Impact of test-and-treat and risk reduction strategies on HCV transmission among MSM living with HIV in France: a modelling approach

The cost-effectiveness of integrating simplified HCV testing into HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment services among men who have sex with men in Taiwan

Background

Simplified hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing integrated into existing HIV services has the potential to improve HCV diagnoses and treatment. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of integrating different simplified HCV testing strategies into existing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment services among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taiwan.

Methods

Mathematical modeling was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of integrating simplified HCV tests (point-of-care antibody, reflex RNA, or immediate point-of-care RNA) with HCV treatment into existing HIV prevention and care for MSM from a healthcare perspective. The impact of increasing PrEP and HIV treatment coverage among MSM in combination with these HCV testing strategies was also considered. We reported lifetime costs (2022 US dollars) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) with a 3% annual discounting rate.

Findings

Point-of-care HCV antibody and reflex RNA testing are cost-effective compared to current HCV testing in all PrEP and HIV treatment coverage scenarios (ICERs <$32,811/QALY gained). Immediate point-of-care RNA testing would be only cost-effective compared to the current HCV testing if coverage of HIV services remained unchanged. Point-of-care antibody testing in an unchanged HIV services coverage scenario and all simplified HCV testing strategies in scenarios that increased both HIV PrEP and treatment coverage form an efficient frontier, indicating best value for money strategies.

Interpretation

Our findings support the integration of simplified HCV testing and people-centered services for MSM and highlight the economic benefits of integrating simplified HCV testing into existing services for MSM alongside HIV PrEP and treatment.

Funding

This study was made possible as part of a research-funded PhD being undertaken by HJW under the UNSW Sydney Scientia scholarship and was associated with the Rapid Point of Care Research Consortium for infectious disease in the Asia Pacific (RAPID), which is funded by an NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence. JG is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant (1176131).

Impact of simplified HCV diagnostic strategies on the HCV epidemic among men who have sex with men in the era of HIV oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in Taiwan: a modelling study

INTRODUCTION

Simplified hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostic strategies have the potential to improve HCV diagnoses and treatment. We aimed to investigate the impact of simplified HCV diagnostic strategies on HCV incidence and its effect on HCV diagnosis and treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) regardless of HIV status and use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Taiwan.

METHODS

A compartmental deterministic model was developed to describe the natural history of HCV disease progression, the HCV care cascade and the HIV status and PrEP using among MSM. The model was calibrated to available data for HCV and HIV epidemiology and population demographics in Taiwan. We simulated the epidemic from 2004 and projected the impact of simplified testing strategies on the HCV epidemic among MSM over 2022-2030.

RESULTS

Under the current testing approach in Taiwan, total HCV incidence would increase to 12.6 per 1000 person-years among MSM by 2030. Single-visit point-of-care RNA testing had the largest impact on reducing the number of new HCV infections over 2022-2030, with a 31.1% reduction (interquartile range: 24.9%-32.8%). By 2030, single-visit point-of-care HCV testing improved HCV diagnosis to 90.9%, HCV treatment to 87.7% and HCV cure to 81.5% among MSM living with HCV. Compared to status quo, prioritized simplified HCV testing for PrEP users and MSM living with diagnosed HIV had considerable impact on the broader HCV epidemic among MSM. A sensitivity analysis suggests that reinfection risk would have a large impact on the effectiveness of each point-of-care testing scenario.

CONCLUSIONS

Simplified HCV diagnostic strategies could control the ongoing HCV epidemic and improve HCV testing and treatment among Taiwanese MSM. Single-visit point-of-care RNA testing would result in large reductions in HCV incidence and prevalence among MSM. Efficient risk-reduction strategies will need to be implemented alongside point-of-care testing to achieve HCV elimination among MSM in Taiwan.

HBV and HCV Co-Infection in Chinese Newly Diagnosed HIV+ Subjects in 2015 and 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study

With shared routes of transmission, HBV and HCV co-infection are estimated to occur more in subjects with HIV. This study aimed to characterize and describe the prevalence of HBV and HCV co-infections in a cohort of newly diagnosed HIV+ subjects living in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study among newly diagnosed HIV+ subjects aged 18-100 who participated in surveys on the national HIV molecular epidemiology in 2015 and 2023. (The epidemiological table survey is located in the national database alongside serologic testing). The chi-square test was used to identify changes in infections between the studying populations in 2015 and 2023, and conditional logistic regression models were fit to identify risk factors for each co-infection. Among the 11,024 newly diagnosed HIV+ subjects who were surveyed (n = 4501 in 2015; n = 6523 in 2023), the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HBV/HCV in 2023 was lower than that in 2015, respectively. No decrease was observed in HCV co-infection in men who had sex with men (MSM) in North China, Northeast China, and East China. Increasing recognition among those at high risk of heterosexual transmission and those with low educational backgrounds is paramount to the prevention and control of HIV/HBV/HCV infections.

Universal screening and treatment towards the elimination of chronic hepatitis C in China: an economic evaluation

OBJECTIVES

China has the largest number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world, but current levels of diagnosis and treatment are low. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of various universal HCV screening and treatment strategies in China and inform decisions on health policy.

