1
|
Hudson AG, Bonacci RA, Moorman AC, Penley M, Wilson SM, Hoffman JL, Thomasson ER, McClung RP, Bixler D. Hepatitis C Virus Infection Preceding an Outbreak of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Persons Who Inject Drugs-Kanawha County, West Virginia, 2019-2021. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:e752-e754. [PMID: 35903004 PMCID: PMC11229779 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac619] [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: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Of 65 cases during a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreak among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in West Virginia (2019-2021), 61 (94%) had hepatitis C diagnosed a median of 46 months prior to HIV diagnosis. Hepatitis C diagnosis among PWID should trigger improved access to prevention and treatment services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alana G Hudson
- West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
| | - Robert A Bonacci
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anne C Moorman
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - McKenna Penley
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Public Sector, ICF International, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Suzanne M Wilson
- West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
| | - Jessica L Hoffman
- West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
| | - Erica R Thomasson
- West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
- Division of State and Local Readiness, Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - R Paul McClung
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Danae Bixler
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dhiman RK, Grover GS, Premkumar M, Roy A, Taneja S, Duseja A, Arora S. Outcomes of Real-World Integrated HCV Microelimination for People Who Inject Drugs: An expansion of the Punjab Model. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 41:101148. [PMID: 34712928 PMCID: PMC8529203 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) is 8-10% as compared to 3·6% in the general population in Punjab, India. We assessed the real-world efficacy and safety of free-of-charge generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), sofosbuvir with an NS5A inhibitor (ledipasvir, daclatasvir or velpatasvir)±ribavirin in the microelimination of CHC in PWID in a public health setting. METHODS An integrated care team at 25 sites provided algorithm based DAAs treatment to PWID supervised by telemedicine clinics between 18th June 2016 and 31st July 2019. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR-12); the secondary endpoints were treatment completion, adherence, safety, and adverse events. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01110447. FINDINGS We enrolled 3477 PWID (87·2% men; mean age 33·6±12·5 years; 83·8% rural; 6·8% compensated cirrhosis). While 2280 (65·5%) patients completed treatment, 1978 patients completed 12 weeks of follow up for SVR-12. SVR-12 was achieved in 91·1% of patients per protocol, 49.5% as per intention to treat (ITT) and 90·1% in a modified ITT analysis. Of 546 (15·7%) patients with treatment interruptions, 99 (19·7%) could be traced to test for SVR-12 with a cure rate of 77·8%. There were no major adverse events or consequent treatment discontinuation. INTERPRETATION Integrated care of PWID with CHC with DAAs is safe and effective. Measures for reducing treatment interruptions will further improve outcomes. FUNDING The Government of the state of Punjab, India under the Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund (MMPHCRF) project, funds the project.
Collapse
Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- CHC, chronic hepatitis C
- CI, confidence interval
- DAAs, direct-acting antiviral agents
- DCV, Daclatasvir
- DH, District Hospital
- ECHO, Extension for Community healthcare Outcome
- G, Genotype
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- IDU, injection drug use
- INASL, Indian National Association for study of the Liver
- India
- LDV, ledipasvir
- MMPHCRF, Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund
- NVHCP, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme
- OST, opioid substitution therapy peg-interferon
- PWID, People Who Inject Drugs
- RBV, ribavirin
- SOF, sofosbuvir
- SVR, sustained virologic response
- VEL, Velpatasvir
- hepatitis C virus
- injection drug use
- microelimination
- people who inject drugs
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
- Mukh-Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund (MMPHCRF), Punjab Government, Punjab, India
- Technical Resource Group - National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), Government of India, India
- Injection Safety Project, Punjab Government, Punjab, India
| | | | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Akash Roy
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sanjeev Arora
- ECHO Institute University of New Mexico, USA, New Mexico, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gountas I, Nikolopoulos G, Touloumi G, Fotiou A, Souliotis K. Could the 2010 HIV outbreak in Athens, Greece have been prevented? A mathematical modeling study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258267. [PMID: 34618836 PMCID: PMC8496824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2009 and 2010, Athens, Greece experienced a hepatitis C virus (HCV) and a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) outbreak among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID), respectively. The HCV outbreak was not detected, while that of HIV was identified in 2011. The integrated HIV-interventions, launched in early 2012, managed to reduce directly the HIV incidence and indirectly the HCV incidence. This study aims to assess what would have been the course of the HIV outbreak and its associated economic consequences if the 2009 HCV outbreak had been detected and integrated interventions had been initiated 1- or 2-years earlier. METHODS The model was calibrated to reproduce the observed HIV epidemiological and clinical parameters among PWID of Athens, Greece. We examined the effect of the 1- or 2-years earlier detection scenarios, the 1-year later detection, the non-detection scenario, and compared them to the status quo scenario. RESULTS Cumulative HIV cases, under the status-quo scenario during 2009-2019, were 1360 (90% Credible intervals: 290, 2470). If the HCV outbreak had been detected 1- or 2- years earlier, with immediate initiation of integrated interventions, 740 and 1110 HIV cases could be averted by 2019, respectively. Regarding the costs, if there was an efficient notification system to detect the HCV outbreak 1 or 2 years earlier, 35.2-53.2 million euros could be saved compared to the status quo by 2019. CONCLUSIONS If the HCV outbreak had been detected and promptly addressed, the HIV outbreak would have been prevented and 35.2-53.2 million euros could have been saved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Gountas
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Korinthos, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Giota Touloumi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Fotiou
- Greek Reitox Focal Point at the Athens University Mental Health, Neurosciences, & Precision Medicine Research Institute (MHRI), Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Souliotis
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Korinthos, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Biello KB, Mimiaga MJ, Valente PK, Saxena N, Bazzi AR. The Past, Present, and Future of PrEP implementation Among People Who Use Drugs. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:328-338. [PMID: 33907971 PMCID: PMC8286349 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent HIV outbreaks among people who use drugs (PWUD) necessitate additional HIV prevention tools. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious yet uptake among PWUD remains exceedingly low. To address multilevel, complex barriers to PrEP use among PWUD, a range of intervention strategies are needed. RECENT FINDINGS The literature on interventions to optimize PrEP use among PWUD is nascent, comprising small pilots and demonstration projects in early phases of intervention development. Initial studies suggest that structural, healthcare, interpersonal, and individual-level interventions can improve PrEP use for PWUD, and a number of efficacy trials are underway. Future studies are needed to optimize the use of new PrEP modalities (e.g., injectable PrEP), simultaneously target multilevel challenges to PrEP use, and evaluate the integration of PrEP into other service settings and substance use treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for LGBTQ Advocacy, Research, and Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nimish Saxena
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Corcorran MA, Ludwig-Baron N, Cheng DM, Lioznov D, Gnatienko N, Patts G, So-Armah K, Blokhina E, Bendiks S, Krupitsky E, Samet JH, Tsui JI. The Hepatitis C Continuum of Care Among HIV-Positive Persons with Heavy Alcohol Use in St. Petersburg, Russia. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2533-2541. [PMID: 33730255 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03214-y] [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] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the self-reported prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and the HCV care continuum among persons enrolled in the St PETER HIV Study, a randomized controlled trial of medications for smoking and alcohol cessation in HIV-positive heavy drinkers and smokers in St. Petersburg, Russia. Baseline health questionnaire data were used to calculate proportions and 95% confidence intervals for self-reported steps along the HCV continuum of care. The cohort included 399 HIV-positive persons, of whom 387 [97.0% (95% CI 95.3-98.7%)] reported a prior HCV test and 315 [78.9% (95% CI 74.9-82.9%)] reported a prior diagnosis of HCV. Among those reporting a diagnosis of HCV, 43 [13.7% (95% CI 9.9-17.4%)] had received treatment for HCV, and 31 [9.8% (95% CI 6.6-13.1%)] had been cured. Despite frequent HCV testing in this HIV-positive Russian cohort, the proportion reporting prior effective HCV treatment was strikingly low. Increased efforts are needed to scale-up HCV treatment among HIV-positive Russians in St. Petersburg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Corcorran
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 9th Ave, Box 359782, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | | | - Debbie M Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dmitry Lioznov
- First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia Gnatienko
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory Patts
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center (BEDAC), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaku So-Armah
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Blokhina
- First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Sally Bendiks
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evgeny Krupitsky
- First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
- Department of Addictions, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lee AB, Karumberia S, Gilmore A, Williams E, Bruner N, Overton ET, Saag MS, Franco RA. Hepatitis C Among High-Risk Alabamians: Disease Burden and Screening Effectiveness. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S365-S375. [PMID: 32877566 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of hepatitis C testing and linkage-to-care (LTC) is poorly characterized in low-resource jurisdictions facing gaps in harm reduction, including illegality of syringe exchange services. Effectiveness of a community-based test/LTC program was evaluated in Alabama. METHODS In 2016-2018, shelters, drug treatment centers (DTCs), AIDS organizations, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) engaged in screening/LTC. A coordinator navigated individuals to confirm viremia and link to substance use treatment or primary care with hepatitis C prescribers. RESULTS Point-of-care (POC) tested 4293 individuals (10% [427] antibody-positive, 71% [299/419] RNA performed, 80% [241/299] viremia confirmed) and 93% linked to care (225/241). Electronic medical record (EMR)-based reflex strategy screened 4654 (15% [679] antibody positive, 99% [670/679] RNA performed, 64% [433/679] viremia confirmed) and 85% linked to care (368/433). We observed higher odds of RNA confirmation in EMR-based reflex versus POC (OR, 2.07; P < .0001) and higher odds of LTC in EMR-based reflex versus POC (OR, 1.51; P < .0001). Overall, 53% individuals tested were nonbaby boomers. CONCLUSIONS In Alabama, screening at high-risk settings identified significant hepatitis C burden and reflex testing outperformed point-of-care linkage indicators. Colocating testing in DTCs and treatment in FQHCs provided key LTC venues to at-risk younger groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony B Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sandra Karumberia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ashley Gilmore
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ebony Williams
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nichole Bruner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Edgar Turner Overton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael S Saag
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ricardo A Franco
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gountas I, Hatzakis A, Nikolopoulos G, Touloumi G, Souliotis K. The cost of a late-detected outbreak among people who inject drugs. A modeling study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 88:103032. [PMID: 33212371 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In 2009 and 2011, Athens, Greece experienced an HCV and an HIV outbreak among PWID, respectively. Of these, only the 2011 HIV outbreak was detected. However, the public health interventions implemented in response to the HIV outbreak tackled also indirectly the undetected HCV outbreak. The aim of this study is to highlight the potential benefits of an efficient notification system using as a case study the undetected 2009 HCV outbreak among PWID of Athens. More specifically, the study assesses whether an earlier implementation of the same public responses could diminish the scale of the HCV outbreak and estimates the potential cost-savings. METHODS A previous dynamic, stochastic, individual-based model was used to simulate HCV transmission among PWID of Athens, Greece. We calibrated the model to reproduce the observed HCV prevalence. We examined the effect of the non-detection scenario, the 1- or 2-years earlier detection scenarios and compared them to the status quo scenario. RESULTS Under the non-detection scenario, 2800 additional PWID would have been infected with HCV compared to the status quo by 2019. On the contrary, if the outbreak was detected 1- or 2- years earlier with immediate interventions, 440 and 970 HCV cases could be averted by 2019, respectively. Non-detection of the outbreak would cost an additional 43.2 (95% Credible interval: 2.7, 59.4) million euros to the healthcare system, compared to the status quo. On the other hand, if there was an efficient notification system to detect the HCV outbreak 1 or 2 years earlier, 6.8-15.6 million euros could have been saved by 2019. CONCLUSIONS An efficient notification system among PWID is a cost-saving investment that could detect on time and contain future outbreaks, and save valuable resources of the healthcare system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Gountas
