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Lindqvist K, Thorin Z, Kåberg M. Real-world hepatitis C treatment outcomes and reinfections among people who inject drugs at a needle and syringe program in Stockholm, Sweden. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:72. [PMID: 37308951 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) represent a population with an increased prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) infections. HCV treatment among PWID is essential to reach the WHO goal of eliminating HCV as a major public health threat by 2030. Despite better understanding of PWID subgroups and changes in risk behaviors over time, more knowledge about HCV treatment outcomes in different HCV prevalence populations and settings is warranted to enhance the continuum of care. METHODS All Stockholm Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) participants who initiated HCV treatment between October 2017 and June 2020 were HCV RNA tested at end of treatment and twelve weeks thereafter to confirm cure with a sustained virological response (SVR). All cured participants were prospectively followed from SVR to the last negative HCV RNA test or a subsequent reinfection, until October 31, 2021. RESULTS Overall, 409 NSP participants initiated HCV treatment, 162 at the NSP and 247 in another treatment setting. There were a total of 6.4% treatment dropouts (n = 26), 11.7% among participants treated at the NSP and 2.8% among those treated elsewhere (p < 0.001). Stimulant use (p < 0.05) and not being in an opioid agonist treatment program (p < 0.05) was associated with dropout. More participants treated outside the NSP were lost to follow-up between end of treatment and SVR (p < 0.05). During follow-up post-SVR, 43 reinfections occurred, corresponding to a reinfection rate of 9.3/100 PY (95% CI 7.0, 12.3). Factors associated with reinfection were younger age (p < 0.001), treatment while in prison (p < 0.01) and homelessness (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION In this high HCV prevalence NSP setting, with a majority of stimulant users, treatment success was high and the level of reinfections manageable. To reach HCV elimination, there is a need to target specific PWID subgroups for HCV treatment, in both harm reduction and adjacent healthcare settings frequented by PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lindqvist
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Z Thorin
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Kåberg
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sprututbytet, S:t Görans Sjukhus, Akutvägen 29, 112 81, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Christensen PB, Debrabant B, Cowan S, Debrabant K, Øvrehus A, Duberg AS. Hepatitis C time trends in reported cases and estimates of the hidden population born before 1965, Denmark and Sweden, 1990 to 2020. Euro Surveill 2022; 27:2200243. [PMID: 36695470 PMCID: PMC9808318 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.50.2200243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAccording to the World Health Organization, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection should be under control by 2030.AimOur aim was to describe the size and temporal changes in reported cases of chronic HCV infection in Denmark and Sweden and to estimate the size of the hidden (undiagnosed) population born before 1965.MethodsWe extracted all HCV infections reported to national surveillance systems in Denmark and Sweden from 1990 to 2020. Prediction of the size of the hidden HCV-infected population was restricted to the cohort born before 1965 and cases reported up to 2017. We applied a model based on removal sampling from binomial distributions, estimated the yearly probability of diagnosis, and deducted the original HCV-infected population size.ResultsDenmark (clinician-based) reported 10 times fewer hepatitis C cases annually than Sweden (laboratory and clinician-based), peaking in 2007 (n = 425) and 1992 (n = 4,537), respectively. In Denmark, the birth year distribution was monophasic with little change over time. In recent years, Sweden has had a bimodal birth year distribution, suggesting ongoing infection in the young population. In 2017, the total HCV-infected population born before 1965 was estimated at 10,737 living persons (95% confidence interval (CI): 9,744-11,806), including 5,054 undiagnosed, in Denmark and 16,124 (95% CI: 13,639-18,978), including 10,580 undiagnosed, in Sweden.ConclusionsThe reporting of HCV cases in Denmark and Sweden was different. For Denmark, the estimated hidden population was larger than the current national estimate, whereas in Sweden the estimate was in line with the latest published numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases Q, Odense University Hospital, Denmark,Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Birgit Debrabant
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Susan Cowan
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Debrabant
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases Q, Odense University Hospital, Denmark,Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ann-Sofi Duberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
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3
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Blach S, Blomé M, Duberg A, Jerkeman A, Kåberg M, Klasa P, Lagging M, Razavi‐Shearer D, Razavi H, Aleman S. Hepatitis C elimination in Sweden: Progress, challenges and opportunities for growth in the time of COVID-19. Liver Int 2021; 41:2024-2031. [PMID: 34051065 PMCID: PMC8242794 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In 2014, the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Sweden was evaluated, to establish a baseline and inform public health interventions. Considering the changing landscape of HCV treatment, prevention, and care, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this analysis seeks to evaluate Sweden's progress towards the World Health Organization (WHO) elimination targets and identify remaining barriers. METHODS The data used for modelling HCV transmission and disease burden in Sweden were obtained through literature review, unpublished sources and expert input. A dynamic Markov model was employed to forecast population sizes and incidence of HCV through 2030. Two scenarios ('2019 Base' and 'WHO Targets') were developed to evaluate Sweden's progress towards HCV elimination. RESULTS At the beginning of 2019, there were 29 700 (95% uncertainty interval: 19 300-33 700) viremic infections in Sweden. Under the base scenario, Sweden would achieve and exceed the WHO targets for diagnosis, treatment and liver-related death. However, new infections would decrease by less than 10%, relative to 2015. Achieving all WHO targets by 2030 would require (i) expanding harm reduction programmes to reach more than 90% of people who inject drugs (PWID) and (ii) treating 90% of HCV + PWID engaged in harm reduction programmes and ≥7% of PWID not involved in harm reduction programmes, annually by 2025. CONCLUSIONS It is of utmost importance that Sweden, and all countries, find sustainability in HCV programmes by broadening the setting and base of providers to provide stability and continuity of care during turbulent times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Blach
