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Wu TY, Lin KY, Su LH, Sun HY, Huang YS, Liu WD, Liu WC, Chang LH, Chang SY, Hung CC. Sexually transmitted coinfections among at-risk HIV-positive MSM: implications for optimal preemptive treatment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1328589. [PMID: 38560383 PMCID: PMC10978595 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1328589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Concurrent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in sexually active populations. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and coinfection rates of bacterial STIs among sexually active, HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), and to assess the potential benefits of different combination treatment regimens in managing concurrent bacterial STIs. Methods From September 2021 to September 2023, HIV-positive MSM underwent STI testing when they had symptoms suggestive of STIs or recently acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or early syphilis. The oral rinse, rectal swab, and urethral swab specimens were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma spp., Ureaplasma spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis with the use of multiplex real-time polymerase-chain-reaction assays. The estimated coinfection rates were used to evaluate the benefits of different combination treatment regimens for managing coinfections. Results During the study period, 535 participants (median age, 37 years; and CD4 count, 615 cells/mm3) were enrolled. On their first visits, at least one bacterial pathogen was detected in 57.9% and concomitant bacterial infections were found in 32.9% of the participants. The most commonly identified pathogen was U. urealyticum (36.3%), followed by C. trachomatis (22.8%), and N. gonorrhoeae (19.8%). The factors associated with any bacterial STIs included older age (per 1-year increase, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.00), early syphilis (AOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.22-2.84), and having more than 5 sex partners in the preceding 3 months (AOR, 2.08, 95% CI, 1.07-4.06). A combination therapy of benzathine penicillin G with a 7-day course of doxycycline could simultaneously treat 27.1% of C. trachomatis coinfections in participants with early syphilis, while a combination therapy of ceftriaxone with doxycycline could simultaneously treat 40.6% of chlamydial coinfections in participants with gonorrhea. Conclusion Bacterial STIs were prevalent and concomitant infections were not uncommon among sexually active, HIV-positive MSM, supporting regular screening for bacterial STIs. The effectiveness of preemptive use of doxycycline as combination therapy for concurrent STIs warrants more investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzong-Yow Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Hsin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Tai CM, Yu ML. Hepatitis C virus micro-elimination in people who inject drugs: Challenges and chance in Taiwan and worldwide. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2024; 40:112-118. [PMID: 38010851 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is becoming possible. People who inject drugs (PWID) represent a population with a high risk for HCV infection, which has been reported as high as 90% in Taiwanese PWID. To reach the goal of HCV elimination, PWID is a key population deserving special attention. Barriers in HCV care cascade still exist in PWID, and interventions to promote access to HCV diagnosis, link-to-care, treatment, and prevention for PWID are warranted. Although HCV micro-elimination can be achieved in some prisons and opioid substitution therapy (OST) centers by a multidisciplinary team and integrated care in Taiwan, there are still several unmet needs for HCV elimination in PWID. Continuous efforts, such as the participation of OST specialists and the continuum of care for HCV among PWID, are needed to achieve HCV elimination in Taiwan. In addition, the combination of harm reduction services, treatment as prevention and regular posttreatment HCV surveillance is critical to substantially reduce HCV transmission and prevalence in PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ming Tai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- School of Medicine and Doctoral Program of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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3
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Chen B, Xu B, Cui HY, Ma ZH, Guo WH, Pei LJ, Xing WG. Comparison of effectiveness and cost of different HCV testing strategies in high-risk populations in China. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29433. [PMID: 38293900 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29433] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
High-risk populations are the predominant populations affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and there is an urgent need for efficient and cost-effective HCV testing strategies for high-risk populations to identify potential undiagnosed HCV-infected individuals. This study compared several commonly used testing strategies and conducted effectiveness and cost analysis to select the appropriate testing strategy for diagnosing HCV infection in high-risk populations. Among the 2093 samples from high-risk populations in this study, 1716 were HCV negative, 237 were current HCV infection, 137 were past HCV infection, and three were acute early HCV infection. It was found that out of 237 patients with HCV current infection, Strategy A could detect 225 cases, with a missed detection rate of 5.06%, and the total cost was 33 299 RMB. In addition, Strategy B could detect 237 cases of current HCV infection, and the HCV missed detection rate was 0.00%, and the total cost was 147 221 RMB. While 137 cases of past HCV infection could be distinguished by strategy C, but 14 cases with current HCV infection were missed, with an HCV-positive missed detection rate of 5.91%, and the total cost for Strategy C was 43 059 RMB. In conclusion, in high-risk populations, the HCV positivity rate is typically higher. If feasible, the preferred approach is to directly conduct HCV RNA testing, which effectively minimizes the risk of missing cases. However, in situations with limited resources, it is advisable to initially choose a highly sensitive method for anti-HCV screening, followed by HCV RNA testing on reactive samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
