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Pedro M, Seanna P, Honoria G, Renee H, Chunki F, Ben E. HCV prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics in a cross-sectional, community study of young people who inject drugs in New York City: Opportunity for and threats to HCV elimination. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2211. [PMID: 38957862 PMCID: PMC11217018 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims In the United States, the opioid epidemic has led many young people who use opioids to initiate injection drug use, putting them at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, community surveys to monitor HCV prevalence among young people who inject drugs (YPWID) are rare. Methods As part of Staying Safe (Ssafe), a trial to evaluate an HCV-prevention intervention, a community-recruited sample of 439 young people who use opioids (ages 18-30) in New York City (NYC) were screened from 2018 to 2021. Screening procedures included a brief verbal questionnaire, a visual check for injection marks, onsite urine drug testing, rapid HCV antibody (Ab) testing, and dried blood spot (DBS) collection. DBS specimens were sent to a laboratory for HCV RNA testing and phylogenetic analysis to identify genetic linkages among HCV RNA-positive specimens. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between HCV status (Ab and RNA) and demographics and drug use patterns. Results Among the 330 participants who reported injecting drugs (past 6 months), 33% (n = 110) tested HCV Ab-positive, 58% of whom (n = 64) had HCV RNA-positive DBS specimens, indicating active infection. In multivariable analysis, visible injection marks (AOR = 3.02; p < 0.001), older age (AOR = 1.38; p < 0.05), and female gender (AOR = 1.69; p = 0.052) were associated with HCV Ab-positive status. Visible injection marks were also associated with HCV RNA-positive status (AOR = 5.24; p < 0.01). Twenty-five percent of RNA-positive specimens (14/57) were genetically linked. Conclusion The relatively low prevalence of active infection suggests the potential impact of treatment-as-prevention in reducing HCV prevalence among YPWID. Targeted community serosurveys could help identify actively infected YPWID for treatment, thereby reducing HCV incidence and future transmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pratt Seanna
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Guarino Honoria
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Hallack Renee
- NYS Department of HealthWadsworth CenterAlbanyNew YorkUSA
| | - Fong Chunki
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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Tully DC, Power KA, Sarette J, Stopka TJ, Friedmann PD, Korthuis PT, Cooper H, Young AM, Seal DW, Westergaard RP, Allen TM. Validation of dried blood spots for capturing hepatitis C virus diversity for genomic surveillance. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:266-270. [PMID: 38366329 PMCID: PMC11023755 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13924] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Dried blood spots (DBS) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional venous blood for hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing. However, their capacity to accurately reflect the genetic diversity of HCV remains poorly understood. We employed deep sequencing and advanced phylogenetic analyses on paired plasma and DBS samples from two common subtypes to evaluate the suitability of DBS for genomic surveillance. Results demonstrated that DBS captured equivalent viral diversity compared to plasma with no phylogenetic discordance observed. The ability of DBS to accurately reflect the profile of viral genetic diversity suggests it may be a promising avenue for future surveillance efforts to curb HCV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien C. Tully
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Center for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Karen A. Power
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacklyn Sarette
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas J. Stopka
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Peter D. Friedmann
- Baystate Medical Center—University of Massachusetts, Office of Research, UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate, 3601 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3270 Southwest Pavilion Loop OHSU Physicians Pavilion, Suite 350, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Hannah Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Grace Crum Rollins Building 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - April M. Young
- University of Kentucky, 760 Press Avenue Suite 280, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - David W. Seal
- Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Ryan P. Westergaard
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5th Floor, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA
| | - Todd M. Allen
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Carrington N, Conway A, Grebely J, Starr M, Catlett B, Stevens A, Prain B, McGrath C, Causer L, Guy R, Holden J, Keen P, Kingsland M, Lu H, Power C, Read P, Murray C, McNulty A, Cunningham P. Testing, diagnosis, and treatment following the implementation of a program to provide dried blood spot testing for HIV and hepatitis C infections: the NSW DBS Pilot. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:137. [PMID: 38287234 PMCID: PMC10823617 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08989-8] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dried blood spot (DBS) testing provides an alternative to phlebotomy and addresses barriers to accessing healthcare experienced by some key populations. Large-scale evaluations of DBS testing programs are needed to understand their feasibility. This study evaluated the implementation of a state-wide DBS HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing pilot. METHODS The New South Wales (NSW) DBS Pilot is an interventional cohort study of people testing for HIV antibody and/or HCV RNA from DBS samples in NSW, Australia. Participants at risk of HIV/HCV participated in testing via: 1) self-registration online with a DBS collection kit delivered and returned by conventional postal service; or 2) assisted DBS sample collection at 36 community health sites (including drug treatment and harm-minimisation services) and prisons. Participants received results by text (HIV antibody/ HCV RNA not detected) or a healthcare provider (HIV antibody/ HCV RNA detected). The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation. RESULTS Reach: Between November 2016 and December 2020, 7,392 individuals were tested for HIV and/or HCV (21% self-registration, 34% assisted in community, and 45% assisted in prison). EFFECTIVENESS Of 6,922 people tested for HIV (19% men who have sex with men, 13% living outside major cities, 21% born outside Australia), 51% (3,521/6,922) had no HIV test in the past two years, 0.1% (10/6,922) were newly diagnosed with HIV, and 80% (8/10) initiated HIV treatment within six months. Of 5,960 people tested for HCV (24% women, 35% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 55% recently injected drugs), 15% had detectable HCV RNA (878/5,960), and 45% (393/878) initiated treatment within six months. Adoption: By the end of 2020, DBS via assisted registration was available at 36 community sites and 21 prisons. IMPLEMENTATION 90% of DBS cards arriving at the laboratory had the three full spots required for testing; the proportion was higher in assisted (94%) compared to online (76%) registration. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the feasibility of DBS testing for HIV and HCV in key populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and demonstrated the utility of DBS in the prison setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Carrington
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Mitchell Starr
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annabelle Stevens
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bianca Prain
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Colette McGrath
- NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanne Holden
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
- NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Melanie Kingsland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Heng Lu
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cherie Power
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carolyn Murray
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip Cunningham
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Martínez-Riveros H, Martró E, Montoro-Fernandez M, Diaz Y, Muntada E, Romano-deGea P, Moreno-Fornés S, Mora R, Villegas L, Mena J, Roqueta Q, Hernández J, Vázquez M, Rius C, Román F, Not A, Muntané L, Colom J, Casabona J, Agustí C. An online hepatitis C virus self-sampling strategy for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and trans women: TESTATE C PLUS 2020-2021. J Evid Based Med 2023; 16:446-450. [PMID: 38146223 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Martínez-Riveros
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Doctorate Program in Methodology of Biomedical Research and Public Health, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Elisa Martró
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Montoro-Fernandez
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
| | - Yesika Diaz
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteve Muntada
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
| | - Pol Romano-deGea
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Sergio Moreno-Fornés
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Juanse Hernández
- Grupo de Trabajo sobre Tratamientos del VIH (gTt-VIH), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Vázquez
- Grupo de Trabajo sobre Tratamientos del VIH (gTt-VIH), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Rius
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisca Román
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Not
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Laura Muntané
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Programa de prevenció, control i atenció al virus d'immunodeficiència humana, les infeccions de transmissió sexual i les hepatitis víriques, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Cristina Agustí
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS of Catalonia, Ministry of Health of the Governmen of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Conway A, Stevens A, Murray C, Prain B, Power C, McNulty A, Carrington N, Lu H, Kingsland M, McGrath C, Read P, Starr M, Catlett B, Cunningham P, Grebely J. Hepatitis C Treatment Uptake Following Dried Blood Spot Testing for Hepatitis C RNA in New South Wales, Australia: The NSW DBS Pilot Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad517. [PMID: 38023551 PMCID: PMC10665037 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dried blood spot (DBS) testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA provides a sampling option that avoids venepuncture and can be carried out in a nonclinical setting. Large-scale evaluations are needed to understand how DBS testing can reduce HCV burden. This study estimated prevalence of, and factors associated with, HCV RNA and treatment initiation among people enrolled in a state-wide pilot of people testing in the NSW DBS Pilot in New South Wales, Australia. Methods People at risk of HIV/HCV could participate via (1) self-registration online with a DBS collection kit delivered and returned by conventional postal service; or (2) assisted DBS sample collection at a community site or prison. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with detectable HCV RNA and treatment initiation within 6 months of testing. Results Between September 2017 and December 2020, 5960 people were tested for HCV (76% men, 35% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 55% recently injected drugs): 21% online self-registration, 34% assisted registration in the community, 45% assisted registration in prison. Fifteen percent had detectable HCV RNA (878/5960). Overall, 44% (n = 386/878) of people with current HCV initiated treatment within 6 months (13% online self-registration, 27% assisted registration in the community, 61% assisted registration in prison). Testing in prison compared with the community (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.28; 95% CI, 3.04-6.03) was associated with increased odds of treatment initiation. Being a woman compared with a man (aOR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.97) was associated with reduced treatment initiation. Conclusions The NSW DBS Pilot demonstrates the feasibility of using DBS to promote HCV testing and treatment in community and prison settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annabelle Stevens
