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Mak LY, Liu K, Chirapongsathorn S, Yew KC, Tamaki N, Rajaram RB, Panlilio MT, Lui R, Lee HW, Lai JCT, Kulkarni AV, Premkumar M, Lesmana CRA, Hsu YC, Huang DQ. Liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region: burden, trends, challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00967-4. [PMID: 39147893 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Globally, nearly half of deaths from cirrhosis and chronic liver diseases (CLD) and three-quarters of deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occur in the Asia-Pacific region. Chronic hepatitis B is responsible for the vast majority of liver-related deaths in the region. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common form of CLD, affecting an estimated 30% of the adult population. Compared with people of European descent, people from the Asia-Pacific region carry more genetic variants associated with MASLD and its progression. Alcohol is a fast-growing cause of CLD and HCC in Asia as a result of the rising per-capita consumption of alcohol. Drug-induced liver injury is under-recognized and probably has a high prevalence in this region. The epidemiological and outcome data of acute-on-chronic liver failure are heterogeneous, and non-unified definitions across regions contribute to this heterogeneity. CLDs are severely underdiagnosed, and effective treatments and vaccinations are underutilized. In this Review, we highlight trends in the burden of CLD and HCC in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss the rapidly changing aetiologies of liver disease. We examine the multiple gaps in the care cascade and propose mitigating strategies and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Liu
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rashid Lui
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Yao Chun Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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Harney BL, Sacks-Davis R, Traeger M, van Santen DK, Wilkinson AL, Asselin J, Fairley CK, Roth N, Bloch M, Matthews G, Donovan B, Guy R, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Annual hepatitis C testing and positive tests among gay and bisexual men in Australia from 2016 to 2022: a serial cross-sectional analysis of sentinel surveillance data. Sex Transm Infect 2024; 100:295-301. [PMID: 38902028 PMCID: PMC11287637 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Guidelines recommend annual hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for gay and bisexual men (GBM) with HIV and GBM prescribed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, there is a limited understanding of HCV testing among GBM. We aimed to examine trends in HCV testing and positivity from 2016 to 2022. METHODS Using sentinel surveillance data, we examined the proportion of GBM with at least one test and the proportion with a positive test in each year for HCV antibody testing among GBM with no previous HCV positive test, HCV RNA testing among GBM with a positive antibody test but no previous positive RNA test (naïve RNA testing), and HCV RNA testing among people who had a previous RNA positive test and a subsequent negative test (RNA follow-up testing). Trends were examined using logistic regression from 2016 to 2019 and 2020 to 2022. RESULTS Among GBM with HIV, from 2016 to 2019 antibody testing was stable averaging 55% tested annually. Declines were observed for both naïve HCV RNA testing (75.4%-41.4%: p<0.001) and follow-up HCV RNA testing (70.1%-44.5%: p<0.001). Test positivity declined for HCV antibody tests (2.0%-1.3%: p=0.001), HCV RNA naïve tests (75.4%-41.4%: p<0.001) and HCV RNA follow-up tests (11.3%-3.3%: p=0.001). There were minimal or no significant trends from 2020 to 2022.Among GBM prescribed PrEP, antibody testing declined from 2016 to 2019 (79.4%-69.4%: p<0.001) and was stable from 2020 to 2022. Naïve and follow-up HCV RNA testing was stable with an average of 55% and 60% tested each year, respectively. From 2016-2019, the proportion positive from HCV RNA naïve tests declined (44.1%-27.5%: p<0.046) with no significant change thereafter. Positive follow-up HCV RNA tests fluctuated with no or one new positive test among this group in most years. CONCLUSION The proportion of GBM with positive HCV tests has declined, however a substantial proportion are not tested annually. A renewed focus on HCV testing, and treatment where required, is warranted to achieve HCV elimination among GBM in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Harney
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Traeger
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna L Wilkinson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Cllinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Norm Roth
- Prahran Market Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gail Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Cunningham NE, Lamb J, Staller A, Krajden M, Hogg RS, Towle A, Lima VD, Salters K. Expanding access to healthcare for people who use drugs and sex workers: hepatitis C elimination implications from a qualitative study of healthcare experiences in British Columbia, Canada. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38575970 PMCID: PMC10996275 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health threat in Canada. In British Columbia (BC) province, 1.6% of the population had been exposed to HCV by 2012. Prevalence and incidence of HCV are very high in populations of people who use drugs (PWUD) and sex workers (SW), who may experience unique barriers to healthcare. Consequently, they are less likely to be treated for HCV. Overcoming these barriers is critical for HCV elimination. This research sought to explore the healthcare experiences of PWUD and SW and how these experiences impact their willingness to engage in healthcare in the future, including HCV care. METHODS Interpretive Description guided this qualitative study of healthcare experiences in BC, underpinned by the Health Stigma and Discrimination framework. The study team included people with living/lived experience of drug use, sex work, and HCV. Twenty-five participants completed in-depth semi-structured interviews on their previous healthcare and HCV-related experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. RESULTS Three major themes were identified in our analysis. First, participants reported common experiences of delay and refusal of care by healthcare providers, with many negative healthcare encounters perceived as rooted in institutional culture reflecting societal stigma. Second, participants discussed their choice to engage in or avoid healthcare. Many avoided all but emergency care following negative experiences in any kind of healthcare. Third, participants described the roles of respect, stigma, dignity, fear, and trust in communication in healthcare relationships. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare experiences shared by participants pointed to ways that better understanding and communication by healthcare providers could support positive change in healthcare encounters of PWUD and SW, who are at high risk of HCV infection. More positive healthcare encounters could lead to increased healthcare engagement which is essential for HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nance E Cunningham
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Jessica Lamb
- AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society, 209a 16 Ave N, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5S8, Canada
- East Kootenays Network of People Who Use Drugs, 418-304 Street, Kimberley, BC, V1A 3H4, Canada
| | | | - Mel Krajden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr W, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Angela Towle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Viviane Dias Lima
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada.