- Department of EpidemiologyCenter for Disease Analysis FoundationLafayetteCOUSA
| | - Marianne Blomé
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment of Translational MedicineClinical Infection MedicineLund UniversityMalmöSweden
| | - Ann‐Sofi Duberg
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthDepartment of Infectious DiseasesÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
| | - Anna Jerkeman
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment of Translational MedicineClinical Infection MedicineLund UniversityMalmöSweden
| | - Martin Kåberg
- Stockholm Needle ExchangeStockholm Centre for Dependency DisordersStockholmSweden,Division of Infection and DermatologyDepartment of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska InstituteKarolinska University Hospital HuddingeStockholmSweden
| | | | - Martin Lagging
- Department of Infectious Diseases/VirologyInstitute of BiomedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden,Department of Clinical MicrobiologyRegion Västra GötalandSahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | | | - Homie Razavi
- Department of EpidemiologyCenter for Disease Analysis FoundationLafayetteCOUSA
| | - Soo Aleman
- Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden,Department of Infectious DiseasesKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
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4
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Uusküla A, Talu A, Rannap J, Barnes DM, Jarlais DD. Rapid point-of-care (POC) testing for Hepatitis C antibodies in a very high prevalence setting: persons injecting drugs in Tallinn, Estonia. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:39. [PMID: 33794927 PMCID: PMC8015736 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00485-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between December 2018 and January of 2019, we evaluated the accuracy of the point-of-care Hepatitis C (HCV) antibody test (POC; OraQuick HCV) used at a community-based needle and syringe exchange program serving persons who inject drugs in Tallinn, Estonia. METHODS We compared the results of screening for HCV antibodies by OraQuick (oral swab) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA; blood draw) and assessed test results implications in a high prevalence setting. Findings Of the 100 participants, 88 (88%) had reactive POC test results, and 93 were HCV antibody positive on EIA testing. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) for the POC assay with EIA as the relevant reference test were as follows: 94.6% (95% CI 90.0-99.2%), 100% and 58.3% (95% CI 30.4-86.2%). Of the 12 testing, HCV-negative with the POC only 7 (58.3%) were true negatives. CONCLUSIONS Oral swab rapid testing HCV screening in this nonclinical setting was sensitive and specific but had unacceptably low NPV. In high prevalence settings, POC tests with high sensitivity and that directly measure HCV RNA may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneli Uusküla
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Ave Talu
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jürgen Rannap
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - David M Barnes
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, 665 Broadway, New York, NY, 10012, USA
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, 665 Broadway, New York, NY, 10012, USA
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Rashti R, Sharafi H, Alavian SM, Moradi Y, Mohamadi Bolbanabad A, Moradi G. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Prevalence of HBsAg and HIV and HCV Antibodies among People Who Inject Drugs and Female Sex Workers. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060432. [PMID: 32486342 PMCID: PMC7350380 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their co-infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSWs). Data sources were searched from January 2008 to October 2018 in different databases. Data were analyzed in Stata 16 software using the Metaprop command. The results showed that the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among PWID was 15%, 60% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among FSWs was 5%, 1% and 3%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV, HCV/HBV and HIV/HCV/HBV co-infections among PWID was 13%, 2%, 3% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections among FSWs was 3% and 1%, respectively. The results show that the prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in PWID and the prevalence of HIV in FSWs is higher than their prevalence in the general population. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and HCV in PWID appear to be poor, and may not be sufficient to effectively prevent HIV and HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Rashti
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Heidar Sharafi
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Middle East Liver Disease Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Gahrton C, Westman G, Lindahl K, Öhrn F, Dalgard O, Lidman C, Nilsson LH, Said K, Duberg AS, Aleman S. Prevalence of Viremic hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV infection, and vaccination status among prisoners in Stockholm County. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:955. [PMID: 31706284 PMCID: PMC6842501 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4581-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification and knowledge of settings with high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is important when aiming for elimination of HCV. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of viremic HCV infection among Swedish prisoners. Secondary aims were to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the proportion who have received hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. METHODS A cross-sectional study of all incarcerated persons (n = 667) at all prisons (n = 9) in Stockholm County was conducted. All prisoners are routinely offered opt-in screening for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), HCV RNA, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HIV Ag/Ab at prison in Sweden. Data on the results of these tests and the number of received HBV vaccine doses were collected from the prison medical records. The parameters of HCV RNA, anti-HCV, and occurrence of testing for HCV were analysed in multiple logistic regression models in relation to age, sex and prison security class. RESULTS The median age was 35 (IQR 26-44) years, and 93.4% were men. Seventy-one percent (n = 471) had been tested for anti-HCV, 70% (n = 465) for HBsAg and 71% (n = 471) for HIV. The prevalence of anti-HCV, HCV RNA, HBsAg and HIV Ag/Ab was 17.0, 11.5, 1.9, and 0.2%, respectively among tested persons. The proportion of prisoners who had received full HBV vaccination was 40.6% (n = 271) among all study subjects. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of viremic HCV infection among Swedish prisoners in Stockholm County was 11.5%, which is high in comparison to the general population. Therefore, when aiming for the WHO goal of HCV elimination, prisons could suit as a platform for identification and treatment of HCV infection. There is a need to increase testing for blood-borne viruses and to improve vaccination coverage against HBV in Swedish prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gahrton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Westman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Lindahl