| | - Bing Xu
- Center for Global Public Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhumadian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan, China
| | - Zhong-Hui Ma
- Department of Communicable and Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, Fangshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Guo
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Jian Pei
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Ge Xing
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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4
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Huang CF, Chen GJ, Hung CC, Yu ML. HCV Microelimination for High-risk Special Populations. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S168-S179. [PMID: 37703340 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has set tremendous goals to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. However, most countries are currently off the track for achieving these goals. Microelimination is a more effective and practical approach that breaks down national elimination targets into goals for smaller and more manageable key populations. These key populations share the characteristics of being highly prevalent for and vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Microelimination allows for identifying HCV-infected people and linking them to care more cost-effectively and efficiently. In this review, we discuss the current obstacles to and progress in HCV microelimination in special populations, including uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis, people who inject drugs, incarcerated people, people living in hyperendemic areas, men who have sex with men with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, transgender and gender-diverse populations, and sex workers. Scaling up testing and treatment uptake to achieve HCV microelimination may facilitate global HCV elimination by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, and Center for Cohort Study, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Sun HY, Liou BH, Chen TC, Yang CJ, Huang SH, Lu PL, Huang CH, Tsai MS, Cheng SH, Lee NY, Ko WC, Chen YH, Liu WD, Lin SY, Lin SP, Chen PL, Syue LS, Huang YS, Chuang YC, Chen CB, Chang YT, Lee YT, Hsieh SM, Su LH, Cheng CY, Hung CC. Optimal Frequency of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Testing for Detection of Acute HCV Infection Among At-risk People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Multicenter Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad307. [PMID: 37383254 PMCID: PMC10296053 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Using 3-stage pooled-plasma hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA testing performed quarterly among at-risk people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), we found that if testing had been performed every 6 or 12 months, 58.6%-91.7% of PWH who recently acquired HCV would be delayed for diagnosis and might contribute to onward HCV transmission with longer durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Huang Liou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tun-Chieh Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hao Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsu Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Yi Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lin Chen
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Shan Syue
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Bin Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Correspondence: Chien-Ching Hung, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan ()
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6
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Yu ML, Wang CY, Lee MH, Ou HY, Cheng PN, Tu ST, Huang JF, Chen JF, Hu TH, Hsu CC, Kao JH, Chen CJ, Lin HC, Huang CN. TASL, TADE, and DAROC consensus for the screening and management of hepatitis C in patients with diabetes. J Formos Med Assoc 2023; 122:202-220. [PMID: 36750398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are prevalent diseases globally and emerging evidence demonstrates the bidirectional association between the two diseases. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV have a high treatment success rate and can significantly reduce the risks of short and long-term complications of HCV infection. However, despite the evidence of the association between diabetes and HCV and the benefits of anti-HCV treatment, previously published guidelines did not focus on the universal HCV screening for patients with diabetes and their subsequent management once confirmed as having HCV viremia. Nonetheless, screening for HCV among patients with diabetes will contribute to the eradication of HCV infection. Thus, the three major Taiwan medical associations of diabetes and liver diseases endorsed a total of 14 experts in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, diabetology, and epidemiology to convene and formulate a consensus statement on HCV screening and management among patients with diabetes. Based on recent studies and guidelines as well as from real-world clinical experiences, the Taiwan experts reached a consensus that provides a straightforward approach to HCV screening, treatment, and monitoring of patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yuan Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Yih Ou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University Medical College and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Te Tu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Cancer Research, Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Fu Chen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Hsu