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Korinthos, Greece; Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Giota Touloumi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Souliotis
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Korinthos, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Deyessa N, Senbete B, Abdo A, Mundia BM. Population estimation and harm reduction among people who inject drugs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:61. [PMID: 32894153 PMCID: PMC7487880 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Injecting drug use is known to contribute significantly to the spread of the HIV epidemic in many parts of the developing world. Due to the hidden nature and stigma of the problem, it is difficult to study using routine surveys. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the number of people who inject drugs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to describe the epidemiological and social situation related to HIV among people who inject drugs. Methods The study used rapid assessment methods, followed by combined methods of estimating populations, using nomination and multiplier methods. The combined methods used two datasets: the first includes the proportion of people who use services within a year as a multiplier, and the second, a count of the list of people with a problem who used the specific service within a year as a benchmark. The rapid assessment incorporated different qualitative tools to elicit information related to injectable drugs, using existing data sources, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Results The study estimated a total of 4068; with 95% CI (3196, 5207) people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Addis Ababa. The study found people who inject drugs were young in age, male, with a lower educational status, unmarried, and living in small clerical business. People who inject drugs and participated in the study were more likely to use additional substances like alcohol, khat, and cannabis. The most common form of injectable drug used was heroin, and most of the people who inject drugs reported sharing syringes and needles. A high proportion of study subjects also disclosed having positive test results for HIV, hepatitis B, and C. Conclusion The population size of people who inject drugs in Addis Ababa is high. Lack of service in harm reduction in the city has made PWIDs vulnerable and at higher risk for HIV/AIDs and hepatitis B and C. Therefore, responsible bodies must start implementing the essential harm reduction strategies given by the World Health Organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negussie Deyessa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 3253, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Bekele Senbete
- Organization for Social Services, Health, and Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aman Abdo
- Organization for Social Services, Health, and Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mahmud S, Mumtaz GR, Chemaitelly H, Al Kanaani Z, Kouyoumjian SP, Hermez JG, Abu‐Raddad LJ. The status of hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa. Addiction 2020; 115:1244-1262. [PMID: 32009283 PMCID: PMC7318323 DOI: 10.1111/add.14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS People who inject drugs (PWID) are a key population at high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to delineate the epidemiology of HCV in PWID in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). METHODS Syntheses of data were conducted on the standardized and systematically assembled databases of the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project, 1989-2018. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Meta-regression variables included country, study site, year of data collection and year of publication [to assess trends in HCV antibody prevalence over time], sample size and sampling methodology. Numbers of chronically infected PWID across MENA were estimated. The Shannon Diversity Index was calculated to assess genotype diversity. RESULTS Based on 118 HCV antibody prevalence measures, the pooled mean prevalence in PWID for all MENA was 49.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 44.4-54.1%]. The country-specific pooled mean ranged from 21.7% (95% CI = 4.9-38.6%) in Tunisia to 94.2% (95% CI = 90.8-96.7%) in Libya. An estimated 221 704 PWID were chronically infected, with the largest numbers found in Iran at 68 526 and in Pakistan at 46 554. There was no statistically significant evidence for a decline in HCV antibody prevalence over time. Genotype diversity was moderate (Shannon Diversity Index of 1.01 out of 1.95; 52.1%). The pooled mean percentage for each HCV genotype was highest in genotype 3 (42.7%) and in genotype 1 (35.9%). CONCLUSION Half of people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa appear to have ever been infected with hepatitis C virus, but there are large variations in antibody prevalence among countries. In addition to > 200 000 chronically infected current people who inject drugs, there is an unknown number of people who no longer inject drugs who may have acquired hepatitis C virus during past injecting drug use. Harm reduction services must be expanded, and innovative strategies need to be employed to ensure accessibility to hepatitis C virus testing and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health SciencesAmerican University of BeirutBeirutLebanon
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Joumana G. Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/STIs Unit, World Health Organization,Regional Office for the Eastern MediterraneanCairoEgypt
| | - Laith J. Abu‐Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew YorkNY, USA,College of Health and Life SciencesHamad bin Khalifa UniversityDohaQatar
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Larney S, Leung J, Grebely J, Hickman M, Vickerman P, Peacock A, Stone J, Trickey A, Dumchev KV, Colledge S, Cunningham EB, Lynskey M, Mattick RP, Degenhardt L. Global systematic review and ecological analysis of HIV in people who inject drugs: National population sizes and factors associated with HIV prevalence. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 77:102656. [PMID: 31951926 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at elevated risk of HIV infection. Data on population sizes of PWID living with HIV are needed to inform the implementation of prevention, treatment and care programs. We estimated national population sizes of people who recently (past 12 months) injected drugs living with HIV and evaluated ecological associations with HIV prevalence in PWID. METHODS We used national data on the prevalence of injecting drug use and of HIV among PWID, derived from systematic reviews, to estimate national population sizes of PWID living with HIV. Uncertainty was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation with 100,000 draws. We extracted data on sample characteristics from studies of HIV prevalence among PWID, and identified national indicators that have been observed or hypothesised to be associated with HIV prevalence in PWID. We used linear regression to evaluate associations between these variables and HIV prevalence in PWID. RESULTS Four countries comprised 55% of the estimated global population of PWID living with HIV: Russia (572,500; 95% uncertainty interval (UI) 235,500-1,036,500); Brazil (462,000; 95% UI 283,500-674,500); China (316,500; 95% UI 171,500-493,500), and the United States (195,500; 95% UI 80,000-343,000). Greater anti-HCV prevalence and national income inequality were associated with greater HIV prevalence in PWID. CONCLUSION The countries with the largest populations of PWID living with HIV will need to dramatically scale up prevention, treatment and care interventions to prevent further increases in population size. The association between anti-HCV prevalence and HIV prevalence among PWID corroborates findings that settings with increasing HCV should implement effective interventions to prevent HIV outbreaks. The association between income inequality and HIV among PWID reinforces the need to implement structural interventions alongside targeted individual-level strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW Australia.
| | - Janni Leung
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW Australia
| | | | - Matthew Hickman
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW Australia
| | - Jack Stone
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Trickey
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Samantha Colledge
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW Australia
| | | | - Michael Lynskey
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard P Mattick
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lancaster KE, Cooper HLF, Browning CR, Malvestutto CD, Bridges JFP, Young AM. Syringe Service Program Utilization, Barriers, and Preferences for Design in Rural Appalachia: Differences between Men and Women Who Inject Drugs. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:2268-2277. [PMID: 32748730 PMCID: PMC7584727 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1800741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) in rural areas of the United States have had limited access to syringe service programs (SSP). Rural SSP have recently surged, but accompanying research is lacking about PWID utilization, barriers, and preferences for SSP design and how those preferences vary by gender. Methods: Interviewer-administered surveys elicited information about utilization, barriers, and preferences for SSP design from 234 PWID recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Appalachian, Kentucky. Gender differences among reported barriers to utilizing SSP and preferences for program design were explored using Mantel-Haenszel chi-square tests. Results: Overall, 49% of PWID had ever utilized an SSP. The most common reasons for not utilizing an SSP were lack of awareness (23%), fear of being seen or disclosing drug use (19%), and lack of need (19%). The most preferred SSP design was located within a health department (74%) and operating during afternoon hours (66%). Men were more likely than women to prefer SSP in health departments (80% vs. 65%, p = 0.01), while more women than men preferred staffing by health department personnel (62% vs. 46%, p = 0.02). Women were less likely to favor evening hours (55% vs. 70%, p = 0.02). Fewer women wanted SSP nurses (78% vs. 90%, p = 0.01), social workers (11% vs. 24%, p = 0.01), or people who use drugs (20% vs 34%, p = 0.02) to staff SSP. Conclusions: Despite recent scale-up, SSP in Appalachia remain under-utilized. PWID were open to a range of options for SSP design and staffing, though there were variations by gender. Implementation research that identifies best strategies for tailored SSP scale-up in rural settings should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Lancaster
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Carlos D Malvestutto
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - John F P Bridges
- Departments of Biomedical Informatics and Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gountas I, Sypsa V, Papatheodoridis G, Paraskevis D, Kalamitsis G, Anagnostou O, Antaraki A, Fotiou A, Hatzakis A. A hepatitis C outbreak preceded the HIV outbreak among persons who inject drugs in Athens, Greece: Insights from a mathematical modelling study. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1311-1317. [PMID: 31322302 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) comprise one of the major transmission risk groups for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In 2011, Athens experienced a large HIV outbreak among PWID. Significant public health interventions were implemented in response to the HIV outbreak. The aims of this study were to estimate the indirect effects of the HIV interventions on HCV infection and to evaluate the concept of the association between HCV and HIV infections in the case of Athens. A dynamic, stochastic, individual-based model was developed to simulate HCV transmission among PWID. We calibrated the model to reproduce the observed HCV prevalence among PWID in Greece. Two years prior to the HIV outbreak, an undetected HCV outbreak has occurred. In 2009, the incidence of HCV infection increased from 640 (495, 842) cases in 2008 to 1260 (1060, 1500). The mean time from initiation of injecting drug use to HCV acquisition decreased from 29 months in 2008 to 13 months in 2009. After HIV interventions, HCV incidence declined by 64.8% in 2012, compared to 2009. The averted HCV incidence cases attributed to the HIV-implemented interventions were 2200 (1950, 2480), during 2012-2015. The cumulative number incident HCV cases in Athens during 2002-2015 was about 9900 (7800, 12 100). Our results highlight that before the 2011 HIV outbreak in Athens, an HCV outbreak occurred in 2009. Prevention measures for HIV that took place in the Athens metropolitan area in 2012 reduced significantly the incidence of HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Gountas
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'Laiko', Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Argiro Antaraki
- Greek Reitox focal point at the Athens University Mental Health, Neurosciences, & Precision Medicine Research Institute (MHRI), Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Fotiou
