.35-13.45). Baujat plot and influence diagnostic identified contributors to influence and between-study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses omitting these studies result in considerably more precise estimates. Another sensitivity analysis as leave-one-out meta-analysis did not change any pooled estimate significantly. Conclusion There is a significant burden of HCV and HBV among MSM PLHIV worldwide, with varying prevalence rates. Future studies should focus on these multimorbidity clusters and investigate factors influencing disease burden, long-term outcomes, optimal testing strategies, and tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Shabil
- Evidence of Policy and LearningGlobal Center for Evidence SynthesisChandigarhIndia
| | - Aarti Yadav
- Evidence of Policy and LearningGlobal Center for Evidence SynthesisChandigarhIndia
| | - Muhammed A. Shamim
- Department of PharmacologyAll India Institute of Medical SciencesJodhpurIndia
| | - Mohammed Ahmed
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of HyderabadHyderabadIndia
| | - Prakasini Satapathy
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical SciencesSaveetha UniversityChennaiIndia
- Medical Laboratories Techniques DepartmentAL‐Mustaqbal UniversityHillahBabilIraq
| | - Ali A. Zaidan
- Gastroenterology DepartmentKing Fahad Armed Forces HospitalJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Mahalaqua N. Khatib
- Division of Evidence Synthesis, Global Consortium of Public Health and ResearchDatta Meghe Institute of Higher EducationWardhaIndia
| | - Shilpa Gaidhane
- One Health Centre (COHERD), Jawaharlal Nehru Medical CollegeDatta Meghe Institute of Higher EducationWardhaIndia
| | - Quazi S. Zahiruddin
- Global Health Academy, Division of Evidence Synthesis, School of Epidemiology and Public Health and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical CollegeInstitute of Higher education and ResearchWardhaIndia
| | - Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic LaboratoryJohns Hopkins Aramco HealthcareDhahranSaudi Arabia
- College of MedicineAlfaisal UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and NutritionThe University of HaripurHaripurPakistan
| | - Nawal A. Al Kaabi
- College of Medicine and Health ScienceKhalifa UniversityAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical CityAbu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA)Abu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Fadel A. M. Almosa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Qatif Central HospitalMinistry of HealthQatifSaudi Arabia
| | - Jehad AlSihati
- Internal Medicine Department, Gastroenterology SectionKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Department of MicrobiologyTribhuvan University Teaching HospitalKathmanduNepal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research CentreDY Patil VidyapeethPuneMaharashtraIndia
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and HospitalDr. D.Y. Patil VidyapeethPuneMaharashtraIndia
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3
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Harney BL, Sacks-Davis R, Agius P, van Santen DK, Traeger MW, Wilkinson AL, Asselin J, Fairley CK, Roth N, Bloch M, Matthews GV, Donovan B, Guy R, Stoové M, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Risk of Primary Incident Hepatitis C Infection Following Bacterial Sexually Transmissible Infections Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia From 2016 to 2020. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae099. [PMID: 38560602 PMCID: PMC10977630 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Australia, the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has declined among gay and bisexual men (GBM) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since 2015 and is low among GBM using HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, ongoing HCV testing and treatment remains necessary to sustain this. To assess the potential utility of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) to inform HCV testing among GBM with HIV and GBM using PrEP, we examined the association between bacterial STI diagnoses and subsequent primary HCV infection. Methods Data were from a national network of 46 clinics participating in the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance. GBM included had ≥1 HCV antibody negative test result and ≥1 subsequent HCV antibody and/or RNA test. Discrete time survival analysis was used to estimate the association between a positive syphilis, rectal chlamydia, and rectal gonorrhea diagnosis in the previous 2 years and a primary HCV diagnosis, defined as a positive HCV antibody or RNA test result. Results Among 6529 GBM with HIV, 92 (1.4%) had an incident HCV infection. A prior positive syphilis diagnosis was associated with an incident HCV diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.99 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.58]). Among 13 061 GBM prescribed PrEP, 48 (0.4%) had an incident HCV diagnosis. Prior rectal chlamydia (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.75 [95% confidence interval, 1.42-5.32]) and rectal gonorrhea (2.54 [1.28-5.05]) diagnoses were associated with incident HCV. Conclusions Diagnoses of bacterial STIs in the past 2 years was associated with HCV incidence. These findings suggest that STIs might be useful for informing HCV testing decisions and guidelines for GBM with HIV and GBM using PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Harney
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Agius
