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Quality Assurance for Hepatitis C Virus Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040684. [PMID: 36832172 PMCID: PMC9955859 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040684] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of a multinational study to evaluate the Bioline Hepatitis C virus (HCV) point-of-care (POC) testing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), this narrative review summarises regulatory standards and quality indicators for validating and approving HCV clinical diagnostics. In addition, this review also provides a summary of their diagnostic evaluations using the REASSURED criteria as the benchmark and its implications on the WHO HCV elimination goals 2030.
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Chen H, Liu J, Kang Q, Luo H, Tan N, Pan J, Yang Y, Yu M, Liu D, Xi H, Han Y, Cheng R, Yu Y, Xu X. Resistant-Associated Substitutions Do Not Affect HCV RNA and HCV Core Antigen Clearance During Direct-Acting Antiviral Agent Treatment in a Real-World Setting. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:3373-3380. [PMID: 35789797 PMCID: PMC9250317 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s352873] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) became available, the global hepatitis C treatment situation has undergone tremendous changes. However there are still many issues worthy of attention in treatment. Methods We selected 53 HCV-infected patients who were treated and followed up in the Peking University First Hospital from December 2017 to January 2021 to detect the RASs in HCV. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze HCV RNA and HCV cAg, the Fisher exact test and chi-square test was used to compare the effects of RASs on the rate of decline of HCV RNA and HCV core antigen (cAg) during DAA treatment. Results The RASs and its prevalence on the NS3 are mainly Y56F 2.56% (1/39), Q80K 23.08% (9/39), S122G 71.79% (28/39), and V170I 38.46% (15/39). On the NS5A were R30Q 10.53% (4/38), P32A 5.26% (2/38), P58S 2.63% (1/39), and Y93H 21.05% (8/38). On NS5B were C316N 71.05% (27/38), C451H 2.63% (1/38), and I585C 2.63% (1/38). There was no significant correlation between the RASs (Y93H, V179I, Q80K, S122G, C316N) and HCV genotype (p > 0.05). The baseline serum HCV RNA and HCV cAg had a significant medium-degree correlation (r = 0.601, p = 0.002). After 1 week of DAA treatment was weak correlation (r = 0.413, p = 0.032). Q80K, S122G, V170I, Y93H, and C316N had no effect on the clearance of HCV RNA and HCV cAg within the first week of DAA treatment (p>0.05). Conclusion The HCV genotype may have a limited impact on the presence of the five RASs (Y93H, V179I, Q80K, S122G, and C316N) as shown in this study. HCV RNA and HCV cAg have a correlation, especially at baseline is the highest; the appearance of some RASs has no effect on DAA treatment in most chronic hepatitis C patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Kang
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Luo
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Tan
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Pan
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Yu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Liu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Xi
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Han
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Cheng
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyuan Xu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Flores GL, Mota JC, da Silva Andrade LT, Lopes RS, Bastos FI, Villar LM. Performance of HCV Antigen Testing for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Antiviral Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7348755. [PMID: 35028317 PMCID: PMC8752229 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7348755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is based on the detection of HCV RNA that it is effective but presents high cost and the need to hire trained personnel. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of HCV Ag testing to identify HCV cases and to monitor antiviral treatment including DAA treatment. METHODS The studies were identified through a search in PubMed, Lilacs, and Scopus from 1990 through March 31, 2020. Cohort, cross-sectional, and randomized controlled trials were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed quality using an adapted Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Our primary outcome was to determine the accuracy of HCV Ag detection for the diagnosis, which we estimated using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Of 3,062 articles identified, 54 met our eligibility criteria. The studies described cohorts from 20 countries, including 14,286 individuals with chronic HCV individuals. Studies for ECLIA technology demonstrated highest quality compared to studies that used ELISA. The pooled sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) for HCV Ag detection of active HCV infection were 98.82% (95%CI = 98.04%; 99.30%) and 98.95% (95%CI = 97.84%; 99.49%), respectively. High concordance was found between HCV Ag testing and HCV RNA detection 89.7% and 95% to evaluate antiviral treatment. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, HCV Ag testing could be useful to identify HCV active cases in low-resource areas. For antiviral treatment, HCV Ag testing will be useful at the end of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geane Lopes Flores
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jurema Corrêa Mota
- Institute of Communication and Information on Science and Technology in Health, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Serrano Lopes
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco Inácio Bastos
- Institute of Communication and Information on Science and Technology in Health, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Livia Melo Villar
