European AIDS Treatment Network (NEAT) Acute Hepatitis C Infection Consensus Panel. Acute hepatitis C in HIV-infected individuals: recommendations from the European AIDS Treatment Network (NEAT) consensus conference

Contemporary Insights into Hepatitis C Virus: A Comprehensive Review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health challenge. Approximately 50 million people were living with chronic hepatitis C based on the World Health Organization as of 2024, contributing extensively to global morbidity and mortality. The advent and approval of several direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens significantly improved HCV treatment, offering potentially high rates of cure for chronic hepatitis C. However, the promising aim of eventual HCV eradication remains challenging. Key challenges include the variability in DAA access across different regions, slightly variable response rates to DAAs across diverse patient populations and HCV genotypes/subtypes, and the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs), potentially conferring resistance to DAAs. Therefore, periodic reassessment of current HCV knowledge is needed. An up-to-date review on HCV is also necessitated based on the observed shifts in HCV epidemiological trends, continuous development and approval of therapeutic strategies, and changes in public health policies. Thus, the current comprehensive review aimed to integrate the latest knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and preventive strategies for HCV, with a particular focus on the current challenges associated with RASs and ongoing efforts in vaccine development. This review sought to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the necessary insights to address the HCV burden more effectively. We aimed to highlight the progress made in managing and preventing HCV infection and to highlight the persistent barriers challenging the prevention of HCV infection. The overarching goal was to align with global health objectives towards reducing the burden of chronic hepatitis, aiming for its eventual elimination as a public health threat by 2030.

Immediate treatment for recent hepatitis C infection in people with high-risk behaviors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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.

Acute hepatitis C virus infection and direct-acting antiviral drugs: Perfect combination to eliminate the epidemic?

Early diagnosis and treatment of incident cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is fundamental to eliminate HCV in HIV-positive patients. From January 2016 to December 2019, we attended 40 episodes of acute HCV infection (AHC) in 35 subjects (9 reinfections) who were coinfected with HIV. The patients were treated with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in seven hospitals in Andalusia, Spain. All were men who have sex with men (MSM), mean age was 42.9 (±8.3) years and median time of HIV infection was 46.6 months (IQR: 20.4-67.2). All received antiretroviral therapy and had undetectable HIV viral load (except 2 with 65 and 68 copies/mL); median CD4 count was 632 cells/mm³ (IQR: 553-896). Over half (74.3%) also had another concomitant sexually transmitted infection, syphilis (48.6%) being the most common. AHC was asymptomatic in 32 cases (80%). Genotypeic distribution was G1a 65%, G4 32.5% and G1b 3%. Median time to DAA was 6 weeks (IQR: 4.3-18.3) and median baseline HCV RNA was 6.1 Log (IQR: 5.6-6.5). DAA regimens were SOF/LDV (19 episodes), SOF/VEL (14), ELB/GZV (5) and GLP/PIB (2). All presented sustained viral response and none discontinued due to adverse effects. In conclusion, early treatment with DAA in AHC patients proved effective and safe. It could be an excellent strategy to eliminate HCV infection in HIV-coinfected MSM.

Decline in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Incidence in Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Progress to HCV Microelimination in the United Kingdom?

BACKGROUND

Modeling of the London hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in men who have sex with men (MSM) and are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suggested that early access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment may reduce incidence. With high rates of linkage to care, microelimination of HCV within MSM living with HIV may be realistic ahead of 2030 World Health Organization targets. We examined trends in HCV incidence in the pre- and post-DAA eras for MSM living with HIV in London and Brighton, United Kingdom.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at 5 HIV clinics in London and Brighton between 2013 and 2018. Each site reported all acute HCV episodes during the study period. Treatment timing data were collected. Incidence rates and reinfection proportion were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of.

378 acute HCV infections were identified, comprising 292 first infections and 86 reinfections. Incidence rates of acute HCV in MSM living with HIV peaked at 14.57/1000 person-years of follow-up (PYFU; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.95-18.20) in 2015. Rates fell to 4.63/1000 PYFU (95% CI, 2.60 to 6.67) by 2018. Time from diagnosis to starting treatment declined from 29.8 (2013) to 3.7 months (2018).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a 78% reduction in the incidence of first HCV episode and a 68% reduction in overall HCV incidence since the epidemic peak in 2015, which coincides with wider access to DAAs in England. Further interventions to reduce transmission, including earlier access to treatment and for reinfection, are likely needed for microelimination to be achieved in this population.

Hepatitis C Virus RNA Is Commonly Detectable in Rectal and Nasal Fluids of Patients With High Viremia

BACKGROUND

Increasing numbers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are being observed in the Western world. The actual routes of HCV transmission during high-risk sex practices and associated drug use remain poorly understood.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients with HCV were prospectively enrolled. Rectal and nasal swabs were collected to quantify HCV-RNA levels within rectal and nasal fluids. Contamination by occult rectal bleeding was excluded by guaiac paper test. Risk behavior was assessed by standardized questionnaires.

RESULTS

Median age was 41.9 years, 89% were HIV positive (+) (42/47) and 85% (40/47) were male, 58% (23/40) of whom were MSM. Acute HCV infection was diagnosed in 32% (15/47) ,with all patients being HIV+MSM and 93% (14/15) having a documented history of sexually transmitted disease. Thirty-three (70%) patients had ≥1 HCV+ swab sample (HCV+SS; 48%, 22/46 rectal; 62%, 29/47 nasal), and contamination with blood was excluded in all patients. Individuals with HCV+SS had significantly higher serum HCV-RNA levels than patients with HCV-negative SS (6.28 [IQR, 0.85] log IU/mL vs 4.08 [2.45] log IU/mL; P < .001). Using ROC-curve analysis, serum HCV-RNA cutoffs for ruling in/out any HCV+SS were established at 6.02 log IU/mL and 4.02 log IU/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV-RNA is commonly detectable in rectal and nasal fluids of both HIV+ and HIV-negative HCV patients with high serum HCV-RNA, independently of the suspected route of HCV transmission. Accordingly, high-risk sex practices and sharing of nasal drug-sniffing "tools" might be important HCV transmission routes, especially in patients with high serum HCV-RNA.

Evaluation of the Hepatitis C Testing Strategy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men at the Sexually Transmitted Infections Outpatient Clinic of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

INTRODUCTION

As the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remains high among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) an HCV testing strategy was introduced at the sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic in Amsterdam in 2017. We aimed to evaluate this HCV testing strategy.

METHODS

The HIV-positive MSM and transgender women (TGW) were eligible for HCV testing (anti-HCV and HCV ribonucleic acid) at the STI clinic if they did not visit their HIV clinician in the 3 months before the consultation and had not been tested for HCV at the STI clinic in the previous 6 months. All eligible individuals were administered the 6 questions on risk behavior of the HCV-MSM observational study of acute infection with hepatitis C (MOSAIC) risk score; a risk score of 2 or greater made a person eligible for testing.