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna L Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Norman Roth
- Prahran Market Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
- Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
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Chan HK, Sem X, Ivanova Reipold E, Pannir Selvam SBA, Salleh NA, Mohamad Gani AHB, Fajardo E, Shilton S, Abu Hassan MR. Usability and acceptability of oral fluid- and blood-based hepatitis C virus self-testing among the general population and men who have sex with men in Malaysia. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0001770. [PMID: 38170720 PMCID: PMC10763960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis C self-testing (HCVST) is emerging as an additional strategy that could help to expand access to HCV testing. We conducted a study to assess the usability and acceptability of two types of HCVST, oral fluid- and blood-based, among the general population and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia. An observational study was conducted in three primary care centres in Malaysia. Participants who were layman users performed the oral fluid- and blood-based HCVST sequentially. Usability was assessed by calculating the rate of errors observed, the rate of difficulties faced by participants as well as inter-reader (self-test interpreted by self-tester vs interpreted by trained user) and inter-operator concordances (self-test vs test performed by trained user). The acceptability of HCV self-testing was assessed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were also required to read contrived test results which included "positive", "negative", and "invalid". There was a total of 200 participants (100 general population, 100 MSM; mean age 33.6 ± 14.0 years). We found a high acceptability of oral fluid- and blood-based HCVST across both general population and MSM. User errors, related to timekeeping and reading within stipulated time, were common. However, the majority of the participants were still able to obtain and interpret results correctly, including that of contrived results, although there was substantial difficulty interpreting weak positive results. The high acceptability of HCVST among the participants did not appreciably change after they had experienced both tests, with 97.0% of all participants indicating they would be willing to use HCVST again and 98.5% of them indicating they would recommend it to people they knew. There was no significant difference between the general population and MSM in these aspects. Our study demonstrates that both oral fluid- and blood-based HCVST are highly acceptable among both the general population and MSM. Both populations also showed comparable ability to conduct the tests and interpret the results. Overall, this study suggests that HCVST could be introduced as an addition to existing HCV testing services in Malaysia. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal positioning of self-testing alongside facility-based testing to expand access to HCV diagnosis in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Keat Chan
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Malaysia
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Huang MH, Chen GJ, Sun HY, Chen YT, Su LH, Ho SY, Chang SY, Huang SH, Huang YC, Liu WD, Lin KY, Huang YS, Su YC, Liu WC, Hung CC. Risky sexual practices and hepatitis C viremia among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023:S1684-1182(23)00006-3. [PMID: 36702644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the risk behaviors associated with sexually-transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) may inform the public health policies and interventions aiming to achieve HCV microelimination. METHODS HIV-positive MSM who had one of the following conditions were enrolled to undergo face-to-face questionnaire interviews to collect information on their sexual practices in the past 12 months: (1) elevation of aminotransferases in the past 6 months; (2) acquisition of sexually transmitted infections in the past 6 months; and (3) previous HCV infections. Plasma HCV RNA were tested at enrolment and every 3 months during follow-up. Baseline characteristics and risky behaviors were compared to identify factors associated with HCV viremia between HCV-viremic MSM and HCV-aviremic MSM in multivariate analysis. RESULTS Among 781 MSM with a median age of 36 years, 57 (7.3%) had HCV viremia and 724 (92.7%) no HCV viremia during follow-up. A high proportion (38.9%) of the participants reported having used recreational drugs in the past 12 months, with 34.4% of them having slamming, but only 4.8% reported having shared their injection equipment. In multivariate analysis, use of recreational drugs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.16-3.96), having participated in group sex (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI 1.24-4.40) and having had condomless receptive anal intercourse (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI 1.07-3.62) were significantly associated with HCV viremia. CONCLUSION Among high-risk HIV-positive MSM, use of recreational drugs and risky sexual contacts were associated with HCV viremia, suggesting the mucosal contacts as the major route of HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Hui Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan; Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Huang HI, Su CP, Huang WT, Chen WC. Gender differences in risk exposures for acute hepatitis C infection in Taiwan: a nationwide case-control study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:89. [PMID: 