- Greek Reitox focal point at the Athens University Mental Health, Neurosciences, & Precision Medicine Research Institute (MHRI), Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among people who inject drugs in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6292. [PMID: 31000775 PMCID: PMC6472359 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42810-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Injection drug use (IDU) is one of the most significant risk factors for viral hepatitis (B and C) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. This study assessed seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kuwait. We conducted a cross-sectional study from April to September 2017. A total of 521 consecutive subjects, admitted at Al-Sabah Hospital. The serological and virological markers of HBV, HCV, and HIV were tested using automated platforms. The mean age of the participants was 32.26 yrs, and the sex ratio (Male/Female) was 15.28. The prevalence rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies were 0.38% (95% CI: 0.07-1.53%), 12.28% (95% CI: 9.65-15.48), and 0.77% (95% CI: 0.25-2.23%), respectively. HCV-RNA was evident in 51.72% (95% CI: 38.34-64.87%) among anti-HCV positive participants. Multivariate analysis showed that the high prevalence of HCV infection amongst PWID is associated with age. Whereas, multivariate analysis revealed no significant associations with age and gender regarding HIV and HBV infections. The results suggest that high rates of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections among injecting drug users than the general population. These findings emphasize the importance of introducing interventions and harm reduction initiatives that have a high impact on reducing needle sharing.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bazzi AR, Drainoni ML, Biancarelli DL, Hartman JJ, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH, Biello KB. Systematic review of HIV treatment adherence research among people who inject drugs in the United States and Canada: evidence to inform pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence interventions. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:31. [PMID: 30621657 PMCID: PMC6323713 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6314-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk for HIV acquisition and could benefit from antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, PrEP has been underutilized in this population, and PrEP adherence intervention needs are understudied. METHODS To inform PrEP intervention development, we reviewed evidence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among HIV-infected PWID. Guided by a behavioral model of healthcare utilization and using the PICOS framework, we conducted a systematic review in four electronic databases to identify original research studies of ART adherence in HIV-infected PWID in the United States and Canada between Jan 1, 2006-Dec 31, 2016. We synthesized and interpreted findings related to developing recommendations for PrEP adherence interventions for PWID. RESULTS After excluding 618 duplicates and screening 1049 unique records, we retained 20 studies of PWID (mean n = 465) with adherence-related outcomes (via pharmacy records: n = 9; self-report: n = 8; biological markers: n = 5; electronic monitoring: n = 2). Predisposing factors (patient-level barriers to adherence) included younger age, female sex, and structural vulnerability (e.g., incarceration, homelessness). Enabling resources (i.e., facilitators) that could be leveraged or promoted by interventions included self-efficacy, substance use treatment, and high-quality patient-provider relationships. Competing needs that require specific intervention strategies or adaptations included markers of poor physical health, mental health comorbidities (e.g., depression), and engagement in transactional sex. CONCLUSIONS HIV treatment adherence research carries important lessons for efforts to optimize PrEP adherence among PWID. Despite limitations, this systematic review suggests that strategies are needed to engage highly vulnerable and marginalized sub-groups of this underserved population (e.g., younger PWID, women who inject drugs) in PrEP adherence-related research and programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA USA
| | - Dea L. Biancarelli
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI 02912 USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Katie B. Biello
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI 02912 USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Biello KB, Bazzi AR, Mimiaga MJ, Biancarelli DL, Edeza A, Salhaney P, Childs E, Drainoni ML. Perspectives on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization and related intervention needs among people who inject drugs. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:55. [PMID: 30419926 PMCID: PMC6233595 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0263-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is clinically efficacious and recommended for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs (PWID), but uptake remains low and intervention needs are understudied. To inform the development of PrEP interventions for PWID, we conducted a qualitative study in the Northeastern USA, a region where recent clusters of new HIV infections have been attributed to injection drug use. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews with 33 HIV-uninfected PWID (hereafter, “participants”) and 12 clinical and social service providers (professional “key informants”) in Boston, MA, and Providence, RI, in 2017. Trained interviewers used semi-structured interviews to explore PrEP acceptability and perceived barriers to use. Thematic analysis of coded data identified multilevel barriers to PrEP use among PWID and related intervention strategies. Results Among PWID participants (n = 33, 55% male), interest in PrEP was high, but both participants and professional key informants (n = 12) described barriers to PrEP utilization that occurred at one or more socioecological levels. Individual-level barriers included low PrEP knowledge and limited HIV risk perception, concerns about PrEP side effects, and competing health priorities and needs due to drug use and dependence. Interpersonal-level barriers included negative experiences with healthcare providers and HIV-related stigma within social networks. Clinical barriers included poor infrastructure and capacity for PrEP delivery to PWID, and structural barriers related to homelessness, criminal justice system involvement, and lack of money or identification to get prescriptions. Participants and key informants provided some suggestions for strategies to address these multilevel barriers and better facilitate PrEP delivery to PWID. Conclusions In addition to some of the facilitators of PrEP use identified by participants and key informants, we drew on our key findings and behavioral change theory to propose additional intervention targets. In particular, to help address the multilevel barriers to PrEP uptake and adherence, we discuss ways that interventions could target information, self-regulation and self-efficacy, social support, and environmental change. PrEP is clinically efficacious and has been recommended for PWID; thus, development and testing of strategies to improve PrEP delivery to this high-risk and socially marginalized population are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K B Biello
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI, 02912, USA. .,Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. .,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - A R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M J Mimiaga
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - D L Biancarelli
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Edeza
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - P Salhaney
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - E Childs
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M L Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Use of routine HIV testing data for early detection of emerging HIV epidemics in high-risk subpopulations: A concept demonstration study. Infect Dis Model 2018; 3:373-384. [PMID: 30839930 PMCID: PMC6326224 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV epidemics in hard-to-reach high-risk subpopulations are often discovered years after epidemic emergence in settings with poor surveillance infrastructure. Using hypothesis-generation modeling, we aimed to investigate and demonstrate the concept of using routine HIV testing data to identify and characterize hidden epidemics in high-risk subpopulations. We also compared this approach to surveillance based on AIDS case notifications. Methods A deterministic mathematical model was developed to simulate an emerging HIV epidemic in a high-risk subpopulation. A stochastic Monte Carlo simulation was implemented on the total population to simulate the sampling process of generating routine HIV testing data. Epidemiological measures were estimated on the simulated epidemic and on the generated testing sample. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on the results. Results In the simulated epidemic, HIV prevalence saturated at 32% in the high-risk subpopulation and at 0.33% in the total population. The epidemic started its emerging-epidemic phase 28 years after infection introduction, and saturated 67 years after infection introduction. In the simulated HIV testing sample, a significant time trend in prevalence was identified, and the generated metrics of epidemic emergence and saturation were similar to those of the simulated epidemic. The epidemic was identified 4.0 (95% CI 3.4–4.6) years after epidemic emergence using routine HIV testing, but 29.7 (95% CI 15.8–52.1) years after emergence using AIDS case notifications. In the sensitivity analyses, none of the sampling biases affected the conclusion of an emerging epidemic, but some affected the estimated epidemic growth rate. Conclusions Routine HIV testing data provides a tool to identify and characterize hidden and emerging epidemics in high-risk subpopulations. This approach can be specially useful in resource-limited settings, and can be applied alone, or along with other complementary data, to provide a meaningful characterization of emerging but hidden epidemics.
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to assess the population-level association between herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and HIV prevalence. METHODS Reports of HSV-2 and HIV prevalence were systematically reviewed and synthesized following PRISMA guidelines. Spearman rank correlation ((Equation is included in full-text article.)) was used to assess correlations. Risk ratios (RRHSV-2/HIV) and odds ratios (ORHSV-2/HIV) were used to assess HSV-2/HIV epidemiologic overlap. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS In total, 939 matched HSV-2/HIV prevalence measures were identified from 77 countries. HSV-2 prevalence was consistently higher than HIV prevalence. Strong HSV-2/HIV prevalence association was found for all data ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.6, P < 0.001), all data excluding people who inject drugs (PWID) and children ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.7, P < 0.001), female sex workers ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.5, P < 0.001), and MSM ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.7, P < 0.001). No association was found for PWID ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.2, P = 0.222) and children ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.3, P = 0.082). A threshold effect was apparent where HIV prevalence was limited at HSV-2 prevalence less than 20%, but grew steadily with HSV-2 prevalence for HSV-2 prevalence greater than 20%. The overall pooled mean RRHSV-2/HIV was 5.0 (95% CI 4.7-5.3) and ORHSV-2/HIV was 9.0 (95% CI 8.4-9.7). The RRHSV-2/HIV and ORHSV-2/HIV showed similar patterns that conveyed inferences about HSV-2 and HIV epidemiology. CONCLUSION HSV-2 and HIV prevalence are strongly associated. HSV-2 prevalence can be used as a proxy 'biomarker' of HIV epidemic potential, acting as a 'temperature scale' of the intensity of sexual risk behavior that drive HIV transmission. HSV-2 prevalence can be used to identify populations and/or sexual networks at high-risk of future HIV expansion, and help prioritization, optimization, and resource allocation of cost-effective prevention interventions.
Collapse
|
18
|
MCFALL AM, SOLOMON SS, LUCAS GM, CELENTANO DD, SRIKRISHNAN AK, KUMAR MS, MEHTA SH. Epidemiology of HIV and hepatitis C infection among women who inject drugs in Northeast India: a respondent-driven sampling study. Addiction 2017; 112:1480-1487. [PMID: 28317210 PMCID: PMC5503783 DOI: 10.1111/add.13821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Despite extensive research on HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID), there remains a gap in knowledge on the burden among women who inject drugs and their unique contexts and risk factors. This analysis compares HIV and HCV prevalence in female and male PWID and estimates injection and sexual risk correlates of prevalent HIV and HCV infection among women in Northeast India. DESIGN Cross-sectional sample accrued using respondent-driven sampling. SETTING Seven cities in Northeast India, 2013. PARTICIPANTS A total of 6457 adult PWID. MEASUREMENTS Participants completed an interviewer-administered survey. HIV infection was diagnosed on-site and HCV antibody testing was performed on stored specimens. HIV and HCV prevalence estimates were stratified by gender. Among women, the association of risk correlates with HIV and HCV were estimated using multi-level logistic regression models. FINDINGS A total of 796 (15.9%) of the PWID were women, of whom 52.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 49.3-56.5%] were HIV-infected and 22.3% (CI = 19.9-24.7%) were HCV-infected. HIV and HCV prevalence among men was 17.4% (CI = 16.9-24.7%) and 30.4% (CI = 31.2-32.0%), respectively. Among women, correlates of HIV were widowhood [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) versus currently married = 4.03, CI = 2.13-7.60] and a higher number of life-time sexual partners (aOR ≥8 versus none = 3.08, CI = 1.07-8.86). Correlates of HCV were longer injection duration (aOR per 10 years = 1.70, CI = 1.25-2.27), injecting only heroin and a combination of drugs (aOR versus pharmaceuticals only = 5.63, CI = 1.68-18.9 and aOR = 2.58, CI = 1.60-4.16, respectively), sharing needles/syringes (aOR = 2.46, CI = 1.29-4.56) and a larger PWID network (aOR ≥ 51 versus 1-5 = 4.17, CI = 2.43-7.17). CONCLUSIONS Women who inject drugs in Northeast India have a high HIV prevalence, which was more than double their hepatitis C (HCV) prevalence, an opposite pattern than is observed typically among male PWID. HIV infection is associated with sexual risk factors while injection-related behaviors appear to drive HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. MCFALL
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD USA,Corresponding Author: Allison M. McFall, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6648, Baltimore, MD 21205, , Tel: 410-955-3578
| | - Sunil S. SOLOMON
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD USA,YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections are sexually transmitted and propagate in sexual networks. Using mathematical modeling, we aimed to quantify effects of key network statistics on infection transmission, and extent to which HSV-2 prevalence can be a proxy of HIV prevalence. DESIGN/METHODS An individual-based simulation model was constructed to describe sex partnering and infection transmission, and was parameterized with representative natural history, transmission, and sexual behavior data. Correlations were assessed on model outcomes (HIV/HSV-2 prevalences) and multiple linear regressions were conducted to estimate adjusted associations and effect sizes. RESULTS HIV prevalence was one-third or less of HSV-2 prevalence. HIV and HSV-2 prevalences were associated with a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.69). Collinearities among network statistics were detected, most notably between concurrency versus mean and variance of number of partners. Controlling for confounding, unmarried mean/variance of number of partners (or alternatively concurrency) were the strongest predictors of HIV prevalence. Meanwhile, unmarried/married mean/variance of number of partners (or alternatively concurrency), and clustering coefficient were the strongest predictors of HSV-2 prevalence. HSV-2 prevalence was a strong predictor of HIV prevalence by proxying effects of network statistics. CONCLUSION Network statistics produced similar and differential effects on HIV/HSV-2 transmission, and explained most of the variation in HIV and HSV-2 prevalences. HIV prevalence reflected primarily mean and variance of number of partners, but HSV-2 prevalence was affected by a range of network statistics. HSV-2 prevalence (as a proxy) can forecast a population's HIV epidemic potential, thereby informing interventions.
