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Duracinsky M, Yaya I, Yombo-Kokule L, Bessonneau P, Thonon F, Rousset-Torrente O, Roudot-Thoraval F, Lert F, Zucman D, Chassany O. Development of a risk prediction score for screening for HBV, HCV and HIV among migrants in France: results from a multicentre observational study (STRADA study). BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075315. [PMID: 38839381 PMCID: PMC11163614 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Migrants from high HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemicity regions have a great burden of these infections and related diseases in the host countries. This study aimed to assess the predictive capacity of the Test Rapide d'Orientation Diagnostique (TROD) Screen questionnaire for HIV, HBV and HCV infections among migrants arriving in France. DESIGN An observational and multicentre study was conducted among migrants. A self-questionnaire on demographic characteristics, personal medical history and sexual behaviours was completed. SETTING The study was conducted in the centres of the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). PARTICIPANTS Convenience sampling was used to select and recruit adult migrants between January 2017 and March 2020. OUTCOME MEASURES Participants were tested for HIV, HBV and HCV with rapid tests. For each infection, the test performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristics curves, using area under the curve (AUC) as a measure of accuracy. RESULTS Among 21 133 regular migrants seen in OFII centres, 15 343 were included in the study. The participants' mean age was 35.6 years (SD±11.1). The prevalence (95% CI) of HBV, HCV and HIV was 2.0% (1.8% to 2.2%), 0.3% (0.2% to 0.4%) and 0.3% (0.2% to 0.4%), respectively. Based on the sensitivity-specificity curve analysis, the cut-off points (95% CI) chosen for the risk score were: 2.5 (2.5 to 7.5) for HBV infection in men; 6.5 (0.5 to 6.5) for HBV infection in women; 9.5 (9.5 to 12.5) for HCV infection; and 10.5 (10.0 to 18.5) for HIV infection. Test performance was highest for HIV (AUC=82.15% (95% CI 74.54% to 87.99%)), followed by that for HBV in men (AUC=79.22%, (95% CI 76.18% to 82.26%)), for HBV in women (AUC=78.83 (95% CI 74.54% to 82.10%)) and that for HCV (AUC=75.95% (95% CI 68.58% to 83.32%)). CONCLUSION The TROD screen questionnaire showed good overall performance for predicting HIV, HBV and HCV infections among migrants in OFII centres. It could be used to optimise screening for these infections and to propose rapid screening tests to those who are at high risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02959684.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Duracinsky
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP- HP, Paris, France
- ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, Paris, France
- Internal Medicine Unit, Le Kremlin Bicêtre Hospital, Bicêtre, France
| | - Issifou Yaya
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP- HP, Paris, France
- ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Lisa Yombo-Kokule
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP- HP, Paris, France
- ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Bessonneau
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP- HP, Paris, France
- ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Thonon
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP- HP, Paris, France
- ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Olivia Rousset-Torrente
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP- HP, Paris, France
- ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, Paris, France
| | | | - France Lert
- Paris Fast Track City Initiative (FTCI) program, Paris, France
| | - David Zucman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Olivier Chassany
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP- HP, Paris, France
- ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, Paris, France
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Saseetharran A, Hiebert L, Gupta N, Nyirahabihirwe F, Kamali I, Ward JW. Prevention, testing, and treatment interventions for hepatitis B and C in refugee populations: results of a scoping review. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:866. [PMID: 38071291 PMCID: PMC10709891 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08861-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Refugees are at higher risk for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), but often face unique healthcare barriers to vaccination, testing, and treatment. This scoping review aimed to identify and characterize HBV and HCV prevention and care services serving refugee populations globally. METHODS A literature search was conducted on Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases. Research studies published in English between January 2010 to July 2022 describing an HBV or HCV prevention, testing, or treatment intervention for refugees were included. RESULTS There were a total of 69 articles reporting viral hepatitis prevalence, implementation of services, or economic modelling. Of the 38 implementation studies, 14 were stand-alone HBV and/or HCV interventions, while 24 studies included HBV and/or HCV in an intervention targeting multiple infectious diseases and/or parasitic infections. Interventions commonly included a testing (n = 30) or referral (n = 24) component. Frequently reported features to promote program accessibility included bilingual services (n = 25), community partnerships (n = 21), and multidisciplinary staff members (n = 18), such as cultural and/or linguistic mediators, community health workers, community health leaders, lay health workers, local health staff, members of the refugee community, and social workers. The most commonly reported challenge was the transience of refugees (n = 5). Twenty studies noted funding sources, of which twelve reported governmental funding (not including national health insurance) and eight reported that refugees received national health insurance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first scoping review to characterize the types of hepatitis prevention, screening, and treatment interventions serving refugee populations globally. Published experiences of HBV and HCV services for refugee populations remain limited. Additional efforts are needed to disseminate models of hepatitis interventions for refugees to ensure access to care for this key population. To achieve hepatitis elimination globally, best practices must be identified and shared to expand access to hepatitis services for refugee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankeeta Saseetharran
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, 330 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA.
| | - Lindsey Hiebert
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, 330 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA
| | - Neil Gupta
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, 330 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA
| | | | | | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, 330 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA
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Urban K, Payton C, Mamo B, Volkman H, Giorgio K, Kennedy L, Bomber YC, Rodrigues KK, Young J, Tumaylle C, Matheson J, Tasslimi A, Montour J, Jentes E. Hepatitis C Screening and Antibody Prevalence Among Newly Arrived Refugees to the United States, 2010-2017. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:1323-1330. [PMID: 36995524 PMCID: PMC10062256 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01471-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Six refugee screening sites collaborated to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies among newly arrived refugees in the United States from 2010 to 2017, identify demographic characteristics associated with HCV antibody positivity, and estimate missed HCV antibody-positive adults among unscreened refugees. We utilized a cross-sectional study to examine HCV prevalence among refugees (N = 144,752). A predictive logistic regression model was constructed to determine the effectiveness of current screening practices at identifying cases. The prevalence of HCV antibodies among the 64,703 refugees screened was 1.6%. Refugees from Burundi (5.4%), Moldova (3.8%), Democratic Republic of Congo (3.2%), Burma (2.8%), and Ukraine (2.0%) had the highest positivity among refugee arrivals. An estimated 498 (0.7%) cases of HCV antibody positivity were missed among 67,787 unscreened adults. The domestic medical examination represents an opportunity to screen all adult refugees for HCV to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailey Urban
- Minnesota Department of Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division, St. Paul, MN, 55164, Türkiye.