| | - Kate Salters
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr W, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Harney BL, Sacks-Davis R, van Santen DK, Traeger MW, Wilkinson AL, Asselin J, Fairley CK, Roth N, Bloch M, Matthews GV, Donovan B, Guy R, Stoové M, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Hepatitis C virus reinfection incidence among gay and bisexual men with HIV in Australia from 2016 to 2020. Liver Int 2024; 44:1024-1031. [PMID: 38291946 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is some concern that hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection might impact HCV micro-elimination efforts among gay and bisexual men (GBM) with HIV. However, there is a limited understanding of reinfection incidence in the context of unrestricted government-funded HCV treatment. We aimed to estimate HCV reinfection incidence among GBM with HIV in Australia from 2016 to 2020. METHODS Data were from 39 clinics participating in ACCESS, a sentinel surveillance network for blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections across Australia. GBM with HIV who had evidence of treatment or spontaneous clearance with at least one positive HCV RNA test, a subsequent negative HCV RNA test, and at least one additional HCV RNA test between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2020 were eligible for inclusion. A new HCV RNA positive test and/or detectable viral load was defined as a reinfection. Generalised linear modelling was used to examine trends in reinfection. RESULTS Among 12 213 GBM with HIV who had at least one HCV test, 540 were included in the reinfection incidence analysis, of whom 38 (7%) had evidence of reinfection during the observation period. Over 1124 person-years of follow-up, the overall rate of reinfection was 3.4/100PY (95% CI 2.5-4.6). HCV reinfection incidence declined on average 30% per calendar year (Incidence Rate Ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91). CONCLUSION HCV reinfection incidence has declined among GBM with HIV in Australia since government-funded unrestricted DAAs were made available. Ongoing HCV RNA testing following cure and prompt treatment for anyone newly diagnosed is warranted to sustain this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Harney
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna L Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Norman Roth
- Prahran Market Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Harney BL, Sacks-Davis R, Agius P, van Santen DK, Traeger MW, Wilkinson AL, Asselin J, Fairley CK, Roth N, Bloch M, Matthews GV, Donovan B, Guy R, Stoové M, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Risk of Primary Incident Hepatitis C Infection Following Bacterial Sexually Transmissible Infections Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia From 2016 to 2020. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae099. [PMID: 38560602 PMCID: PMC10977630 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Australia, the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has declined among gay and bisexual men (GBM) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since 2015 and is low among GBM using HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, ongoing HCV testing and treatment remains necessary to sustain this. To assess the potential utility of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) to inform HCV testing among GBM with HIV and GBM using PrEP, we examined the association between bacterial STI diagnoses and subsequent primary HCV infection. Methods Data were from a national network of 46 clinics participating in the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance. GBM included had ≥1 HCV antibody negative test result and ≥1 subsequent HCV antibody and/or RNA test. Discrete time survival analysis was used to estimate the association between a positive syphilis, rectal chlamydia, and rectal gonorrhea diagnosis in the previous 2 years and a primary HCV diagnosis, defined as a positive HCV antibody or RNA test result. Results Among 6529 GBM with HIV, 92 (1.4%) had an incident HCV infection. A prior positive syphilis diagnosis was associated with an incident HCV diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.99 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.58]). Among 13 061 GBM prescribed PrEP, 48 (0.4%) had an incident HCV diagnosis. Prior rectal chlamydia (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.75 [95% confidence interval, 1.42-5.32]) and rectal gonorrhea (2.54 [1.28-5.05]) diagnoses were associated with incident HCV. Conclusions Diagnoses of bacterial STIs in the past 2 years was associated with HCV incidence. These findings suggest that STIs might be useful for informing HCV testing decisions and guidelines for GBM with HIV and GBM using PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Harney
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Agius
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna L Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Norman Roth
- Prahran Market Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
- Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
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Warren E, Castles BJC, Sharratt GC, Arteaga A. Direct-Acting Antivirals Remain Cost-Effective Treatments for Chronic Hepatitis C in Australia Despite Changes to the Treated Population and the Availability of Retreatment: The Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir (Maviret ®) Example. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:549-564. [PMID: 38427290 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00926-1] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The first direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were reimbursed via Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in March 2016. This was based on the recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) that the regimens would be acceptably cost-effective at an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) no greater than $15,000/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Since the initial PBS listings for DAA therapies and subsequent listings of newer DAA treatments such as glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Maviret®), the demographics and some of the disease characteristics of currently treated patients have markedly changed. This analysis aims to reassess the cost-effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, accounting for the changes to the HCV population currently seeking treatment and incorporating retreatment in first-line failures and the treatment of new infections in previously treated individuals. METHODS To assess the cost-effectiveness 7 years after initial listing of DAAs, an update was made to the Markov model used to achieve PBS reimbursement for Viekira-Pak® in May 2016. Amendments to the Viekira-Pak® model include: changes to baseline age and fibrosis distribution of treated patients, and inclusion of retreatment of first-line failures [those not achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR12)] and reinfected individuals. Treatment-related inputs including SVR12 response rates, adverse events, treatment-related disutility, and discontinuations were sourced from pivotal glecaprevir/pibrentasvir clinical trials. RESULTS Using the published price of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, the ICER is below $15,000/QALY. CONCLUSIONS Despite changes in demographics and disease characteristics of treated patients, and changes to the model structure to reflect retreatment in clinical practice in Australia, DAAs remain cost-effective in 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Warren
- HERA Consulting Australia Pty Ltd., Balmain, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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7
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Wegener M, Brooks R, Speers S, Nichols L, Villanueva M. Implementing a Surveillance-Based Approach to Create a Statewide Viral Clearance Cascade for Hepatitis C Among People With HIV and HCV Coinfection in Connecticut. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:208-217. [PMID: 37232422 PMCID: PMC10851907 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231172173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Highly effective direct-acting antiviral medications have made it feasible to achieve elimination of hepatis C virus (HCV), including for people with HIV and HCV coinfection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance for a laboratory surveillance-based HCV viral clearance cascade, which allows public health departments to track the outcomes of people with HCV based on the following steps: ever infected, virally tested, initial infection, and cured or cleared. We examined the feasibility of this approach among people with HIV and HCV coinfection in Connecticut. METHODS We matched an HIV surveillance database, which included cases from the enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System as of December 31, 2019, and the HCV surveillance database, the Connecticut Electronic Disease Surveillance System, to define a cohort of coinfected people. We used HCV laboratory results obtained from January 1, 2016, through August 3, 2020, to determine HCV status. RESULTS Of 1361 people who were ever infected with HCV as of December 31, 2019, 1256 (92.3%) received HCV viral testing, 865 of 1256 people tested (68.9%) were HCV infected, and 336 of 865 infected people (38.8%) were cleared or cured. People who had undetectable HIV viral loads at most recent HIV test (<200 copies/mL) were more likely than those with detectable HIV viral loads to achieve HCV cure (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS A surveillance-based approach that includes data based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HCV viral clearance cascade is feasible to implement, can help track population-level outcomes longitudinally, and can help identify gaps to inform HCV elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ralph Brooks