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Sadeghimehr M, Bertisch B, Negro F, Butsashvili M, Shilton S, Tskhomelidze I, Tsereteli M, Keiser O, Estill J. Hepatitis C core antigen test as an alternative for diagnosing HCV infection: mathematical model and cost-effectiveness analysis. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11895. [PMID: 34595063 PMCID: PMC8436958 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11895] [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: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cost and complexity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test are barriers to diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the cost-effectiveness of testing strategies using antigen instead of PCR testing. METHODS We developed a mathematical model for HCV to estimate the number of diagnoses and cases of liver disease. We compared the following testing strategies: antibody test followed by PCR in case of positive antibody (baseline strategy); antibody test followed by HCV-antigen test (antibody-antigen); antigen test alone; PCR test alone. We conducted cost-effectiveness analyses considering either the costs of HCV testing of infected and uninfected individuals alone (A1), HCV testing and liver-related complications (A2), or all costs including HCV treatment (A3). The model was parameterized for the country of Georgia. We conducted several sensitivity analyses. RESULTS The baseline scenario could detect 89% of infected individuals. Antibody-antigen detected 86% and antigen alone 88% of infected individuals. PCR testing alone detected 91% of the infected individuals: the remaining 9% either died or spontaneously recovered before testing. In analysis A1, the baseline strategy was not essentially more expensive than antibody-antigen. In analysis A2, strategies using PCR became cheaper than antigen-based strategies. In analysis A3, antibody-antigen was again the cheapest strategy, followed by the baseline strategy, and PCR testing alone. CONCLUSIONS Antigen testing, either following a positive antibody test or alone, performed almost as well as the current practice of HCV testing. The cost-effectiveness of these strategies depends on the inclusion of treatment costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Bertisch
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Checkin Helvetiaplatz, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Negro
- Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Irina Tskhomelidze
- TEPHINET for Georgia Hepatitis C Elimination Program, I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Maia Tsereteli
- Department of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STI and TB, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Janne Estill
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Wang Y, Jie W, Ling J, Yuanshuai H. HCV core antigen plays an important role in the fight against HCV as an alternative to HCV-RNA detection. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e23755. [PMID: 33788295 PMCID: PMC8183919 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To discuss the clinical significance of HCV‐cAg testing in the diagnosis, activity determination, and monitoring of therapeutic effectiveness of HCV infection and its advantages compared with HCV‐RNA and anti‐HCV antibodies detection. Methods By summarizing the published literature, the advantages and significance of HCV core antigen detection were sought. Results The expression of HCV‐cAg is highly consistent with that of HCV‐RNA, but compared with HCV‐RNA, detection of HCV‐cAg is easy to operate, time saving, and low cost. HCV‐cAg can be detected within 12~15 days after infection, and the window period can be shortened by5~7 weeks. HCV‐cAg is a serological indicator of virus replication, which can distinguish previous infection of HCV or current infection. HCV‐cAg detection is more suitable for immunocompromised, hemodialysis, organ transplant patients. HCV‐cAg also can be used to monitor antiviral efficacy and predict sustained virological response (SVR). Conclusion HCV core antigen has similar clinical sensitivity to NAT and can be used as a substitute for HCV‐RNA in the diagnosis of virus infection. Combined detection of HCV‐cAg and antibody serology can help doctors detect HCV infection earlier, accurately diagnose different stages of HCV infection, and evaluate the therapeutic effect of antiviral drugs, which are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Wang
- Department of Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wang Jie
- Department of Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiang Ling
- Department of Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huang Yuanshuai
- Department of Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Jordan AE, Cleland CM, Schackman BR, Wyka K, Perlman DC, Nash D. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Care Continuum Outcomes and HCV Community Viral Loads Among Patients in an Opioid Treatment Program. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S335-S345. [PMID: 32877560 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains endemic among people who use drugs (PWUD). Measures of HCV community viral load (CVL) and HCV care continuum outcomes may be valuable for ascertaining unmet treatment need and for HCV surveillance and control. METHODS Data from patients in an opioid treatment program during 2013-2016 were used to (1) identify proportions of antibody and viral load (VL) tested, linked-to-care, and treated, in 2013-2014 and 2015-2016, and pre- and postimplementation of qualitative reflex VL testing; (2) calculate engaged-in-care HCV CVL and "documented" and "estimated" unmet treatment need; and (3) examine factors associated with linkage-to-HCV-care. RESULTS Among 11 267 patients, proportions of HCV antibody tested (52.5% in 2013-2014 vs 73.3% in 2015-2016), linked-to-HCV-care (15.7% vs 51.8%), and treated (12.0% vs 44.7%) all increased significantly. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with less linkage-to-care, and Manhattan residence was associated with improved linkage-to-care. The overall engaged-in-care HCV CVL was 4 351 079 copies/mL (standard deviation = 7 149 888); local HCV CVLs varied by subgroup and geography. Documented and estimated unmet treatment need decreased but remained high. CONCLUSIONS After qualitative reflex VL testing was implemented, care continuum outcomes improved, but gaps remained. High rates of unmet treatment need suggest that control of the HCV epidemic among PWUD will require expansion of HCV treatment coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashly E Jordan
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (multi-institutional), New York, New York, USA.,Behavioral Science Training Program in Drug Abuse Research, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Charles M Cleland