| | - Colleen Payton
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA, U.S
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Blain Mamo
- Minnesota Department of Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division, St. Paul, MN, 55164, Türkiye
| | - Hannah Volkman
- Minnesota Department of Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division, St. Paul, MN, 55164, Türkiye
| | - Katherine Giorgio
- Minnesota Department of Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division, St. Paul, MN, 55164, Türkiye
| | - Lori Kennedy
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Newcomer Health Program, Health Equity Branch, Disease Control and Public Health Response Division, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Yuli Chen Bomber
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Newcomer Health Program, Health Equity Branch, Disease Control and Public Health Response Division, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kristine Knuti Rodrigues
- Denver Health and Hospitals, Department of General Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Janine Young
- Denver Health and Hospitals, Department of General Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Carol Tumaylle
- Colorado Department of Human Services, Colorado Refugee Services Program, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jasmine Matheson
- Washington State Department of Health, Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Refugee and Immigrant Health Program, Shoreline, WA, USA
| | - Azadeh Tasslimi
- Washington State Department of Health, Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Refugee and Immigrant Health Program, Shoreline, WA, USA
| | - Jessica Montour
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Refugee Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Emily Jentes
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Freeman BM, Chea S, Shobayo BI. Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B virus among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional, hospital-based study in Montserrado County, Liberia. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:77. [PMID: 38282769 PMCID: PMC10819845 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.77.27949] [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: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Prevention is critical in safeguarding against the spread of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) regarding the disease play an important role in its prevention or spread, yet in this regard, data in Liberia remains scarce. Hence, determining the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) level of HCWs toward HBV infection becomes necessary. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 251 HCWs at two major health facilities in Monrovia. KAP regarding HBV was assessed using a standardized structured questionnaire. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics for demographic characteristics, percentages for categorical variables, and mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables. Kruskal Wallis test, p < 0.05, was used to derive statistical inferences. Complete data from 248 respondents showed a mean age of 36.3 ± 8.9 years with most respondents were within 30-39 age range (45.82%). While poor knowledge was observed in responses to all categories of questions, correct response rates to questions range from 41.93 - 99.19% for transmission of HBV, to 98.79 - 100% for preventive measures of HBV. About 77.8% and 90.32% of study respondents strongly agreed that hepatitis B is a major public health threat and that following infection control guidelines will protect them from being infected with HBV at work respectively. More than half of the participants (60.08%) had a history of needle-stick injury (NSI), and washing the injury site with water and soap, sterilizing the wound, and checking whether the patient has a blood-borne disease was done by 48.79%, 53.62% and 27.01% of the respondents respectively. Findings from this study show that there is an inadequate level of KAP regarding HBV infection among the HCWs. It therefore is expedient to conduct regular awareness campaigns for HCWs on preventive measures against HBV infection in hospitals, in addition to workshops and in-service trainings on infection prevention and control (IPC) best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bluefin Masell Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Liberia, Louisiana, Liberia
- Department of Biology, Shaoxing College of Arts and Sciences, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Sampson Chea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Liberia, Louisiana, Liberia
| | - Bode Ireti Shobayo
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Liberia, Louisiana, Liberia
- Division of Public Health and Medical Research, Department of Technical Services, National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
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Hong YM, Yoon KT, Park YJ, Woo HY, Heo J. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in North Korean Defectors Residing in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e270. [PMID: 37644684 PMCID: PMC10462482 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and identify the demographic, and sociological characteristics and changes in awareness of HCV infection by participating the study for North Korean defectors residing in South Korea. METHODS This study prospectively enrolled participants. Demographic, sociological and clinical data, and questionnaire surveys focused on awareness of HCV infection were collected. RESULTS In total, 211 North Korean defectors participated in this study from September 2020 until June 2021. There were 174 women (82.5%), and the overall mean age was 48.9 years (range, 20 to 80 years). Of these participants, 112 (53.1%) had immigrated to South Korea since 2011. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV antibody among North Korean defectors was 1.9%. Thirty participants (14.2%) had hepatitis B surface antigens. A huge lack of awareness regarding HCV infection has been observed among North Korean defectors. CONCLUSION This is the first prospective study to investigate the prevalence rate of HCV infection among North Korean defectors residing in South Korea. As North Korean defectors are a vulnerable group concerning HCV infection, they may benefit from HCV screening policies and educational interventions for HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Mi Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Hyun Young Woo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