Collapse
|
20
|
Gountas, Sypsa, Anagnostou O, Martin N, Vickerman P, Kafetzopoulos E, Hatzakis A. Treatment and primary prevention in people who inject drugs for chronic hepatitis C infection: is elimination possible in a high-prevalence setting? Addiction 2017; 112:1290-1299. [PMID: 28107585 PMCID: PMC5553636 DOI: 10.1111/add.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To project the impact of scaling-up oral anti-viral therapy and harm reduction on chronic hepatitis C (CHC) prevalence and incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Greece, to estimate the relationship between required treatment levels and expansion of harm reduction programmes to achieve specific targets and to examine whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination among PWID is possible in this high-prevalence setting. DESIGN A dynamic discrete time, stochastic individual-based model was developed to simulate HCV transmission among PWID incorporating the effect of HCV treatment and harm reduction strategies, and allowing for re-infection following treatment. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The population of 8300 PWID in Athens Metropolitan area. MEASUREMENTS Reduction in HCV prevalence and incidence in 2030 compared with 2016. FINDINGS Moderate expansion of HCV treatment (treating 4-8% of PWID/year), with a simultaneous increase of 2%/year in harm reduction coverage (from 44 to 72% coverage over 15 years), was projected to reduce CHC prevalence among PWID in Athens by 46.2-94.8% in 2030, compared with 2016. CHC prevalence would reduce to below 10% within the next 4-5 years if annual HCV treatment numbers were increased up to 16-20% PWID/year. The effect of harm reduction on incidence was more pronounced under lower treatment rates. CONCLUSIONS Based on theoretical model projections, scaled-up hepatitis C virus treatment and harm reduction interventions could achieve major reductions in hepatitis C virus incidence and prevalence among people who inject drugs in Athens, Greece by 2030. Chronic hepatitis C could be eliminated in the next 4-5 years by increasing treatment to more than 16% of people who inject drugs per year combined with moderate increases in harm reduction coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gountas
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - N.K Martin
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, USA,School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - P. Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | | | - A. Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sypsa V, Psichogiou M, Paraskevis D, Nikolopoulos G, Tsiara C, Paraskeva D, Micha K, Malliori M, Pharris A, Wiessing L, Donoghoe M, Friedman S, Jarlais DD, Daikos G, Hatzakis A. Rapid Decline in HIV Incidence Among Persons Who Inject Drugs During a Fast-Track Combination Prevention Program After an HIV Outbreak in Athens. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:1496-1505. [PMID: 28407106 PMCID: PMC5853582 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A "seek-test-treat" intervention (ARISTOTLE) was implemented in response to an outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Athens. We assess trends in HIV incidence, prevalence, risk behaviors and access to prevention/treatment. Methods Methods included behavioral data collection, provision of injection equipment, HIV testing, linkage to opioid substitution treatment (OST) programs and HIV care during 5 rounds of respondent-driven sampling (2012-2013). HIV incidence was estimated from observed seroconversions. Results Estimated coverage of the target population was 88% (71%-100%; 7113 questionnaires/blood samples from 3320 PWID). The prevalence of HIV infection was 16.5%. The incidence per 100 person-years decreased from 7.8 (95% confidence interval, 4.6-13.1) (2012) to 1.7 (0.55-5.31) (2013; P for trend = .001). Risk factors for seroconversion were frequency of injection, homelessness, and history of imprisonment. Injection at least once daily declined from 45.2% to 18.8% (P < .001) and from 36.8% to 26.0% (P = .007) for sharing syringes, and the proportion of undiagnosed HIV infection declined from 84.3% to 15.0% (P < .001). Current OST increased from 12.2% to 27.7% (P < .001), and 48.4% of unlinked seropositive participants were linked to HIV care through 2013. Repeat participants reported higher rates of adequate syringe coverage, linkage to HIV care and OST. Conclusions Multiple evidence-based interventions delivered through rapid recruitment in a large proportion of the population of PWID are likely to have helped mitigate this HIV outbreak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics
| | - Mina Psichogiou
- First Department of Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Laiko Hospital
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Meni Malliori
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Anastasia Pharris
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lucas Wiessing
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Martin Donoghoe
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Georgios Daikos
- First Department of Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Laiko Hospital
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Miao Z, Gao L, Song Y, Yang M, Zhang M, Lou J, Zhao Y, Wang X, Feng Y, Dong X, Xia X. Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Human Pegivirus-1 Infection in HIV-1-Infected Individuals in Yunnan, China. Viruses 2017; 9:v9020028. [PMID: 28212298 PMCID: PMC5332947 DOI: 10.3390/v9020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Pegivirus-1 (HPgV-1) may have a beneficial impact on disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. However, analysis of the genotypic diversity of HPgV-1 and its relevance to the progression of HIV-1 disease remains limited. A total of 1062 HIV-1-infected individuals were recruited in all sixteen prefectures of Yunnan province, China. The reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR), phylogenetic analyses, and clinical data analyses were used to detect HPgV-1 infection, determine genotype, and analyze HPgV-1 genotype impact on HIV-1 disease progression. The overall positive rate of HPgV-1 RNA was 23.4% (248/1062), and the frequency of HPgV-1 infection in injecting drug users (IDUs) (28.5%, 131/460) was significantly higher than in heterosexuals (19.4%, 117/602). Multiple genotypes were identified in 212 subjects with successful sequencing for the E2 gene, including genotype 7 (55.7%), genotype 3 (34.9%), genotype 4 (4.7%), genotype 2 (3.3%), and an unclassified group (1.4%). Moreover, genotype 7 predominated in IDUs, whereas genotype 3 was the most common in heterosexuals. Our results revealed that HPgV-1 genotype 7 groups exhibited significantly lower HIV-1 viral load and higher CD4+ cell counts. This finding suggests that HPgV-1 genotype 7 may be associated with a better progression of HIV-1 disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhijiang Miao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650301, China.
| | - Yindi Song
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Ming Yang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Mi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650301, China.
| | - Jincheng Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650301, China.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Xicheng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650301, China.
| | - Yue Feng
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Xingqi Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650301, China.
| | - Xueshan Xia
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
HCV prevalence and risk behaviours among injectors of new psychoactive substances in a risk environment in Hungary-An expanding public health burden. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 41:1-7. [PMID: 27984762 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Hungary a large increase in injecting new psychoactive substances (NPS) coincided with decreasing harm reduction efforts and rising HCV infection. We describe these, and assess changes in HCV prevalence and risk behaviours, 2011-2014, among NPS injectors, using 2011-2015 syringe exchange programme (SEP) data as a key contextual ('risk environment') variable. METHODS We conducted repeated national sero-behavioural surveys in people who inject drugs (PWID) injecting in the last month and attending SEPs or drug treatment centres (n=399, 2011; 384, 2014), using face-to-face interviews and dried blood-spot samples. Prevalence of injected drugs and SEP coverage (2011-2015) were assessed through our national SEP monitoring system and using population size estimates. RESULTS NPS injecting tripled among PWID attending SEPs in Hungary (2011: 26%; 2015: 80%). Among NPS injectors, HCV prevalence, sharing syringes and sharing any injecting equipment (last month), doubled (2011-2014: 37%-74%, 20%-48%, 42%-71%, respectively), significantly exceeding prevalence in other PWID groups. Among young NPS injectors (aged<25), HCV prevalence increased 7-fold (12%-76%), among new injectors (injecting<2years) 4-fold (13%-42%), coupled with high levels of equipment sharing (79% and 72% respectively). Not using a condom at last intercourse (79%), ever-imprisonment (65%) and last-year homelessness (57%) were highly prevalent among NPS injectors (2014). The number of syringes distributed per estimated PWID nationally fell from 114 to 81 (2011-2014) and dropped to 28 in 2015. CONCLUSION NPS injectors in Hungary are at severe risk of blood-borne infections due to high levels of injecting and sexual risk behaviours within a high-risk environment, including continuously low SEP provision, imprisonment and homelessness. An HIV outbreak cannot be excluded. Stronger investment in evidence-based prevention measures, with special focus on young and new injectors, and expansion of hepatitis C treatment are urgently needed.