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Öhrn
- Center for Innovation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christer Lidman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Karouk Said
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofi Duberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Soo Aleman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Millbourn C, Psaros Einberg A, Lindh G, Hökeberg I, Fischler B, Lindahl K. Prevalence and outcome of post-transfusion hepatitis C acquired at different ages and detected in look-back screening. Scand J Gastroenterol 2018; 53:870-875. [PMID: 29909701 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2018.1476911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Sweden is estimated to 0.5%. Before 1992, blood transfusion posed a risk of HCV transmission. The primary aim of this study was to estimate anti-HCV prevalence in Stockholm County among individuals receiving blood transfusions 1965-1991. The secondary aim was to study the effect of age at transfusion on the development of liver disease and treatment outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of individuals found to be anti-HCV tested positive in Stockholm County during a national screening campaign in Sweden 2008-2010. All anti-HCV-positive individuals were also HCV RNA tested. Data on age at transfusion, age at diagnosis, HCV genotype, viral load, fibrosis score, liver histology and antiviral treatment were recorded. RESULTS Out of 7473, 134 (1.8%) tested individuals were anti-HCV positive and 102 were HCV RNA positive resulting in a prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) of 1.4%. The rate of advanced liver damage was 18% (10/56). Patients younger than 19 years of age at transfusion were significantly more often started on antiviral treatment compared to adult patients, 65% vs 29% p < .001. No significant correlation was found between treatment outcome and gender or age at transfusion. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found an anti-HCV prevalence of 1.8% which is considerably higher than the estimated prevalence in the Swedish general population (0.5%), and patients infected during childhood were more likely to receive antiviral treatment. Additional data on the HCV epidemic in Sweden are needed regarding prevalence and age distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta Millbourn
- a Department of Medicine Huddinge , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,b Department of Infectious Diseases , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Afrodite Psaros Einberg
- c Department of Pediatrics , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.,d CLINTEC Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Gudrun Lindh
- a Department of Medicine Huddinge , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ingegerd Hökeberg
- e Department of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Björn Fischler
- c Department of Pediatrics , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.,d CLINTEC Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Karin Lindahl
- a Department of Medicine Huddinge , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
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8
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Karlsson N, Santacatterina M, Käll K, Hägerstrand M, Wallin S, Berglund T, Ekström AM. Risk behaviour determinants among people who inject drugs in Stockholm, Sweden over a 10-year period, from 2002 to 2012. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:57. [PMID: 28814336 PMCID: PMC5559856 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) frequently engage in injection risk behaviours exposing them to blood-borne infections. Understanding the underlying causes that drive various types and levels of risk behaviours is important to better target preventive interventions. METHODS A total of 2150 PWID in Swedish remand prisons were interviewed between 2002 and 2012. Questions on socio-demographic and drug-related variables were asked in relation to the following outcomes: Having shared injection drug solution and having lent out or having received already used drug injection equipment within a 12 month recall period. RESULTS Women shared solutions more than men (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03; 2.21). Those who had begun to inject drugs before age 17 had a higher risk (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.99; 2.08) of having received used equipment compared to 17-19 year olds. Amphetamine-injectors shared solutions more than those injecting heroin (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.64; 3.62). A housing contract lowered the risk of unsafe injection by 37-59% compared to being homeless. CONCLUSIONS Women, early drug debut, amphetamine users and homeless people had a significantly higher level of injection risk behaviour and need special attention and tailored prevention to successfully combat hepatitis C and HIV transmission among PWID. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT02234167.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Karlsson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health Agency of Sweden, 171 82 Solna, Sweden
| | - Michele Santacatterina
- Unit of Biostatistics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Käll
- Dependency Clinic, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Susanne Wallin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torsten Berglund
- Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health Agency of Sweden, 171 82 Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lazarus JV, Sperle I, Spina A, Rockstroh JK. Are the testing needs of key European populations affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C being addressed? A scoping review of testing studies in Europe. Croat Med J 2017; 57:442-456. [PMID: 27815935 PMCID: PMC5141462 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2016.57.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate whether or not key populations affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C are being tested sufficiently for these diseases throughout the European region. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies on HBV and HCV testing in the 53 Member States of the World Health Organization European Region following PRISMA criteria. Results 136 English-language studies from 24 countries published between January 2007 and June 2013 were found. Most studies took place in 6 countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. 37 studies (27%) addressed HBV, 46 (34%) HCV, and 53 (39%) both diseases. The largest categories of study populations were people who use drugs (18%) and health care patient populations (17%). Far fewer studies focused on migrants, prison inmates, or men who have sex with men. Conclusions The overall evidence base on HBV and HCV testing has considerable gaps in terms of the countries and populations represented and validity of testing uptake data. More research is needed throughout Europe to guide efforts to provide testing to certain key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Jeffrey V Lazarus, CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Oster Allé 56, 5th floor, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark,
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10
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Duncan I, Curtis R, Reyes JC, Abadie R, Khan B, Dombrowski K. Hepatitis C serosorting among people who inject drugs in rural Puerto Rico. Prev Med Rep 2017; 6:38-43. [PMID: 28271018 PMCID: PMC5328718 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high cost of treatment, preventative measures to limit Hepatitis C (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) are encouraged by many public health officials. A key one of these is serosorting, where PWID select risk partners based on concordant HCV status. Research on the general U.S. population by Smith et al. (2013) found that knowledge of one's own HCV status facilitated serosorting behaviors among PWID, such that respondents with knowledge of their own status were more likely to ask potential partners about their status prior to sharing risk. Our objective was to see if this held true in rural Puerto Rico. We replicate this study using a sample of PWID in rural Puerto Rico to draw comparisons. We used respondent driven sampling to survey 315 participants, and have a final analytic sample of 154. The survey was heavily modeled after the National HIV Behavioral Survey, which was the dataset used by the previous researchers. We found that among PWID in rural Puerto Rico, unlike in the general population, knowledge of one's own HCV status had no significant effect on the selection of one's most recent injection partner, based on his/her HCV status. We conclude that PWID in rural Puerto Rico differ from the general U.S. population when it comes to serosorting behaviors, and that these differences should be taken into account in future outreaches and intervention strategies. Recent study finds PWID ask potential partners about infections once own status known. We replicate this using similar measures with a sample in rural Puerto Rico. Find no evidence this happens in rural Puerto Rico, though women more likely to ask. Null finding may be due to small sample size, but pattern still appears unique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Duncan
- University of Nebraska – Lincoln, United States
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ric Curtis
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, United States
| | | | | | - Bilal Khan
- University of Nebraska – Lincoln, United States
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11
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Robaeys G, Bielen R, Azar DG, Razavi H, Nevens F. Global genotype distribution of hepatitis C viral infection among people who inject drugs. J Hepatol 2016; 65:1094-1103. [PMID: 27520879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) after injection drug use is very prevalent. The kind of genotype determines the response to treatment. However, no systematic review update on the global genotype distribution of HCV in people who inject drugs (PWID) is currently available. METHODS A systematic review was performed by using the keywords: Genotype, Hepatitis C, Injection drug user/Intravenous drug user/Substance user/ PWID, Name of countries in Pubmed, Embase and PsycINFO. The results were compared with the review of Gower et al. in 2014, concerning the distribution of HCV genotypes in the general HCV population. RESULTS Using these keywords, 132 studies in 48 countries (from 1995 to 2015) were collected. After grading these results, the data of 48 studies were used to determine the distribution of genotypes in PWID. Genotype 1 is the most prevalent genotype all over the world in PWID. In Europe, genotypes 1, 3 and 4 are highly prevalent. In North and South America and in Australia genotype 1 and 3 are most prevalent. In Asia genotype 2 and 6, and Africa genotype 1a and 4 are mostly observed. Overall, the most important differences comparing with the general population are a lower prevalence of genotype 1b in the PWID population and higher prevalence of genotype 1a and 3. CONCLUSIONS There is a different prevalence of genotype distribution in PWID than in the general population. Genotype 3 is especially highly prevalent in the Western countries. LAY SUMMARY Hepatitis C viral infection after injection drug use is very prevalent. The most important genotype causing HCV infection in PWID globally is genotype 1, as is the case in the general population, but also genotype 3 is highly prevalent in PWID. Genotype 4 is most prevalent in Africa, spreading into Europe, whereas genotype 2 and 6 are more located in Asia. The most important difference comparing to the general population are generally lower prevalence of genotype 1b, and higher prevalence of genotype 1a and 3 in PWID. As the genotype nowadays still determines the treatment, and as there is a different genotype distribution than in the general population, it is important to identify the genotype also in PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Robaeys
- Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Dept. of Gastro-enterology and Hepatology, Schiepse Bos 6, 3600 Genk, Belgium; Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; KULeuven, Dept. of Gastro-enterology and Hepatology, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rob Bielen
- Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Dept. of Gastro-enterology and Hepatology, Schiepse Bos 6, 3600 Genk, Belgium; Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Darush Ghezel Azar
- Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Dept. of Gastro-enterology and Hepatology, Schiepse Bos 6, 3600 Genk, Belgium; KULeuven, Dept. of Gastro-enterology and Hepatology, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis, 1120 W South Boulder Road, Suite 102, Louisville, CO 80026, USA