36631808 PMCID: PMC9834029 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-14995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Taiwan, medical providers are required to report all acute hepatitis C (AHC) patients to National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). Identifying factors associated with AHC may inform the strategies to prevent the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV). We used the national surveillance data to assess gender difference in risk factors associated with AHC in Taiwan and propose control measures in at-risk groups. METHODS We conducted a nationwide case-control study using data from NNDSS and AHC case investigation questionnaires, for the period of March 6, 2014-December 31, 2016. Cases were AHC confirmed in NNDSS; controls were reported AHC with negative HCV nucleic acid test and negative serum anti-HCV antibody. We used bivariate analysis to identify characteristics and risk exposures for AHC and conducted gender stratified analyses. RESULTS We identified 602 AHC cases (66.9% males, median age 48 years) and 90 controls. Older age, male gender (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18-2.90), history of viral hepatitis (OR: 7.93, 95% CI:1.91-32.88), history of sexually transmitted infections (OR: 21.02, 95% CI: 2.90-152.43), and having healthcare-associated risk exposures (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.25-3.25) were associated with AHC. Stratified analyses showed receiving intravenous infusion, history of hepatitis B, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus infection were risk factors for male AHC; receiving hemodialysis was risk factor for females. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates risk factors for AHC in Taiwan with gender difference. Proper infection control practices in healthcare settings and interventions targeting male patients with HIV and other STIs, remain crucial to prevent individuals from AHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-I Huang
- grid.417579.90000 0004 0627 9655Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, No. 161, Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 115 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ping Su
- grid.417579.90000 0004 0627 9655Preventive Medicine Office, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, No. 6, Linsen S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Huang
- grid.417579.90000 0004 0627 9655Preventive Medicine Office, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, No. 6, Linsen S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chin Chen
- grid.417579.90000 0004 0627 9655Preventive Medicine Office, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, No. 6, Linsen S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan
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Sun HY, Chiang C, Huang SH, Guo WJ, Chuang YC, Huang YC, Yang CJ, Su LH, Chen YT, Chen YW, Hsu FC, Ho SY, Liu WC, Su YC, Chang SY, Hsiao CF, Hung CC, Yu ML. Three-Stage Pooled Plasma Hepatitis C Virus RNA Testing for the Identification of Acute HCV Infections in At-Risk Populations. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e02437-21. [PMID: 35499354 PMCID: PMC9241589 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02437-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Timely diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may prevent its transmission. We evaluated the performance and cost reductions of the pooled plasma HCV RNA testing strategy to identify acute HCV infections among people living with HIV (PLWH). PLWH with sexually transmitted infections, elevated aminotransferases within the past 6 months or past HCV infections (high-risk) and those without (low-risk) were enrolled prospectively. Participants underwent three-stage pooled plasma HCV RNA testing every 12 to 24 weeks until detection of HCV RNA or completion of a 48-week follow-up. The three-stage strategy combined 20 individual specimens into a stage 1 pool, 5 individual specimens from the stage 1 pool that tested positive for HCV RNA in the stage 2 mini-pool, followed by testing of individual specimens of the stage 2 mini-pool tested positive for HCV RNA. A simulation was constructed to investigate the cost reductions and pooled sensitivity and specificity under different combinations of HCV prevalence and pool/mini-pool sizes. Between June 25, 2019 and March 31, 2021, 32 cases of incident HCV viremia were identified in 760 high-risk PLWH that were enrolled 834 times, giving an incidence rate of 56.6 per 1000 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). No cases of HCV viremia were identified in 557 low-risk PLWH during a total of 269.2 PYFU. Simulation analysis suggested that this strategy could reduce HCV RNA testing cost by 50% to 86% with HCV viremia prevalence of 1% to 5% and various pooled sizes despite compromised pooled sensitivity. This pooled plasma HCV RNA testing strategy is cost-saving to identify acute HCV infections in high-risk populations with HCV viremia prevalence of 1% to 5%. IMPORTANCE Our three-stage pooled plasma HCV RNA testing successfully identified HCV viremia in high-risk PLWH with a testing cost reduction of 84.5%. Simulation analysis offered detailed information regarding the selection of pool and mini-pool sizes in settings of different HCV epidemiology and the performance of HCV RNA testing to optimize the cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh Chiang
- Department of Mathematics, Tamkang University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jin Guo