Collapse
|
24
|
Akbarzadeh V, Mumtaz GR, Awad SF, Weiss HA, Abu-Raddad LJ. HCV prevalence can predict HIV epidemic potential among people who inject drugs: mathematical modeling analysis. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1216. [PMID: 27912737 PMCID: PMC5135754 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3887-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are both transmitted through percutaneous exposures among people who inject drugs (PWID). Ecological analyses on global epidemiological data have identified a positive association between HCV and HIV prevalence among PWID. Our objective was to demonstrate how HCV prevalence can be used to predict HIV epidemic potential among PWID. METHODS Two population-level models were constructed to simulate the evolution of HCV and HIV epidemics among PWID. The models described HCV and HIV parenteral transmission, and were solved both deterministically and stochastically. RESULTS The modeling results provided a good fit to the epidemiological data describing the ecological HCV and HIV association among PWID. HCV was estimated to be eight times more transmissible per shared injection than HIV. A threshold HCV prevalence of 29.0% (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 20.7-39.8) and 46.5% (95% UI: 37.6-56.6) were identified for a sustainable HIV epidemic (HIV prevalence >1%) and concentrated HIV epidemic (HIV prevalence >5%), respectively. The association between HCV and HIV was further described with six dynamical regimes depicting the overlapping epidemiology of the two infections, and was quantified using defined and estimated measures of association. Modeling predictions across a wide range of HCV prevalence indicated overall acceptable precision in predicting HIV prevalence at endemic equilibrium. Modeling predictions were found to be robust with respect to stochasticity and behavioral and biological parameter uncertainty. In an illustrative application of the methodology, the modeling predictions of endemic HIV prevalence in Iran agreed with the scale and time course of the HIV epidemic in this country. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that HCV prevalence can be used as a proxy biomarker of HIV epidemic potential among PWID, and that the scale and evolution of HIV epidemic expansion can be predicted with sufficient precision to inform HIV policy, programming, and resource allocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vajiheh Akbarzadeh
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Ghina R Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Susanne F Awad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Helen A Weiss
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA. .,College of Public Health, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tsui JI, Ko SC, Krupitsky E, Lioznov D, Chaisson CE, Gnatienko N, Samet JH. Insights on the Russian HCV Care Cascade: Minimal HCV Treatment for HIV/HCV Co-infected PWID in St. Petersburg. HEPATOLOGY, MEDICINE AND POLICY 2016; 1. [PMID: 28217368 PMCID: PMC5313079 DOI: 10.1186/s41124-016-0020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Russia, driven by injection drug use, has seen a steady rise in the past two decades. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent in people who inject drugs (PWID). The study aimed to describe the current frequency of HCV testing and treatment among HIV-infected PWID in St. Petersburg, Russia. Methods This study examined baseline data from the “Linking Infectious and Narcology Care” (LINC) and “Russia Alcohol Research Collaboration on HIV/AIDS” (Russia ARCH) studies. Participants included in this analysis were HIV-infected with a history of injection drug use. Descriptive statistics were performed to assess frequency of HCV testing and treatment. Results Participants (n = 349 [LINC], 207 [Russia ARCH]) had a mean age of 33.8 years (IQR: 31–37) in LINC and 33.0 (IQR: 30–36) in Russia ARCH; 26.6 % (LINC) and 29.0 % (Russia ARCH) were female; 100 % were Caucasian. Nearly all participants had been tested for HCV (98.9 % in LINC, 97.1 % in Russia ARCH). Almost all reported being diagnosed HCV positive (98.9 % in LINC, 97.1 % in Russia ARCH). Only 2.3 % of LINC and 5.0 % of Russia ARCH participants reported ever receiving HCV treatment. Conclusions Among these cohorts of HIV-infected PWID in St. Petersburg, Russia, as of 2015 nearly all reported being tested for HCV and testing positive, while only 3.3 % received any HCV treatment. In this new era of effective HCV pharmacotherapy, an enormous chasm in the HCV treatment cascade in Russia exists providing substantial opportunities for curing HCV in HIV-infected Russians with a history of injection drug use. Trial registration The studies described were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov through the National Institutes of Health: Linking Infectious and Narcology Care in Russia (LINC) - NCT01612455, registered 1 June 2012, first participant enrolled 3 July 2012; Alcohol’s Impact on Inflammatory Markers in HIV Disease - Russia ARCH Cohort - NCT01614626, registered 25 May 2012, first participant enrolled 15 November 2012. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s41124-016-0020-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine and Harborview Hospital, 325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Stephen C Ko
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 3nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Evgeny Krupitsky
- St. Petersburg Bekhterev Research Psychoneurological Institute, Bekhtereva St., 3, St. Petersburg 192019, Russian Federation; First St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy St. 6/8, St. Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry Lioznov
- First St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy St. 6/8, St. Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation; Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Mira St. 14, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russian Federation
| | - Christine E Chaisson
- Data Coordinating Center, Boston University School of Public Health, 85 East Newton Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Natalia Gnatienko
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Patel EU, Laeyendecker O, Hsieh YH, Rothman RE, Kelen GD, Quinn TC. Parallel declines in HIV and hepatitis C virus prevalence, but not in herpes simplex virus type 2 infection: A 10-year, serial cross-sectional study in an inner-city emergency department. J Clin Virol 2016; 80:93-7. [PMID: 27232485 PMCID: PMC4902752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Department (JHHED) has served as an observational window on the HIV epidemic in a socioeconomically depressed, urban population. We previously reported that HIV incidence among JHHED patients is decreasing and that prevalence has declined from 11.4% in 2003-5.6% in 2013. OBJECTIVES This study sought to observe temporal trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seroprevalence, which are surrogate markers for parenteral and sexual risk behavior, respectively. STUDY DESIGN Identity unlinked-serosurveys were conducted over 6-8 weeks in the adult JHHED in 2003, 2007, and 2013. Excess sera from 10,274 patients, previously tested for HIV, were assayed for HSV-2 and HCV antibodies. RESULTS Overall HCV seroprevalence declined steadily from 22.0% in 2003-13.8% in 2013 (Ptrend<0.01), and was significant by all gender and race strata. Overall HSV-2 prevalence declined from 55.3% in 2003-50.0% in 2013 (Ptrend<0.01), but was non-significant after adjustment for demographics. Among HIV+ individuals<45years of age, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of individuals with HCV co-infection [without HSV-2] (Ptrend=0.02) from 2003 to 2013, however, there was an increase in individuals with HSV-2 co-infection [without HCV] (Ptrend < 0.01). DISCUSSION Little change in age-specific HSV-2 prevalence suggests the decrease in HIV prevalence was likely not associated with changes in sexual risk behavior. In addition to clinical interventions, strategies to address sexual health disparities and continued parenteral harm-reduction efforts are needed to further drive the decline in HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eshan U Patel
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu-Hsiang Hsieh
- Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard E Rothman
- Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabor D Kelen
- Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas C Quinn
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Grady BPX, Nanlohy NM, van Baarle D. HCV monoinfection and HIV/HCV coinfection enhance T-cell immune senescence in injecting drug users early during infection. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2016; 13:10. [PMID: 27034702 PMCID: PMC4815107 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-016-0065-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Injecting drug users (IDU) are at premature risk of developing multimorbidity and mortality from causes commonly observed in the elderly. Ageing of the immune system (immune-senescence) can lead to premature morbidity and mortality and can be accelerated by chronic viral infections. Here we investigated the impact of HCV monoinfection and HIV/HCV coinfection on immune parameters in (ex-) IDU. We analyzed telomere length and expression of activation, differentiation and exhaustion markers on T cells at baseline (t = 1) and at follow-up (t = 2) (median interval 16.9 years) in IDU who were: HCV mono-infected (n = 21); HIV/HCV coinfected (n = 23) or multiple exposed but uninfected (MEU) (n = 8). Results The median time interval between t = 1 and t = 2 was 16.9 years. Telomere length within CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased significantly over time in all IDU groups (p ≤ 0.012). CD4+ T-cell telomere length in HCV mono-infected IDU was significantly reduced compared to healthy donors at t = 1 (p < 0.008). HIV/HCV coinfected IDU had reduced CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell telomere lengths (p ≤ 0.002) to healthy donors i at t = 1. This was related to persistent levels of immune activation but not due to increased differentiation of T cells over time. Telomere length decrease was observed within all T-cell subsets, but mainly found in immature T cells (CD27+CD57+) (p ≤ 0.015). Conclusions HCV mono-infection and HIV/HCV coinfection enhance T-cell immune-senescence. Our data suggest that this occurred early during infection, which warrants early treatment for both HCV and HIV to reduce immune senescence in later life. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12979-016-0065-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart P X Grady
- Department of Research, Cluster Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ; Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nening M Nanlohy
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Present address: Department of Immune Mechanisms, Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Injection Drug Use and Hepatitis C as Risk Factors for Mortality in HIV-Infected Individuals: The Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 69:348-54. [PMID: 25848927 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-infected individuals with a history of transmission through injection drug use (IDU) have poorer survival than other risk groups. The extent to which higher rates of hepatitis C (HCV) infection in IDU explain survival differences is unclear. METHODS Adults who started antiretroviral therapy between 2000 and 2009 in 16 European and North American cohorts with >70% complete data on HCV status were followed for 3 years. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted (for age, sex, baseline CD4 count and HIV-1 RNA, AIDS diagnosis before antiretroviral therapy, and stratified by cohort) mortality hazard ratios for IDU (versus non-IDU) and for HCV-infected (versus HCV uninfected). RESULTS Of 32,703 patients, 3374 (10%) were IDU; 4630 (14%) were HCV+; 1116 (3.4%) died. Mortality was higher in IDU compared with non-IDU [adjusted HR 2.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.32 to 3.16] and in HCV+ compared with HCV- (adjusted HR 2.65; 95% CI: 2.31 to 3.04). The effect of IDU was substantially attenuated (adjusted HR 1.57; 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.94) after adjustment for HCV, while attenuation of the effect of HCV was less substantial (adjusted HR 2.04; 95% CI: 1.68 to 2.47) after adjustment for IDU. Both IDU and HCV were strongly associated with liver-related mortality (adjusted HR 10.89; 95% CI: 6.47 to 18.3 for IDU and adjusted HR 14.0; 95% CI: 8.05 to 24.5 for HCV) with greater attenuation of the effect of IDU (adjusted HR 2.43; 95% CI: 1.24 to 4.78) than for HCV (adjusted HR 7.97; 95% CI: 3.83 to 16.6). Rates of CNS, respiratory and violent deaths remained elevated in IDU after adjustment for HCV. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of the excess mortality in HIV-infected IDU is explained by HCV coinfection. These findings underscore the potential impact on mortality of new treatments for HCV in HIV-infected people.