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Heo J, Kim YJ, Lee SW, Lee YJ, Yoon KT, Byun KS, Jung YJ, Tak WY, Jeong SH, Kwon KM, Suri V, Wu P, Jang BK, Lee BS, Cho JY, Jang JW, Yang SH, Paik SW, Kim HJ, Kwon JH, Park NH, Kim JH, Kim IH, Ahn SH, Lim YS. Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir and sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir for hepatitis C in Korea: a Phase 3b study. Korean J Intern Med 2023; 38:504-513. [PMID: 37424500 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2022.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Despite the availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Korea, need remains for pangenotypic regimens that can be used in the presence of hepatic impairment, comorbidities, or prior treatment failure. We investigated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir and sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir for 12 weeks in HCV-infected Korean adults. METHODS This Phase 3b, multicenter, open-label study included 2 cohorts. In Cohort 1, participants with HCV genotype 1 or 2 and who were treatment-naive or treatment-experienced with interferon-based treatments, received sofosbuvir-velpatasvir 400/100 mg/day. In Cohort 2, HCV genotype 1 infected individuals who previously received an NS5A inhibitor-containing regimen ≥ 4 weeks received sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir 400/100/100 mg/day. Decompensated cirrhosis was an exclusion criterion. The primary endpoint was SVR12, defined as HCV RNA < 15 IU/mL 12 weeks following treatment. RESULTS Of 53 participants receiving sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, 52 (98.1%) achieved SVR12. The single participant who did not achieve SVR12 experienced an asymptomatic Grade 3 ASL/ALT elevation on day 15 and discontinued treatment. The event resolved without intervention. All 33 participants (100%) treated with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir achieved SVR 12. Overall, sofosbuvir-velpatasvir and sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir were safe and well tolerated. Three participants (5.6%) in Cohort 1 and 1 participant (3.0%) in Cohort 2 had serious adverse events, but none were considered treatment-related. No deaths or grade 4 laboratory abnormalities were reported. CONCLUSION Treatment with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir or sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir was safe and resulted in high SVR12 rates in Korean HCV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Wook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Youn-Jae Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Byun
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Jin Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Young Tak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | | | | | - Peiwen Wu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Byoung Kuk Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Byung Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Woon Paik
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Neung Hwa Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - In Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Ayorinde A, Ghosh I, Ali I, Zahair I, Olarewaju O, Singh M, Meehan E, Anjorin SS, Rotheram S, Barr B, McCarthy N, Oyebode O. Health inequalities in infectious diseases: a systematic overview of reviews. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067429. [PMID: 37015800 PMCID: PMC10083762 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this systematic overview of reviews was to synthesise available evidence on inequalities in infectious disease based on three dimensions of inequalities; inclusion health groups, protected characteristics and socioeconomic inequalities. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and OpenGrey databases in November 2021. We included reviews published from the year 2000 which examined inequalities in the incidence, prevalence or consequences of infectious diseases based on the dimensions of interest. Our search focused on tuberculosis, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis C, vaccination and antimicrobial resistance. However, we also included eligible reviews of any other infectious diseases. We appraised the quality of reviews using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews V.2 (AMSTAR2) checklist. We conducted a narrative data synthesis. RESULTS We included 108 reviews in our synthesis covering all the dimensions of inequalities for most of the infectious disease topics of interest, however the quality and volume of review evidence and consistency of their findings varied. The existing literature reviews provide strong evidence that people in inclusion health groups and lower socioeconomic status are consistently at higher risk of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and incomplete/delayed vaccination. In the protected characteristics dimension, ethnicity, and sexual orientation are important factors contributing to inequalities across the various infectious disease topics included in this overview of reviews. CONCLUSION We identified many reviews that provide evidence of various types of health inequalities in different infectious diseases, vaccination, and antimicrobial resistance. We also highlight areas where reviews may be lacking. The commonalities in the associations and their directions suggest it might be worth targeting interventions for some high risk-groups that may have benefits across multiple infectious disease outcomes rather than operating purely in infectious disease siloes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iman Ghosh
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ifra Ali
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Iram Zahair
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Olajumoke Olarewaju
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Megha Singh
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Edward Meehan
- School of Public Health and Prevention Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Suzanne Rotheram
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ben Barr
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Noel McCarthy
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oyinlola Oyebode
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, London, UK
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Pfeil J, Bialek R, Heininger U, Liese J, Simon A, Stich A, Assaad K, von Both U, Janda A, Kitz C, Kobbe R, Kunze M, Lindert J, Ritz N, Trapp S, Fressle R, Hufnagel M. Aktualisierte Empfehlungen zur infektiologischen Versorgung von Flüchtlingen im Kindes- und Jugendalter in Deutschland (Stand 30. März 2022), angemeldet als S1-Leitlinie (AWMF-Register Nr. 048-017). Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2022; 170:632-647. [PMID: 35645410 PMCID: PMC9130691 DOI: 10.1007/s00112-022-01499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Mit etwa 190.000 Asylanträgen im Jahr 2021 ist Deutschland das wichtigste Aufnahmeland von Asylsuchenden in Europa. Die vorliegenden Handlungsempfehlungen sollen eine Grundlage für eine evidenzbasierte und zielgerichtete infektiologische Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge schaffen. Ziele Die Handlungsempfehlungen sollen medizinisches Personal in der Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge unterstützen, um 1. einen unvollständigen Impfschutz frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu vervollständigen; 2. übliche Infektionskrankheiten zu diagnostizieren und zu behandeln; 3. in Deutschland seltene Infektionskrankheiten frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu therapieren. Material und Methoden Die Handlungsempfehlungen wurden als AWMF-Leitlinie Stufe 1 verfasst. Entsprechend wurden die Empfehlungen durch eine repräsentativ zusammengesetzte Expertengruppe der beteiligten Fachgesellschaften im informellen Konsens erarbeitet und final von den Vorständen der Fachgesellschaften offiziell verabschiedet. Ergebnisse Es werden Empfehlungen ausgesprochen, für den Umfang der Anamnese und der körperlichen Untersuchung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge. Für alle minderjährigen Flüchtlinge werden die Bestimmung eines Differenzialblutbildes sowie Untersuchungen auf Tuberkulose und Hepatitis B empfohlen. Je nach Herkunft und Alter werden weitere gezielte Untersuchungen z. B. auf Hepatitis C, HIV oder Schistosomiasis empfohlen. Zur raschen Vervollständigung des Impfstatus wird eine alters- und indikationsbezogene Priorisierung einzelner Impfungen vorgenommen. Diskussion Angesichts anhaltend hoher Flüchtlingszahlen ist eine weitere Professionalisierung der medizinischen Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge notwendig. Hierzu sollten die notwendigen strukturellen und personellen Rahmenbedingungen geschaffen werden.