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Biomedical Park Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yea-Wen Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chiang Hsu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Fu Hsiao
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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8
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Sun HY, Liu WD, Wang CW, Wei YJ, Lin KY, Huang YS, Su LH, Chen YT, Liu WC, Su YC, Chen YW, Chuang YC, Lu PL, Hung CC, Yu ML. Performance of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Core Antigen Assay in the Diagnosis of Recently Acquired HCV Infection among High-Risk Populations. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0034522. [PMID: 35579445 PMCID: PMC9241744 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00345-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
How the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCVcAg) assay performs in detecting recently acquired HCV infection among people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) is rarely assessed in the Asia-Pacific region. High-risk participants, including PLWH with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HCV clearance by antivirals or spontaneously, or elevated aminotransferases, HIV-negative MSM with STIs or on HIV preexposure prophylaxis, and low-risk PLWH were enrolled. Blood samples were subjected to 3-stage pooled-plasma HCV RNA testing every 3 to 6 months until detection of HCV viremia or completion of the 1-year follow-up. The samples at enrollment and all of the archived samples preceding the detection of HCV RNA during follow-up were tested for HCVcAg. During June 2019 and February 2021, 1,639 blood samples from 744 high-risk and 727 low-risk PLWH and 86 HIV-negative participants were tested for both HCV RNA and HCVcAg. Of 62 samples positive for HCV RNA, 54 (87.1%) were positive for HCVcAg. Of 1,577 samples negative for HCV RNA, 1,568 (99.4%) were negative for HCVcAg. The mean HCV RNA load of the 8 individual samples positive for HCV RNA but negative for HCVcAg was 3.2 (range, 2.5 to 3.9) log10 IU/mL, and that of the remaining 54 samples with concordant results was 6.2 (range, 1.3 to 8.5) log10 IU/mL. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of HCVcAg were 85.7% and 99.5%, respectively. In at-risk populations, HCVcAg has a high specificity and NPV but lower sensitivity and PPV, particularly in individuals with low HCV RNA loads. IMPORTANCE The HCV core antigen assay has a high specificity of 99.4% and negative predictive value of 99.5% but a lower sensitivity of 87.1% and positive predictive value of 85.7% in the diagnosis of recently acquired HCV infection in high-risk populations. Our findings are informative for many countries confronted with limited resources to timely identify acute HCV infections and provide effective direct-acting antivirals to halt onward transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Wang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yea-Wen Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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9
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O'Shea J, Oliver N, Cartwright EJ. Diagnosis and Clinical Manifestations of Acute Hepatitis C Infection in People Living with HIV. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:172-177. [PMID: 35507325 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is a global health problem with overlapping modes of transmission. We performed a single-center retrospective case series of acute HCV infections at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Health Care System between January 2001 and June 2020 to better characterize the presentation and clinical course of acute HCV among veterans with HIV. Cases were discovered through routine clinical care. We identified 29 cases of acute HCV: all men. Risk for HCV acquisition included men who have sex with men (MSM; 93%) and injection drug use (17%). Thirteen (45%) had a concurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI). Symptoms were seen in 76% of acute HCV cases and resulted in hospitalization in 59% of symptomatic cases. Seven (24%) presented as HCV antibody seronegative. Three never seroconverted, all with CD4 T cell counts <200. Spontaneous HCV clearance occurred in 21% (n = 6) and was more common in those who developed jaundice (p = 0.01). Time to treatment was significantly reduced in the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) era versus the interferon era (300 vs. 1631 days, p < 0.01). Of those who did not spontaneously clear, 87% were treated (n = 20/23) and 95% (n = 19/20) achieved sustained virological response. Three patients died before HCV treatment, all in the pre-DAA period (one death was liver related). In this case series of acute HCV infection in persons with HIV, many were symptomatic MSM who had a concurrent STI, suggesting sexual HCV transmission. Some presented as HCV antibody negative, highlighting the role of enhanced HCV screening and treatment in MSM with HIV to prevent HCV transmission in sexual networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse O'Shea
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nora Oliver
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Infectious Diseases, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily J. Cartwright
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Infectious Diseases, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, Georgia, USA
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10