Collapse
|
29
|
Mumtaz GR, Weiss HA, Vickerman P, Larke N, Abu-Raddad LJ. Using hepatitis C prevalence to estimate HIV epidemic potential among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa. AIDS 2015; 29:1701-10. [PMID: 26372281 PMCID: PMC4541475 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to understand the association between HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and to estimate HIV epidemic potential among PWIDs using HCV prevalence. DESIGN/METHODS Using data from a systematic review of HIV and HCV among PWID in MENA, we conducted two analyses, stratified by HIV epidemic state: a meta-analysis of the risk ratio of HCV to HIV prevalence (RRHCV/HIV) using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models, and multivariable linear regression predicting log HIV prevalence. The HCV-HIV association from both analyses was used to estimate HIV prevalence at endemic equilibrium. We compared predicted with current HIV prevalence to classify HIV epidemic potential at country-level as low, medium or high, using predefined criteria. RESULTS The review identified 88 HCV prevalence measures among PWID in MENA, of which 54 had a paired HIV prevalence measure. The pooled RRHCV/HIV were 16, 4 and 3 in low-level, emerging and established HIV epidemics, respectively. There was a significant linear relationship between HCV and HIV at endemic equilibrium (P = 0.002). The predicted endemic HIV prevalence ranged between 8% (Tunisia) and 22% (Pakistan). Of the nine countries with data, five have high and three medium HIV epidemic potential. Only one country, Pakistan, appears to have reached saturation. CONCLUSION HCV prevalence could be a predictor of future endemic HIV prevalence. In MENA, we predict that there will be further HIV epidemic growth among PWID. The proposed methodology can identify PWID populations that should be prioritized for HIV prevention interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Peter Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Natasha Larke
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tsui JI, Lira MC, Cheng DM, Winter MR, Alford DP, Liebschutz JM, Mao J, Edwards RR, Samet JH. Hepatitis C virus infection and pain sensitivity in patients on methadone or buprenorphine maintenance therapy for opioid use disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 153:286-92. [PMID: 26048638 PMCID: PMC4509826 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with opioid use disorders on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) have lower pain tolerance compared to controls. While chronic viral infections such as HCV and HIV have been associated with chronic pain in this population, no studies have examined their impact on pain sensitivity. METHODS We recruited 106 adults (41 uninfected controls; 40 HCV mono-infected; and 25 HCV/HIV co-infected) on buprenorphine or methadone to assess whether HCV infection (with or without HIV) was associated with increased experimental pain sensitivity and self-reported pain. The primary outcome was cold pain tolerance assessed by cold-pressor test. Secondary outcomes were cold pain thresholds, wind-up ratios to repetitive mechanical stimulation (i.e., temporal summation) and acute and chronic pain. Multivariable regression models evaluated associations between viral infection status and outcomes, adjusting for other factors. RESULTS No significant differences were detected across groups for primary or secondary outcomes. Adjusted mean cold pain tolerance was 25.7 (uninfected controls) vs. 26.8 (HCV mono-infection) vs. 25.3 (HCV/HIV co-infection) seconds (global p-value=0.93). Current pain appeared more prevalent among HCV mono-infected (93%) compared to HCV/HIV co-infected participants (76%) and uninfected controls (80%), as did chronic pain (77% vs. 64% vs. 61%, respectively). However, differences were not statistically significant in multivariable models. CONCLUSION This study did not detect an association between HCV infection and increased sensitivity to pain among adults with and without HIV who were treated with buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorders. Results reinforce that pain and hyperalgesia are common problems in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith I. Tsui
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 9 Avenue Seattle, WA 98104
| | - Marlene C. Lira
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Debbie M. Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Third Floor, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Michael R. Winter
- Data Coordinating Center, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Third Floor, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Daniel P. Alford
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118,Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Jane M. Liebschutz
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118,Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Jianren Mao
- Department of Anesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, 101 Merrimac Street, Boston, MA 02110
| | - Robert R. Edwards
- Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Pain Management Center, 850 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
| | - Jeffrey H. Samet
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118,Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118,Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Niculescu I, Paraschiv S, Paraskevis D, Abagiu A, Batan I, Banica L, Otelea D. Recent HIV-1 Outbreak Among Intravenous Drug Users in Romania: Evidence for Cocirculation of CRF14_BG and Subtype F1 Strains. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015; 31:488-95. [PMID: 25369079 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2011, Romania has faced an HIV outbreak among injecting drug users (IDUs). Our aim was to identify and describe clinical and epidemiological patterns of this outbreak. A cross-sectional study enrolled 138 IDUs diagnosed with HIV infection between 2011 and 2013 with 58 sexually infected individuals included as the control group. The IDUs had a long history of heroin abuse (10 years) and a recent history of new psychostimulant injection (3-4 years). Classical epidemiological data and molecular techniques were used to describe the transmission dynamics. A high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection was noted (98.6%) compared to the control group (10.3%) (p<0.001). IDUs had initially been infected with HCV. HIV infection was more recent, linked to starting injecting stimulants. HIV subtype analysis showed a predominance of the local F1 strain in both IDUs and sexually infected patients; in IDUs it also identified 28 CRF14_BG recombinants and six unique recombinant forms (URFs) between F1 and CRF14_BG. A few patients from both risk groups were infected with subtype B. Among IDUs, CRF14_BG was associated with a lower CD4 cell count and more advanced stages of disease, which correlated with CXCR4 tropism. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the spread of HIV through three major IDU clusters of recent date. Among IDUs with CRF14_BG, some reported travel abroad (Spain, Greece). By identifying clusters of IDUs with related viruses, molecular epidemiologic methods provide valuable information on patterns of HIV transmission that can be useful in planning appropriate harm reduction interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Niculescu
- “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Paraschiv
- “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- National Retrovirus Reference Center, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical Statistics Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Adrian Abagiu
- “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionelia Batan
- “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Leontina Banica
- “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Otelea
- “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cruciani M, Wiessing L, Serpelloni G, Genetti B, Andreotti A, Iulia C, Zermiani M, Suligoi B. Increasing prevalence of HIV infection among first time clients in Italian drug treatment services - is it sexual transmission? BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:201. [PMID: 25925747 PMCID: PMC4431036 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-0940-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, the proportion of people who inject drugs among newly reported HIV cases in Italy has been continuously declining. This trend is reflected in the prevalence of HIV infection among problem drug users followed in drug treatment services. We report nationwide trends in the prevalence of HIV and HCV among tested clients in charge to drug addiction services from 2005 to 2011. METHODS Data on the prevalence of HIV and HCV among drug users from public drug treatment services across Italy were collected and analyzed for the period from 2005 to 2011. Prevalence of HIV and HCV were compared between clients returning to treatment and those entering treatment for the first time, and by gender. Due to the high percentage of missing data, the "inverse probability weight" method was used. Trends in testing uptake were also analysed. RESULTS A significant decrease of HIV and HCV prevalence is observed among all PDUs entering treatment (from 14.7% to 11.1% and from 61.6% to 50%, respectively, in 2005-2011). By contrast, among those entering the services for the first time, after an initial decline the prevalence of HIV infection steadily increased in both sexes, from 2.2% in 2009 to 5.3% in 2011. Self-reported injecting rates in this group decreased over time, and in 2011 the proportion reporting drug injecting was lower among new clients than in people returning to services (14.5 vs. 34.4%). We also observed a progressive and significant reduction in HIV and HCV testing in drug treatment services. CONCLUSIONS Changes in injection practice and type of drugs used, coupled with a concurrent reduction in HCV prevalence, do not support drug injection as the main explanation for an increased HIV transmission in people entering drug treatment services for the first time. While reductions in testing rates raise concerns over data quality, the possibility of increased sexual transmission needs to be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cruciani
- Center of Community Medicine and HIV Outpatient Clinic, Via Germania, 20, Verona, Italy.
| | - Lucas Wiessing
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCCDA), Cais do Sodré, 1249-289, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Dipartimento Politiche Antidroga, Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Via dei Laterani, 34, 00184, Roma, Italy.
| | - Bruno Genetti
- Dipartimento Politiche Antidroga, Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Via dei Laterani, 34, 00184, Roma, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Andreotti
- Dipartimento Politiche Antidroga, Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Via dei Laterani, 34, 00184, Roma, Italy.
| | - Carpignano Iulia
- Dipartimento Politiche Antidroga, Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Via dei Laterani, 34, 00184, Roma, Italy.
| | - Monica Zermiani
- Center of Community Medicine and HIV Outpatient Clinic, Via Germania, 20, Verona, Italy.
| | - Barbara Suligoi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Roma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cousien A, Tran VC, Deuffic-Burban S, Jauffret-Roustide M, Dhersin JS, Yazdanpanah Y. Dynamic modelling of hepatitis C virus transmission among people who inject drugs: a methodological review. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:213-29. [PMID: 25270261 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Equipment sharing among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a key risk factor in infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing HCV transmission in this population (such as opioid substitution therapy, needle exchange programmes or improved treatment) are difficult to evaluate using field surveys. Ethical issues and complicated access to the PWID population make it difficult to gather epidemiological data. In this context, mathematical modelling of HCV transmission is a useful alternative for comparing the cost and effectiveness of various interventions. Several models have been developed in the past few years. They are often based on strong hypotheses concerning the population structure. This review presents compartmental and individual-based models to underline their strengths and limits in the context of HCV infection among PWID. The final section discusses the main results of the papers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Cousien
- IAME, UMR 1137, INSERM, Paris, France; IAME, UMR 1137, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tarján A, Dudás M, Gyarmathy VA, Rusvai E, Tresó B, Csohán Á. Emerging Risks Due to New Injecting Patterns in Hungary During Austerity Times. Subst Use Misuse 2015; 50:848-58. [PMID: 25775136 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2015.978672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
As a consequence of the massive restructuring of drug availability, heroin injection in Hungary was largely replaced by the injecting of new psychoactive substances (NPS) starting in 2010. In the following years in our sero-prevalence studies we documented higher levels of injecting paraphernalia sharing, daily injection-times, syringe reuse, and HCV prevalence among stimulant injectors, especially among NPS injectors. Despite the increasing demand, in 2012 the number of syringes distributed dropped by 35% due to austerity measures. Effects of drug market changes and the economic recession may have future epidemiological consequences. Study limitations are noted and future needed research is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tarján
- 1Hungarian Reitox National Focal Point, National Centre for Epidemiology , Budapest , Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zabransky T, Mravcik V, Talu A, Jasaitis E. Post-Soviet Central Asia: A summary of the drug situation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2014; 25:1186-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
36
|
Mohamoud YA, Miller FD, Abu-Raddad LJ. Potential for human immunodeficiency virus parenteral transmission in the Middle East and North Africa: An analysis using hepatitis C virus as a proxy biomarker. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:12734-12752. [PMID: 25278675 PMCID: PMC4177460 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has endured several major events of infection parenteral transmission. Recent work has established the utility of using hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a proxy biomarker for assessing the epidemic potential for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) parenteral transmission. In this review, we use data on the prevalence of HCV infection antibody (seroprevalence) among general population and high risk population groups to assess the potential for HIV parenteral transmission in MENA. Relatively low prevalence of HCV infection in the general population groups was reported in most MENA countries indicating that parenteral HIV transmission at endemic levels does not appear to be a cause for concern. Nonetheless, there could be opportunities for localized HIV outbreaks and transmission of other blood-borne infections in some settings such as healthcare facilities. Though there have been steady improvements in safety measures related to parenteral modes of transmission in the region, these improvements have not been uniform across all countries. More precautions, including infection control training programs, surveillance systems for nosocomial infections and wider coverage and evaluation of hepatitis B virus immunization programs need to be implemented to avoid the unnecessary spread of HIV, HCV, and other blood-borne pathogens along the parenteral modes of transmission.