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Suzanne Speers
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Lisa Nichols
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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8
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van Santen DK, Stewart A, Doyle JS, Stoové MA, Asselin J, Klein MB, Young J, Berenguer J, Jarrin I, Lacombe K, Wittkop L, Leleux O, Salmon D, Bonnet F, Rauch A, Mugglin C, Matthews G, Prins M, Smit C, Boyd A, van der Valk M, Sacks-Davis R, Hellard ME. Cohort Profile: International Collaboration on Hepatitis C Elimination in HIV Cohorts (InCHEHC). Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyad154. [PMID: 38066671 PMCID: PMC10859136 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ashleigh Stewart
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marina B Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jim Young
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Jarrin
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, IPLESP, Paris, France
- St Antoine Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Linda Wittkop
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, BPH, U1219, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service d’information médicale, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France
- INRIA SISTM team, Talence, France
| | - Olivier Leleux
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, BPH, U1219, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dominique Salmon
- Université Paris Descartes, Service Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Bonnet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, BPH, U1219, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service d’information médicale, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Saint-André, Service de Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Catrina Mugglin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gail Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute (APH), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Colette Smit
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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9
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Munari SC, Traeger MW, Menon V, Latham NH, Manoharan L, Luhmann N, Baggaley R, MacDonald V, Verster A, Siegfried N, Conway B, Klein M, Bruneau J, Stoové MA, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Determining reinfection rates by hepatitis C testing interval among key populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2023; 43:2625-2644. [PMID: 37817387 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection among key populations helps prevent ongoing transmission. This systematic review aims to determine the association between different testing intervals during post-SVR follow-up on the detection of HCV reinfection among highest risk populations. METHODS We searched electronic databases between January 2014 and February 2023 for studies that tested individuals at risk for HCV reinfection at discrete testing intervals and reported HCV reinfection incidence among key populations. Pooled estimates of reinfection incidence were calculated by population and testing frequency using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Forty-one single-armed observational studies (9453 individuals) were included. Thirty-eight studies (8931 individuals) reported HCV reinfection incidence rate and were included in meta-analyses. The overall pooled estimate of HCV reinfection incidence rate was 4.13 per 100 per person-years (py) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.45-4.81). The pooled incidence estimate among people who inject drugs (PWID) was 2.84 per 100 py (95% CI: 2.19-3.50), among men who have sex with men (MSM) 7.37 per 100 py (95% CI: 5.09-9.65) and among people in custodial settings 7.23 per 100 py (95% CI: 2.13-16.59). The pooled incidence estimate for studies reporting a testing interval of ≤6 months (4.26 per 100 py; 95% CI: 2.86-5.65) was higher than studies reporting testing intervals >6 months (5.19 per 100 py; 95% CI: 3.92-6.46). CONCLUSIONS HCV reinfection incidence was highest in studies of MSM and did not appear to change with retesting interval. Shorter testing intervals are likely to identify more reinfections, help prevent onward transmission where treatment is available and enable progress towards global HCV elimination, but additional comparative studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vinay Menon
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ned H Latham
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Niklas Luhmann
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia MacDonald
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Annette Verster
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nandi Siegfried
- Independent Clinical Epidemiologist, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre & Simon Fraser University Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marina Klein
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Popping S, Haspels S, Gotz HM, van der Meijden WCJPM, van den Elshout M, Rijnders BJ. Low Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence among Men Who Have Sex with Men Attending Public Health Services in The Netherlands. Viruses 2023; 15:2317. [PMID: 38140558 PMCID: PMC10747767 DOI: 10.3390/v15122317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV in the Netherlands. Large reductions in HCV incidence among MSM with HIV, however, have occurred since treatment with direct-acting antivirals. Over the years, a broader understanding of the HCV epidemic has shown that HCV infections are not solely restricted to MSM with HIV, but they also occur among HIV-negative MSM. Currently, HCV testing among HIV-negative MSM is only provided for PrEP users and is not part of routine sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening among HIV-negative MSM who are not using PrEP. In this study, we screened 1885 HIV-negative MSM who did not participate in a PrEP program, with over 1966 STI screening visits at four different public health clinic sites. Among the 1885 MSM, only one person had a new HCV infection, resulting in a 0.05% (95% confidence interval 0.0-0.3) incidence. Based on our findings, we can conclude that systematic HCV testing at STI clinics may not yield significant benefits for this particular population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Popping
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Experimental and Molecular Medicine (CEMM), Amsterdam University Medical Centres—Location AMC, P.O. Box 22660, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Haspels
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannelore M. Gotz
- Department of Sexual Health, Public Health Service Rotterdam, 3011 EN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark van den Elshout
- Department of Sexual Health, Public Health Service of the Utrecht Region, 3521 AZ Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J. Rijnders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Martín-Carbonero L, Gutierrez Á, Bisbal O, Vergas J, González-Baeza A, Rodríguez Martín C, Vivancos MJ, Sanz J, Álvarez B, Palomar M, de Los Santos I, Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Resino S, Berenguer J, Cano-Smith J, González-García J, Ryan P. Recently acquired hepatitis C: Epidemiological characteristics and treatment response in a large cohort of MSM living with HIV in Madrid. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2023:S2529-993X(23)00258-7. [PMID: 37945463 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We analyzed epidemiological, clinical characteristics, and the response to treatment in people living with HIV (PLHIV) who recently acquired hepatitis C (RAHC) in a multicentre study in Madrid (Spain). METHODS Multicenter, ambispective, observational study of RAHC in men who have sex with men (MSM) infected with HIV. Clinical, epidemiological, and RAHC evolution were recorded prospectively in 2019 and 2020 and retrospectively in 2017 and 2018. In patients who received HCV treatment, sustained virological response (SVR) was provided 12 weeks after the end of treatment in an intention to treat analysis (ITT): all treated patients were included; and in analysis per-protocol (PP): missing patients were excluded. RESULTS Overall, 133 patients were included. Median (IQR) age was 40 (34.3-46.1) years, 90.9% had at least one previous sexual transmission disease (STD), and 33.6% had previously hepatitis C. More than half of the prospective sample included patients using chemsex related drugs (57.3%), 45.7% of them intravenously. The most prevalent genotype was G1a (66.2%), followed by G4 (11.3%). Ten of 90 patients evaluated for spontaneous cure (11%) cured the infection spontaneously, and 119 had treatment after a median time of 1.8 (0.7-4.6) months: sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 90.7% in the ITT and 94.7% in the PP analysis, with no differences regarding the direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) combination used. CONCLUSIONS MSM infected by HIV with a RAHC were exposed to high-risk sexual behavior. Spontaneous cure rate was low, while SVR after treatment was achieved by more than 90%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Martín-Carbonero