| | - Frederik Nevens
- KULeuven, Dept. of Gastro-enterology and Hepatology, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Smith DJ, Jordan AE, Frank M, Hagan H. Spontaneous viral clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIV+ MSM): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:471. [PMID: 27595855 PMCID: PMC5011802 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM). Characterizing spontaneous viral clearance of HCV infection among PWID and HIV+ MSM is important for assessing the burden of disease and treatment strategies in these populations. Methods Electronic and other searches of medical literature were conducted. Reports were eligible if they presented original data from upper-middle- and high-income countries on laboratory-confirmed HCV infection and spontaneous viral clearance among PWID or HIV+ MSM. Pooled estimates of spontaneous viral clearance were generated using fixed-effect and random-effects models. Meta-regression examined potential predictors related to individual characteristics and research methodology. Results The meta-analysis estimated that spontaneous viral clearance occurs in 24.4 % of PWID and 15.4 % of HIV+ MSM. In univariate meta-regression among PWID, male sex and age were significantly associated with spontaneous viral clearance, and in multivariate analysis, male sex and HIV positivity were predictors of spontaneous viral clearance; among HIV+ MSM no variables were found to affect spontaneous viral clearance. Conclusion The variability in estimates of spontaneous viral clearance between HIV+ MSM and PWID suggests the impact of HIV co-infection and HCV re-infection. Due to limited data on additional factors that may affect the natural history of HCV, more research is needed to further understand spontaneous viral clearance in these risk groups. Protocol registration The protocols for the PWID and HIV+ MSM research were registered with PROSPERO (CRD42014008805; CRD42013006462). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1807-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smith
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Ashly E Jordan
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Mayu Frank
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Holly Hagan
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
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13
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Ederth J, Jern C, Norder H, Magnius L, Alm E, Rognsvåg BK, Sundin CG, Brytting M, Esbjörnsson J, Mild M. Molecular characterization of HCV in a Swedish county over 8 years (2002-2009) reveals distinct transmission patterns. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2016; 6:30670. [PMID: 26854010 PMCID: PMC4744866 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v6.30670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern and data on its molecular epidemiology in Sweden is scarce. We carried out an 8-year population-based study of newly diagnosed HCV cases in one of Sweden's centrally situated counties, Södermanland (D-county). The aim was to characterize the HCV strains circulating, analyze their genetic relatedness to detect networks, and in combination with demographic data learn more about transmission. Methods Molecular analyses of serum samples from 91% (N=557) of all newly notified cases in D-county, 2002–2009, were performed. Phylogenetic analysis (NS5B gene, 300 bp) was linked to demographic data from the national surveillance database, SmiNet, to characterize D-county transmission clusters. The linear-by-linear association test (LBL) was used to analyze trends over time. Results The most prevalent subtypes were 1a (38%) and 3a (34%). Subtype 1a was most prevalent among cases transmitted via sexual contact, via contaminated blood, or blood products, while subtype 3a was most prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the subtype 3a sequences formed more and larger transmission clusters (50% of the sequences clustered), while the 1a sequences formed smaller clusters (19% of the sequences clustered), possibly suggesting different epidemics. Conclusion We found different transmission patterns in D-county which may, from a public health perspective, have implications for how to control virus infections by targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Ederth
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden;
| | - Camilla Jern
- Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helené Norder
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Magnius
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Alm
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | - Mia Brytting
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Joakim Esbjörnsson
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Nuffield Department Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mattias Mild
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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14
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Ruta S, Cernescu C. Injecting drug use: A vector for the introduction of new hepatitis C virus genotypes. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:10811-10823. [PMID: 26478672 PMCID: PMC4600582 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i38.10811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes’ monitoring allows real-time insight into the dynamic changes that occur in the global epidemiological picture of HCV infection. Intravenous drug use is currently the primary driver for HCV transmission in developed and developing countries. The distribution of HCV genotypes/subtypes differs significantly between people who inject drugs (PWID) and the general population. HCV genotypes that previously exhibited a limited geographical distribution (3a, 4) are becoming more prevalent in this high-risk group. Immigration from HCV-endemic countries and the evolving networks of HCV transmission in PWID influence HCV genotypes distribution in Europe. Social vulnerabilities (e.g., unemployment, homelessness, and limited access to social and healthcare insurances systems) are important triggers for illicit drug use, which increases the associated risks of HCV infection and the frequent emergence of less prevalent genotypes. Genotype/subtype determination bears important clinical consequences in the progression of liver disease, susceptibility to antiviral therapies and the emergence of resistance-associated variants. An estimated half of the chronically HCV-infected PWID are unaware of their infection, and only one in ten of those diagnosed enter treatment. Nevertheless, PWID exhibit high response rates to new antiviral regimens, and the level of HCV reinfection is unexpectedly low. The focus of the healthcare system must be on the early detection and treatment of infection, to avoid late presentations that are associated with high levels of viremia and liver fibrosis, which may diminish the therapeutic success rate.