STUDY DESIGN

A cost-effectiveness analytical study.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model to investigate cost-effectiveness of different HCV screening and treatment strategies in China. We simulated several screening scenarios for Chinese people aged 18-70 years. We estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of different intervention scenarios compared with status quo.

RESULTS

Expanded HCV screening and treatment strategy with prioritisation for high-risk groups (Scenario S5) was the most cost-effective strategy (ICER: USD $11,667.71/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained), which resulted in great reduction in HCV-related diseases and deaths, with a 67.11% reduction in cases of chronic HCV. Universal HCV screening and treatment implementation remains a cost-effective strategy when delayed until 2025 (ICER: USD $17,093.69/QALY), yet the delayed strategy is less effective in reducing HCV-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Expanded HCV screening and treatment strategy with prioritisation for high-risk groups is the most cost-effective strategy and has lead to a significant reduction in both HCV morbidity and mortality in China, which would essentially eliminate HCV as a public threat.

Impact of HCV Testing and Treatment on HCV Transmission Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Who Inject Drugs in San Francisco: A Modelling Analysis

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men who ever injected drugs (ever MSM-IDU) carry a high hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden. We estimated whether current HCV testing and treatment in San Francisco can achieve the 2030 World Health Organization (WHO) HCV elimination target on HCV incidence among ever MSM-IDU.

METHODS

A dynamic HCV/HIV transmission model among MSM was calibrated to San Francisco data, including HCV antibody (15.5%, 2011) and HIV prevalence (32.8%, 2017) among ever MSM-IDU. MSM had high HCV testing (79%-86% ever tested, 2011-2019) and diagnosed MSM had high HCV treatment (65% ever treated, 2018). Following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related lockdowns, HCV testing and treatment decreased by 59%.

RESULTS

Among all MSM, 43% of incident HCV infections in 2022 were IDU-related. Among ever MSM-IDU in 2015, HCV incidence was 1.2/100 person-years (95% credibility interval [CrI], 0.8-1.6). Assuming COVID-19-related declines in HCV testing/treatment persist until 2030, HCV incidence among ever MSM-IDU will decrease by 84.9% (95% CrI, 72.3%-90.8%) over 2015-2030. This decline is largely attributed to HCV testing and treatment (75.8%; 95% CrI, 66.7%-89.5%). Slightly greater decreases in HCV incidence (94%-95%) are projected if COVID-19 disruptions recover by 2025 or 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

We estimate that HCV incidence will decline by >80% over 2015-2030 among ever MSM-IDU in San Francisco, achieving the WHO target.

Safety considerations in the management of hepatitis C and HIV co-infection

INTRODUCTION

Both HCV and HIV are highly prevalent infections with current estimates of 57 and 38 million people infected worldwide, respectively. Oral antivirals can be curative for HCV and rescue HIV patients from disease progression. Dual therapy in coinfected patients requires expertise.

AREAS COVERED

Four major issues challenge dual HCV and HIV treatment, including overlapping drug-related side effects, hepatitis B reactivation, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndromes (IRIS), and drug-drug interactions (DDI). A search was conducted in PubMed from January 2010 to March 2023.

EXPERT OPINION

The advent of second-generation direct-acting antivirals (DDA) that depict higher antiviral potency, fewer side effects, pangenotypic activity and are co-formulated has expanded the indication of HCV therapy and particularly in HIV-coinfected individuals. Sequential initiation of antiretrovirals (ARV) followed by DAA is generally preferred to start dual treatment concomitantly. Close monitoring of rare episodes of HBV reactivation and IRIS is warranted. The most frequent DDI between DAA and ARV affect drug metabolism by CYP450 induction/inhibition, leading to abnormal drug exposures. Throughout this mechanism interact most HCV and HIV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors. Exposure to some HIV and HCV nucleos(t)ide analogues (e.g. tenofovir and sofosbuvir, respectively) is subject to induction/inhibition of drug transporters and requires special attention in patients with renal insufficiency.

Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C virus test-and-treat and risk reduction strategies among men who have sex with men living with HIV in France

INTRODUCTION

Studies suggest that hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination is feasible among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), through treatment-as-prevention and interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviours. However, their economic impact is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of HCV screening and risk reduction strategies in France.

METHODS

A compartmental deterministic mathematical model was developed to describe HCV disease transmission and progression among MSM living with HIV in France. We evaluated different combinations of HCV screening frequency (every 12, 6 or 3 months) and risk reduction strategies (targeting only high-risk or all MSM) from 2021 onwards. The model simulated the number of HCV infections, life-expectancy (LYs), quality-adjusted life-expectancy (QALYs), lifetime costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over a lifetime horizon (leading to an end of the simulation in 2065).