- Unidad de VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ángela Gutierrez
- Servicio de Medicina Interna-Infecciosas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Otilia Bisbal
- Unidad de VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre - Imas 12, Madrid, Spain; CIBERINFECC, Spain
| | - Jorge Vergas
- Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia González-Baeza
- Departamento Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez Martín
- Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain; Centro Sanitario Sandoval, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Vivancos
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal - IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Sanz
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Beatriz Álvarez
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Palomar
- Unidad de VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio de Los Santos
- Servicio de Medicina Interna-Infecciosas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain; CIBERINFECC, Spain
| | - Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joanna Cano-Smith
- Unidad de VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan González-García
- Unidad de VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain; CIBERINFECC, Spain
| | - Pablo Ryan
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Huang CF, Chen GJ, Hung CC, Yu ML. HCV Microelimination for High-risk Special Populations. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S168-S179. [PMID: 37703340 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has set tremendous goals to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. However, most countries are currently off the track for achieving these goals. Microelimination is a more effective and practical approach that breaks down national elimination targets into goals for smaller and more manageable key populations. These key populations share the characteristics of being highly prevalent for and vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Microelimination allows for identifying HCV-infected people and linking them to care more cost-effectively and efficiently. In this review, we discuss the current obstacles to and progress in HCV microelimination in special populations, including uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis, people who inject drugs, incarcerated people, people living in hyperendemic areas, men who have sex with men with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, transgender and gender-diverse populations, and sex workers. Scaling up testing and treatment uptake to achieve HCV microelimination may facilitate global HCV elimination by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, and Center for Cohort Study, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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13
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Brooks R, Wegener M, Speers S, Nichols L, Sideleau R, Valeriano T, Buchelli M, Villanueva M. Creating a Longitudinal HCV Care Cascade for Persons With HIV/HCV Coinfection in Selected HIV Clinics Using Data to Care Methods. Health Promot Pract 2023; 24:1039-1049. [PMID: 37439600 DOI: 10.1177/15248399231169792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments for hepatitis C have led to strategic goals promoting hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure particularly in focus populations including persons with HIV/HCV coinfection. Implementing treatment more broadly requires both clinic-level and public health approaches such as those inherent in Data to Care (D2C) originally developed to improve the treatment cascade for persons with HIV (PWH). We used D2C methods to characterize and improve HCV treatment for persons with HIV/HCV coinfection among 11 HIV clinics in Connecticut cities with high PWH prevalence. Providers who were local champions in HCV treatment were recruited to participate along with clinic data staff and were key to quality improvement via practice transformation. We developed a methodology whereby clinic-generated lists of PWH receiving care from 2009 to 2018 were matched by CT Department of Public Health (DPH) against the state-wide HCV surveillance system. The resultant coinfection list was reviewed by clinical staff who designated HCV treatment status, enabling creation of individual clinic-level HCV treatment cascades. Data from DPH, especially current residency and deaths, enabled better characterization and allowed for refinement of longitudinal cascades. There were 1,496 patients with HIV/HCV coinfection. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates varied by clinic (range, 44%-100%) with an aggregate SVR rate of 71% in September 2020. SVR rates improved during the project through a combination of increased treatment initiation/completion as well as data clean-up including serial updates of patient treatment status. Lack of treatment initiation was associated with being female (odds ratio [OR] = 2.18) and not having HIV viral suppression (OR = 3.24).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Suzanne Speers
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
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14
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Traeger MW, Harney BL, Sacks-Davis R, van Santen DK, Cornelisse VJ, Wright EJ, Hellard ME, Doyle JS, Stoové MA. Incidence and Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Among HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men Using HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad401. [PMID: 37593532 PMCID: PMC10428087 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gay and bisexual men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are at increased risk for sexually transmissible infections. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk among PrEP users is less clear. We explored HCV prevalence and incidence among cohorts of gay and bisexual men using PrEP and sources of heterogeneity across studies. Methods This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of open-label PrEP studies to April 2022 reporting HCV prevalence at baseline or incidence during follow-up among gay and bisexual men using PrEP. Pooled prevalence and incidence estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were performed by study- and country-level characteristics, including availability of HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy at time of study. Results Twenty-four studies from 9 countries were included, with a total sample of 24 733 gay and bisexual men. Pooled HCV antibody baseline prevalence was 0.97% (95% CI, 0.63%-1.31%), and pooled HCV RNA baseline prevalence was 0.38% (95% CI, 0.19%-0.56%). Among 19 studies reporting HCV incidence, incidence ranged from 0.0 to 2.93/100 person-years (py); the pooled estimate was 0.83/100py (95% CI, 0.55-1.11). HCV incidence was higher in 12 studies that began follow-up before broad DAA availability (1.27/100py) than in 8 studies that began follow-up after broad DAA availability (0.34/100py) and higher in studies in Europe compared with North America and Australia. Conclusions Early reports of high HCV incidence among PrEP-using cohorts likely reflect enrollment of individuals based on specific risk-based eligibility criteria for smaller studies and enrollment before DAA scale-up. In contexts where both DAAs and PrEP have been implemented at scale, studies report lower HCV incidence. PrEP-specific HCV testing guidelines should be guided by local epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Traeger
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brendan L Harney
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent J Cornelisse
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Edwina J Wright