RESULTS

From February 2017 through June 2018, 1015 HIV-positive MSM and TGW were eligible for HCV testing in 1295 consultations. Eleven active HCV infections (HCV ribonucleic acid positive) were newly diagnosed (positivity rate, 0.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-1.5%). Sensitivity and specificity of the HCV-MOSAIC score for newly diagnosed active HCV infections were 80.0% (95% CI, 49.0-94.3%) and 53.7% (95% CI, 50.8-56.5%), respectively. If an HCV-MOSAIC score of 2 or greater were used to determine whom to test, 46.6% of individuals currently tested for HCV would be eligible for testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the new HCV testing strategy, HCV testing was done in 1295 consultations with HIV-positive MSM and TGW in 17 months. We newly diagnosed 11 active HCV infections. The HCV-MOSAIC risk score could reduce the number of tests needed, but some active HCV infections will be missed.

Interventions to reduce acute hepatitis C virus in HIV-positive MSM

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The WHO has set ambitious targets for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030. In this review, we explore the possibility of HCV micro-elimination in HIV-positive (+) MSM, discussing strategies for reducing acute HCV incidence and the likely interventions required to meet these targets.

RECENT FINDINGS

With wider availability of directly acting antivirals (DAAs) in recent years, reductions in acute HCV incidence have been reported in some cohorts of HIV+ MSM. Recent evidence demonstrates that treatment in early infection is well tolerated, cost effective and may reduce the risk of onward transmission. Modelling studies suggest that to reduce incidence, a combination approach including behavioural interventions and access to early treatment, targeting both HIV+ and negative high-risk groups, will be required. HCV vaccine trials have not yet demonstrated efficacy in human studies, however phase one and two studies are ongoing.

SUMMARY

Some progress towards the WHO HCV elimination targets has been reported. Achieving sustained HCV elimination is likely to require a combination approach including early access to DAAs in acute infection and reinfection, validated and reproducible behavioural interventions and an efficacious HCV vaccine.

Hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected men in Singapore, 2006-2018: incidence and associated factors

Background The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in people living with HIV has been evolving, with increasing evidence of permucosal (sexual) transmission identified predominantly in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate and elucidate epidemiological factors associated with HCV infection among HIV-infected men in Singapore from 2006 to 2018.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a clinical database maintained by the Clinical HIV Program at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore. Factors associated with incident HCV infections were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among 1348 HIV-infected male patients who were HCV seronegative at baseline, 64 (4.7%) subsequently tested positive for HCV, giving an incidence of 0.88 per 100 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-1.13). The incidence rate of HCV seroconversion increased from 0.33 (95% CI 0.12-0.71) per 100 PYFU in 2010-2012 to 1.93 (95% CI 1.36-2.67) in 2016-2018. Independent factors associated with incident HCV infection were younger age groups at HIV diagnosis versus ≥45 years, HIV acquisition via MSM or via both sexual contact and intravenous drug use versus heterosexual transmission, HIV diagnosis in later periods versus 2006-2009, and recent syphilis acquisition.

CONCLUSIONS

An increasing trend of incident HCV infection was seen in HIV-infected men, particularly for MSM. Preventive and behavioural interventions should be targeted at HIV-infected individuals engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour.

Recently acquired and early chronic hepatitis C in MSM: Recommendations from the European treatment network for HIV, hepatitis and global infectious diseases consensus panel

: In response to growing evidence of an expanding epidemic of sexually acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in HIV-positive MSM, the European AIDS Treatment Network (NEAT) acute hepatitis C consensus panel developed their first recommendations for HCV prevention and care during a consensus conference in May 2010 in Paris, France. As then, two major breakthroughs have changed the landscape. First, directly acting antivirals (DAA) with high levels of tolerability and HCV cure rates of over 95% are now widely available and will play a large role in the goal of elimination of HCV by 2030 (WHO sector strategy). Second, landmark studies demonstrated that universal test and treatment (UTT) approach as well as the demonstration that HIV cannot be sexually transmitted from a person living with HIV with an undetectable viraemia [undetectable = untransmittable (U = U) campaign] and HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are very effective HIV biomedical prevention strategies for MSM. The scale-up of these interventions has reduced HIV incidence in MSM and also changed patterns of sexual networks and behaviour, which has contributed to increased HCV incidence among HIV-negative MSM who were eligible for or on PrEP. These recent developments, together with new clinical and scientific insights, underscore the importance of updating the statements and recommendations for acute HCV in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. In June 2019, experts from different disciplines and organizations including community representatives participated at the second acute HCV consensus conference of NEAT Infectious Diseases (ID) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Patterns of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-negative Men Who Have Sex With Men

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections (AHIs) have been mainly described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Cases in HIV-negative MSM are scarce. We describe the epidemic of AHI in HIV-infected and HIV-negative MSM in Lyon, France.

METHODS

All cases of AHI diagnosed in MSM in Lyon University Hospital from 2014 to 2017 were included. AHI incidence was determined in HIV-infected and in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-using MSM. Transmission clusters were identified by construction of phylogenetic trees based on HCV NS5B (genotype 1a/4d) or NS5A (genotype 3a) Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2017, 108 AHIs (80 first infections, 28 reinfections) were reported in 96 MSM (HIV-infected, 72; HIV-negative, 24). AHI incidence rose from 1.1/100 person-years (95 confidence interval [CI], 0.7-1.7) in 2014 to 2.4/100 person-years (95 CI, 1.1-2.6) in 2017 in HIV-infected MSM (P = .05) and from 0.3/100 person-years (95 CI, 0.06-1.0) in 2016 to 3.4/100 person-years (95 CI, 2.0-5.5) in 2017 in PrEP users (P < .001). Eleven clusters were identified. All clusters included HIV-infected MSM; 6 also included HIV-negative MSM. All clusters started with ≥1 HIV-infected MSM. Risk factor distribution varied among clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

AHI incidence increased in both HIV-infected and HIV-negative MSM. Cluster analysis suggests initial transmission from HIV-infected to HIV-negative MSM through chemsex and traumatic sexual practices, leading to mixed patterns of transmission regardless of HIV status and no overlap with the general population.

Short-Duration Pan-Genotypic Therapy With Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir for 6 Weeks Among People With Recent Hepatitis C Viral Infection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Among treatment-naive individuals with chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection and without cirrhosis, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 8 weeks is recommended. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 6 weeks in people with acute and recent HCV infection.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

In this open-label, single-arm, multicenter, international pilot study, adults with recent HCV (duration of infection < 12 months) received glecaprevir/pibrentasvir 300/120 mg daily for 6 weeks. Primary infection was defined by first positive anti-HCV antibody and/or HCV RNA within 6 months of enrollment and either acute clinical hepatitis within the past 12 months (symptomatic seroconversion illness or alanine aminotransferase > 10 × upper limit of normal) or anti-HCV antibody seroconversion within 18 months. Reinfection was defined as new positive HCV RNA within 6 months of enrollment and evidence of prior spontaneous or treatment-induced clearance. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks posttreatment (SVR12). Thirty men (median age 43 years, 90% men who have sex with men) received treatment, of whom 77% (n = 23) were human immunodeficiency virus-positive, 47% (n = 14) had ever injected drugs, and 13% (n = 4) had HCV reinfection. The majority had HCV genotype 1 (83%, n = 25), followed by genotype 4 (10%, n = 3) and genotype 3 (7%, n = 2). At baseline, median estimated duration of infection was 29 weeks (range 13, 52) and median HCV RNA was 6.2 log₁₀ IU/mL (range 0.9, 7.7). SVR12 in the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations was achieved in 90% (27/30) and 96% (27/28), respectively. There was one case of relapse, and there were two cases of nonvirological failure (death, n = 1; loss to follow-up, n = 1). No treatment-related serious adverse events were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 6 weeks was highly effective among people with acute and recent HCV infection, supporting further evaluation of shortened-duration pan-genotypic therapy in this setting.