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (multi-institutional), New York, New York, USA.,Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katarzyna Wyka
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - David C Perlman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (multi-institutional), New York, New York, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
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Wong XZ, Amirah A, Gan CC, Fatiha S, Maznah D, Yahya R, Ganapathy S, Tan SS, Mohamed R, Lim SK. Hepatitis C virus core antigen as alternative diagnostic algorithm for active hepatitis C virus infection among haemodialysis population: Cost implications. Nephrology (Carlton) 2021; 26:463-470. [PMID: 33580732 DOI: 10.1111/nep.13862] [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: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In Malaysia, majority anti-HCV positive haemodialysis patients do not undergo hepatitis C confirmation due to the high cost of HCV RNA. HCV Core Antigen might be a cost-effective diagnostic test to identify HD patients who have active HCV infection eligible for Direct Acting Anti-viral therapy. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the correlation between HCV Ag and HCV RNA and the cost implications of different diagnostic algorithms to diagnose active HCV infection using Anti-HCV, HCV Ag, and HCV RNA. Pre-dialysis blood was tested for both HCV Ag and HCV RNA. HCV Ag was tested with Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag test. RESULTS Two-hundred twenty-seven haemodialysis patients were recruited from 20 centres with mean age of 57.68 ± 12.48 years, and male constitutes 56.8% (129) of the study population. HCV Ag correlated well with HCV RNA (Spearman test coefficient 0.943, p < .001) with sensitivity of 93.9%, specificity 99.3%, and the accuracy was 97.36%. Cost analysis indicated that a sequential test involving Anti-HCV antibody as initial screening, followed by HCV Ag on Anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA on HCV Ag negative cases translated to a modest cost-saving algorithm compared to standard diagnostic algorithm. CONCLUSION HCV Ag correlated well with HCV RNA and can potentially be fused in an alternative diagnostic algorithm to generate cost savings methods to diagnose active HCV infection among haemodialysis patients. This alternative algorithm is especially relevant in low to middle-income countries such as Malaysia to optimize the use of the healthcare resource and gains in clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Z Wong
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azzeri Amirah
- Community Health Unit, Department of Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Chye C Gan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shabaruddin Fatiha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Jalan University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dahlui Maznah
- Centre of Population Health, Department of Social Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Shubash Ganapathy
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Kompleks Institut Kesihatan Negara (NIH), Setia Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soek S Tan
- Selayang Hospital, Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rosmawati Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soo K Lim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Wong XZ, Gan CC, Mohamed R, Yahya R, Ganapathy S, Tan SS, Lim SK. Hepatitis C core antigen testing to diagnose active hepatitis C infection among haemodialysis patients. BMC Nephrol 2020; 21:480. [PMID: 33187498 PMCID: PMC7666439 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-020-02154-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 71 million people worldwide and chronic HCV infection increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and failure. Haemodialysis (HD) is one of the renal replacement therapies with risk of HCV transmission. Anti-HCV antibodies are the serological screening test for HCV infection that does not detect active phase of infection. Majority HCV infected HD patients in Malaysia do not have further HCV RNA performed due to high cost and thus HCV treatment is less frequently offered. HCV Core Antigen (HCV Ag) can potentially be used to diagnose active HCV infection in HD population in comparison to HCV RNA, at lower cost. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the correlation between HCV Ag and HCV RNA and to identify the prevalence of active HCV infection among HCV seropositive HD patients from dialysis centres across West Malaysia from July 2019 to May 2020. Pre-dialysis blood was taken and tested for both HCV Ag and HCV RNA tests. HCV Ag was tested with Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag test. Results We recruited 112 seropositive HD patients from 17 centres with mean age of 54.04 ± 11.62 years, HD vintage of 14.1 ± 9.7 years, and male constitute 59.8% (67) of the study population. HCV Ag correlates well with HCV RNA (Spearman test coefficient 0.833, p < 0.001). The sensitivity was 90.7%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) 76.5%, and accuracy 92.9%. For HCV RNA level > 3000 IU/mL, HCV Ag had a higher sensitivity of 95.1% and greater correlation (Spearman test coefficient 0.897, p < 0.001). The prevalence of active HCV infection was 76.8% among HCV seropositive HD patients. Conclusions Although HCV Ag is less sensitive, it shows an excellent correlation with HCV RNA and has 100% PPV. HCV Ag can be considered as an alternative diagnostic tool for chronic active HCV infection among HD cohort, who can then be considered for HCV treatment. For seropositive HD patient with negative HCV Ag, we recommend to follow-up with HCV RNA test. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-020-02154-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zheng Wong
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chye Chung Gan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosmawati Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosnawati Yahya
- Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, 50586, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shubash Ganapathy
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Kompleks Institut Kesihatan Negara (NIH), No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52 Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soek Siam Tan