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Manoharan L, Latham NH, Munari SC, Traeger MW, Menon V, Luhmann N, Baggaley R, Macdonald V, Verster A, Siegfried N, Matthews GV, Stoové M, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Immediate treatment for recent hepatitis C infection in people with high-risk behaviors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202304010-00002. [PMID: 36930865 PMCID: PMC10027039 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are almost exclusively approved for the treatment of chronic HCV. This poses a significant barrier to the treatment of recently acquired HCV because of the limited access to DAAs. This review seeks to address this issue by synthesizing evidence of the benefits and harms of immediate treatment after the detection of recently acquired HCV in people at higher risk of infection. APPROACH AND RESULTS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted reporting on populations with recently acquired HCV at higher risk of infection. Studies were included if they assessed standard duration DAA treatment regimens and reported on the benefits and harms of immediate treatment (within one year of diagnosis). Outcomes included sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12), incidence, treatment initiation and adherence, overtreatment, engagement in care, and adverse events. Eight cohort studies, 3 open-label trials, and 1 case series study were included, reporting on 2085 participants with recently acquired HCV infection. No studies included a comparison group. Eight studies assessed DAA treatment in either men who have sex with men or men who have sex with men with HIV, 2 studies assessed treatment in people who inject drugs, and 2 among people living with HIV. Immediate treatment of HCV was associated with a pooled SVR12 of 95.9% (95% CI, 92.6%-99.3%). Three studies reported on hepatitis C incidence, where most participants were treated in the chronic phase of infection. A treatment completion rate of 100% was reported in 2 studies, and only 1 serious adverse event was described. CONCLUSIONS High rates of cure were achieved with the treatment of recently acquired hepatitis C in people at higher risk of infection. Serious adverse events were rare, highlighting individual benefits consistent with the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The impact of immediate treatment on HCV incidence requires further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael W Traeger
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Niklas Luhmann
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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van Santen DK, Sacks-Davis R, Stewart A, Boyd A, Young J, van der Valk M, Smit C, Rauch A, Braun DL, Jarrin I, Berenguer J, Lazarus JV, Lacombe K, Requena MB, Wittkop L, Leleux O, Salmon D, Bonnet F, Matthews G, Doyle JS, Spelman T, Klein MB, Prins M, Asselin J, Stoové MA, Hellard M. Treatment as prevention effect of direct-acting antivirals on primary hepatitis C virus incidence: Findings from a multinational cohort between 2010 and 2019. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 56:101810. [PMID: 36618902 PMCID: PMC9816910 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Broad direct-acting antiviral (DAA) access may reduce hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence through a "treatment as prevention" (TasP) effect. We assessed changes in primary HCV incidence following DAA access among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods We used pooled individual-level data from six cohorts from the International Collaboration on Hepatitis C Elimination in HIV Cohorts (InCHEHC). Follow-up started from the first recorded negative HCV antibody test date and ended at last negative antibody test or estimated infection date. Follow-up was restricted to 2010-2019. We used segmented Poisson regression to model trends across pre-, limited- (i.e., restrictions on access) and broad-DAA access periods. Findings Overall, 45,942 participants had at least one HCV antibody negative result and follow-up between 2010 and 2019. We observed 2042 incident HCV infections over 248,189 person-years (PY). Pooled incidence decreased from 0.91 per 100 PY in 2015 to 0.41 per 100 PY in 2019. Compared to the average pre-DAA period incidence (0.90 per 100 PY), average incidence was similar during the limited-DAA access period (Incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.87, 1.11), and 52% lower during the broad-DAA access period (IRR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.42, 0.52). The average annual decline in HCV incidence was 2% in the pre-DAA period; an additional 9% annual decline in incidence was observed during the limited-DAA access period (IRR = 0.91; 95%CI = 0.82, 1.00) and a further 20% decline in the broad-DAA access period (IRR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.73, 0.89). Interpretation Our findings suggest that broad DAA access has a TasP effect on primary HCV incidence among PLHIV. Based on the initial years of DAA availability, the countries in the InCHEHC collaboration are on track to meet the World Health Organization's 80% HCV incidence reduction target for PLHIV by 2030. Funding This study was funded by the Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council (Grant number GNT1132902).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela K. van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Stewart
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Stichting Hiv Monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jim Young
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Stichting Hiv Monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&II), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Colette Smit
- Stichting Hiv Monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominique L. Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Inmaculada Jarrin
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Infectious Diseases. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (IsSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jeffrey V. Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, IPLESP INSERM UMR-S1136, St Antoine Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Linda Wittkop
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié BPH U1219, CIC-EC 1401, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- INRIA SISTM Team, Talence, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service d'information Médicale, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC-EC 1401, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Leleux
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié BPH U1219, CIC-EC 1401, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dominique Salmon
- Université Paris Descartes, Service Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Bonnet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié BPH U1219, CIC-EC 1401, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Gail Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tim Spelman
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina B. Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute (AI&II), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark A. Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - InCHEHC study group
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Stichting Hiv Monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AI&II), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Infectious Diseases. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (IsSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Sorbonne Université, IPLESP INSERM UMR-S1136, St Antoine Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié BPH U1219, CIC-EC 1401, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- INRIA SISTM Team, Talence, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service d'information Médicale, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC-EC 1401, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Service Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute (AI&II), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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17
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Schroeder SE, Wilkinson AL, O'Keefe D, Bourne A, Doyle JS, Hellard M, Dietze P, Pedrana A. Does sexuality matter? A cross-sectional study of drug use, social injecting, and access to injection-specific care among men who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:9. [PMID: 36691010 PMCID: PMC9869557 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00737-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are overrepresented in cohorts of people who inject drugs. GBMSM's substance use is usually explored in the context of its contribution to sexual risk. We examined drug use practices, connectedness to other people who inject drugs, peer-to-peer injecting, and access to care among men who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia. We aim to describe similarities and differences in these parameters for GBMSM and other men. METHODS Data were drawn from a prospective cohort study of people who inject drugs conducted in Melbourne, Australia, since 2009. This cross-sectional study used data collected between 2016 and 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to assess differences between GBMSM and other men. RESULTS Of 525 men who injected drugs over the study period, 48 (9%) identified as gay or bisexual, or reported sex with other men in the past 12 months. GBMSM and other men reported similar socio-demographics, drug practices (age of injecting initiation, most injected drug, peer-to-peer injecting, receptive syringe sharing) and access to injecting-specific care (drug treatment, source of needle-syringes). A significantly greater percentage of GBMSM reported past 12-month hepatitis C testing (69% vs. 52%, p = 0.028) and preferring methamphetamine (31% vs. 16%, p = 0.022). A higher percentage of GBMSM reported knowing > 50 other people who inject drugs (46% vs. 37%), but this difference was not statistically significant. Both groups primarily obtained injecting equipment from needle-syringe programs; a minority had accessed injecting-specific primary care. CONCLUSION Men who injected drugs in this cohort and those who identified as GBMSM reported similar drug and health-seeking practices. The higher prevalence of methamphetamine injecting among GBMSM may warrant different harm reduction support for this group. Health promotion should utilise opportunities to connect men who inject drugs in Melbourne to injecting-specific primary health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia E Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - A L Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - D O'Keefe