Acute hepatitis C infection among adults with HIV in the Netherlands between 2003 and 2016: a capture-recapture analysis for the 2013 to 2016 period

BackgroundWith regards to the global strategy towards eliminating viral hepatitis, reliable surveillance systems are essential to assess the national response for eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV).AimWe aimed to assess the completeness of the two national registries with data on acute HCV infection in people with HIV, and estimated the number of acute HCV infections among adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with HIV in the Netherlands.MethodsIn this observational study, cases of HCV infection and reinfection among adults with a positive or unknown HIV-serostatus were identified from 2003 to 2016 in two national registries: the ATHENA cohort and the National Registry for Notifiable Diseases. For 2013-2016, cases were linked, and two-way capture-recapture analysis was carried out.ResultsDuring 2013-2016, there were an estimated 282 (95% confidence interval (CI): 264-301) acute HCV infections among adults with HIV. The addition of cases with an unknown HIV-serostatus increased the matches (from n = 107 to n = 129), and subsequently increased the estimated total: 330 (95%CI: 309-351). Under-reporting was estimated at 14-20%.ConclusionUnder-reporting of acute HCV infection among people with HIV could partially be explained by an unknown HIV-serostatus, or by differences in HCV stage (acute or chronic) at first diagnosis. Surveillance data should ideally include both acute and chronic HCV infections, and enable to distinguish these as well as initial- and re-infections. National surveillance of acute HCV can be improved by increased notification of infections.

Early diagnosis and risk factors of acute hepatitis C in high-risk MSM on preexposure prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

A high incidence of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) (AHCV) infection has been reported among at-risk HIV-negative MSM. The optimal strategy for early diagnosis of AHCV in this population is not clearly defined.

METHODS

In the ANRS IPERGAY PrEP trial, among high-risk HIV-negative MSM, HCV serology and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were used for screening at enrollment and during follow-up. Behavioral risk factors were compared at baseline between participants who were diagnosed with AHCV during the study compared with those who did not. In participants with a positive HCV serology, we used stored sera to perform the following tests at diagnosis and on previous visits: HCV-antibodies rapid tests, plasma HCV viral load and HCV antigen immunoassay. We evaluated the sensitivity of each test for AHCV diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 429 enrolled participants, 14 were diagnosed with AHCV infection, with a median follow-up of 2.1 (interquartile range, 1.5-2.8) years. AHCV incidence was 1.40 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval, 0.74-2.39). Patients with AHCV reported a significantly higher number of sexual acts and/or partners, and more frequent recreational drug use at baseline. At the prior visit before AHCV diagnosis (median of 2 months earlier), sensitivities of HCV RNA and HCV antigen tests were, respectively, 100 and 89%, whereas none of the patients had a positive serology, and only 25% had elevated ALT.

CONCLUSION

HCV antigen and RNA tests were positive within a median of 2 months before the detection of antibodies and ALT elevation. These tests could be considered for HCV screening in high-risk MSM.

Sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus infections: current trends, and recent advances in understanding the spread in men who have sex with men

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health threat. Although the recent availability of highly effective directly acting antivirals created optimism towards HCV elimination, there is ongoing transmission of HCV in men who have sex with men (MSM). We here report current epidemiological trends and synthesise evidence on behavioural, network, cellular and molecular host factors associated with sexual transmission of HCV, in particular the role of HIV-1 co-infection. We discuss prevention opportunities focusing on the potential of HCV treatment.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, fact sheets from health professional bodies and conference abstracts using appropriate keywords to identify and select relevant reports.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Recent studies strongly suggest that HCV is transmitted via sexual contact in HIV-positive MSM and more recently in HIV-negative MSM eligible for or on pre-exposure prophylaxis. The reinfection risk following clearance is about 10 times the risk of primary infection. International connectedness of MSM transmission networks might contribute to ongoing reinfection. Some of these networks might overlap with networks of people who inject drugs. Although, the precise mechanisms facilitating sexual transmission remain unclear, damage to the mucosal barrier in the rectum could increase susceptibility. Mucosal dendritic cell subsets could increase HCV susceptibility by retaining HCV and transmitting the virus to other cells, allowing egress into blood and liver. Early identification of new HCV infections is important to prevent onward transmission, but early diagnosis of acute HCV infection and prompt treatment is hampered by the slow rate of HCV antibody seroconversion, which in rare cases may take more than a year. Novel tests such as testing for HCV core antigen might facilitate early diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk sexual behaviour, network characteristics, co-infection with sexually transmitted infections like HIV-1 and other concomitant bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections are important factors that lead to HCV spread. Targeted and combined prevention efforts including effective behavioural interventions and scale-up of HCV testing and treatment are required to halt HCV transmission in MSM.

Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for 8 Weeks to Treat Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Men With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections: Sofosbuvir-Containing Regimens Without Interferon for Treatment of Acute HCV in HIV-1 Infected Individuals

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections provide varying recommendations for the optimal treatment of acute HCV infections. There are limited data from small cohort studies to provide guidance on the best approach to treatment of this important patient population.

METHODS

Sofosbuvir-Containing Regimens Without Interferon for Treatment of Acute HCV in HIV-1 Infected Individuals is an open-label, 2-cohort, Phase 1 clinical trial in which the second cohort assessed the safety and efficacy of 8 weeks of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for the treatment of acute HCV infections in participants with chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infections. This final analysis of the second cohort had a planned accrual of 27 participants, based on non-inferiority criteria, compared to the study-defined, historical, sustained virologic response (SVR) of 60% with pegylated-interferon/ribavirin.

RESULTS

We enrolled 27 men (9 Hispanic; 11 White, non-Hispanic; 5 Black, non-Hispanic; 2 Asian or Pacific Islander; median age 46 years). Most (96%) had HCV genotype-1 infection and 59% had the favorable interleukin 28B CC genotype. The median baseline HCV RNA load was 6.17 log10 IU/mL (interquartile range 4.51 - 6.55). All participants (100%) achieved the primary outcome of a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the date of the last dose of study treatment (90% confidence interval 90-100%), achieving non-inferiority versus the 60% historic benchmark. No treatment discontinuations occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter clinical trial, investigating 8 weeks of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for acute HCV infections in men with HIV infections, reports a 100% SVR. This study provides the rationale for larger studies of shortened courses of direct-acting antiviral therapies in persons with HIV infections, including those with high baseline HCV RNA loads.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02128217.