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Kazmi SA, Rauf A, Shafique F, Asim N, Shafi N, Hassan MU. Kashmiri refugees at the verge of hepatitis B and C epidemic in the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Rev Saude Publica 2022; 56:33. [PMID: 35544886 PMCID: PMC9060764 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056003479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among immigrants residing refugee camps in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and to identify possible risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. METHODS Around 1,225 individuals inhabiting Muzaffarabad refugee camps, participated in the study. A qualitative Immuno-Chromatographic Technique was used for initial screening and PCR test was used for detection of HBV and HCV in participants. The major risk factors for HBV and HCV transmission were assessed using a questionnaire approach. RESULTS Around 86 (7.0%) individuals were observed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) presence, and 215 (17.5%) individuals were found positive for Anti-HCV. Only 32 (2.6%) individuals were confirmed for HBV DNA and 126 (10.3%) individuals were positive for HCV RNA after PCR. Demographically, both HBsAg and Anti-HCV were found more prevalent in female (4.4% HBsAg and 10.8% Anti-HCV) population as compared to male (2.6% HBsAg and 6.7% Anti-HCV) population. Surprisingly, the HBsAg (23.5%) and Anti-HCV (41.1%) appeared to be more frequent in the age group 62–75 years. Previous history of hepatitis in the family (p < 0.0001), blood transfusion (p = 0.0197) dental treatment (p < 0.0001) and tattooing or piercing on any part of the body (p = 0.0028) were assessed as significant risk factors in HBV and HCV transmission. CONCLUSIONS Presence of 7.0% HBsAg and 17.5% Anti-HCV in a small fragment of the migrant population cannot be overlooked. Lack of awareness among people and negligence of health department could escalate the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ayaz Kazmi
- University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Department of Zoology. Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rauf
- University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Department of Zoology. Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Farheen Shafique
- University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Department of Zoology. Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Noreen Asim
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Division of Genomics and Bioinformatics. The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Nuzhat Shafi
- University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Department of Zoology. Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Mahreen Ul Hassan
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University. Department of Microbiology. Peshawar, Pakistan
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10
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Agbata EN, Buitrago-Garcia D, Nunez-Gonzalez S, Hashmi SS, Pottie K, Alonso-Coello P, Arevalo-Rodriguez I. Quality assessment of systematic reviews on international migrant healthcare interventions: a systematic review. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01390-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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11
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Petrosyan Y, Simmons JG, Kelly E, Cooper CL. Uptake and factors associated with direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C and treatment outcomes among Canadian immigrants: A retrospective cohort analysis. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022; 5:388-401. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2021-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We sought to compare rates and factors associated with Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) treatment uptake and sustained virological response (SVR) between Canadian-born and foreign-born patients. METHODS: The study was conducted utilizing a retrospective cohort of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients assessed at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Clinic between January 2015 and October 2021. Risk factors, income, and clinical characteristics of HCV infection associated with DAA therapy uptake and SVR were compared by immigration status using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1,459 HCV-infected patients, 264 (18.1%) were born outside of the country. A median 17 years passed from immigration to first assessment at the clinic. The proportion of patients initiating DAA therapy was similar between groups (65.2% versus 69.5%, p = 0.17). Characteristics associated with DAA therapy uptake included age at first assessment (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03) and being cirrhotic (OR = 3.19; 95% CI 1.99 to 2.13). Crude SVR rate was higher in immigrants than in Canadian-born patients (91.5% versus 83.7%, p = 0.01). After controlling for other variables, only advancing age was associated with the likelihood of achieving crude SVR (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that DAA therapy uptake and HCV cure rates were high in both groups suggesting equity of opportunity in those referred to our program. The older age at presentation suggests missed opportunities to diagnose and engage immigrants in HCV care. These findings emphasize the importance of early large-scale screening and engagement in care for HCV infection of immigrant populations to prevent future complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelena Petrosyan
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Erin Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Ali M, Rahman MA, Njuguna H, Rahman S, Hossain R, Sayeed A, Ahmed F, Alam S, Azam G, Safwath SA, Alam M. High Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections Among Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh: A Growing Concern for the Refugees and the Host Communities. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 19:1-6. [PMID: 35106141 PMCID: PMC8785913 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Content available: Audio Recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali
- National Liver Foundation of BangladeshDhakaBangladesh
| | - M Anisur Rahman
- Department Of Gastro intestinal Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Disorders (GHPD)BIRDEM General HospitalDhakaBangladesh
| | - Henry Njuguna
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis EliminationTask Force for Global HealthDecaturGA
| | - Salimur Rahman
- Department of HepatologyBangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Rabiul Hossain
- Department of Gastroenterology Lab Aid Specialized HospitalDhakaBangladesh
| | - Abu Sayeed
- Department of MedicineChittagong Medical College HospitalChittagongBangladesh
| | - Faruque Ahmed
- Department of GastroenterologySheikh Russel National Gastro Liver Institute & HospitalDhakaBangladesh
| | - Shahinul Alam
- Department of HepatologyBangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Golam Azam
- Department Of Gastro intestinal Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Disorders (GHPD)BIRDEM General HospitalDhakaBangladesh
| | - Syed Alamgir Safwath
- Department of GastroenterologyJalalabad Ragib‐Rabeya Medical CollegeSylhetBangladesh
| | - Mahabubul Alam
- Department of HepatologyBangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)DhakaBangladesh
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13
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Le D, Ciceron AC, Pan J, Juon HS, Berg CJ, Nguyen TA, Le HC, Yang YT. Linkage-to-Care Following Community-Based HBV and HCV Screening Among Immigrants from the Washington–Baltimore Metropolitan Area, 2016–2019. J Immigr Minor Health 2022; 24:1137-1144. [PMID: 35064900 PMCID: PMC8783186 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding characteristics that impact linkage-to-care (LTC) among individuals living with HBV and/or HCV can enhance public health efforts to provide tailored care services to prevent and treat viral hepatitis among immigrants. Using HBV/HCV screening and LTC data from immigrants (2016–2019), descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess (1) the relationship between LTC and sociodemographic factors and (2) factors associated with HBV/HCV LTC. About 87% of those positive HBsAg had LTC and 52% had LTC among those with HCVAB and confirmed PCR. Access to care was an important LTC predictor for HBV–LTC: those who had neither health insurance nor primary care provider (PCP) were more likely to have HBV–LTC than those who had either health insurance or PCP (aOR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.32–6.59). It is essential to equally provide HBV/HCV LTC support to all immigrants from countries with high prevalence regardless of access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Le
- School of Nursing, The George Washington University, 1919 Pennsylvania NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20006, USA.