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A Bourne
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - J S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - P Dietze
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - A Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Huang MH, Chen GJ, Sun HY, Chen YT, Su LH, Ho SY, Chang SY, Huang SH, Huang YC, Liu WD, Lin KY, Huang YS, Su YC, Liu WC, Hung CC. Risky sexual practices and hepatitis C viremia among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023:S1684-1182(23)00006-3. [PMID: 36702644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the risk behaviors associated with sexually-transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) may inform the public health policies and interventions aiming to achieve HCV microelimination. METHODS HIV-positive MSM who had one of the following conditions were enrolled to undergo face-to-face questionnaire interviews to collect information on their sexual practices in the past 12 months: (1) elevation of aminotransferases in the past 6 months; (2) acquisition of sexually transmitted infections in the past 6 months; and (3) previous HCV infections. Plasma HCV RNA were tested at enrolment and every 3 months during follow-up. Baseline characteristics and risky behaviors were compared to identify factors associated with HCV viremia between HCV-viremic MSM and HCV-aviremic MSM in multivariate analysis. RESULTS Among 781 MSM with a median age of 36 years, 57 (7.3%) had HCV viremia and 724 (92.7%) no HCV viremia during follow-up. A high proportion (38.9%) of the participants reported having used recreational drugs in the past 12 months, with 34.4% of them having slamming, but only 4.8% reported having shared their injection equipment. In multivariate analysis, use of recreational drugs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.16-3.96), having participated in group sex (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI 1.24-4.40) and having had condomless receptive anal intercourse (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI 1.07-3.62) were significantly associated with HCV viremia. CONCLUSION Among high-risk HIV-positive MSM, use of recreational drugs and risky sexual contacts were associated with HCV viremia, suggesting the mucosal contacts as the major route of HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Hui Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan; Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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19
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Brothers S, DiDomizio E, Nichols L, Brooks R, Villanueva M. Perceptions Towards HCV Treatment with Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs): A Qualitative Analysis with Persons with HIV/HCV Co-infection Who Delay or Refuse Treatment. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:119-133. [PMID: 35776253 PMCID: PMC9663279 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, approximately 25% of people with HIV (PWH) are co-infected with hepatitis C (HCV). Since 2014, highly effective and well-tolerated direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized HCV treatment. Uptake of DAAs by people with HIV/HCV co-infection has improved but remains suboptimal due to system, provider, and patient-level barriers. To explore patient-level issues by better understanding their attitudes towards DAA treatment, we conducted qualitative interviews with 21 persons with HIV/HCV co-infection who did not consent to DAA treatment or delayed treatment for at least 1 year after diagnosis. We found PWH perceived DAA treatment barriers and facilitators on multiple levels of the social-ecological environment: the individual (HCV disease and treatment literacy), interpersonal (peer influence), institutional (media and healthcare provider relationship), and structural levels (treatment cost and adherence support). Recommendations to improve DAA treatment uptake include HCV-treatment adherence support, HCV disease and treatment literacy training (particularly for substance use and DAA treatment interactions), and encouraging PWH who have successfully completed DAA treatment to speak with their peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Brothers
- Department of Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, 316 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
- HIV/AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Elizabeth DiDomizio
- HIV/AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lisa Nichols
- HIV/AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ralph Brooks
- HIV/AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Merceditas Villanueva
- HIV/AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
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20
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Chen GJ, Ho SY, Su LH, Chang SY, Hsieh SM, Sheng WH, Liu WD, Huang YS, Lin KY, Chen YT, Su YC, Liu WC, Sun HY, Hung CC. Hepatitis C microelimination among people living with HIV in Taiwan. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1664-1671. [PMID: 35608049 PMCID: PMC9225706 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2081620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To reach the WHO target of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2025, Taiwan started to implement free-of-charge direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment programme in 2017. Evaluating the progress of HCV microelimination among people living with HIV (PLWH) is a critical step to identify the barriers to HCV elimination. PLWH seeking care at a major hospital designated for HIV care in Taiwan between January 2011 and December 2021 were retrospectively included. For PLWH with HCV-seropositive or HCV seroconversion during the study period, serial HCV RNA testing was performed using archived samples to confirm the presence of HCV viremia and estimate the prevalence and incidence of HCV viremia. Overall, 4199 PLWH contributed to a total of 27,258.75 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). With the reimbursement of DAAs and improvement of access to treatments, the prevalence of HCV viremia has declined from its peak of 6.21% (95% CI, 5.39–7.12%) in 2018 to 2.09% (95% CI, 1.60–2.77%) in 2021 (decline by 66.4% [95% CI, 55.4–74.7%]); the incidence has declined from 25.94 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 20.44–32.47) in 2019 to 12.15% per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 8.14–17.44) (decline by 53.2% [95% CI, 27.3–70.6%]). However, the proportion of HCV reinfections continued to increase and accounted for 82.8% of incident HCV infections in 2021. We observed significant declines of HCV viremia among PLWH with the expansion of the DAA treatment programme in Taiwan. Further improvement of the access to DAA retreatments is warranted to achieve the goal of HCV microelimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Huei Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Barry MP, Austin EJ, Bhatraju EP, Glick SN, Stekler JD, Tung EL, Hansen RN, Williams EC, Gojic AJ, Pickering EI, Tsui JI. Qualitative inquiry into perceptions of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among people who inject drugs living with hepatitis C in Seattle, WA, USA. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:121. [PMID: 36320005 PMCID: PMC9628120 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00706-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of HIV among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the USA has been increasing since 2014, signaling the need to identify effective ways to engage PWID in HIV prevention services, namely pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Yet, the uptake of PrEP in this population is minimal compared to other populations at risk of HIV acquisition. In this work, we sought to explore knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of PrEP acceptability among PWID. METHODS In the context of a pilot study to explore the acceptability of pharmacy-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, we conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 24) and focus groups (n = 4, 16 participants) with people who were living with HCV and reported active injection drug use (≤ 90 days since last use). Participants were asked open-ended questions about their familiarity with and motivation to use PrEP. As part of a sub-analysis focused on PrEP, qualitative data were analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process, where three coders used structured templates to summarize qualitative data and iteratively reviewed coded templates to identify themes. Participants also completed short quantitative questionnaires regarding drug use history and attitudes toward health concerns. RESULTS Forty-seven percent of participants expressed having little or no concern regarding HIV acquisition. Targeted analyses focused on HIV prevention identified three themes, which help characterize behavioral determinants of nonadoption. First, knowledge of PrEP was limited among PWID and influenced by infrequent open community discussions around HIV risk. Second, PWID perceived sexual behaviors-but not injection drug use-as a motivator for HIV risk prevention. Finally, PWID identified many individual and environmental barriers that hinder PrEP uptake. CONCLUSION Among PWID, PrEP is rarely discussed and concerns about the feasibility of using daily PrEP are common. Taken with the prevalent perception that drug use is not a high risk for HIV acquisition, our findings point to opportunities for public health work to target PrEP education to PWID and to leverage other successful interventions for PWID as an opportunity to provide PrEP to this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Barry