- Selayang Hospital, B21, Lebuhraya Selayang - Kepong, 68100, Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soo Kun Lim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan University, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,8TE, Menara Timur, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya, Jalan Universiti, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Duchesne L, Hejblum G, Njouom R, Touré Kane C, Toni TD, Moh R, Sylla B, Rouveau N, Attia A, Lacombe K. Model-based cost-effectiveness estimates of testing strategies for diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection in Central and Western Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238035. [PMID: 32833976 PMCID: PMC7446873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas 72% of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected people worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), only 6% of them have been diagnosed. Innovative technologies for HCV diagnosis provide opportunities for developing testing strategies more adapted to resource-constrained settings. However, studies about their economic feasibility in LMICs are lacking. METHODS Adopting a health sector perspective in Cameroon, Cote-d'Ivoire, and Senegal, a decision tree model was developed to compare 12 testing strategies with the following characteristics: a one-step or two-step testing sequence, HCV-RNA or HCV core antigen as confirmative biomarker, laboratory or point-of-care (POC) tests, and venous blood samples or dried blood spots (DBS). Outcomes measures were the number of true positives (TPs), cost per screened individual, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, and nationwide budget. Corresponding time horizon was immediate, and outcomes were accordingly not discounted. Detailed sensitivity analyses were conducted. FINDINGS In the base-case, a two-step POC-based strategy including anti-HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) and HCV-RNA testing had the lowest cost, €8.18 per screened individual. Assuming a lost-to-follow-up rate after screening > 1.9%, a DBS-based laboratory HCV-RNA after HCV-Ab POC testing was the single un-dominated strategy, requiring an additional cost of €3653.56 per additional TP detected. Both strategies would require 8-25% of the annual public health expenditure of the study countries for diagnosing 30% of HCV-infected individuals. Assuming a seroprevalence > 46.9% or a cost of POC HCV-RNA < €7.32, a one-step strategy based on POC HCV-RNA dominated the two-step POC-based strategy but resulted in many more false-positive cases. CONCLUSIONS POC HCV-Ab followed by either POC- or DBS-based HCV-RNA testing would be the most cost-effective strategies in the study countries. Without a substantial increase in funding for health or a dramatic decrease in assay prices, HCV testing would constitute an economic barrier to the implementation of HCV elimination programs in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Duchesne
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Hejblum
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Department, Pasteur Centre of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Coumba Touré Kane
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Aristide Le Dantec/ Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Thomas d’Aquin Toni
- Centre de Diagnostic et de Recherches sur le SIDA (CeDReS), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Raoul Moh
- Programme PAC-CI, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Unité de formation et de recherche de Sciences Médicales, Unité Pédagogique de Dermatologie et Infectiologie, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny, Abidjan
| | - Babacar Sylla
- Institut de Médecine et d'Epidémiologie Appliquée (IMEA), Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Rouveau
- International Research and Collaboration unit, Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida et les hépatites virales (ANRS), Paris, France
| | - Alain Attia
- Service d’Hépatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Paris, France
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10
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Feng B, Yang RF, Jiang HJ, Xie YD, Zhang HY, Jin Q, Cong X, Wei L. Correlation analysis of hepatitis C virus core antigen and low viral loads: Can core antigen replace nucleic acid test? Clin Exp Med 2020; 20:131-141. [PMID: 31664538 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-019-00588-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Value of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (cAg) test has been controversy in patients with low HCV loads for its lower sensitivity. We assessed correlation between HCV-cAg and HCV RNA in serum samples with low viral loads and analyzed the performance of HCV-cAg assay in determining diagnosis and treatment outcomes in chronic hepatitis C patients. Both HCV RNA and HCV-cAg were detected for 2298 serum samples. Correlation analysis was performed between the two tests. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to assess value of HCV-cAg test in determining diagnosis and response outcomes at the different HCV RNA thresholds. The two tests were correlated very well, and moreover, correlation in the low viral load group was higher than that in the high viral load group (r value: 0.901 and 0.517). Positive agreement of HCV-cAg ≥ 3 fmol/L was as high as 97.0% for HCV RNA ≥ 1000 IU/mL, and its negative agreement for HCV RNA < 15 IU/mL was up to 98.9% in all samples. Area under ROCs ranged from 0.939 to 0.992, regardless of HCV RNA thresholds. When lower limit of detection of HCV RNA was 15, 100 or 1000 IU/mL, positive predictive value of HCV-cAg was 96.8%, 98.8% or 92.4%, and its negative predictive value was 87.0%, 89.9% or 98.3%, respectively, on the basis of different cutoff values. High-sensitivity HCV-cAg detection may likely replace HCV RNA to confirm the existence of HCV and to guide the treatment of chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Feng
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Rui-Feng Yang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Han-Ji Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yan-Di Xie
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Hai-Ying Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Qian Jin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xu Cong
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, No. 168 Litang Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102218, China.