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Annie Coriolan Ciceron
- School of Nursing, The George Washington University, 1919 Pennsylvania NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
| | - Jane Pan
- Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington DC (HBI-DC), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hee-Soon Juon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carla J Berg
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - T Angeline Nguyen
- Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington DC (HBI-DC), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hai Chi Le
- Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington DC (HBI-DC), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Y Tony Yang
- School of Nursing, The George Washington University, 1919 Pennsylvania NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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14
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Halley E, Giai J, Chappuis M, Tomasino A, Henaine R, Letrilliart L. Health Profile of Precarious Migrants Attending the Médecins Du Monde's Health and Social Care Centres in France: a Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:602394. [PMID: 34456664 PMCID: PMC8386651 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.602394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the precarious migrants' health problems managed in Médecins du Monde's health and social care centres (CASO) with those of patients attending general practice in France. Methods: We compared the most frequent health problems managed in the 19 CASO in metropolitan France with those of a national sample of usual general practice consultations, after standardisation for age and sex. Results: Precarious migrants had fewer health problems managed per consultation than other patients (mean: 1.31 vs. 2.16), and these corresponded less frequently to chronic conditions (21.3% vs. 46.8%). The overrepresented health problems among CASO consultations were mainly headache (1.11% vs. 0.45%), viral hepatitis (1.05% vs. 0.20%), type 1 diabetes (1.01% vs. 0.50%) and teeth/gum disease (1.01% vs. 0.23%). Their underrepresented health problems were mainly lipid disorder (0.39% vs. 8.20%), depressive disorder (1.36% vs. 5.28%) and hypothyroidism (0.50% vs. 3.08%). Prevention issues were nominal in precarious migrants (0.16%). Conclusion: Both chronic somatic and mental conditions of precarious migrants are presumably underdiagnosed. Their screening should be improved in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeraude Halley
- Collège universitaire de médecine générale, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Univ. Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Joris Giai
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | | | | | - Roland Henaine
- Unité d'enseignement Libre Médecine Humanitaire et SAMU Social, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Service de chirurgie cardiaque C, Hôpital Cardiologique Louis Pradel, Bron, France
| | - Laurent Letrilliart
- Collège universitaire de médecine générale, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Univ. Lyon, Lyon, France.,Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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15
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Yasseen AS, Kwong JC, Feld JJ, Janjua NZ, Greenaway C, Lapointe-Shaw L, Sherman M, Mazzulli T, Kustra R, MacDonald L, Sander B, Crowcroft NS. Viral hepatitis C cascade of care: A population-level comparison of immigrant and long-term residents. Liver Int 2021; 41:1775-1788. [PMID: 33655665 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Viral hepatitis C represents a major global burden, particularly among immigrant-receiving countries such as Canada, where knowledge of disparities in hepatitis C virus among immigrant groups for micro-elimination efforts is lacking. We quantify the hepatitis C cascades of care among immigrants and long-term residents prior to the introduction of direct-acting antiviral medications. METHODS Using laboratory and health administrative records, we described the hepatitis C virus cascades of care in terms of diagnosis, engagement with care, treatment initiation, and clearance in Ontario, Canada (1997-2014). We stratified the cascade by immigrant and long-term resident groups and identify drivers at each stage using multivariable Poisson regression. RESULTS We included 940 245 individuals in the study with an estimated hepatitis C prevalence of 167 923 (1.4%) overall, 23 759 (0.7%) among all immigrants, and 6019 (1.1%) among immigrants from hepatitis C endemic countries. Overall there were 104 616 individuals with reactive antibody results, 73 861 tested for viral RNA, 52 388 with viral RNA detected, 50 805 genotyped, 13 159 on treatment and 3919 with evidence of viral clearance. Compared to long-term residents, immigrants showed increased nucleic-acid testing (aRR: 1.09 [95%CI: 1.08, 1.10]), treatment initiation (aRR: 1.46 [95%CI: 1.38, 1.54]), and higher clearance rates (aRR: 1.07 [95%CI: 1.03, 1.11]). CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis C virus is more prevalent among long-term residents compared to immigrants overall, however, immigrants from endemic countries are an important subgroup to consider for future screening and linkage to care initiatives. These findings are prior to the introduction of newer medications and provide a population-based benchmark for follow-up studies and evaluation of treatment programs and surveillance activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdool S Yasseen
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- BC Centre for Disease Control - Hepatitis Testers Cohort, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lauren Lapointe-Shaw
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tony Mazzulli
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital/University Health Network Department of Microbiology, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rafal Kustra
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Liane MacDonald
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Natasha S Crowcroft