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ning Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Huang MH, Chen GJ, Sun HY, Chen YT, Su LH, Ho SY, Chang SY, Huang SH, Huang YC, Liu WD, Lin KY, Huang YS, Su YC, Liu WC, Hung CC. Risky sexual practices and hepatitis C viremia among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023:S1684-1182(23)00006-3. [PMID: 36702644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the risk behaviors associated with sexually-transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) may inform the public health policies and interventions aiming to achieve HCV microelimination. METHODS HIV-positive MSM who had one of the following conditions were enrolled to undergo face-to-face questionnaire interviews to collect information on their sexual practices in the past 12 months: (1) elevation of aminotransferases in the past 6 months; (2) acquisition of sexually transmitted infections in the past 6 months; and (3) previous HCV infections. Plasma HCV RNA were tested at enrolment and every 3 months during follow-up. Baseline characteristics and risky behaviors were compared to identify factors associated with HCV viremia between HCV-viremic MSM and HCV-aviremic MSM in multivariate analysis. RESULTS Among 781 MSM with a median age of 36 years, 57 (7.3%) had HCV viremia and 724 (92.7%) no HCV viremia during follow-up. A high proportion (38.9%) of the participants reported having used recreational drugs in the past 12 months, with 34.4% of them having slamming, but only 4.8% reported having shared their injection equipment. In multivariate analysis, use of recreational drugs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.16-3.96), having participated in group sex (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI 1.24-4.40) and having had condomless receptive anal intercourse (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI 1.07-3.62) were significantly associated with HCV viremia. CONCLUSION Among high-risk HIV-positive MSM, use of recreational drugs and risky sexual contacts were associated with HCV viremia, suggesting the mucosal contacts as the major route of HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Hui Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan; Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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8
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Chen GJ, Ho SY, Su LH, Chang SY, Hsieh SM, Sheng WH, Liu WD, Huang YS, Lin KY, Chen YT, Su YC, Liu WC, Sun HY, Hung CC. Hepatitis C microelimination among people living with HIV in Taiwan. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1664-1671. [PMID: 35608049 PMCID: PMC9225706 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2081620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To reach the WHO target of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2025, Taiwan started to implement free-of-charge direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment programme in 2017. Evaluating the progress of HCV microelimination among people living with HIV (PLWH) is a critical step to identify the barriers to HCV elimination. PLWH seeking care at a major hospital designated for HIV care in Taiwan between January 2011 and December 2021 were retrospectively included. For PLWH with HCV-seropositive or HCV seroconversion during the study period, serial HCV RNA testing was performed using archived samples to confirm the presence of HCV viremia and estimate the prevalence and incidence of HCV viremia. Overall, 4199 PLWH contributed to a total of 27,258.75 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). With the reimbursement of DAAs and improvement of access to treatments, the prevalence of HCV viremia has declined from its peak of 6.21% (95% CI, 5.39–7.12%) in 2018 to 2.09% (95% CI, 1.60–2.77%) in 2021 (decline by 66.4% [95% CI, 55.4–74.7%]); the incidence has declined from 25.94 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 20.44–32.47) in 2019 to 12.15% per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 8.14–17.44) (decline by 53.2% [95% CI, 27.3–70.6%]). However, the proportion of HCV reinfections continued to increase and accounted for 82.8% of incident HCV infections in 2021. We observed significant declines of HCV viremia among PLWH with the expansion of the DAA treatment programme in Taiwan. Further improvement of the access to DAA retreatments is warranted to achieve the goal of HCV microelimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Huei Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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9
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Liu CH, Sun HY, Peng CY, Hsieh SM, Yang SS, Kao WY, Shih YL, Lin CL, Liu CJ, Sheng WH, Lo YC, Liu WC, Wu JH, Su TH, Tseng TC, Chen PJ, Hung CC, Kao JH. Hepatitis C virus reinfection in people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Taiwan after achieving sustained virologic response with antiviral treatment: the RECUR study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac348. [PMID: 35928504 PMCID: PMC9345411 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection in East Asian people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after treatment-induced sustained virologic response (SVR) are limited.