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11
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Sadeghimehr M, Bertisch B, Schaetti C, Wandeler G, Richard JL, Scheidegger C, Keiser O, Estill J. Modelling the impact of different testing strategies for HCV infection in Switzerland. J Virus Erad 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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12
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Fourati S, Feld JJ, Chevaliez S, Luhmann N. Approaches for simplified HCV diagnostic algorithms. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 21 Suppl 2:e25058. [PMID: 29633561 PMCID: PMC5978654 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the light of the advances in HCV antiviral therapy, global control of HCV infection becomes feasible but depends on the capacity of countries to identify infected people and to offer them treatment. To achieve the WHO goal which targets a diagnosis rate of 90% by 2030, simplification of screening and diagnosis will be crucial. Methods Published literature, unpublished data and expert consensus were used to determine key parameters, including point‐of‐care, rapid diagnostic testing, screening, the use of HCV core Ag and dried blood spots; starting from 2008 until November 2017. In addition, a manual search was undertaken to detect relevant papers or websites related to specific data from countries which underwent or are planning a programme of HCV elimination. Results Several strategies have been developed and evaluated these last years to simplify and facilitate access to screening and diagnosis, the development of reliable HCV core antigen tests and new nucleic acid amplification technologies for use in decentralized settings. In high prevalence settings, a one‐step screening and diagnosis strategy could simplify diagnostic algorithms provided the cost is reduced. Finally, genotyping may no longer be required in the context of availability of pangenotypic antiviral therapy. Conclusions Despite relevant advances in HCV screening and diagnosis, the overall diagnosis package is still too expensive today and efforts must be made to allow generalized implementation of reliable tests in low and middle income countries. These efforts will be key factors to foster a real public health approach to HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slim Fourati
- Department of Virology, Henri Mondor Hospital, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and delta D, INSERMU955, Créteil, France
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stéphane Chevaliez
- Department of Virology, Henri Mondor Hospital, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and delta D, INSERMU955, Créteil, France
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13
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Jülicher P, Chulanov VP, Pimenov NN, Chirkova E, Yankina A, Galli C. Streamlining the screening cascade for active Hepatitis C in Russia: A cost-effectiveness analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219687. [PMID: 31310636 PMCID: PMC6634401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Screening for hepatitis C in Russia is a complex process that involves several visits and stepwise testing, limiting adherence and substantially reducing the yield in the identification of active infections. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different screening algorithms from a health system perspective. METHODS A decision analytic model was applied to a hypothetical adult population eligible to participate in a general screening program for hepatitis C in Russia. The standard pathway (I: Screen for anti-HCV antibodies followed by a nucleic acid test for HCV RNA on antibody positives) was compared to three alternatives (II: Screen for antibodies, a reflexed test for HCV antigen on antibody positives, and RNA on antigen negatives; III: Screen for antibodies, a reflexed test for HCV antigen on antibody positives; IV: Screen for antigen). Each strategy considered a cascade of events (referral, adherence, testing, diagnosis) that must occur for screening to be effective. The primary measure of effectiveness was the number of diagnosed active infections. Calculations followed a health system perspective with costs derived from 2017 reimbursement rates and a willingness-to-pay of 2,000RUB ($82) per diagnosed active infection. Model was tested with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Non-adherence to screening stages reduced the capture rate of active infections in Strategy I from 79.0% to 40.6%. Strategies II, III, and IV were less affected and identified 69%, 67%, and 104% more infections. Average costs per diagnosed infection were decreased by 41% from 89,599RUB ($3,681) for I to 53,072RUB ($2,180), 53,004RUB ($2,177), and 59,633RUB ($2,450) for II, III, and IV, respectively. With a probability of 97%, Strategy III was most cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio vs. I of -1,373RUB (CI: -5,011RUB to -2,033RUB; $-56; CI: -$206 to -$84). Below a willingness-to-pay of 91,000RUB ($3,738), Strategy IV was not cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of results. CONCLUSIONS Testing strategies for hepatitis C with HCV antigen on HCV antibody positive cases offer a streamlining opportunity for population screening programs. Those shall increase the chances for detecting active infections and are cost-effective over current practice in Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Jülicher
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Abbott Diagnostics, Wiesbaden, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Vladimir P. Chulanov
- Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay N. Pimenov
- Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Chirkova
- Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Yankina
- Medical Communication, Abbott Diagnostics, Khimki, Russia
- CIS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Claudio Galli
- Global Medical & Scientific Affairs, Abbott Diagnostics, Rome, Italy
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14