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Norman FF, Comeche B, Martínez-Lacalzada M, Pérez-Molina JA, Gullón B, Monge-Maillo B, Chamorro S, López-Vélez R. Seroprevalence of vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable infections in migrants in Spain. J Travel Med 2021; 28:6145914. [PMID: 33611577 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Updated seroprevalence studies of infections in migrants may aid the design of tailored vaccination and prevention programmes. The objective of this study was to describe the seroprevalence rates for potentially transmissible viral infections in migrants attended at a referral centre in a major European city. METHODS Descriptive analysis of seroprevalence of vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable infections in migrants attended at a centre in Madrid, Spain (2018-19). Recorded variables included age, gender, country of birth/continent of origin, time from arrival to Spain until first clinic visit, rubella, measles, mumps, varicella (VZV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV serology. RESULTS In total, 468 patients were included, 135 females (28.8%) and 333 males (71.2%), mean age 30.4 years. The majority of patients were from Africa (52.5%, of which 88.2% from sub-Saharan Africa), followed by Latin America (38.5%) and other areas (9%). Seroprevalence for tested migrants for rubella, measles and mumps was < 95% in the group overall (91% rubella, 88% measles, 83% mumps) and lower rates were observed in migrants >20 years (compared with those ≤ 20 years). Over 10% of females were potentially susceptible (negative/indeterminate serology) to rubella (11.4%), measles (12.7%) or mumps (10.3%). Lowest rates of rubella seropositivity were in Latin American migrants (over 12% potentially susceptible); measles and mumps seropositivity was lowest in migrants from areas other than Africa/Latin America (74% and 68%, respectively). Seroprevalence rates were 91% for VZV, 90% overall for HAV, ~6% for HBV chronic infection (~50% of migrants tested susceptible), 2% for HCV and 6% for HIV. CONCLUSIONS Differences in seroprevalence for vaccine-preventable and transmissible infections according to gender, age range and area of origin were observed. Tailored screening, vaccination and prevention strategies in potentially vulnerable migrant groups should be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Comeche
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Martínez-Lacalzada
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gullón
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Monge-Maillo
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Chamorro
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Hannula R, Söderholm J, Svendsen T, Skaland M, Nordbø SA, Steinum H, Damås JK. Hepatitis C outreach project and cross-sectional epidemiology in high-risk populations in Trondheim, Norway. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211053929. [PMID: 34733508 PMCID: PMC8558792 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211053929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C is highly prevalent among people who use drugs (PWUD), and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic is less characterised in Norway. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence and treatment willingness in high-risk populations by reaching out to frequently visited sites for high-risk populations. METHODS Individuals from high-risk populations were included from September 2015 to March 2017. Two dedicated study nurses frequently visited the local opioid substitution clinic, outpatient clinics, PWUD day centres, local prison, and refugee centre in Trondheim, Norway. Demographic data, risk behaviour, and clinical symptoms were obtained by study questionnaire. Subjects with anti-HCV+ rapid test were subsequently tested for HCV RNA and genotyped. Viraemic patients were offered referral for HCV treatment evaluation. RESULTS A total of 381 participants were included in the study: 52 immigrants, 62 prisoners, and 267 PWUD. The anti-HCV prevalence rates were 0% (n = 0) in immigrants, 40% (n = 25) in prisoners, and 61% (n = 164) in PWUD, with 24% (n = 15) of prisoners and 42% (n = 108) of PWUD being viraemic. Of those qualifying for treatment (n = 31), 30 wished to be evaluated. CONCLUSION This study showed high HCV prevalence in prisoners and PWUD and that infected high-risk patients were interested in treatment evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa Hannula
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jonas Söderholm
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese Svendsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Maja Skaland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Svein A. Nordbø
- Department of Medical Microbiology, St. Olavs Hospital HF, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Harald Steinum
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan K. Damås
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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18
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Psaros Einberg A, Fischler B. Chronic viral hepatitis-'B' aware and 'C' the new possibilities. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:2441-2442. [PMID: 32794600 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afrodite Psaros Einberg
- Department of Pediatrics, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Fischler
- Department of Pediatrics, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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DONISI ALESSANDRA, GERNA LAURA, FIETTA TOMMASO, GRECCHI CECILIA. Screening approach among newly arrived asylum seekers: experience in a primary health care setting in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, Northern Italy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E445-E450. [PMID: 33150232 PMCID: PMC7595074 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.3.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In the last ten years the number of asylum seekers has increased in all of Europe. Our Migrants Health Unit in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, Italy, is designated to provide primary health care for migrants without a regular permit of stay and, since 2015, is the reference center for asylum-seekers in our Province. Aim of this study is to describe the results of the screening for infectious diseases performed in asylum seekers from January 2015 to December 2015. For any asylum seekers referred to our Centre, we recorded demographical data and we offered screening for HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis and active tuberculosis (TB). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the characteristics of the cohort. In 2015, 316 asylum seekers accessed to our Centre. Of them, the majority were men (N= 275; 87,03%). Africa was the most represented geographical area (221, 69,94%), followed from Asia (95, 30.06%). The median age was 25,4 years. 301 patients underwent chest X-Ray, that resulted negative in 262 cases (87%). HBsAg testing proved to be positive in 17 (5,3%) cases. The screening test for HCV, HIV and syphilis resulted respectively positive in 1.9%, 0.3% and 1.6%.