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15
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Onyeka IN, Beynon CM, Ronkainen K, Tiihonen J, Föhr J, Kuikanmäki O, Paasolainen M, Kauhanen J. Hospitalization in a Cohort Seeking Treatment for Illicit Drug Use in Finland. J Subst Abuse Treat 2015; 53:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Duberg AS, Blach S, Falconer K, Kåberg M, Razavi H, Aleman S. The future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infection in Sweden and the impact of different treatment strategies. Scand J Gastroenterol 2015; 50:233-44. [PMID: 25515032 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2014.990505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE. Recently, new highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) were introduced. Whether these will alleviate the anticipated increase of liver disease burden in Sweden is unknown, partly because high costs may restrict the use. The objectives were to model the HCV epidemic in Sweden, the burden of disease, and the potential impact of different treatment strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS HCV disease progression was modeled to 2030. Scenarios were simulated using new DAAs with sustained annual treatment rate (n = 1130), reduced treatment rate (n = 380) to maintain budget, and increased treatment rates (n = 1430 or 2260) to reduce HCV infections. RESULTS With today's triple therapies, the estimated number of serious liver complications and death are expected to peak in 2021. Using new DAAs among F0-F4 patients, an unchanged annual treatment rate can reduce the number of HCV infections by 10% by 2030; however, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mortality will remain unchanged. By reducing to 380 treatments annually and focusing on patients with advanced fibrosis (F3-F4), serious complications will remain constant but the total number of HCV infections will increase. By doubling the number of DAA treatments, HCC-incidence and liver-related deaths would decrease by 65-70% by 2030. CONCLUSION Mortality and HCC can be reduced with new DAAs and sustained treatment uptake when restricted to F2-F4 patients, or with increased uptake in F0-F4 patients. Treatment restrictions to limit cost may reduce the positive effects and increase the burden of HCV infection. These results may be important for the future strategies of HCV management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofi Duberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Örebro University Hospital , Örebro , Sweden
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17
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Onyeka IN, Olubamwo O, Beynon CM, Ronkainen K, Föhr J, Tiihonen J, Tuomola P, Tasa N, Kauhanen J. Factors associated with hospitalization for blood-borne viral infections among treatment-seeking illicit drug users. J Subst Abuse Treat 2015; 53:71-7. [PMID: 25736625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Blood-borne viral infections (BBVIs) are important health consequences of illicit drug use. This study assessed predictors of inpatient hospital admissions for BBVIs in a cohort of 4817 clients seeking treatment for drug use in Finland. We examined clients' data on hospital admissions registered in the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register from 1997 to 2010 with diagnoses of BBVIs. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were separately conducted for each of the three BBVI groups to test for association between baseline variables and hospitalizations. Findings were reported as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs). Based upon primary discharge diagnoses, 81 clients were hospitalized for HIV, 116 for hepatitis C, and 45 for other types of hepatitis. Compared to those admitted for hepatitis C and other hepatitis, drug users with HIV had higher total number of hospital admissions (294 versus 141 and 50 respectively), higher crude hospitalization rate (7.1 versus 3.4.and 1.2 per 1000 person-years respectively), and higher total length of hospital stay (2857 days versus 279 and 308 respectively). Trends in hospitalization for all BBVI groups declined at the end of follow-up. HIV positive status at baseline (aHR: 6.58) and longer duration of drug use (aHR: 1.11) were independently associated with increased risk for HIV hospitalization. Female gender (aHR: 3.05) and intravenous use of primary drug (aHR: 2.78) were significantly associated with HCV hospitalization. Having hepatitis B negative status at baseline (aHR: 0.25) reduced the risk of other hepatitis hospitalizations. Illicit drug use coexists with blood-borne viral infections. To address this problem, clinicians treating infectious diseases need to also identify drug use in their patients and provide drug treatment information and/or referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoma N Onyeka
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Olubunmi Olubamwo
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Caryl M Beynon
- Independent Research Consultant, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kimmo Ronkainen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaana Föhr
- Helsinki Deaconess Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Niko Tasa
- Helsinki Deaconess Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Kauhanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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18