- Department of Epidemiology, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 8th Floor, Box 351619, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, 401 5th Ave. Suite 1300, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Austin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 4th Floor, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elenore P Bhatraju
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, 401 5th Ave. Suite 1300, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 356423, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Joanne D Stekler
- Department of Epidemiology, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 8th Floor, Box 351619, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 356423, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 7th Floor, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elyse L Tung
- Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, H375 Health Science Building, Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195-7630, USA
| | - Ryan N Hansen
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 4th Floor, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, H375 Health Science Building, Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195-7630, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 4th Floor, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound, 1660 South Columbia Way, Building 101, Room 4E51, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Alexander J Gojic
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Eleanor I Pickering
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Suite 316, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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22
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Bartlett SR, Verich A, Carson J, Hosseini‐Hooshyar S, Read P, Baker D, Post JJ, Finlayson R, Bloch M, Doyle JS, Shaw D, Hellard M, Martinez M, Marks P, Dore GJ, Matthews GV, Applegate T, Martinello M. Patterns and correlates of hepatitis C virus phylogenetic clustering among people living with HIV in Australia in the direct-acting antiviral era: A molecular epidemiology study among participants in the CEASE cohort. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e719. [PMID: 36000082 PMCID: PMC9388196 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims In moving towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people living with HIV, understanding HCV transmission patterns may provide insights to guide and evaluate interventions. In this study, we evaluated patterns of, and factors associated with HCV phylogenetic clustering among people living with HIV/HCV co-infection in Australia in the direct-acting antiviral era. Methods HCV RNA was extracted from dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected between 2014 and 2018 in the CEASE cohort study. The HCV Core-E2 region was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequenced. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees (1000 bootstrap replicates) were used to identify patterns of clustering (3% genetic distance threshold). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine correlates of phylogenetic clustering. Factors assessed were sexual risk behavior, education, injecting drug use, housing, employment, HIV viral load, age, sex, and sexuality. Results Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed for HCV subtype 1a (n = 139) and 3a (n = 63) sequences, with 29% (58/202) in a pair or cluster. Overall (n = 202), phylogenetic clustering was positively associated with younger age (under 40; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-5.29), and among gay and bisexual men (n = 168), was positively associated with younger age (aOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.10-6.19), higher education (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.09-6.13), and reporting high-risk sexual behavior (aOR 3.94, 95% CI 1.31-11.84). During follow-up, five reinfections were observed, but none were in phylogenetic clusters. Conclusion This study found a high proportion of phylogenetic relatedness, predominantly among younger people and gay and bisexual men reporting high-risk sexual behavior. Despite this, few reinfections were observed, and reinfections demonstrated little relationship with known clusters. These findings highlight the importance of rapid HCV treatment initiation, together with monitoring of the phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R. Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease ControlVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- School of Population and Public HealthUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Andrey Verich
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Joanne Carson
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David Baker
- East Sydney DoctorsSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jeffrey J. Post
- The Albion CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPrince of Wales HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South Wales SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical PracticeSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Department of Infectious DiseasesAlfred Health & Monash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Burnet Institute, MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - David Shaw
- Royal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Department of Infectious DiseasesAlfred Health & Monash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Burnet Institute, MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Maria Martinez
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- St Vincent's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gail V. Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- St Vincent's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tanya Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Liu CH, Sun HY, Peng CY, Hsieh SM, Yang SS, Kao WY, Shih YL, Lin CL, Liu CJ, Sheng WH, Lo YC, Liu WC, Wu JH, Su TH, Tseng TC, Chen PJ, Hung CC, Kao JH. Hepatitis C virus reinfection in people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Taiwan after achieving sustained virologic response with antiviral treatment: the RECUR study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac348. [PMID: 35928504 PMCID: PMC9345411 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection in East Asian people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after treatment-induced sustained virologic response (SVR) are limited.
Methods
HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in Taiwan who achieved SVR12 with interferon (IFN) or direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) between 2005 and 2021 underwent HCV RNA measurements at SVR24 and then biannually. HCV reinfection was defined as the detection of different HCV strains beyond SVR12. HIV-negative, low-risk individuals with SVR12 served as reference patients. Crude reinfection rates and secular trends were assessed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify baseline factors associated with HCV reinfection.
Results
A total of 216 HIV-positive and 1589 reference patients were recruited with median follow-up durations of 3.0 and 6.0 years. During a total of 772 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), the HCV reinfection rate in HIV-positive patients was 4.02 per 100 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.85-5.65), while the HCV reinfection rate in reference patients was 0.14 per 100 PYFU (95% CI: 0.09-0.23) during 10862 PYFU. HIV-positive patients had a higher risk of HCV reinfection than reference patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 17.63; 95% CI: 7.10-43.80, p < 0.001). No baseline factors were predictive of HCV reinfection in HIV-positive patients. The incidence of HCV reinfection in HIV-positive patients increased after 2015 when DAAs were available in Taiwan.