High rates of unprotected anal sex and use of generic direct-acting antivirals in a cohort of MSM with acute HCV infection

The role of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) as a driver for the epidemic of hepatitis C in MSM is still debated. Timely access to direct-acting antivirals (DAA) could represent an essential strategy to tackle this. Case notes of MSM diagnosed with acute hepatitis C (AHC) between July 2016 and June 2017 in a sexual health clinic in London were included. Behavioural data on sexual practices and STI monitoring in the 6 months prior to AHC diagnosis were collected. DAA routes of access and timing from AHC diagnosis to start of treatment were analysed. A total of 60 individuals were enrolled (median age 39 years, IQR = 33-46, 62% HIV co-infected, 72% genotype 1a). CAI was reported by 97%, drug use prior to or during sex by 73%; 46% was diagnosed with a rectal STI and 29% with syphilis. About 37% did not report any HCV risk factors other than condomless anal sex. About 36% had a new rectal STI in the 6 months following AHC. About 82% accessed DAA treatment and median time from AHC to DAA start was 278 days for those following the NHS standard of care route, 132 days for those accessing DAA via participation in trials and 114 for those who had self-sourced DAA online (P < 0.0011). SVR12 was achieved in 100% of the patients who received DAA treatment.In conclusion, CAI is a significant risk factor for HCV acquisition in MSM, irrespective of their HIV status. Rapid and wider access to treatment with DAA could represent a powerful strategy to reduce onward transmission and risk of reinfection in MSM.

Vaccination among HIV-infected, HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-uninfected children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence related to vaccine efficacy and effectiveness

Evidence-based approaches were used in making recommendations for vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases for HIV-infected and HIV-exposed individuals but with limited substantiation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), cohort and case-control studies that have efficacy and effectiveness of vaccines in HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children as outcomes. Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for articles. Efficacy of 9-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV9) against total vaccine serotype invasive pneumococcal disease was 32% in HIV-infected children and 78% among HIV-uninfected children. Vaccine effectiveness of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine in preventing tuberculosis in HIV-infected children was zero compared to 59% protection in HIV-unexposed children. Likewise, HIV-uninfected children have better protection against invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease than the HIV-infected children. Effectiveness studies of rotavirus vaccines show that HIV-exposed uninfected children have similar protection against rotavirus gastroenteritis compared to the non-exposed children. Children who are severely immunosuppressed are poorly protected against invasive pneumococcal diseases. HIV-infected children tend to have lesser vaccine protection against vaccine-preventable diseases when compared to unexposed children. HIV-infected children who are immunocompetent are more likely to have better vaccine protection against vaccine-preventable diseases than those who are immunosuppressed. The overall quality of the observational studies was very low with very little confidence in the effect estimate. The overall quality of evidence for the RCT outcomes was mainly high. This study reveals a dearth of efficacy and effectiveness studies among HIV-infected and exposed children.

The burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There are knowledge gaps regarding evidence-based research on the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-exposed children aged <18 years in sub-Saharan Africa. It is therefore essential to determine the trend and burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the incidence, prevalence and case-fatality rates (CFR) attributed to various vaccine-preventable diseases among HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children in sub-Saharan Africa. The trends in the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases among HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children were also determined. Nine studies on tuberculosis (TB) were pooled to give an overall incidence rate estimate of 60 (95% confidence interval [CI] 30-70) per 1,000 child-years. The incidence of pneumococcal infections varied between 109-1509 per 100,000 while pertussis was between 2.9 and 3.7 per 1000 child-year. Twenty-two TB prevalence studies reported an estimated prevalence of 16%. Fifteen prevalence studies on hepatitis B infection were pooled together with an estimated prevalence of 5%. The pooled prevalence for pneumococcal infections was 2% while rotavirus diarrhoea reported a prevalence of 13%. Twenty-nine studies on TB were pooled to give an overall CFR estimate of 17% while pneumococcal infections in HIV-infected and exposed children were pooled together with a resultant rate of 15%. Some of the vaccine-preventable diseases still have high incidences, prevalence and CFR among HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children. There is also a dearth of research data on the burden of several vaccine-preventable diseases among HIV-infected and exposed children and a need for more studies in this area.

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection, screening and associated factors among men who have sex with men attending gay venues: a cross-sectional survey (PREVAGAY), France, 2015

Background

Over the last 20 years, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence has dramatically increased among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in many countries worldwide. It is suspected that this increase is primarily driven by sexual behaviours linked to blood exposure. Monitoring these behaviours is crucial to understand the drivers of the epidemic. This study assessed the prevalence of chronic HCV infection among MSM attending gay venues and associated chronic HCV risk factors. HCV screening and associated factors were described.

Methods

The cross-sectional survey PREVAGAY, based on time-location sampling, was conducted in 2015 among MSM attending gay venues in 5 French metropolitan cities. A self-administered questionnaire was completed and capillary whole blood on dried blood spots (DBS) collected. Possible factors associated with chronic HCV prevalence and with HCV screening in the previous year were investigated using Poisson regression.

Results

Chronic HCV infection prevalence from DBS analysis was 0.7% [IC95%: 0.3–1.5] in the study’s 2645 participants and was 3.0% [1.5–5.8] in HIV-positive MSM. It was significantly higher in those who reported the following: (lifetime) slamming (with or without the sharing of injection equipment); (during the previous year) fisting and chemsex, unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners, using gay websites and/or of mobile-based GPS applications, and having more than 10 sexual partners.

Only 41.3% [38.2–44.5] of the participants reported HCV screening during the previous year. Screening was significantly more frequent in MSM under 30 years of age, those who were HIV-positive, those vaccinated against hepatitis B and meningococcus C, and those who reported the following (during the previous year): more than 10 sexual partners, at least one sexually transmitted infection and fisting.

Conclusion

Chronic HCV infection prevalence in MSM attending gay venues was significantly higher in HIV-positive MSM and in those with risky sexual behaviours. Reflecting current screening recommendations for specific populations, previous HCV screening was more frequent in HIV-positive individuals and those with risky sexual behaviours. Nevertheless, HCV screening coverage needs to be improved in these populations. Comprehensive medical management, which combines screening and linkage to care with prevention strategies, is essential to control HCV among MSM.

High efficacy of interferon-free therapy for acute hepatitis C in HIV-positive patients

Background

The treatment of acute hepatitis C (AHC) with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) is considered a cornerstone of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination strategies, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals at high risk of onward transmission.

Objective

Optimal treatment regimens and duration for AHC in HIV-coinfected patients remain to be established. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAA treatment regimens in the setting of AHC.

Methods

All HIV-positive patients with a diagnosis of AHC according to the European AIDS Treatment Network (NEAT) consensus attending our clinic after 2014 were included. DAA treatment regimens and duration were based on current recommendations for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) at treatment initiation.