Collapse
|
37
|
Lazarus JV, Lundgren J, Casabona J, Wiessing L, Matheï C, Vickerman P, Prins M, Kretzschmar M, Kantzanou M, Giraudon I, Ferri M, Griffiths P, Harris M, Walker M, Chavdarova L, Schatz E, Schiffer K, Kools J, Farell J, Mendão L. Roundtable discussion: how lessons learned from HIV can inform the global response to viral hepatitis. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14 Suppl 6:S18. [PMID: 25252919 PMCID: PMC4178551 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-s6-s18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
|
38
|
Mumtaz GR, Weiss HA, Thomas SL, Riome S, Setayesh H, Riedner G, Semini I, Tawil O, Akala FA, Wilson D, Abu-Raddad LJ. HIV among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic review and data synthesis. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001663. [PMID: 24937136 PMCID: PMC4061009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is perceived that little is known about the epidemiology of HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The primary objective of this study was to assess the status of the HIV epidemic among PWID in MENA by describing HIV prevalence and incidence. Secondary objectives were to describe the risk behavior environment and the HIV epidemic potential among PWID, and to estimate the prevalence of injecting drug use in MENA. METHODS AND FINDINGS This was a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and covering 23 MENA countries. PubMed, Embase, regional and international databases, as well as country-level reports were searched up to December 16, 2013. Primary studies reporting (1) the prevalence/incidence of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) among PWIDs; or (2) the prevalence of injecting or sexual risk behaviors, or HIV knowledge among PWID; or (3) the number/proportion of PWID in MENA countries, were eligible for inclusion. The quality, quantity, and geographic coverage of the data were assessed at country level. Risk of bias in predefined quality domains was described to assess the quality of available HIV prevalence measures. After multiple level screening, 192 eligible reports were included in the review. There were 197 HIV prevalence measures on a total of 58,241 PWID extracted from reports, and an additional 226 HIV prevalence measures extracted from the databases. We estimated that there are 626,000 PWID in MENA (range: 335,000-1,635,000, prevalence of 0.24 per 100 adults). We found evidence of HIV epidemics among PWID in at least one-third of MENA countries, most of which are emerging concentrated epidemics and with HIV prevalence overall in the range of 10%-15%. Some of the epidemics have however already reached considerable levels including some of the highest HIV prevalence among PWID globally (87.1% in Tripoli, Libya). The relatively high prevalence of sharing needles/syringes (18%-28% in the last injection), the low levels of condom use (20%-54% ever condom use), the high levels of having sex with sex workers and of men having sex with men (15%-30% and 2%-10% in the last year, respectively), and of selling sex (5%-29% in the last year), indicate a high injecting and sexual risk environment. The prevalence of HCV (31%-64%) and of sexually transmitted infections suggest high levels of risk behavior indicative of the potential for more and larger HIV epidemics. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a large volume of HIV-related biological and behavioral data among PWID in the MENA region. The coverage and quality of the data varied between countries. There is robust evidence for HIV epidemics among PWID in multiple countries, most of which have emerged within the last decade and continue to grow. The lack of sufficient evidence in some MENA countries does not preclude the possibility of hidden epidemics among PWID in these settings. With the HIV epidemic among PWID in overall a relatively early phase, there is a window of opportunity for prevention that should not be missed through the provision of comprehensive programs, including scale-up of harm reduction services and expansion of surveillance systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara L. Thomas
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Riome
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamidreza Setayesh
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gabriele Riedner
- Regional Office of the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iris Semini
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Oussama Tawil
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Francisca Ayodeji Akala
- Human Development Sector, Middle East and North Africa Region, World Bank, Washington (D.C.), United States of America
| | - David Wilson
- Global HIV/AIDS Program, World Bank, Washington (D.C.), United States of America
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hope VD, Harris RJ, De Angelis D, Croxford S, Marongiu A, Parry JV, Ncube F. Two decades of successes and failures in controlling the transmission of HIV through injecting drug use in England and Wales, 1990 to 2011. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 19. [PMID: 24739984 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2014.19.14.20762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Responses to injecting drug use have changed focus over the last 20 years. Prevalence and incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in England and Wales were examined in relation to these changes. A voluntary unlinked-anonymous surveillance study obtained a biological sample and questionnaire data from PWID through annual surveys since 1990. Prevalence and incidence trends were estimated via generalised linear models, and compared with a policy time-line. Overall HIV prevalence among 38,539 participations was 1.15%. Prevalence was highest among those who started injecting before 1985; throughout the 1990s, prevalence fell in this group and was stable among those who started injecting later. Prevalence was higher in 2005 than 2000 (odds ratio: 3.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40–9.03) in London, 3.40 (95% CI 2.31–5.02) elsewhere). Estimated HIV incidence peaked twice, around 1983 and 2005. HIV was an important focus of policy concerning PWID from 1984 until 1998. This focus shifted at a time when drug use and risk were changing. The increased incidence in 2005 cannot be ascribed to the policy changes, but these appeared to be temporally aligned. Policy related to PWID should be continually reviewed to ensure rapid responses to increased risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V D Hope
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhou YB, Liang S, Wang QX, Gong YH, Nie SJ, Nan L, Yang AH, Liao Q, Song XX, Jiang QW. The geographic distribution patterns of HIV-, HCV- and co-infections among drug users in a national methadone maintenance treatment program in Southwest China. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:134. [PMID: 24612875 PMCID: PMC3975583 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV-, HCV- and HIV/HCV co-infections among drug users have become a rapidly emerging global public health problem. In order to constrain the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and drug use, China has adopted a methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) since 2004. Studies of the geographic heterogeneity of HIV and HCV infections at a local scale are sparse, which has critical implications for future MMTP implementation and health policies covering both HIV and HCV prevention among drug users in China. This study aimed to characterize geographic patterns of HIV and HCV prevalence at the township level among drug users in a Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest of China. Methods Data on demographic and clinical characteristics of all clients in the 11 MMTP clinics of the Yi Autonomous Prefecture from March 2004 to December 2012 were collected. A GIS-based geographic analysis involving geographic autocorrelation analysis and geographic scan statistics were employed to identify the geographic distribution pattern of HIV-, HCV- and co-infections among drug users. Results A total of 6690 MMTP clients was analyzed. The prevalence of HIV-, HCV- and co-infections were 25.2%, 30.8%, and 10.9% respectively. There were significant global and local geographic autocorrelations for HIV-, HCV-, and co-infection. The Moran’s I was 0.3015, 0.3449, and 0.3155, respectively (P < 0.0001). Both the geographic autocorrelation analysis and the geographic scan statistical analysis showed that HIV-, HCV-, and co-infections in the prefecture exhibited significant geographic clustering at the township level. The geographic distribution pattern of each infection group was different. Conclusion HIV-, HCV-, and co-infections among drug users in the Yi Autonomous Prefecture all exhibited substantial geographic heterogeneity at the township level. The geographic distribution patterns of the three groups were different. These findings imply that it may be necessary to inform or invent site-specific intervention strategies to better devote currently limited resource to combat these two viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Biao Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Modeling the impact of early antiretroviral therapy for adults coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B or C in South Africa. AIDS 2014; 28 Suppl 1:S35-46. [PMID: 24468945 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There has been discussion about whether individuals coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) (∼30% of all people living with HIV) should be prioritized for early HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). We assess the relative benefits of providing ART at CD4 count below 500 cells/μl or immediate ART to HCV/HIV or HBV/HIV-coinfected adults compared with HIV-monoinfected adults. We evaluate individual outcomes (HIV/liver disease progression) and preventive benefits in a generalized HIV epidemic setting. METHODS We modeled disease progression for HIV-monoinfected, HBV/HIV-coinfected, and HCV/HIV-coinfected adults for differing ART eligibility thresholds (CD4 <350 cells/μl, CD4 <500 cells/μl, immediate ART eligibility upon infection). We report disability-adjusted life-years averted per 100 person-years on ART (DALYaverted/100PYonART) as a measure of the health benefits generated from incremental changes in ART eligibility. Sensitivity analyses explored impact on sexual HIV and vertical HIV, HCV, and HBV transmission. RESULTS For HBV/HIV-coinfected adults, a switch to ART initiation at CD4 count below 500 cells/μl from CD4 below 350 cells/μl generates 9% greater health benefits per year on ART (48 DALYaverted/100PYonART) than for HIV-monoinfected adults (44 DALYaverted/100PYonART). Additionally, ART at CD4 below 500 cells/μl could prevent 25% and 32% of vertical transmissions of HIV and HBV, respectively. For HCV/HIV-coinfected adults, ART at CD4 below 500 cells/μl generates 10% fewer health benefits (40 DALYaverted/100PYonART) than for HIV monoinfection, unless ART reduces progression to cirrhosis by more than 70% (33% in base-case). CONCLUSIONS The additional therapeutic benefits of ART for HBV-related liver disease results in ART generating more health benefits among HBV/HIV-coinfected adults than HIV-monoinfected individuals, whereas less health benefits are generated amongst HCV/HIV coinfection in a generalized HIV epidemic setting.