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carolyn Murray
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bianca Prain
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cherie Power
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Nigel Carrington
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Heng Lu
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melanie Kingsland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Colette McGrath
- NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mitchell Starr
- St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip Cunningham
- St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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6
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Carty PG, McCarthy M, O'Neill SM, De Gascun CF, Harrington P, O'Neill M, Smith SM, Teljeur C, Ryan M. Laboratory-based testing for hepatitis C infection using dried blood spot samples: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2320. [PMID: 34957630 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The use of dried blood spot (DBS) samples can facilitate the implementation of reflex testing by circumventing the need for centrifugation and freezing of venous blood samples. This systematic review assessed the accuracy of using DBS samples to diagnose chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify articles published up to July 2020 evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of anti-HCV, HCV-RNA and HCV core antigen tests using DBS. Screening, data extraction, quality appraisal and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations certainty of the evidence assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis, meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The evidence demonstrates that laboratory-based anti-HCV and HCV-RNA tests using DBS samples have high diagnostic accuracy. All comparisons were between DBS and venous samples. For the detection of anti-HCV, sensitivity was 95% (95% CI: 92%-97%) and specificity was 99% ([95% CI: 98%-99%]; n = 25; I2 = 81%; moderate certainty). For the detection of HCV-RNA, the sensitivity was 95% (95% CI: 93%-97%) and specificity was 97% ([95% CI: 94%-98%]; n = 20; I2 = 52%; moderate certainty). The sensitivity of HCV core antigen tests was 86% (95% CI: 79%-91%) and specificity was 98% ([95% CI: 94%-99%]; n = 5; I2 = 37%; low certainty) compared with HCV-RNA (the gold standard for detecting chronic HCV). DBS samples could facilitate diagnosis of chronic HCV infection as the necessary sequential tests (anti-HCV and then HCV-RNA or HCV core antigen) can be undertaken using the same blood sample. This could reduce loss of patient follow-up and support international efforts towards HCV elimination in both high and low prevalence settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Carty
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Cillian F De Gascun
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Susan M Smith
- Department of General Practice, Health Research Board Centre for Primary Care Research, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Conor Teljeur
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mairin Ryan
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Shahid I, Alzahrani AR, Al-Ghamdi SS, Alanazi IM, Rehman S, Hassan S. Hepatitis C Diagnosis: Simplified Solutions, Predictive Barriers, and Future Promises. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1253. [PMID: 34359335 PMCID: PMC8305142 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11071253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The simplification of current hepatitis C diagnostic algorithms and the emergence of digital diagnostic devices will be very crucial to achieving the WHO's set goals of hepatitis C diagnosis (i.e., 90%) by 2030. From the last decade, hepatitis C diagnosis has been revolutionized by the advent and approval of state-of-the-art HCV diagnostic platforms which have been efficiently implemented in high-risk HCV populations in developed nations as well as in some low-to-middle income countries (LMICs) to identify millions of undiagnosed hepatitis C-infected individuals. Point-of-care (POC) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs; POC-RDTs), RNA reflex testing, hepatitis C self-test assays, and dried blood spot (DBS) sample analysis have been proven their diagnostic worth in real-world clinical experiences both at centralized and decentralized diagnostic settings, in mass hepatitis C screening campaigns, and hard-to-reach aboriginal hepatitis C populations in remote areas. The present review article overviews the significance of current and emerging hepatitis C diagnostic packages to subvert the public health care burden of this 'silent epidemic' worldwide. We also highlight the challenges that remain to be met about the affordability, accessibility, and health system-related barriers to overcome while modulating the hepatitis C care cascade to adopt a 'test and treat' strategy for every hepatitis C-affected individual. We also elaborate some key measures and strategies in terms of policy and progress to be part of hepatitis C care plans to effectively link diagnosis to care cascade for rapid treatment uptake and, consequently, hepatitis C cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Shahid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (A.R.A.); (S.S.A.-G.); (I.M.A.)
| | - Abdullah R. Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (A.R.A.); (S.S.A.-G.); (I.M.A.)
| | - Saeed S. Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (A.R.A.); (S.S.A.-G.); (I.M.A.)
| | - Ibrahim M. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (A.R.A.); (S.S.A.-G.); (I.M.A.)
| | - Sidra Rehman
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 45550, Pakistan;
| | - Sajida Hassan
- Viral Hepatitis Program, Laboratory of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
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