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Zheng Y, Ying M, Zhou Y, Lin Y, Ren J, Wu J. Global Burden and Changing Trend of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative MSM: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:774793. [PMID: 34966758 PMCID: PMC8710739 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.774793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) is changing. We aim to provide an updated comprehensive estimate of HCV prevalence and incidence among the HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM population at the country, regional, and global levels and their changing trends over time. Methods: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and conference databases were searched and eligible records on the prevalence and incidence of HCV antibodies were selected and pooled via a random-effects model. Meta-regression was performed to demonstrate the association between the pooled rates and study year. Results: A total of 230 articles reporting 245 records from 51 countries with 445,883 participants and 704,249 follow-up person-years were included. The pooled prevalence of HCV in MSM was 5.9% (95% CI: 5.1-6.8), with substantial differences between countries and regions. Low- and lower-middle-income countries (12.3 and 7.0%) manifested a larger disease burden than high- and upper-middle-income countries (5.8 and 3.8%). HCV prevalence in HIV-positive MSM was substantially higher than in HIV-negative MSM (8.1 vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). The pooled incidence of HCV was 8.6 (95% CI: 7.2-10.0) per 1,000 person-years, with an increasing trend over time, according to meta-regression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Global HCV prevalence in MSM varies by region and HIV status. Behavior counseling and regular HCV monitoring are needed in HIV-positive subgroups and high-risk regions. Given the upward trend of HCV incidence and sexual risk behaviors, there is also a continued need to reinforce risk-reduction intervention. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42020211028; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meike Ying
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yushi Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Ren
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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11
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Huang MH, Sun HY, Ho SY, Chang SY, Hsieh SM, Sheng WH, Chuang YC, Huang YS, Su LH, Liu WC, Su YC, Hung CC. Recently acquired hepatitis C virus infection among people living with human immunodeficiency virus at a university hospital in Taiwan. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6277-6289. [PMID: 34712032 PMCID: PMC8515799 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i37.6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the engagement in hepatitis C virus (HCV) care and completion of HCV treatment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) who have HCV coinfection in the Asia-Pacific region. Examining the HCV care cascade can identify barriers to the completion of HCV treatment and facilitate achievement of HCV micro-elimination in PLWH.
AIM To investigate the care cascade of incident HCV infections among PLWH in Taiwan.
METHODS PLWH with incident HCV infections, defined as HCV seroconversion, were retrospectively identified by sequential anti-HCV testing of all archived blood samples at National Taiwan University Hospital between 2011 and 2018. All PLWH with incident HCV infections were followed until December 31, 2019. The care cascade of HCV examined included all incident HCV-infected patients, the percentages of anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians in clinical care, plasma HCV RNA load tested, HCV RNA positivity diagnosed, referral to treatment assessment made, anti-HCV treatment initiated, and sustained virologic response achieved. Those who had HCV seroconversion during the interferon (IFN) era (2011–2016) and the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era (2017–2018) were analyzed separately. The duration of HCV viremia—from the date of seroconversion to viral clearance by treatments or until the end of observation—and the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the HCV viremic period were estimated.
RESULTS During the study period, 287 of 3495 (8.2%) PLWH (92.3% being men who have sex with men) who were HCV-seronegative at baseline developed HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing of all archived blood samples. Of the 287 incident HCV infections, 277 (96.5%) had anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians, 270 (94.1%) had plasma HCV RNA determined and 251 (87.5%) tested positive for HCV RNA. Of those with HCV viremia, 226 (78.7%) were referred to treatment assessment, 215 (74.9%) initiated anti-HCV treatment, and 202 (70.4%) achieved viral clearance. Compared with that in the IFN era, the median interval from HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing to detection of HCV seropositivity by HIV-treating physicians was significantly shorter in the DAA era {179 d [interquartile range (IQR) 87-434] vs 92 d (IQR 57-173); P < 0.001}. The incidence rate of STIs in the DAA vs the IFN era was 50.5 per 100 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) and 38.5 per 100 PYFU, respectively, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval 0.96-1.77), while the duration of HCV viremia was 380 d (IQR 274-554) and 735 d (IQR 391-1447) (P < 0.001), respectively.