Collapse
|
42
|
Hedrich D, Kalamara E, Sfetcu O, Pharris A, Noor A, Wiessing L, Hope V, Van de Laar M. Human immunodeficiency virus among people who inject drugs: Is risk increasing in Europe? Euro Surveill 2013; 18:20648. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2013.18.48.20648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In most European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries, between 2010 and 2012, reports of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses among people who inject drugs have been stable or declining. HIV outbreaks in Greece and Romania, first reported in 2011, continue and economic conditions hinder provision of effective response coverage. When measured against some established thresholds, prevention coverage remains inadequate in at least one-third of EU/EEA countries. Urgent consideration to scale up prevention efforts is merited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Hedrich
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - E Kalamara
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - O Sfetcu
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Pharris
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Noor
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - L Wiessing
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - V Hope
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Van de Laar
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Paraskevis D, Nikolopoulos G, Fotiou A, Tsiara C, Paraskeva D, Sypsa V, Lazanas M, Gargalianos P, Psichogiou M, Skoutelis A, Wiessing L, Friedman SR, Jarlais DCDES, Terzidou M, Kremastinou J, Malliori M, Hatzakis A. Economic recession and emergence of an HIV-1 outbreak among drug injectors in Athens metropolitan area: a longitudinal study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78941. [PMID: 24265730 PMCID: PMC3827120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During 2011, a dramatic increase (1600%) of reported HIV-1 infections among injecting drug users (IDUs) was noted in Athens, Greece. We herein assess the potential causal pathways associated with this outbreak. Methods Our study employed high resolution HIV-1 phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses. We examined also longitudinal data of ecological variables such as the annual growth of gross domestic product (GDP) of Greece in association with HIV-1 and HCV sentinel prevalence in IDUs, unemployment and homelessness rates and HIV transmission networks in Athens IDUs before and during economic recession (2008–2012). Results IDU isolates sampled in 2011 and 2012 suggested transmission networks in 94.6% and 92.7% of the cases in striking contrast with the sporadic networking (5%) during 1998–2009. The geographic origin of most HIV-1 isolates was consistent with the recently documented migratory waves in Greece. The decline in GDP was inversely correlated with annual prevalence rates of HIV and HCV and with unemployment and homelessness rates in IDUs (all p<0.001). The slope of anti-HCV prevalence in the sentinel populations of IDUs and in “new” drug injectors was found 120 and 1.9-fold (p = 0.007, p = 0.08 respectively) higher in 2008–2012 (economic recession) compared with 2002–2006. The median (25th, 75th) size of transmission networks were 34 (12, 58) and 2 (2, 2) (p = 0.057) in 2008–2012 and 1998–2007, respectively. The coverage of harm reduction services was low throughout the study period. Conclusions Scaling-up harm reduction services and addressing social and structural factors related to the current economic crisis should be urgently considered in environments where HIV-1 outbreaks may occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Paraskevis
- National Retrovirus Reference Center, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Vickerman P, Martin NK, Roy A, Beattie T, Jarlais DD, Strathdee S, Wiessing L, Hickman M. Is the HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence amongst injecting drug users a marker for the level of sexual and injection related HIV transmission? Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 132:172-81. [PMID: 23453261 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amongst injecting drug users (IDUs), HIV is transmitted sexually and parenterally, but HCV is transmitted primarily parenterally. We assess and model the antibody prevalence of HCV amongst HIV-infected IDUs (denoted as HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence) and consider whether it proxies the degree of sexual HIV transmission amongst IDUs. METHODS HIV, HCV and HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence data amongst IDU was reviewed. An HIV/HCV transmission model was adapted. Multivariate model uncertainty analyses determined whether the model's ability to replicate observed data trends required the inclusion of sexual HIV transmission. The correlation between the model's HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence and estimated proportion of HIV infections due to injecting was evaluated. RESULTS The median HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence (prevalence of HCV amongst HIV-infected IDUs) was 90% across 195 estimates from 43 countries. High HCV-HIV co-infection prevalences (>80%) occur in most (75%) settings, but can be lower in settings with low HIV prevalence (<10%) or high HIV/HCV prevalence ratios (HIV prevalence divided by HCV prevalence>0.75). The model without sexual HIV transmission reproduced some data trends but could not reproduce any epidemics with high HIV/HCV prevalence ratios (>0.85) or low HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence (<60%) when HIV prevalence>10%. The model with sexual HIV transmission reproduced data trends more closely. The proportion of HIV infections due to injecting correlated with HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence; suggesting that up to 80/60/<20% of HIV infections could be sexually transmitted in settings with HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence between 50-60/70-80/>90%. CONCLUSION Substantial sexual HIV transmission may occur in many IDU populations; HCV-HIV co-infection prevalence could signify its importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Vickerman
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Telan EFO, Samonte GMJ, Palaypayon N, Abellanosa-Tac-An IP, Leaño PSA, Tsuneki A, Kageyama S. Possible HIV transmission modes among at-risk groups at an early epidemic stage in the Philippines. J Med Virol 2013; 85:2057-64. [PMID: 23959846 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A concentrated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic might have started in the Philippines. A subsequent characterization of viruses was carried out to estimate HIV transmission modes. Most HIV strains from injecting drug users belonged to subtype-B. CRF-01 was a major subtype harbored by three other at-risk populations: male visa applicants who had sex with men, "men who have sex with men," and visa applicants. An HIV phylogeny suggested that two strain groups of injecting drug users and others circulated separately. In contrast, there was substantial genetic overlap between two strain groups from "men who have sex with men" and visa applicants. Mean nucleotide distance within strains was shorter among subtype-B strains harbored by the injecting drug users (0.010) than among CRF-01 strains of the other three populations: male visa applicants who had sex with men (0.034), "men who have sex with men" (0.023), and visa applicants (0.032). Closely related strains of hepatitis C virus were derived from not only HIV-positive but also -negative individuals. These results suggest that there is potential for transmission from visa applicants to "men who have sex with men," and that once HIV occurs in injecting drug users, it spreads rapidly among them. Close contacts of hepatitis C virus carriers composed of HIV-negative and -positive individuals indicated ongoing HIV spread via blood and possible intervention points. Large-scale analysis is needed to provide more precise information on the transmission directions and to help curb the growth of this HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Freda O Telan
- National Reference Laboratory, STD AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory, San Lazaro Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Burden of infectious diseases, substance use disorders, and mental illness among Ukrainian prisoners transitioning to the community. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59643. [PMID: 23527238 PMCID: PMC3602355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemics of incarceration, substance use disorders (SUDs), and infectious diseases are inextricably intertwined, especially in the Former Soviet Union (FSU). Few objective data documenting this relationship regionally are available. We therefore conducted a comprehensive, representative country-wide prison health survey in Ukraine, where one of the world’s most volatile HIV epidemics persists, in order to address HIV prevention and treatment needs. Methods A nation-wide, multi-site randomly sampled biobehavioral health survey was conducted in four Ukrainian regions in 13 prisons among individuals being released within six months. After consent, participants underwent standardized health assessment surveys and serological testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and syphilis. Results Of the 402 participants (mean age = 31.9 years), 20.1% were female. Prevalence of HIV, HCV, HBV, and syphilis was 19.4% (95% CI = 15.5%–23.3%), 60.2% (95% CI = 55.1%–65.4%), 5.2% (95% CI = 3.3%–7.2%), and 10% (95% CI = 7.4%–13.2%), respectively, with regional differences observed; HIV prevalence in the south was 28.6%. Among the 78 HIV-infected inmates, 50.7% were unaware of their HIV status and 44 (56.4%) had CD4<350 cells/mL, of which only five (11%) antiretroviral-eligible inmates were receiving it. Nearly half of the participants (48.7%) reported pre-incarcertion drug injection, primarily of opioids, yet multiple substance use (31.6%) and alcohol use disorders (56.6%) were common and 40.3% met screening criteria for depression. Conclusions This is the only such representative health study of prisoners in the FSU. This study has important implications for regional prevention and treatment because, unlike elsewhere, there is no recent evidence for reduction in HIV incidence and mortality in the region. The prevalence of infectious diseases and SUDs is high among this sample of prisoners transitioning to the community. It is critical to address pre- and post-release prevention and treatment needs with the development of linkage programs for the continuity of care in the community after release.
Collapse
|
47
|
Mumtaz GR, Kouyoumjian SP, Hilmi N, Zidouh A, El Rhilani H, Alami K, Bennani A, Gouws E, Ghys PD, Abu-Raddad LJ. The distribution of new HIV infections by mode of exposure in Morocco. Sex Transm Infect 2013; 89 Suppl 3:iii49-56. [PMID: 23413401 PMCID: PMC3841748 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2012-050844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Building on a wealth of new empirical data, the objective of this study was to estimate the distribution of new HIV infections in Morocco by mode of exposure using the modes of transmission (MoT) mathematical model. Methods The MoT model was implemented within a collaboration with the Morocco Ministry of Health and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. The model was parameterised through a comprehensive review and synthesis of HIV and risk behaviour data in Morocco, mainly through the Middle East and North Africa HIV/AIDS Synthesis Project. Uncertainty analyses were used to assess the reliability of and uncertainty around our calculated estimates. Results Female sex workers (FSWs), clients of FSWs, men who have sex with men (MSM) and injecting drug users (IDUs) contributed 14%, 24%, 14% and 7% of new HIV infections, respectively. Two-thirds (67%) of new HIV infections occurred among FSWs, clients of FSWs, MSM and IDUs, or among the stable sexual partners of these populations. Casual heterosexual sex contributed 7% of HIV infections. More than half (52%) of HIV incidence is among females, but 71% of these infections are due to an infected spouse. The vast majority of HIV infections among men (89%) are due to high-risk behaviour. A very small HIV incidence is predicted to arise from medical injections or blood transfusions (0.1%). Conclusions The HIV epidemic in Morocco is driven by HIV incidence in high-risk population groups, with commercial heterosexual sex being the largest contributor to incidence. There is a need to focus HIV response more on these populations, mainly through proactive and sustainable HIV surveillance, and the expansion and increased geographical coverage of services such as condom promotion among FSWs, voluntary counselling and testing, harm reduction and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghina R Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation, , Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wang LJ, Lin SK, Chiang SC, Su LW, Chen CK. Risk factors for HIV, viral hepatitis, and syphilis among heroin users in northern Taiwan. Subst Use Misuse 2013; 48:89-98. [PMID: 23077983 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2012.731131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A total of 125 heroin users were recruited from a detention center and two psychiatric hospitals in northern Taiwan during 2006 in order to investigate the prevalence and correlates of blood-borne infections among heroin users. The seroprevalence rates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), HBV, HDV, and syphilis were 15.2%, 74.4%, 15.2%, 6.4%, and 8%, respectively. Injection risk behaviors were associated with HIV, HCV, and syphilis infections, but not with HBV infections. Meanwhile, HCV and HBV infections were correlated with the duration of heroin use and age of the subjects, respectively. The results of this study suggest that a comprehensive public health program is needed to prevent transmission of these blood-borne infections. The study's limitations are noted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Havens JR, Lofwall MR, Frost SDW, Oser CB, Leukefeld CG, Crosby RA. Individual and network factors associated with prevalent hepatitis C infection among rural Appalachian injection drug users. Am J Public Health 2012; 103:e44-52. [PMID: 23153148 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2012.300874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We determined the factors associated with hepatitis C (HCV) infection among rural Appalachian drug users. METHODS This study included 394 injection drug users (IDUs) participating in a study of social networks and infectious disease risk in Appalachian Kentucky. Trained staff conducted HCV, HIV, and herpes simplex-2 virus (HSV-2) testing, and an interviewer-administered questionnaire measured self-reported risk behaviors and sociometric network characteristics. RESULTS The prevalence of HCV infection was 54.6% among rural IDUs. Lifetime factors independently associated with HCV infection included HSV-2, injecting for 5 or more years, posttraumatic stress disorder, injection of cocaine, and injection of prescription opioids. Recent (past-6-month) correlates of HCV infection included sharing of syringes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval = 1.32, 3.82) and greater levels of eigenvector centrality in the drug network. CONCLUSIONS One factor emerged that was potentially unique to rural IDUs: the association between injection of prescription opioids and HCV infection. Therefore, preventing transition to injection, especially among prescription opioid users, may curb transmission, as will increased access to opioid maintenance treatment, novel treatments for cocaine dependence, and syringe exchange.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40504, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Low incidence of reinfection with the hepatitis C virus following treatment in active drug users in Amsterdam. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 24:1302-7. [PMID: 22825643 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e32835702a8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than two-thirds of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are associated with injecting drug use. Despite the wide availability of standard treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, active drug users (DU) have limited access to HCV treatment. Physicians may be reluctant to prescribe treatment because of the presumed high risk of reinfection. However, data on reinfection in treated DU remain scarce. METHODS Active DU with chronic HCV infection were treated in a multidisciplinary setting. After achieving a sustained virologic response, patients were tested at 6-12-monthly intervals for HCV RNA. To distinguish between relapse and reinfection, sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed on the NS5B region of the HCV genome. The incidence of reinfection was calculated using person-time techniques. RESULTS From April 2005 to March 2010, 69 active DU treated for HCV had sufficient follow-up, median 2.5 years (interquartile range, 1.6-3.7). Sustained virologic response was achieved in 42 patients (61%). During follow-up, 41 patients remained HCV RNA-negative; of these, two patients died. During treatment, five out of 41 injected drugs, which increased to 11 out of 41 after the end of treatment. One case of reinfection was observed, followed by spontaneous clearance of the virus. The overall incidence was 0.76/100 person-years (95% confidence interval 0.04-3.73). For only those individuals reporting injecting drug use, the incidence was 3.42/100 person-years (95% confidence interval 0.17-16.90). CONCLUSION We report a low incidence of HCV reinfection following treatment in DU participating in a multidisciplinary programme. Active drug use, including injecting, should not preclude access to treatment for HCV.
Collapse
|