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Cammarota S, Citarella A, Guida A, Conti V, Iannaccone T, Flacco ME, Bravi F, Naccarato C, Piscitelli A, Piscitelli R, Valente A, Calella G, Coppola N, Parruti G. The inpatient hospital burden of comorbidities in HCV-infected patients: A population-based study in two Italian regions with high HCV endemicity (The BaCH study). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219396. [PMID: 31291351 PMCID: PMC6619769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & aims Hepatitis C (HCV) is associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, and estimates of the hospitalization burden related to these comorbidities are still limited. The aim of this study is to quantify the hospitalization risk associated with comorbidities in an Italian cohort of HCV-infected patients and to assess which of these comorbidities are associated with high hospitalization resource utilization. Methods Individuals aged 18 years and older with HCV-infection were identified in the Abruzzo’s and Campania’s hospital discharge abstracts during 2011–2014 with 1-year follow-up. Cardio-and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and renal disease were grouped as HCV-related comorbidities. Negative binomial models were used to compare the hospitalization risk in patients with and without each comorbidity. Logistic regression model was used to identify the characteristics of being in the top 20% of patients with the highest hospitalization costs (high-cost patients). Results 15,985 patients were included; 19.9% had a liver complication and 48.6% had one or more HCV-related comorbidities. During follow-up, 36.0% of patients underwent at least one hospitalization. Liver complications and the presence of two or more HCV-related comorbidities were the major predictors of hospitalization and highest inpatient costs. Among those, patients with cardiovascular disease had the highest risk of hospitalization (Incidence Rate Ratios = 1.42;95%CI:1.33–1.51) and the highest likelihood of becoming high-cost patients (Odd Ratio = 1.37;95%CI:1.20–1.57). Conclusion Beyond advanced liver disease, HCV-related comorbidities (especially cardiovascular disease) are the strongest predictors of high hospitalization rates and costs. Our findings highlight the potential benefit that early identification and treatment of HCV might have on the reduction of hospitalization costs driven by extrahepatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cammarota
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology s.r.l., Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Citarella
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology s.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Guida
- Directorate-General for Protection of Health, Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Conti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Teresa Iannaccone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | | | | | - Cristina Naccarato
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development “ENEA”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Piscitelli
- Specialisation School, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Piscitelli
- Specialisation School, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Valente
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology s.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Calella
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Caserta, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giustino Parruti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
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15
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Cortesi PA, Barca R, Giudicatti G, Mossini S, Ciaccio A, Iannazzo S, Micale M, Cesana G, Mantovani LG. Systematic review: economic evaluations of HCV screening in the direct-acting antivirals era. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:1126-1133. [PMID: 30843268 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization estimated that 90% of the infected people need to be diagnosed and 80% need to be treated to reach the aim of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030. For this reason, all possible strategies to detect and treat HCV-infected people need to be carefully evaluated to implement the best one. AIM To review and synthesise the economic evaluations of HCV screening programs conducted in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents regimens. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted until April 2018 to provide information on the costs and effectiveness of HCV screenings in direct-acting antiviral agents era. A critical assessment of the quality of economic evaluations retrieved was conducted. RESULTS The literature search identified 716 references; 17 of them assessed cost and effectiveness of screening programs and antiviral treatments in different populations: general population (n = 7), drug users (n = 5), high-risk populations (n = 4) and other populations (n = 3). The HCV screening and direct-acting antiviral agents treatment appear to be good value for money, both in general and high-risk populations, if a cost per quality adjusted life years of $50 000 is set as willingness to pay threshold. Some studies showed the value of including lower stage of fibrosis in the treatment selection criteria. CONCLUSIONS Several HCV screening strategies plus direct-acting antiviral agents treatments resulted cost-effectiveness in different populations. However, there is still need of country and population-specific evaluations within the different HCV screening and treatment strategies available, in order to assess their cost-effectiveness and sustainability and fully support an evidence-informed policy for HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Angelo Cortesi
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberta Barca
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Giudicatti
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Sergio Mossini
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Antonio Ciaccio
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Hospital San Gerardo, Monza, Italy.,International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Sergio Iannazzo
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,SIHS Health Economics Consulting, Turin, Italy
| | - Mariangela Micale
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Cesana
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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16