Results

Thirty-eight HIV/AHC patients (median age 42.0 years), mostly men who have sex with men (92%), were started on interferon-free regimens. HCV-genotype (GT) was predominately GT-1a (65%). The following DAA regimens were prescribed: ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (42%; 16/38), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (29%; 11/38), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (13%; 5/38), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (5%; 2/38), grazoprevir/elbasvir (5%; 2/38) and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (5%; 2/38). All HIV/AHC patients achieved sustained virologic response 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR12) (100%; 38/38). DAA-related adverse events were rare.

Conclusion

Interferon-free DAA regimens (including 34% pan-genotypic regimens) yielded 100% SVR12 in HIV/AHC individuals if treatment durations similar to CHC are applied.

An update on the management of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection

An estimated 2.3 million people globally are co-infected with HIV and HCV. Liver disease is now a leading cause of non-AIDS-related mortality among HIV-infected patients. The development of direct-acting antiviral agents has revolutionized the treatment of HIV/HCV co-infection with sustained virologic response response rates above 95% in most patient populations. This article provides an update on the management of acute and chronic HCV in patients co-infected with HIV including a section on drug–drug interactions.

[Hepatitis C: New diagnosis and seroconversions in a Madrid sexually transmitted diseases clinic]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, based on their sexual orientation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, geographical regions and coinfection with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

METHODS

This study was carried out at the Sandoval Health Center, reference clinic of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Madrid. All HCV seronegative individuals who were reanalyzed for this virus were included, between January 2010 and December 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 59 new diagnoses of HCV were diagnosed. The proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed with HCV was 37% in 2010 and 75% in 2016 and was even higher in the group of coinfected with HIV/HCV (94%). A total of 67 seroconverters for HCV were detected (1.2%) of which 100% were MSM. The proportion of HCV seroconverters with HIV was 89%.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV infection continues to be a current health problem, especially in HIV-positive MSM.

Shortened therapy of eight weeks with paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir is highly effective in people with recent HCV genotype 1 infection

Paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin for 12 weeks are approved for treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. This study assessed the efficacy of shortened duration paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin for 8 weeks among people with recent HCV infection. In this open-label single-arm trial conducted in Australia, England and New Zealand, adults with recent HCV (duration of infection <12 months) received paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir (with weight-based ribavirin for genotypes 1a and 1, no subtype) for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Thirty people (median age 38 years, male 93%) commenced treatment (with ribavirin, 97%), of whom 77% (n = 23) were HIV-positive, 93% (n = 28) had genotype 1a infection and 53% (n = 16) had ever injected drugs. Median maximum ALT in the preceding 12 months was 433 IU/L (IQR 321, 1012). Acute clinical hepatitis with ALT > 10 x ULN was documented in 83% (n = 25); one participant (3%) had jaundice. At baseline, median estimated duration of infection was 30 weeks (range 11, 51), and median HCV RNA was 5.7 log₁₀ IU/mL (range 2.7, 7.3). SVR12 was achieved in 97% (29/30; early discontinuation at week 2, n = 1; per protocol 100%, 29/29). No relapse or reinfection was observed. In conclusion, paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir (with ribavirin) for eight weeks were highly effective among HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals with recent HCV infection. These data support the use of this shortened duration direct-acting antiviral regimen in this population.

Management of acute HCV infection in the era of direct-acting antiviral therapy

The management of acute HCV infection has not been standardized following the availability of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for chronic HCV infection, and substantial uncertainty exists regarding the optimal treatment regimen and duration. Despite the lack of direct evidence, the 2016 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)-Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines supported "the same regimens for acute HCV as recommended for chronic HCV infection … owing to high efficacy and safety", whereas the 2016 European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines recommended sofosbuvir-ledipasvir, sofosbuvir-velpatasvir or sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 8 weeks in acute HCV infection, with a longer duration of 12 weeks recommended for those infected with HIV and/or baseline HCV RNA levels >1,000,000 IU/ml. This Review outlines the epidemiology, natural history and diagnosis of acute HCV infection and provides contemporary information on DAAs for acute and recent HCV infection. The Review also discusses the 2016 AASLD-IDSA and EASL recommendations for acute HCV infection management in light of available evidence and highlights key differences in study populations and design that influence interpretation. We focus on populations at high risk of HCV transmission and acquisition, including people who inject drugs and HIV-positive men who have sex with men, and highlight the potential effects of diagnosis and treatment of acute HCV infection in contributing to HCV elimination.

2017 European guideline for the screening, prevention and initial management of hepatitis B and C infections in sexual health settings

This guideline updates the 2010 European guideline for the management of hepatitis B and C virus infections. It is primarily intended to provide advice on testing, prevention and initial management of viral hepatitis B and C for clinicians working in sexual health clinical settings in European countries. The guideline is in a new question and answer format based on clinical situations, from which population/intervention/comparison/outcome questions were formulated. Updates cover areas such as epidemiology, point-of-care tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C risk and 'chemsex', and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and hepatitis B. We have also included a short paragraph on hepatitis E noting there is no evidence for sexual transmission. The guideline has been prepared in accordance with the Europe protocol for production available at http://www.iusti.org/regions/europe/pdf/2017/ProtocolForProduction2017.pdf.

Development and validation of the HCV-MOSAIC risk score to assist testing for acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM)

Current guidelines recommend hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with ongoing risk behaviour, without specifying the type of risk behaviour. We developed and validated the HCV-MOSAIC risk score to assist HCV testing in HIV-infected MSM. The risk score consisted of six self-reported risk factors identified using multivariable logistic regression using data from the Dutch MOSAIC study (n = 213, 2009–2013). Area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, post-test-probability-of-disease and diagnostic gain were calculated. The risk score was validated in case–control studies from Belgium (n = 142, 2010–2013) and the United Kingdom (n = 190, 2003–2005) and in cross-sectional surveys at a Dutch sexually transmitted infections clinic (n = 284, 2007–2009). The AUC was 0.82; sensitivity 78.0% and specificity 78.6%. In the validation studies sensitivity ranged from 73.1% to 100% and specificity from 56.2% to 65.6%. The post-test-probability-of-disease ranged from 5.9% to 20.0% given acute HCV prevalence of 1.7% to 6.4%, yielding a diagnostic gain of 4.2% to 13.6%. The HCV-MOSAIC risk score can successfully identify HIV-infected MSM at risk for acute HCV infection. It could be a promising tool to improve HCV testing strategies in various settings.

Interferon-free direct-acting antiviral therapy for acute hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected individuals: A literature review

Dramatic rises in hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection rates in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have been observed recently, largely attributable to increasing recreational drug use combined with increased testing for HCV. In the era of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, treatment of acute HCV infection in HIV-infected individuals with short durations of these drugs may potentially reduce the disease and economic burden associated with HCV infection as well as reducing the likelihood of onward HCV transmission. We performed an extensive literature search of PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar up to 05 September 2017 for clinical trials of acute HCV infection in HIV-infected individuals. In the studies identified, rates of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) ranged from 21% with 6 weeks of therapy up to 92% with 12 weeks of therapy with sofosbuvir and ribavirin. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 6 weeks achieved an SVR of 77%. No HIV-related events occurred regardless of whether patients were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and DAAs were well tolerated. Data is currently limited with regards to optimal regimens and durations of therapy, which need to be tailored based on potential interactions with concurrent ART and consideration for the fact that patients with higher baseline HCV RNA levels may require an extended duration of treatment.