Conclusions
The risk of HCV reinfection remains high in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with treatment-induced SVR12. In addition to mass screening and treatment scale-up, strategies to reduce reinfection are needed for HCV microelimination in HIV-positive patients in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin , Taiwan
| | - Hsin Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Cheng Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Szu Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Sheng Shun Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Wei Yu Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Yu Lueng Shih
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chih Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taipei City Hospital , Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chun Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Wang Hui Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Yi Chun Lo
- Centers for Disease Control , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Wen Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Jo Hsuan Wu
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California , San Diego, California , USA
| | - Tung Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Tai Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Pei Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chien Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Jia Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
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Wilkinson AL, van Santen DK, Traeger MW, Sacks-Davis R, Asselin J, Scott N, Harney BL, Doyle JS, El-Hayek C, Howell J, Bramwell F, McManus H, Donovan B, Stoové M, Hellard M, Pedrana A. Hepatitis C incidence among patients attending primary care health services that specialise in the care of people who inject drugs, Victoria, Australia, 2009 to 2020. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 103:103655. [PMID: 35349964 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence is critical for evaluating strategies aimed at eliminating HCV as a public health threat. We estimate HCV incidence and assess trends in incidence over time among primary care patients. METHODS Data were routinely extracted, linked electronic medical records from 12 primary care health services. Patients included were aged ≥16 years, tested HCV antibody negative on their first test recorded and had at least one subsequent HCV antibody or RNA test (January 2009-December 2020). HCV incident infections were defined as a positive HCV antibody or RNA test. A generalised linear model assessed the association between HCV incidence and calendar year. RESULTS In total, 6711 patients contributed 17,098 HCV test records, 210 incident HCV infections and 19,566 person-years; incidence was 1.1 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9 to 1.2). Among 559 (8.2%) patients ever prescribed opioid-related pharmacotherapy (ORP) during the observation period, 135 infections occurred during 2,082 person-years (incidence rate of 6.5 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 5.4 to 7.7)). HCV incidence declined 2009-2020 overall (incidence rate ratio per calendar year 0.8 (95% CI: 0.8 to 0.9) and among patients ever prescribed ORT (incidence rate ratio per calendar year 0.9, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.0). CONCLUSION HCV incidence declined among patients at primary care health services including among patients ever prescribed ORP and during the period following increased access to DAA therapy. SUMMARY Among a retrospective cohort of ∼6,700 primary care health services patients, this study estimated a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection incidence of 1.1 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 0.9 to 1.2). HCV infection incidence declined between 2009 and 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lee Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brendan L Harney
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carol El-Hayek
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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25
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Scott DN, Palmer MA, Tidhar MT, Stoove PM, Sacks-Davis DRS, Doyle AJS, Pedrana DAJ, Thompson PA, Wilson PDP, Hellard PM. Assessment of the cost-effectiveness of Australia's risk-sharing agreement for direct-acting antiviral treatments for hepatitis C: a modelling study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 18:100316. [PMID: 35024654 PMCID: PMC8669355 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C elimination may be possible with broad uptake of direct-acting antiviral treatments (DAAs). In 2016 the Australian government committed A$1.2 billion for five years of unlimited DAAs (March 2016 to February 2021) in a risk-sharing agreement with pharmaceutical companies. We assess the impact, cost-effectiveness and net economic benefits likely to be realised from this investment. METHODS Mathematical modelling to project outcomes for 2016-2030 included: (S1) a counter-factual scenario (testing/treatment maintained at pre-2016 levels); (S2) the current status-quo (testing/treatment as actually occurred 2016-2019, with trends maintained to 2030); and (S3) elimination scenario (S2 plus testing/treatment rates increased between 2021-2030 to achieve the WHO elimination targets). FINDINGS S1 resulted in 68,800 new hepatitis C infections and 18,540 hepatitis C-related deaths over 2016-2030. The total health system cost (HCV testing, treatment, disease management) was A$3.01 billion and the cost of lost productivity due to absenteeism, presenteeism and premature deaths was A$26.14 billion. S2 averted 15,700 (23%) new infections and 8,500 (46%) deaths by 2030, with a total health system cost of A$3.48 billion, A$472 million more than S1 (A$1.65 billion more in testing/treatment but A$1.20 billion less in disease costs; A$5,752 per QALY gained from a health systems perspective). Productivity loss over 2016-2030 was A$19.96 billion, A$6.17 less than S1, making S2 cost-saving from a societal perspective by 2022 with a net economic benefit of A$5.70 billion by 2030. S3 averted an additional 10,000 infections and 930 deaths compared with S2 and increased the longer-term economic benefit. INTERPRETATION Five years of unrestricted access to DAAs in Australia has led to significant health benefits and is likely to become cost-saving from a societal perspective by 2022. FUNDING Burnet Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dr Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Ms Anna Palmer
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Mr Tom Tidhar
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Prof Mark Stoove
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Dr Rachel S. Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - A/Prof Joseph S. Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Dr Alisa J. Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Prof Alexander Thompson
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3165, Australia
| | | | - Prof Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
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26
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Real-world monitoring progress towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus in Australia using sentinel surveillance of primary care clinics; an ecological study of hepatitis C virus antibody tests from 2009 to 2019. Epidemiol Infect 2021; 150:e7. [PMID: 35249577 PMCID: PMC8753485 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268821002624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
To achieve the elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), sustained and sufficient levels of HCV testing is critical. The purpose of this study was to assess trends in testing and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to diagnose people living with HCV. Data were from 12 primary care clinics in Victoria, Australia, that provide targeted services to people who inject drugs (PWID), alongside general health care. This ecological study spanned 2009–2019 and included analyses of trends in annual numbers of HCV antibody tests among individuals with no previous positive HCV antibody test recorded and annual test yield (positive HCV antibody tests/all HCV antibody tests). Generalised linear models estimated the association between count outcomes (HCV antibody tests and positive HCV antibody tests) and time, and χ2 test assessed the trend in test yield. A total of 44 889 HCV antibody tests were conducted 2009–2019; test numbers increased 6% annually on average [95% confidence interval (CI) 4–9]. Test yield declined from 2009 (21%) to 2019 (9%) (χ2P = <0.01). In more recent years (2013–2019) annual test yield remained relatively stable. Modest increases in HCV antibody testing and stable but high test yield within clinics delivering services to PWID highlights testing strategies are resulting in people are being diagnosed however further increases in the testing of people at risk of HCV or living with HCV may be needed to reach Australia's HCV elimination goals.
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27
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Brief Report: Low Incidence of Hepatitis C Among a Cohort of HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men Using HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Melbourne, Australia, and the Contribution of Sexual Transmission. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1011-1015. [PMID: 33770064 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PrEPX was an Australian HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) study conducted between 2016 and 2018. This analysis aimed to estimate hepatitis C (HCV) incidence and explore likely modes of transmission. SETTING Cohort study of PrEP users in Victoria, Australia. METHODS HCV tests were conducted at enrollment and every 12 months thereafter. HCV incident cases were identified from laboratory data. Likely modes of transmission were inferred from computer-assisted self-interviews, medical records, and interviews. RESULTS Among 3202 PrEPX participants tested for HCV at baseline, HCV RNA-positive prevalence was 0.22% (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.45). Among participants testing HCV antibody-negative or RNA-negative at baseline, 2058 had at least one follow-up HCV test. Eight incident HCV cases were identified during 2111 person-years of follow-up (incidence 0.38/100 person-years); all were primary infections in men who had sex with men. Clinical, laboratory, and computer-assisted self-interviews data were available for all, and 6 cases were interviewed. Three cases were attributable to injecting drug use (IDU). A fourth case reported IDU, but his HCV was attributable to sexual transmission. Four other cases reported no IDU and probably acquired HCV sexually. Most cases reported anal trauma in the context of condomless receptive anal intercourse during group sex at sex-on-premises venues. CONCLUSIONS In PrEPX, HCV incidence was low compared to international PrEP studies, and most cases were transmitted sexually. Our findings highlight the need for HCV prevention messaging by clinicians, in sex-on-premises venues, and on digital platforms used to arrange group sex; and the need for HCV screening among some PrEP-using men who have sex with men.
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