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Wiessing L, Ferri M, Grady B, Kantzanou M, Sperle I, Cullen KJ, Hatzakis A, Prins M, Vickerman P, Lazarus JV, Hope VD, Matheï C. Hepatitis C virus infection epidemiology among people who inject drugs in Europe: a systematic review of data for scaling up treatment and prevention. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103345. [PMID: 25068274 PMCID: PMC4113410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are a key population affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Treatment options are improving and may enhance prevention; however access for PWID may be poor. The availability in the literature of information on seven main topic areas (incidence, chronicity, genotypes, HIV co-infection, diagnosis and treatment uptake, and burden of disease) to guide HCV treatment and prevention scale-up for PWID in the 27 countries of the European Union is systematically reviewed. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for publications between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012, with a search strategy of general keywords regarding viral hepatitis, substance abuse and geographic scope, as well as topic-specific keywords. Additional articles were found through structured email consultations with a large European expert network. Data availability was highly variable and important limitations existed in comparability and representativeness. Nine of 27 countries had data on HCV incidence among PWID, which was often high (2.7-66/100 person-years, median 13, Interquartile range (IQR) 8.7-28). Most common HCV genotypes were G1 and G3; however, G4 may be increasing, while the proportion of traditionally 'difficult to treat' genotypes (G1+G4) showed large variation (median 53, IQR 43-62). Twelve countries reported on HCV chronicity (median 72, IQR 64-81) and 22 on HIV prevalence in HCV-infected PWID (median 3.9%, IQR 0.2-28). Undiagnosed infection, assessed in five countries, was high (median 49%, IQR 38-64), while of those diagnosed, the proportion entering treatment was low (median 9.5%, IQR 3.5-15). Burden of disease, where assessed, was high and will rise in the next decade. CONCLUSION Key data on HCV epidemiology, care and disease burden among PWID in Europe are sparse but suggest many undiagnosed infections and poor treatment uptake. Stronger efforts are needed to improve data availability to guide an increase in HCV treatment among PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Wiessing
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marica Ferri
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bart Grady
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Kantzanou
- National Reference Centre for Retroviruses, Laboratory of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ida Sperle
- Copenhagen HIV Programme (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katelyn J. Cullen
- HIV & STI Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angelos Hatzakis
- National Reference Centre for Retroviruses, Laboratory of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Prins
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Vickerman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey V. Lazarus
- Copenhagen HIV Programme (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vivian D. Hope
- HIV & STI Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Catharina Matheï
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Stenkvist J, Weiland O, Sönnerborg A, Blaxhult A, Falconer K. High HCV treatment uptake in the Swedish HIV/HCV co-infected cohort. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 46:624-32. [DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2014.921932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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20
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Bruggmann P, Berg T, Øvrehus ALH, Moreno C, Brandão Mello CE, Roudot-Thoraval F, Marinho RT, Sherman M, Ryder SD, Sperl J, Akarca U, Balık I, Bihl F, Bilodeau M, Blasco AJ, Buti M, Calinas F, Calleja JL, Cheinquer H, Christensen PB, Clausen M, Coelho HSM, Cornberg M, Cramp ME, Dore GJ, Doss W, Duberg AS, El-Sayed MH, Ergör G, Esmat G, Estes C, Falconer K, Félix J, Ferraz MLG, Ferreira PR, Frankova S, García-Samaniego J, Gerstoft J, Giria JA, Gonçales FL, Gower E, Gschwantler M, Guimarães Pessôa M, Hézode C, Hofer H, Husa P, Idilman R, Kåberg M, Kaita KDE, Kautz A, Kaymakoglu S, Krajden M, Krarup H, Laleman W, Lavanchy D, Lázaro P, Marotta P, Mauss S, Mendes Correa MC, Müllhaupt B, Myers RP, Negro F, Nemecek V, Örmeci N, Parkes J, Peltekian KM, Ramji A, Razavi H, Reis N, Roberts SK, Rosenberg WM, Sarmento-Castro R, Sarrazin C, Semela D, Shiha GE, Sievert W, Stärkel P, Stauber RE, Thompson AJ, Urbanek P, van Thiel I, Van Vlierberghe H, Vandijck D, Vogel W, Waked I, Wedemeyer H, Weis N, Wiegand J, Yosry A, Zekry A, Van Damme P, Aleman S, Hindman SJ. Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in selected countries. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21 Suppl 1:5-33. [PMID: 24713004 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading indicator for liver disease. New treatment options are becoming available, and there is a need to characterize the epidemiology and disease burden of HCV. Data for prevalence, viremia, genotype, diagnosis and treatment were obtained through literature searches and expert consensus for 16 countries. For some countries, data from centralized registries were used to estimate diagnosis and treatment rates. Data for the number of liver transplants and the proportion attributable to HCV were obtained from centralized databases. Viremic prevalence estimates varied widely between countries, ranging from 0.3% in Austria, England and Germany to 8.5% in Egypt. The largest viremic populations were in Egypt, with 6,358,000 cases in 2008 and Brazil with 2,106,000 cases in 2007. The age distribution of cases differed between countries. In most countries, prevalence rates were higher among males, reflecting higher rates of injection drug use. Diagnosis, treatment and transplant levels also differed considerably between countries. Reliable estimates characterizing HCV-infected populations are critical for addressing HCV-related morbidity and mortality. There is a need to quantify the burden of chronic HCV infection at the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bruggmann
- Arud Centres for Addiction Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Norden L, van Veen M, Lidman C, Todorov I, Guarita B, Kretzschmar M, Wiessing L. Hepatitis C among injecting drug users is two times higher in Stockholm, Sweden than in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Subst Use Misuse 2013; 48:1469-74. [PMID: 23750711 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2013.793356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed risk behavior and preventive measures for hepatitis C among injecting drug users in Rotterdam, the Netherlands (452 participants, 2002-2003) and Stockholm, Sweden (310 participants, 2004-2006), two cities with contrasting drug policies. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models were used. We found that the prevalence of hepatitis C was almost two times higher in participants from Stockholm than in participants from Rotterdam, even after adjustment for sex sharing paraphernalia (adjusted relative risk: 1.92, 95% confidence interval: 1.60-2.29). Follow-up comparative studies are needed to determine if policies with structured health programs can decrease transmission of hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillebil Norden