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Affiliation(s)
- ALESSANDRA DONISI
- Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
| | - LAURA GERNA
- Infectious Diseases Unit, General Hospital of Piacenza, Italy
| | - TOMMASO FIETTA
- Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
| | - CECILIA GRECCHI
- Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
- Correspondence: Cecilia Grecchi, Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy - E-mail:
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20
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Cooper CL, Read D, Vachon ML, Conway B, Wong A, Ramji A, Borgia S, Tam E, Barrett L, Smyth D, Feld JJ, Lee S. Hepatitis C virus infection characteristics and treatment outcomes in Canadian immigrants. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1345. [PMID: 32883249 PMCID: PMC7469277 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are multiple obstacles encountered by immigrants attempting to engage hepatitis C virus (HCV) care and treatment. We evaluated the diversity and treatment outcomes of HCV-infected immigrants evaluated for Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapy in Canada. METHODS The Canadian Network Undertaking against Hepatitis C (CANUHC) Cohort contains demographic information and DAA treatment information prospectively collected at 10 Canadian sites. Information on country of origin and race are collected. Characteristics and outcomes (sustained virological response; SVR) were compared by immigration status and race. RESULTS Between January 2016 and May 2018, 725 HCV-infected patients assessed for DAA therapy were enrolled in CANUHC (mean age: 52.66 ± 12.68 years); 65.66% male; 82.08% White, 5.28% Indigenous, 4.64% South East Asian, 4.64% East Indian, 3.36% Black). 18.48% were born outside of Canada. Mean age was similar [immigrants: 54.36 ± 13.95 years), Canadian-born: 52.27 ± 12.35 years); (p = 0.085)]. The overall baseline fibrosis score (in kPa measured by transient elastography) was similar among Canadian and foreign-born patients. Fibrosis score was not predicted by race or genotype. The proportion initiating DAA therapy was similar by immigrant status (56.72% vs 49.92%). SVR rates by intent-to-treat analysis were similar (immigrants-89.47%, Canadian-born-92.52%; p = 0.575). CONCLUSION A diverse immigrant population is engaging care in Canada, initiating HCV antiviral therapy in an equitable fashion and achieving SVR proportions similar to Canada-born patients. Our Canadian experience may be of value in informing HCV elimination efforts in economically developed regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis L Cooper
- University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Rd #2044, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, G12-501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Daniel Read
- University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Rd #2044, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Marie-Louise Vachon
- Laval University, Ferdinand Vandry Pavillon, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, 1200 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2C7, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Alnoor Ramji
- University of British Columbia, 317 - 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sergio Borgia
- McMaster University, Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery (MDCL) - 3104, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Ed Tam
- Liver Health Centre, 750 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1H2, Canada
| | - Lisa Barrett
- Dalhousie University, 5849 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Dan Smyth
- Dalhousie University, 5849 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sam Lee
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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21
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El-Sayed MH, Indolfi G. Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Children: A Challenge for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination. Semin Liver Dis 2020; 40:213-224. [PMID: 32526785 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a global public health threat. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) brings the prospect of curing the 71 million people living with the disease, dramatically changing the landscape of hepatitis C. The World Health Organization developed a roadmap for the elimination and cure of hepatitis C by 2030 with a clear goal with measurable targets. However, there is a lack of a well-defined strategy to tackle the hepatitis C virus (HCV) problem in children and adolescents vis-à-vis the adult population. Hepatitis C in children and adolescents can be addressed as part of a national policy for elimination in the whole population, namely macroelimination, or could be fragmented into a microelimination approach targeting the high-risk population groups. Children born to HCV-infected mothers, adolescents who are injecting drugs, migrants, and those suffering from inherited blood diseases are important target populations. After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the use of DAAs in children aged 3 years and above, evidence from clinical trials and real-world experience was accumulated using brand and generic medicines, with sustained virological response rates exceeding 95%. The evidence created should guide policies on the management of hepatitis C in children and adolescents. There are many challenges in managing HCV in this left-behind marginalized population. The lack of awareness and epidemiological data, consent age, prohibitive prices of medicines, and absence of policies on access to diagnostics, treatment, and linkage to care are among the many barriers to service delivery that should be addressed to achieve the elimination goal by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal H El-Sayed
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Giuseppe Indolfi
- Pediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital and Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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22
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Lanièce Delaunay C, Cox J, Klein M, Lambert G, Grace D, Lachowsky NJ, Maheu-Giroux M. Trends in hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men in Montréal: results from three cross-sectional studies (2005, 2009, 2018). Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:290-296. [PMID: 32703845 PMCID: PMC8165148 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030, Canada must adopt a microelimination approach targeting priority populations, including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Accurately describing HCV prevalence and risk factors locally is essential to design appropriate prevention and treatment interventions. We aimed to estimate temporal trends in HCV seroprevalence between 2005 and 2018 among Montréal MSM, and to identify socioeconomic, behavioural and biological factors associated with HCV exposure among this population. Methods We used data from three cross-sectional surveys conducted among Montréal MSM in 2005 (n=1795), 2009 (n=1258) and 2018 (n=1086). To ensure comparability of seroprevalence estimates across time, we standardised the 2005 and 2009 time-location samples to the 2018 respondent-driven sample. Time trends overall and stratified by HIV status, history of injection drug use (IDU) and age were examined. Modified Poisson regression analyses with generalised estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with HCV seropositivity pooling all surveys. Results Standardised HCV seroprevalence among all MSM remained stable from 7% (95% CI 3% to 10%) in 2005, to 8% (95% CI 1% to 9%) in 2009 and 8% (95% CI 4% to 11%) in 2018. This apparent stability hides diverging temporal trends in seroprevalence between age groups, with a decrease among MSM <30 years old and an increase among MSM aged ≥45 years old. Lifetime IDU was the strongest predictor of HCV seropositivity, and no association was found between HCV seroprevalence and sexual risk factors studied (condomless anal sex with men of serodiscordant/unknown HIV status, number of sexual partners, group sex). Conclusions HCV seroprevalence remained stable among Montréal MSM between 2005 and 2018. Unlike other settings where HCV infection was strongly associated with sexual risk factors among MSM, IDU was the pre-eminent risk factor for HCV seropositivity. Understanding the intersection of IDU contexts, practices and populations is essential to prevent HCV transmission among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lanièce Delaunay