Earlier Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Through Routine Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Screening of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending A Sexually Transmitted Infection Outpatient Clinic: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

In 2007, routine hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody testing was introduced for men who have sex with men (MSM) with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive or unknown status attending a Dutch sexually transmitted infection (STI) outpatient clinic. We evaluated whether this screening resulted in additional and earlier HCV diagnoses among MSM who also attend HIV clinics.

METHODS

At first STI consultation, HIV-positive MSM and MSM opting-out of HIV testing (HIV-status-unknown) were tested for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV). During follow-up consultations, only previously HCV-negative men were tested. Retrospectively, STI clinic and HIV clinic HCV diagnosis dates were compared.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve (6.4%) of 1742 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3-7.6%) HIV-positive and 3 (0.7%) of 446 (95% CI, 0.2-2.0%) HIV-status-unknown MSM tested anti-HCV-positive at first consultation. During follow-up consultations, 32 HIV-positive (incidence HCV-positive: 2.35/100 person years (PY) (95% CI, 1.66-3.33)) and 0 (1-sided, 97.5% CI, 0.0-3.76) HIV-status-unknown MSM became anti-HCV-positive. Four (11.8%) of 34 HIV-positive MSM notified by their sexual partner of HCV tested anti-HCV-positive.Of 163 HIV-positive MSM with HCV antibodies, 78 reported a history of HCV. HCV diagnosis data at the HIV clinic was requested for the remaining 85 MSM and available for 54 MSM. Of these 54 MSM, 28 (51.9%) had their first HCV diagnosis at the STI clinic, of whom 7 concurrently with HIV. At their next scheduled HIV clinic consultation, 3 HCV cases probably would have been missed.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of routine anti-HCV testing at the STI outpatient clinic resulted in additional and earlier HCV detection among HIV-positive MSM. Testing should be continued among HIV-positive MSM, at least for those not (yet) under the care of an HIV clinic and those notified of HCV by their sexual partner.

HIV-positive men who have sex with men are at high risk of development of significant liver fibrosis after an episode of acute hepatitis C

Acute hepatitis C virus infection remains a major health concern in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). New direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) combination therapy has not yet been approved for the treatment for acute hepatitis C virus(HCV), thereby potentially causing deferral of HCV treatment. Therefore, we aimed to study the course of liver disease after an episode of acute HCV. This study is a retrospective single-centre cohort of HIV-positive MSM with acute HCV infection. Liver fibrosis was estimated by Fibroscan^® and Fibrotest^® . Liver-related and non-liver-related outcomes were documented. Overall 213 episodes of acute HCV infection in 178 men were documented. Median follow-up for all included patients was 38.7 months. Spontaneous HCV clearance was found in 10.8% of patients, which was significantly associated with older age, lower HCV RNA levels, and higher ALT levels upon initial acute HCV diagnosis. Treatment with interferon-based therapy was initiated in 86.3% of cases, resulting in a sustained virological response(SVR) rate of 70.7%. After 3 years' follow-up, significant liver fibrosis of METAVIR F2 stage or higher was found in 39.4% of patients after first acute HCV diagnosis. Higher age, physician-declared alcoholism, and nonresponse to acute HCV therapy were independently associated with higher fibrosis stages. Ten patients died during the observation period (IR 1.4/100 patient-years) and four during interferon treatment. Significant liver fibrosis is a common finding in HIV-positive MSM following acute HCV infection despite high treatment uptake and cure rates, suggesting the need for close liver disease monitoring particularly if HCV treatment is deferred.

Lack of decline in hepatitis C virus incidence among HIV-positive men who have sex with men during 1990-2014

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased since 2000, although there are regional differences. We aimed to 1) estimate trends in HCV incidence among HIV-positive MSM, 2) assess the association between incidence and geographical region, age and HIV-related measurements and, 3) assess temporal changes from HIV seroconversion to HCV infection.

METHODS

Data was used from MSM with well-estimated dates of HIV seroconversion from the CASCADE Collaboration (1990-2014). Smoothly varying trends in HCV incidence over time were allowed, using restricted cubic splines. The association of calendar year, age, CD4 count (lagged), HIV RNA (lagged), geographical region and HIV infection stage (recent vs. chronic) with HCV incidence were assessed using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Of 5,941 MSM, 337 acquired HCV during follow-up. HCV incidence significantly increased from 0.7/1,000 person-years in 1990 to 18/1,000 person-years in 2014. Recent calendar years, younger age, recent HIV infection and higher HIV RNA levels were significantly associated with HCV incidence, while CD4 count was not. Trends differed by geographical region; while incidence appeared to have stabilized in Western Europe and remained stable in Southern Europe, it continued to increase in Northern Europe in recent years. Time from HIV to HCV infection significantly decreased over time (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV has continued to spread among HIV-positive MSM in recent years, but trends differ by geographical region. Interventions to decrease the risk of HCV acquisition and increase early diagnosis are warranted.

LAY SUMMARY

Hepatitis C virus infection continues to spread among HIV-positive men who have sex with men, especially among younger individuals. However, trends seem to differ by European region in recent years. Furthermore, men who have sex with men with a higher HIV RNA load were more likely to get infected with the hepatitis C virus. During recent HIV infection, MSM appear to be at higher risk of acquiring hepatitis C.

Sofosbuvir Plus Ribavirin Without Interferon for Treatment of Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection in HIV-1-Infected Individuals: SWIFT-C

Background

Historically, acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was treated with shorter durations of interferon-containing therapies. In the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), it is unclear whether the efficacy of treatment achieved in chronic infection can be maintained with abbreviated courses of therapy during the acute phase.

Methods

The sofosbuvir-containing regimens without interferon for treatment of acute HCV in HIV-1 infected individuals (SWIFT-C) is an open-label, 2-cohort clinical trial in which the first cohort assessed for the safety and efficacy of 12 weeks of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for the treatment of acute HCV infection in participants with chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. This is a preplanned analysis of the first cohort, which had a planned accrual of 17 participants.

Results

Seventeen men (11 Hispanic, 6 white, median age 45 years) were enrolled. Most (88%) had HCV genotype-1 infection and few (24%) had the favorable IL28B CC genotype. Median baseline HCV RNA was 2 280 000 IU/mL (interquartile range, 272 000-4 230 000). Ten participants (59%) achieved the primary outcome of SVR12 (90% confidence interval, 36%-78%), failing to establish noninferiority. All treatment failures were due to viral relapse (41%). There were no premature treatment discontinuations. The only factor that differed between participants who achieved SVR vs those who relapsed was ribavirin concentration at the end of treatment.

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir-ribavirin for 12 weeks for the treatment of acute HCV genotype-1 infection in HIV-1-infected persons results in a high relapse rate. Preliminary studies of DAA combination therapies suggest improved response rates, although the adequate duration of therapy remains unclear.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02128217.