- 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Addiction Centre , Stockholm , Sweden
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22
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Fazito E, Cuchi P, Mahy M, Brown T. Analysis of duration of risk behaviour for key populations: a literature review. Sex Transm Infect 2013; 88 Suppl 2:i24-32. [PMID: 23172343 PMCID: PMC3512397 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2012-050647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this paper is to review literature in order to calculate regional estimates of the average duration of time individuals maintain a specific high-risk behaviour. Methods The review targeted the key populations of female sex workers (FSW), male clients of female sex workers (MCFSW), people who inject drugs (injecting drug users (IDU)) and high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). To be included in the review the study had to provide information on (1) the time a person spent at risk until death or cessation of the risk behaviour, (2) the percentage of the sample who initiated the risk behaviour in less than a year or (3) the mean or median duration of the behaviour from a representative sample. Results 49 papers were found for the FSW population describing the period of time FSW stay in sex work to be between 2.9 years (Asia) and 12 years (Latin America). Eight papers were found for MCFSW showing the duration of the risk behaviour in this category varying from 4.6 years in Africa to 32 years in Asia. 86 papers were reviewed for the population of IDU showing that the average time a person injects illegal drugs varies from 5.6 years (Africa) to 21 years (South America). No information was found for duration of high-risk behaviour among MSM; instead, the definitions found in the literature for high- and low-risk behaviour among MSM were described. Conclusions There is high variability of estimates of duration of high-risk behaviours at regional level. More research is needed to inform models and prevention programmes on the average duration of time individuals maintain a specific high-risk behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Fazito
- University of Brasília, 26 Chemin Colladon, 1209 Genève, Suisse, Brasília, Brazil.
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23
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Gazdag G, Horváth G, Szabó O, Ungvari GS. Referral of intravenous drug users for antiviral treatment: effectiveness of hepatitis C case-finding programmes. Cent Eur J Public Health 2012; 20:223-5. [PMID: 23285525 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C infection (HCI) case-finding programmes aim to identify infected persons in a well-defined population. This study assessed the effectiveness of three HCI case-finding programmes for intravenous drug users by examining the rate of their referral to antiviral treatment. METHODS The Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of Szent László Hospital examines and treats all intravenous drug users who are found positive in HCI case-finding programmes in Budapest. The medical records of patients who visited the Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of Szent László Hospital between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2008 were screened and records indicating a history of drug abuse were selected. These records were matched against the databases of the hepatitis case-finding programmes and the records that appeared in both datasets were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 234 intravenous drug users identified as hepatitis C virus positive in the Budapest case-finding programmes, only 21 attended the Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of Szent László Hospital and only two started antiviral treatment, but their hepatitis C virus positive status had already been known at the time of screening. CONCLUSION In this study, not a single patient with drug abuse whose hepatitis C virus positive status was identified in one of the HCI case-finding programmes was referred for antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Gazdag
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatric Service, Szent István and Szent László Hospitals, Budapest, Hungary.
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Dynamics of two separate but linked HIV-1 CRF01_AE outbreaks among injection drug users in Stockholm, Sweden, and Helsinki, Finland. J Virol 2010; 85:510-8. [PMID: 20962100 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01413-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed phylogenetic analyses were performed to characterize an HIV-1 outbreak among injection drug users (IDUs) in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2006. This study investigated the source and dynamics of HIV-1 spread during the outbreak as well as associated demographic and clinical factors. Seventy Swedish IDUs diagnosed during 2004 to 2007 were studied. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and the V3 region of the HIV-1 envelope gene was sequenced to allow detailed phylogenetic analyses. The results showed that the Stockholm outbreak was caused by a CRF01_AE variant imported from Helsinki, Finland, around 2003, which was quiescent until the outbreak started in 2006. Local Swedish subtype B variants continued to spread at a lower rate. The number of new CRF01_AE cases over a rooted phylogenetic tree accurately reflected the transmission dynamics and showed a temporary increase, by a factor of 12, in HIV incidence during the outbreak. Virus levels were similar in CRF01_AE and subtype B infections, arguing against differences in contagiousness. Similarly, there were no major differences in other baseline characteristics. Instead, the outbreak in Stockholm (and Helsinki) was best explained by an introduction of HIV into a standing network of previously uninfected IDUs. The combination of phylogenetics and epidemiological data creates a powerful tool for investigating outbreaks of HIV and other infectious diseases that could improve surveillance and prevention.
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