CONCLUSION While anti-HCV therapies are effective in achieving viral clearance, our study suggests more efforts are needed to expedite the linkage of PLWH diagnosed with incident HCV infections to HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Hui Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970410, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Huei Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital and China Medical University, Taichung 404394, Taiwan
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12
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Liou BH, Sun HY, Yang CJ, Syue LS, Lee YL, Tang HJ, Tsai HC, Lin CY, Chen TC, Lee CY, Huang SH, Liu CW, Lu PL, Lin SP, Wang NC, Cheng A, Ko WC, Cheng SH, Hung CC. Real-World Experience with Coformulated Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for HIV-Positive Patients with HCV Genotype 2 Infection: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:827-838. [PMID: 33733316 PMCID: PMC8116398 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While coformulated ledipasvir (90 mg)/sofosbuvir (400 mg) (LDV/SOF) is approved for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 (GT2) infection in Taiwan, Japan, and New Zealand, data regarding its use for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)-positive patients infected with HCV GT2 are sparse. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of LDV/SOF for HIV-positive patients with HCV GT2 coinfection. METHODS From January 2019 to July 2020, consecutive HIV-positive Taiwanese patients infected with HCV GT2 who received LDV/SOF were retrospectively included for analysis. The effectiveness was determined by sustained virologic response 12 weeks off-therapy (SVR12). RESULTS Of the 114 patients (mean age, 38.6 years) initiating LDV/SOF during the study period, 0.9% had liver cirrhosis and 4.4% were HCV treatment-experienced. All patients had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and were receiving antiretroviral therapy with 98.2% having CD4 counts ≥ 200 cells/mm3 and 93.9% plasma HIV RNA load < 50 copies/ml. Antiretrovirals prescribed included tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine in 42.1%, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine 18.4%, other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) 39.5%, non-NRTIs 12.3%, protease inhibitors 13.2%, and integrase inhibitors 74.6%. All patients had undetectable plasma HCV RNA load at the end of treatment, and 96.5% achieved SVR12 in intention-to-treat analysis. The on-treatment eGFR decline was more pronounced in those receiving TDF-containing antiretroviral therapy (mean change, - 8.33 ml/min/1.73 m2), which was reversible after discontinuation of LDV/SOF. None of the patients interrupted LDV/SOF during the 12-week treatment course. CONCLUSION Similar to the response observed among HIV-negative patients, LDV/SOF is effective for HIV-positive patients coinfected with HCV GT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Huang Liou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Shan Syue
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital and National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Sciences, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chin Tsai
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ying Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Tun-Chieh Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and Kaohsiung Medical University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yuan Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and Kaohsiung Medical University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and Kaohsiung Medical University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Aristine Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital and National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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Acceptability and Usability of HCV Self-Testing in High Risk Populations in Vietnam. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020377. [PMID: 33672241 PMCID: PMC7926709 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV self-testing has emerged as a safe and effective approach to increase the access to and uptake of HIV testing and treatment, especially for key populations. Applying self-testing to hepatitis C virus (HCV) may also offer an additional way to address low coverage of HCV testing and to accelerate elimination efforts. To understand the potential for HCV self-testing (HCVST), an observational study was conducted to assess the acceptability and usability of the OraQuick® HCV Self-Test (prototype) among people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thai Nguyen, a province in northern Vietnam. A total of 105 PWID and 104 MSM were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. Acceptability, defined as the proportion of participants among eligible subjects who agreed to participate in the study, was 92.9% in PWID and 98.6% in MSM. Compared to MSM, PWID were older (median age: 45 vs. 22 years; p < 0.0001) and had a lower education level (high school and college: 38.1% vs. 100%; p < 0.0001). HCVST usability was high among MSM with fewer observed mistakes, difficulties, or participants requiring assistance (33.7%, 28.8%, and 17.3%, respectively) compared to PWID (62.9%, 53.3%, and 66.7%, respectively; all p < 0.0001)). Inter-reader and inter-operator agreement were good in both groups (Kappa coefficient range: 0.61–0.99). However, the concordance between HCVST and study staff -read or performed HCV testing was lower among PWID than MSM (inter-reader concordance 88.6% vs. 99.0% and inter-operator concordance 81.9% vs. 99%). Overall, HCVST was highly acceptable with moderate to high usability among PWID and MSM in Thai Nguyen. Efforts to provide support and assistance may be needed to optimize performance, particularly for PWID populations and for those who are older and with lower literacy or education levels.