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Adland E, Jesuthasan G, Downs L, Wharton V, Wilde G, McNaughton AL, Collier J, Barnes E, Klenerman P, Andersson M, Jeffery K, Matthews PC. Hepatitis virus (HCV) diagnosis and access to treatment in a UK cohort. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:461. [PMID: 30217169 PMCID: PMC6137907 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is progressively rolled out for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, careful scrutiny of HCV epidemiology, diagnostic testing, and access to care is crucial to underpin improvements in delivery of treatment, with the ultimate goal of elimination. Methods We retrospectively studied microbiology records from a large UK teaching hospital in order to compare the performance of HCV screening and diagnostic tests (antibody, antigen and HCV RNA detection). Having described a local cohort of adults with active HCV infection, we investigated the proportion who attended hospital appointments, were prescribed direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, and cleared HCV RNA following treatment. Results Over a total time period of 33 months between 2013 and 2016, we tested 38,509 individuals for HCV infection and confirmed a new diagnosis of active HCV infection (HCV-Ag + and/or HCV RNA+) in 353 (positive rate 0.9%). Our in-house HCV-Ab screening test had a positive predictive value of 87% compared to repeat HCV-Ab testing in a reference laboratory, highlighting the potential for false positives to arise using this test. HCV-Ag had 100% positive predictive value compared to detection of HCV RNA. There was a strong correlation between quantitative HCV-Ag and HCV RNA viral load (p < 0.0001). Among the cases of infection, genotype-1 and genotype-3 predominated, the median age was 37 years, 84% were male, and 36% were in prison. Hepatology review was provided in 39%, and 22% received treatment. Among those who received DAA therapy with 12 weeks of follow-up, 93% achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR12). Conclusions HCV-Ag performs well as a diagnostic test compared to PCR for HCV RNA. Active HCV infection is over-represented among men and in the prison population. DAA therapy is successful in those who receive it, but a minority of patients with a diagnosis of HCV infection access clinical care. Enhanced efforts are required to provide linkage to clinical care within high risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Adland
- Department of Paediatrics, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Gerald Jesuthasan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Louise Downs
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Victoria Wharton
- Department of Hepatology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Gemma Wilde
- Department of Hepatology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Anna L McNaughton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Jane Collier
- Department of Hepatology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Department of Hepatology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK.,Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Department of Hepatology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK.,Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Monique Andersson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Katie Jeffery
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Philippa C Matthews
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK. .,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK.
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17
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Wasitthankasem R, Vichaiwattana P, Siripon N, Posuwan N, Auphimai C, Klinfueng S, Thanetkongtong N, Vuthitanachot V, Saiyatha S, Thongmai C, Sochoo S, Sukthong P, Poovorawan K, Tangkijvanich P, Poovorawan Y. Birth-cohort HCV screening target in Thailand to expand and optimize the national HCV screening for public health policy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202991. [PMID: 30138441 PMCID: PMC6107264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization aims to eliminate HCV infection worldwide by 2030. A targeted HCV screening policy is currently unavailable in Thailand, but a decrease in HCV infection has been observed in the country. However, a previous study showed that there was a higher HCV seroprevalence in adults aged between 30–64 years in the Phetchabun province (15.5%), as compared to the Khon Kaen province (3.6%). It was hypothesized that young adults had a lower rate of HCV seropositivity; this was determined by the age distribution of anti-HCV in Phetchabun and with the identification of high seroprevalence birth cohorts. In order to compare the provincial findings to the national level, anti-HCV birth cohorts were further analyzed in Khon Kaen (averaged-HCV prevalence) as well as the Thai data set that was derived from the previous literature. Thai individuals aged between 18–30 years residing in Phetchabun (n = 1453) were recruited, tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies and viral RNA and completed questionnaires that were designed to identify HCV exposure risks. Data was collected and compiled from previously published articles (n = 1667, age 30–64 years). The HCV seropositivity in Phetchabun by age group (18–64, at 5-year intervals) and the birth year were tabulated parallel to the Khon Kaen data set (n = 2233) in conjunction with data from the national survey 2014 (n = 5964) representing the Thai population. Factors such as age, male gender, agricultural work, blood transfusion, intravenous drug use and having a tattoo were associated with anti-HCV positivity in Phetchabun. HCV seroprevalence was less than 4.0% (ranging from 0.0–3.5%) from the age of 18–34 years. A dramatic increase of 15.1% was found in adults aged greater than or equal to 35 years, whereas, the age group in Khon Kaen and the national population with increasing prevalence of HCV were older (≥40). The HCV seropositivity cohort accumulated for those born between 1951–1982 accounted for 71.4–100.0% of all seropositive individuals. Subsequently, new cases occurred sporadically. This finding provides evidence that there is a disproportionately high HCV seroprevalence among people born before 1983 (or aged ≥35). This cohort should be targeted for priority screening as part of the national HCV screening policy. Incorporating this birth cohort with other risk factors could improve HCV diagnostic rates, resulting in overall improvements in parallel to those given by novel antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujipat Wasitthankasem
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Preeyaporn Vichaiwattana
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipaporn Siripon
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Posuwan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chompoonut Auphimai
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirapa Klinfueng
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Supapith Saiyatha
- Phetchabun Provincial Public Health Office, Mueang Phetchabun, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | - Chaiwat Thongmai
- Phetchabun Provincial Public Health Office, Mueang Phetchabun, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | - Saowakon Sochoo