Dual treatment of acute HCV infection in HIV co-infection: influence of HCV genotype upon treatment outcome

PURPOSE

With DAAs still only being licensed for chronic HCV infection, the ongoing epidemic of acute hepatitis C (AHC) infection among MSM highlights the need to identify factors allowing for optimal HCV treatment outcome.

METHODS

303 HIV-infected patients from 4 European countries with diagnosed acute HCV infection were treated early with pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) (n = 273) or pegylated interferon alone (n = 30).

RESULTS

All patients were male, median age was 39 years. Main routes of transmission were MSM (95%) and IVDU (3%). 69% of patients were infected with HCV GT 1, 4.3% with GT 2, 10.6% with GT 3, 16.1% with GT 4. Overall SVR rate was 69.3% (210/303). RVR (p ≤ 0.001), 48-w treatment duration (p ≤ 0.001) and GT 2/3 (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with SVR. SVR rates were significantly higher in HCV GT 2/3 receiving pegIFN and RBV (33/35) when compared with pegIFN mono-therapy (6/10) (94% vs. 60 % respectively; p = 0.016). In multivariate analysis, pegIFN/RBV combination therapy (p = 0.017) and rapid virological response (RVR) (p = 0.022) were significantly associated with SVR in HCV GT 2/3. In HCV GT 1/4, RVR (p ≤ 0.001) and 48-w treatment duration (p ≤ 0.001) were significantly associated with SVR.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of AHC GT 2 and 3 infections with pegIFN/RBV is associated with higher SVR rates suggesting different cure rates depending on HCV genotype similar to the genotype effects seen previously in chronic HCV under pegIFN/RBV. With pegIFN/RBV still being the gold standard of AHC treatment and in light of cost issues around DAAs and very limited licensed interferon-free DAA treatment options for chronic HCV GT 3 infection AHC GT 3 patients might benefit most from early interferon-containing treatment.

Successful treatment of sexually acquired acute HCV reinfection with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in a HIV-infected patient

Here we describe the case of a HIV-positive patient with acute hepatitis C virus reinfection, who was successfully treated with an interferon-free regimen of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir.

Spontaneous viral clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIV+ MSM): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM). Characterizing spontaneous viral clearance of HCV infection among PWID and HIV+ MSM is important for assessing the burden of disease and treatment strategies in these populations.

Methods

Electronic and other searches of medical literature were conducted. Reports were eligible if they presented original data from upper-middle- and high-income countries on laboratory-confirmed HCV infection and spontaneous viral clearance among PWID or HIV+ MSM. Pooled estimates of spontaneous viral clearance were generated using fixed-effect and random-effects models. Meta-regression examined potential predictors related to individual characteristics and research methodology.

Results

The meta-analysis estimated that spontaneous viral clearance occurs in 24.4 % of PWID and 15.4 % of HIV+ MSM. In univariate meta-regression among PWID, male sex and age were significantly associated with spontaneous viral clearance, and in multivariate analysis, male sex and HIV positivity were predictors of spontaneous viral clearance; among HIV+ MSM no variables were found to affect spontaneous viral clearance.

Conclusion

The variability in estimates of spontaneous viral clearance between HIV+ MSM and PWID suggests the impact of HIV co-infection and HCV re-infection. Due to limited data on additional factors that may affect the natural history of HCV, more research is needed to further understand spontaneous viral clearance in these risk groups.

Protocol registration

The protocols for the PWID and HIV+ MSM research were registered with PROSPERO (CRD42014008805; CRD42013006462).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1807-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hepatitis C treatment initiation in HIV-HCV coinfected patients

BACKGROUND

There are few data regarding HCV treatment initiation among HIV/HCV coinfected patients. The objective of this study was to analyze the changing patterns of HCV coinfection and HCV treatment initiation over time in a large French cohort of HIV/HCV coinfected patients at the beginning of DAA's era and to analyze factors associated with treatment initiation.

METHODS

All HIV/HCV coinfected patients enrolled during 2000-2012 were analyzed. HCV status was defined per calendar year as naïve, spontaneous cure, sustained virological response (SVR), failure or reinfection. HCV treatment initiation rate was determined per year. Trends over time were analyzed using Chi-2 test for trend and linear regression analysis. The effect of covariates on treatment initiation over time was analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Among 34,308 HIV-infected patients enrolled between 2000 and 2012, 5,562 were HCV coinfected. HCV prevalence declined from 38.4 to 15.1 %. HCV treatment initiation rate fluctuated from 5.6 to 7.4 %/year from 2000 to 2007, dropped to 5.6 % in 2011 and increased to 8.5 % in 2012 due to the use of first-generation DAAs (29.1 % of initiations in 2012). Cumulative HCV treatment initiation rate increased from 14.8 % in 2000 to 54.7 % in 2012. HCV cure rate increased from 12.4 to 45.2 %. Older age, male gender, male homosexuality, high CD4, undetectable HIV-RNA, CDC stage A-B, and severe fibrosis/cirrhosis were associated with a higher treatment initiation rate. The role of HCV genotype 1, CDC stage, fibrosis and recent HCV infection on treatment initiation rate changed over time.

CONCLUSION

A high rate of HCV treatment initiation was observed at the beginning of DAAs era in HIV/HCV coinfected patients. Given the very high efficacy of new DAA-based regimens and if treatment initiation keeps increasing, HCV prevalence among HIV patients will drastically decrease during the forthcoming years.

CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network Coinfection and Concurrent Diseases Core Research Group: 2016 Updated Canadian HIV/Hepatitis C Adult Guidelines for Management and Treatment

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection occurs in 20-30% of Canadians living with HIV and is responsible for a heavy burden of morbidity and mortality. Purpose. To update national standards for management of HCV-HIV coinfected adults in the Canadian context with evolving evidence for and accessibility of effective and tolerable DAA therapies. The document addresses patient workup and treatment preparation, antiviral recommendations overall and in specific populations, and drug-drug interactions. Methods. A standing working group with HIV-HCV expertise was convened by The Canadian Institute of Health Research HIV Trials Network to review recently published HCV antiviral data and update Canadian HIV-HCV Coinfection Guidelines. Results. The gap in sustained virologic response between HCV monoinfection and HIV-HCV coinfection has been eliminated with newer HCV antiviral regimens. All coinfected individuals should be assessed for interferon-free, Direct Acting Antiviral HCV therapy. Regimens vary in content, duration, and success based largely on genotype. Reimbursement restrictions forcing the use of pegylated interferon is not acceptable if optimal patient care is to be provided. Discussion. Recommendations may not supersede individual clinical judgement. Treatment advances published since December 2015 are not considered in this document.