Methods
HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in Taiwan who achieved SVR12 with interferon (IFN) or direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) between 2005 and 2021 underwent HCV RNA measurements at SVR24 and then biannually. HCV reinfection was defined as the detection of different HCV strains beyond SVR12. HIV-negative, low-risk individuals with SVR12 served as reference patients. Crude reinfection rates and secular trends were assessed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify baseline factors associated with HCV reinfection.
Results
A total of 216 HIV-positive and 1589 reference patients were recruited with median follow-up durations of 3.0 and 6.0 years. During a total of 772 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), the HCV reinfection rate in HIV-positive patients was 4.02 per 100 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.85-5.65), while the HCV reinfection rate in reference patients was 0.14 per 100 PYFU (95% CI: 0.09-0.23) during 10862 PYFU. HIV-positive patients had a higher risk of HCV reinfection than reference patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 17.63; 95% CI: 7.10-43.80, p < 0.001). No baseline factors were predictive of HCV reinfection in HIV-positive patients. The incidence of HCV reinfection in HIV-positive patients increased after 2015 when DAAs were available in Taiwan.
Conclusions
The risk of HCV reinfection remains high in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with treatment-induced SVR12. In addition to mass screening and treatment scale-up, strategies to reduce reinfection are needed for HCV microelimination in HIV-positive patients in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin , Taiwan
| | - Hsin Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Cheng Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Szu Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Sheng Shun Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Wei Yu Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Yu Lueng Shih
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chih Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taipei City Hospital , Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chun Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Wang Hui Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Yi Chun Lo
- Centers for Disease Control , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Wen Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Jo Hsuan Wu
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California , San Diego, California , USA
| | - Tung Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Tai Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Pei Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chien Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Jia Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
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10
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Sun HY, Liu WD, Wang CW, Wei YJ, Lin KY, Huang YS, Su LH, Chen YT, Liu WC, Su YC, Chen YW, Chuang YC, Lu PL, Hung CC, Yu ML. Performance of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Core Antigen Assay in the Diagnosis of Recently Acquired HCV Infection among High-Risk Populations. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0034522. [PMID: 35579445 PMCID: PMC9241744 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00345-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
How the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCVcAg) assay performs in detecting recently acquired HCV infection among people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) is rarely assessed in the Asia-Pacific region. High-risk participants, including PLWH with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HCV clearance by antivirals or spontaneously, or elevated aminotransferases, HIV-negative MSM with STIs or on HIV preexposure prophylaxis, and low-risk PLWH were enrolled. Blood samples were subjected to 3-stage pooled-plasma HCV RNA testing every 3 to 6 months until detection of HCV viremia or completion of the 1-year follow-up. The samples at enrollment and all of the archived samples preceding the detection of HCV RNA during follow-up were tested for HCVcAg. During June 2019 and February 2021, 1,639 blood samples from 744 high-risk and 727 low-risk PLWH and 86 HIV-negative participants were tested for both HCV RNA and HCVcAg. Of 62 samples positive for HCV RNA, 54 (87.1%) were positive for HCVcAg. Of 1,577 samples negative for HCV RNA, 1,568 (99.4%) were negative for HCVcAg. The mean HCV RNA load of the 8 individual samples positive for HCV RNA but negative for HCVcAg was 3.2 (range, 2.5 to 3.9) log10 IU/mL, and that of the remaining 54 samples with concordant results was 6.2 (range, 1.3 to 8.5) log10 IU/mL. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of HCVcAg were 85.7% and 99.5%, respectively. In at-risk populations, HCVcAg has a high specificity and NPV but lower sensitivity and PPV, particularly in individuals with low HCV RNA loads. IMPORTANCE The HCV core antigen assay has a high specificity of 99.4% and negative predictive value of 99.5% but a lower sensitivity of 87.1% and positive predictive value of 85.7% in the diagnosis of recently acquired HCV infection in high-risk populations. Our findings are informative for many countries confronted with limited resources to timely identify acute HCV infections and provide effective direct-acting antivirals to halt onward transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Wang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yea-Wen Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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