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Ang LW, Choy CY, Ng OT, Leo YS, Wong CS. Hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected men in Singapore, 2006-2018: incidence and associated factors. Sex Health 2021; 18:221-231. [PMID: 34148565 DOI: 10.1071/sh20197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in people living with HIV has been evolving, with increasing evidence of permucosal (sexual) transmission identified predominantly in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate and elucidate epidemiological factors associated with HCV infection among HIV-infected men in Singapore from 2006 to 2018. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a clinical database maintained by the Clinical HIV Program at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore. Factors associated with incident HCV infections were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. RESULTS Among 1348 HIV-infected male patients who were HCV seronegative at baseline, 64 (4.7%) subsequently tested positive for HCV, giving an incidence of 0.88 per 100 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-1.13). The incidence rate of HCV seroconversion increased from 0.33 (95% CI 0.12-0.71) per 100 PYFU in 2010-2012 to 1.93 (95% CI 1.36-2.67) in 2016-2018. Independent factors associated with incident HCV infection were younger age groups at HIV diagnosis versus ≥45 years, HIV acquisition via MSM or via both sexual contact and intravenous drug use versus heterosexual transmission, HIV diagnosis in later periods versus 2006-2009, and recent syphilis acquisition. CONCLUSIONS An increasing trend of incident HCV infection was seen in HIV-infected men, particularly for MSM. Preventive and behavioural interventions should be targeted at HIV-infected individuals engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wei Ang
- National Public Health and Epidemiology Unit, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, 16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308442, Singapore; and Corresponding author.
| | - Chiaw Yee Choy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, 16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308442, Singapore
| | - Oon Tek Ng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, 16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308442, Singapore; and Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore; and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore
| | - Yee Sin Leo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, 16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308442, Singapore; and Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore; and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore; and Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore; and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore
| | - Chen Seong Wong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, 16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308442, Singapore; and Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore; and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore
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15
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High prevalence of sexually transmitted coinfections among at-risk people living with HIV. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:1876-1883. [PMID: 33341349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Concurrent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not uncommon in at-risk populations, for which control requires integrated testing, treatment and prevention. METHODS From May, 2019 to February, 2020, multiplex real-time PCR assays were prospectively performed to detect Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in the urine and rectal/vaginal swab specimens collected from HIV-positive patients with a history of STIs or symptoms suggestive of STIs. Patients confirmed to have acquired STIs were treated according to treatment guidelines. RESULTS During the study period, 430 participants (99.1% men who have sex with men and median age 37 years) were included. The overall prevalence of CT, NG, and/or TV infection was 30.0%, including 24.7%, 12.1%, and 0.2% for CT, NG, and TV infection, respectively. The factors associated with CT, NG, and/or TV infection were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity (AOR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.22-6.26), recently acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (AOR, 5.62; 95% CI, 1.99-15.88), using mobile dating application (AOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.13-3.83), and oral sex (AOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.04-4.32). The rates of CT, NG, and/or TV infection were 50.0% in participants with recent HCV infection, 44.2% in those with HBsAg positivity, and 35.9% in those with incident syphilis. Among participants completing test-of-cure visits, the microbiological cure rate was 91.7% and 90.0% for chlamydia and gonorrhea, respectively. CONCLUSION HIV-positive participants had a high prevalence of CT and/or NG, especially those coinfected with viral hepatitis and syphilis. Our results strongly support integrated STI services in the population.
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