- Lomkao Crown Prince Hospital, Na-saeng, Lom Kao, Phetchabun, Thailand
| | | | - Kittiyod Poovorawan
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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18
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Liver disease burden and required treatment expenditures for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Thailand: Implications for HCV elimination in the new therapeutic era, a population-based study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196301. [PMID: 29689073 PMCID: PMC5916520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been decreasing globally, but the growing effects of HCV-related morbidity and mortality remain of concern. Advances in curative medicine, involving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), have led many countries to aim to eradicate HCV. Information on epidemiology and disease burden is essential for national policy development. Thus, this study aimed to determine the HCV-related hepatic disease burden in areas of Thailand with high and average HCV prevalence in order to extrapolate the viral burden across Thailand. Patients previously diagnosed as positive for anti-HCV antibodies were recruited to assess chronic HCV infection (CHC) status, liver function, HCV-RNA level and hepatic fibrosis. The number of patients eligible for Universal Health Coverage (UC) scheme and the approximately required expenditure on interferon (IFN)-based treatment were estimated. In areas of both high (12%) and average (2%) HCV viremic prevalence, over half of the patients (52.2% to 62.5%) had advanced liver fibrosis (F3 and F4). A striking percentage of patients with F4 (38.9%) were found in the high-prevalence area, while comparable proportions of advanced liver fibrosis presented in the two areas and disease burden peaked at 50–59 years. Under the current UC program treatment scenario, 78–83% of CHC patients with stage F2–F4 fibrosis were eligible for treatment. The estimated expenditure required for overall CHC treatment across the whole country was 1,240 million USD at this current status, but the declining cost of generic DAA-based therapy may reduce the requirement to <90 million USD. This study provides information on the estimated number of CHC patients, liver disease burden and expenditure requirements for Thailand. To eliminate HCV by 2030, proactive government strategies raising public health to minimize transmission and emphasizing targeted screen-and-treatment programs, novel therapeutic guideline development for decentralizing treatment, and effective budget allocation are urgently needed.
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Effect of HCV Core Antigen and RNA Clearance during Therapy with Direct Acting Antivirals on Hepatic Stiffness Measured with Shear Wave Elastography in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis C. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To assess a combination of novel measures of therapeutic success in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection, we evaluated liver stiffness (LS) with shear wave elastography and hepatitis C virus core antigen (HCVcAg) concentrations. We followed 34 patients during and after treatment with direct acting antivirals. All patients achieved a sustained virologic and serologic response and a significant increase of albumin levels. Decreases of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level were observed during the treatment and follow-up period. A significant decrease in LS was observed between baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and at 24- and 96-week post-treatment follow-up. LS decline between EOT and 96-week follow-up (FU96) was observed in 79% of patients. Significant LS changes were seen in patients with advanced fibrosis, particularly in cirrhotics and in patients with ALT exceeding 100 IU/mL. There was a positive correlation between ALT activity and LS changes at the baseline versus FU96. A negative correlation was demonstrated between individual HCVcAg baseline concentrations and reduction of LS at the baseline versus FU96. In conclusion, we observed that LS significantly declined during and after antiviral treatment. It was accompanied by improvement in some liver function measures, and disappearance of both HCVcAg and HCV ribonucleic acid (HCV RNA).
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Wasitthankasem R, Vichaiwattana P, Auphimai C, Siripon N, Klinfueng S, Tangkijvanich P, Vongpunsawad S, Poovorawan Y. HCV core antigen is an alternative marker to HCV RNA for evaluating active HCV infection: implications for improved diagnostic option in an era of affordable DAAs. PeerJ 2017; 5:e4008. [PMID: 29134150 PMCID: PMC5678506 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The core antigen of the hepatitis C virus (HCV Ag) presents an alternative marker to HCV RNA when screening patients for HCV viremia. This study sought to evaluate the utility of HCV Ag as a marker to assess active HCV infection in individuals residing in an HCV-endemic area. From 298 HCV-seropositive individuals evaluated for the presence of anti-HCV antibody, HCV Ag and HCV RNA, anti-HCV antibody was detected in 252 individuals (signal-to-cutoff ratios ≥5), HCV RNA was detected in 222 individuals (88%), and HCV Ag was reactive (≥3 fmol/L) in 220 individuals (87%). HCV genotype 1, 3, and 6 were identified. HCV Ag significantly correlated with HCV RNA irrespective of HCV genotype and/or HBV co-infection (log HCV RNA = 2.67 + 0.95 [log HCV Ag], R2 = 0.890, p < 0.001). To predict HCV viremia (HCV Ag ≥ 3 fmol/L), the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 99%, 99%, 100%, 100% and 97%, respectively. We concluded that HCV Ag was a good surrogate marker for HCV RNA and could be used to diagnose active HCV infection in a resource-limited setting. As a result, a cost-effective strategy for screening and identifying active HCV carriers using HCV Ag detection would enable more patients access to efficacious and increasingly affordable direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujipat Wasitthankasem
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Preeyaporn Vichaiwattana
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chompoonut Auphimai
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipaporn Siripon
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirapa Klinfueng
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Research Unit of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
| | - Sompong Vongpunsawad
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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