RESULTS

All strategies increased QALYs, compared with current practices, that is yearly HCV screening, with no risk reduction. A behavioural intervention resulting in a 20% risk reduction in the high-risk group, together with yearly screening, was the least expensive strategy, and, therefore, cost-saving compared to current practices. The ICER per QALY gained for the strategy combining risk reduction for the high-risk group with 6-month HCV screening, compared to risk reduction with yearly screening, was €61,389. It also prevented 398 new HCV infections between 2021 and 2065, with a cost per infection averted of €37,790. All other strategies were dominated (more expensive and less effective than some other available alternative) or not cost-effective (ICER per QALY gained > €100,000).

CONCLUSIONS

In the French context, current HCV screening practices without risk reduction among MSM living with HIV cannot be justified on economic grounds. Risk reduction interventions targeted to high-risk individuals-alongside screening either once or twice a year-could be cost-effective depending on the policymaker's willingness-to-pay.

Meet-Test-Treat for HCV management: patients' and clinicians' preferences in hospital and drug addiction services in Italy

Background

It has been estimated that the incidence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) will not decline over the next 10 years despite the improved efficacy of antiviral therapy because most patients remain undiagnosed and/or untreated. This study aimed to investigate the opinion of relevant target populations on the practicability, effectiveness and best modalities of the test-and-treat approach in the fight against HCV in Italy.

Methods

A survey was delivered to patients with HCV from the general population, patients from drug addiction services, hospital physicians and healthcare providers for drug addiction services.

Results

For both hospital clinicians and SerD HCPs, tolerability is shown as the most important feature of a suitable treatment. Time to treatment (the time from first contact to initiation of treatment) is deemed important to the success of the strategy by all actors. While a tolerable treatment was the main characteristic in a preferred care pathway for general patients, subjects from drug addiction services indicated that a complete Meet–Test–Treat pathway is delivered within the habitual care center as a main preference. This is also important for SerD HCPs who are a strong reference for their patients; hospital clinicians were less aware of the importance of the patient-HCP relationship in this process.

Conclusion

The health system is bound to implement suitable pathways to facilitate HCV eradication. A Meet–Test–Treat program within the drug addiction services may provide good compliance from subjects mainly concerned with virus transmission.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06983-y.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV: results from the French Hospital Database on HIV (ANRS CO4-FHDH) cohort study, 2014 to 2017

BackgroundDespite the availability of highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and the expected treatment as prevention (TasP) effect, transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) persists in men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in high-risk sexual behaviours.AimWe aimed to estimate the incidence of primary HCV infection among MSM living with HIV in France when DAA was readily available.MethodsWe used data from a large French hospital cohort of persons living with HIV (ANRS CO4-FHDH) prospectively collected between 2014 and 2017. HCV incidence rates were calculated using person-time methods for HCV-negative MSM at inclusion who had serological follow-up from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017. Sensitivity analyses were performed by varying the main assumptions to assess their impact on the results.ResultsOf 14,273 MSM living with HIV who were initially HCV-seronegative, 330 acquired HCV during follow-up over 45,866 person-years (py), resulting in an overall estimated incidence rate of 0.72/100 py (95% CI: 0.65-0.80). HCV incidence significantly decreased from 0.98/100 py (95% CI: 0.81-1.19) in 2014 to 0.45/100 py (95% CI: 0.35-0.59) in 2017 (54% decrease; 95% CI: 36-67). This trend was confirmed by most of the sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThe primary incidence of HCV was halved for MSM living with HIV between 2014 and 2017. This decrease may be related to unrestricted DAA availability in France for individuals living with HIV. Further interventions, including risk reduction, are needed to reach HCV micro-elimination in MSM living with HIV.

Hepatitis C Virus Testing Among Men With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Who Have Sex With Men: Temporal Trends and Racial/Ethnic Disparities

Background

National guidelines recommend that sexually active people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) who are men who have sex with men (MSM) be tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection at least annually. Hepatitis C virus testing rates vary by race/ethnicity in the general population, but limited data are available for PWH.

Methods

We analyzed medical records data from MSM in the HIV Outpatient Study at 9 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2019. We excluded observation time after documented past or current HCV infection. We evaluated HCV antibody testing in each calendar year among HCV-seronegative MSM, and we assessed testing correlates by generalized estimating equation analyses.

Results

Of 1829 eligible MSM who were PWH, 1174 (64.2%) were non-Hispanic/Latino white (NHW), 402 (22.0%) non-Hispanic black (NHB), 187 (10.2%) Hispanic/Latino, and 66 (3.6%) of other race/ethnicity. Most were ≥40 years old (68.9%), privately insured (64.5%), with CD4 cell count/mm³ (CD4) ≥350 (77.0%), and with HIV viral load <200 copies/mL (76.9%). During 2011-2019, 1205 (65.9%) had ≥1 HCV antibody test and average annual HCV percentage tested was 30.3% (from 33.8% for NHB to 28.5% for NHW; P < .001). Multivariable factors positively associated (P < .05) with HCV testing included more recent HIV diagnosis, public insurance, lower CD4, prior chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or hepatitis B virus diagnoses, and elevated liver enzyme levels, but not race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

Although we found no disparities by race/ethnicity in HCV testing, low overall HCV testing rates indicate suboptimal uptake of recommended HCV testing among MSM in HIV care.