Persistence of HCV in Acutely-Infected Patients Depletes C24-Ceramide and Upregulates Sphingosine and Sphinganine Serum Levels

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) substantially affects lipid metabolism, and remodeling of sphingolipids appears to be essential for HCV persistence in vitro. The aim of the current study is the evaluation of serum sphingolipid variations during acute HCV infection. We enrolled prospectively 60 consecutive patients with acute HCV infection, most of them already infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and serum was collected at the time of diagnosis and longitudinally over a six-month period until initiation of antiviral therapy or confirmed spontaneous clearance. Quantification of serum sphingolipids was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Spontaneous clearance was observed in 11 out of 60 patients (18.3%), a sustained viral response (SVR) in 43 out of 45 patients (95.5%) receiving an antiviral treatment after follow-up, whereas persistence of HCV occurred in six out of 60 patients (10%). C24-ceramide (C24-Cer)-levels increased at follow-up in patients with spontaneous HCV eradication (p < 0.01), as compared to baseline. Sphingosine and sphinganine values were significantly upregulated in patients unable to clear HCV over time compared to patients with spontaneous clearance of HCV infection on follow-up (p = 0.013 and 0.006, respectively). In summary, the persistence of HCV after acute infection induces a downregulation of C24Cer and a simultaneous elevation of serum sphingosine and sphinganine concentrations.

Direct-acting antiviral-based therapy for acute hepatitis C coinfection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Modern interferon (IFN)-free, and potentially also ribavirin-free, combinations consisting of two or three direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly efficacious in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with treatment durations being much shorter and with much more favorable toxicity profiles. With the acute HCV (AHC) epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) still ongoing, the question remains should we be using DAAs in the acute phase of the infection?

RECENT FINDINGS

To date, none of the currently available DAAs has been licensed for use in the setting of AHC infection. Thus, the current gold standard of treatment still is a combination of pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and weight-adapted ribavirin (RBV). However, with less patients being treated in the acute phase, the current epidemic of AHC in HIV-positive MSM will continue.

SUMMARY

A decision to treat AHC with pegIFN and RBV can currently only be made on an individual basis in an open discussion between patient and physician which will need to weigh up the risk and benefits of a rather toxic and lengthy treatment now versus the likely available options in the chronic phase. Therefore, studies with IFN-free DAA combinations remain of great urgency to further evaluate the role of DAAs in the treatment of AHC.

Sexually-transmitted seronegative HCV infection in an HIV-positive post-liver transplant recipient. Case report and review of the literature

We report an HIV-positive patient post liver transplant for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Posttransplant liver enzymes became persistently elevated, however HCV antibody was repeatedly negative. Nucleic acid testing subsequently revealed ongoing HCV viremia. Exposure to HCV was on the basis of sexual transmission. The patient was subsequently successfully treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir.

Boceprevir, peginterferon and ribavirin for acute hepatitis C in HIV infected patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute hepatitis C virus infections (AHCV) are prevalent among HIV positive men having sex with men and generally treated with pegylated interferon-alpha (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) during 24weeks. The addition of a protease inhibitor could shorten therapy without loss of efficacy.

METHODS

We performed an open-label, single arm study to investigate the efficacy and safety of a 12-week course of boceprevir, PegIFN and RBV for AHCV genotype 1 infections in 10 Dutch HIV treatment centers. The primary endpoint of the study was achievement of sustained virological response rate at week 12 (SVR12) in patients reaching a rapid viral response at week 4 (RVR4) and SVR12 in the intent to treat (ITT) entire study population was the most relevant secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven AHCV patients were screened in 16 months, of which 65 AHCV genotype 1 patients were included. After spontaneous clearance in six patients and withdrawal before treatment initiation in two, 57 started therapy within 26 weeks after infection. RVR4 rate was 72%. SVR12 rate was 100% in the RVR4 group. SVR12 rate in the ITT group was 86% and comparable to the SVR12 rate of 84% in 73 historical controls treated for 24 weeks with PegIFN and RBV in the same study centers.

CONCLUSION

With the addition of boceprevir to PegIFN and RBV, treatment duration of AHCV genotype 1 can be reduced to 12 weeks without loss of efficacy. Given the high drug costs and limited availability of interferon-free regimens, boceprevir PegIFN and RBV can be a considered a valid treatment option for AHCV. ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01912495.

Advances in the management of HIV/HCV coinfection

HCV coinfection has emerged as a major cause of non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in HIV-positive patients. As a consequence of the availability of modern combined antiretroviral therapy regimens, for optimally managed HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, the rates of liver fibrosis progression and the risk of liver-related events are increasingly similar to those of HCV-monoinfected patients. Moreover, our understanding of modulators of liver disease progression has greatly improved. In addition to immune status, endocrine, metabolic, genetic and viral factors are closely interrelated and might be important determinants of liver disease progression. In the last decade, a variety of serologic and radiographic tests for noninvasive liver disease staging have been extensively validated and are commonly used in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Sustained virologic response prevents end-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death, with an even greater effect size in HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative patients. As interferon-free regimens achieve comparable rates of sustained virologic response in HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients, HIV/HCV-coinfected patients should from now on be referred to as a special, rather than a difficult-to-treat, population. Our comprehensive review covers all relevant aspects of HIV/HCV coinfection. Beginning with the changing epidemiology, it also provides new insights into the natural history of this condition and gives an overview on non-invasive techniques for the staging of liver disease. Furthermore, it outlines current recommendations for the treatment of acute hepatitis C and summarizes the unprecedented advances in the field of chronic hepatitis C therapy.

Treatment intensification with boceprevir in HIV-positive patients with acute HCV-genotype 1 infection at high risk for treatment failure

BACKGROUND

According to current guidelines, the universal use of direct-acting antiviral agents in HIV-positive patients with acute hepatitis C (AHC) is not recommended. We aimed to evaluate the concept of treatment intensification with boceprevir (BOC) in HIV-positive patients with HCV-genotype 1 AHC (HIV/AHC-GT1) at high risk for failure to pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy (PEGIFN/RBV).

METHODS

Nineteen consecutive HIV-positive patients with HIV/AHC-GT1 who underwent antiviral therapy were studied retrospectively. Patients were treated with PEGIFN/RBV for 24 or 48 weeks, depending on rapid virologic response (RVR; undetectable HCV-RNA at treatment week [W] 4). Patients without complete early virologic response (cEVR; undetectable HCV-RNA at W 12) were offered treatment intensification with BOC at W 12, resulting in 36 weeks of BOC/PEGIFN/RBV triple therapy (total treatment duration: 48 weeks).

RESULTS

Thirty-seven percent (7/19) of patients had an RVR and 74 % (14/19) of patients had a cEVR. BOC was used in four out of five patients who did not achieve cEVR and one patient elected to proceed with PEGIFN/RBV. Sustained virologic response (SVR; undetectable HCV-RNA 24 weeks after the end of treatment) rates were 100 % (14/14) among patients with cEVR treated with PEGIFN/RBV and 75 % (3/4) among patients without cEVR receiving BOC add-on. The patient without cEVR who preferred to continue with PEGIFN/RBV did not achieve SVR. Thus, the overall SVR rate was 89 % (17/19) in intention to treat analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

BOC add-on in selected HIV/AHC-GT1 resulted in a high overall SVR rate. If 2nd generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are not available, treatment intensification with BOC can be considered in HIV/AHC-GT1 at high risk for failure to PEGIFN/RBV.