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marina Klein
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Direction des risques biologiques et de la santé au travail, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Grace
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan John Lachowsky
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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23
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Abstract
Background: Georgia is leading one of the world’s first hepatitis C (HCV) elimination programs alongside interventions to combat a HIV epidemic concentrated among high-risk groups. Although progress has been substantial, neither strategy accounts for the nearly 150,000 internally displaced persons residing in collective centers (CC-IDPs) who are susceptible to deeply integrated risk environments that could promote infection. Achieving dedicated goals for HCV elimination and HIV suppression requires a clear understanding of the risks facing CC-IDPs. Objectives: This literature review aims to consolidate what is known about the socio-economic and physical/mental health status of IDPs living in collective centers in Georgia, and to assess their vulnerability to HIV and HCV in light of local and global epidemiological trends. Methods: Sources were compiled from journal publications, reports by government ministries and transnational organizations, and the Integrated Household Survey database (2009–2018; updated annually by the National Statistics Office of Georgia) through manual searches in PUBMED, Google Scholar and Search, ProQuest, and digital repositories of government offices. Findings: Reports indicate that CC-IDPs are more susceptible to poverty, poor living conditions, mental illness, disability, substance use, and in some cases infectious disease; although, the correlation is not always present and subject to variability. These factors were linked to increased transmission and acquisition of HIV/HCV in both displacement and non-displacement contexts abroad. The geographic concentration of HIV/HCV in areas with greater clusters of CC-IDPs, and shared characteristics with local high-risk groups, indicate the possibility of inordinate transmission among CC-IDPs in Georgia. Conclusions: The disproportionate prevalence of psychosocial and clinical harms among CC-IDPs testifies to the serious potential of a greater burden of HIV and hepatitis C. Going forward, targeted research is needed to inform interventions and clarify the health status of CC-IDPs in Georgia.
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24
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Eiset AH, Aoun MP, Haddad RS, Naja WJ, Fuursted K, Nielsen HV, Stensvold CR, Nielsen MS, Gottlieb A, Frydenberg M, Wejse C. Asylum seekers' and Refugees' Changing Health (ARCH) study protocol: an observational study in Lebanon and Denmark to assess health implications of long-distance migration on communicable and non-communicable diseases and mental health. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034412. [PMID: 32461293 PMCID: PMC7259863 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION By end of 2018, the European Union countries hosted approximately 2.5 million refugees and Lebanon alone hosted more than 1 million. The majority of refugees worldwide came from Syria. The prevailing study design in published studies on asylum seekers' and refugees' health leaves a number of fundamental research questions unanswerable. In the Asylum seekers' and Refugees' Changing Health (ARCH) study, we examine the health of a homogeneous group of refugees and asylum seekers in two very different host countries with very different migration histories. We aim to study the health impact of the migration process, living conditions, access to healthcare, gene-environment interactions and the health transition. METHODS AND ANALYSIS ARCH is an international multisite study of the health of adult (>18 years old) Syrian refugees and asylum seekers in Lebanon and Denmark. Using a standardised framework, we collect information on mental and physical health using validated scales and biological samples. We aim to include 220 participants in Danish asylum centres and 1100 participants in Lebanese refugee camps and settlements. We will use propensity score weights to control for confounding and multiple imputation to handle missing data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained in Lebanon and Denmark. In the short term, we will present the cross-sectional association between long-distance migration and the results of the throat and wound swab, blood and faeces samples and mental health screenings. In the longer term, we are planning to follow the refugees in Denmark with collection of dried blood spots, mental health screenings and semistructured qualitative interviews on the participant's health and access to healthcare in the time lived in Denmark. Here, we present an overview of the background for the ARCH study as well as a thorough description of the methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Halgreen Eiset
- Center for Global Health (GloHAU), Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Clinic for PTSD and Anxiety, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Ramzi S Haddad
- Department of Psychiatry, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wadih J Naja
- Department of Psychiatry, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kurt Fuursted
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Henrik Vedel Nielsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | | | | | - Annemarie Gottlieb
- Clinic for PTSD and Anxiety, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Christian Wejse
- Center for Global Health (GloHAU), Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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25
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Boga JA, Casado L, Fernández-Suarez J, Moran N, Rodríguez-Perez M, Martínez-Sela M, Pérez A, Garcia-Perez A, Menendez C, Santos S, Rodriguez-Guardado A. Screening Program for Imported Diseases in Immigrant Women: Analysis and Implications from a Gender-Oriented Perspective. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:480-484. [PMID: 32342844 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The female immigrant population is especially vulnerable to imported diseases. We describe the results of a prospective screening program for imported diseases performed in immigrant female patients. The protocol included tests for HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma spp., intestinal parasites, malaria, and the detection of microfilaremia, according to the patient's origin. Six hundred eleven patients were studied. The most frequent imported diseases were intestinal parasitosis (39.4%), followed by syphilis (14.6%), HIV infection (9%), chronic HCV (5%), and HBV (3.3%). Most of the cases of HIV (78%) and HBV (85%) were diagnosed in patients aged between 16 and 45 years. Hepatitis C virus appeared mostly in patients in the 46- to 65-year range (P = 0.001; odds ratio [OD]: 3.667 [1.741-7.724]) or older than 65 years (P = 0.0001; OR: 26.350 [7.509-92.463]). Syphilis was diagnosed more frequently in patients older than 46 years (P = 0.0001; OR: 4.273 [2.649-6.893]). Multivariate analysis confirmed a greater presence of HCV infection (P = 0.049) and syphilis (P = 0.0001) in patients aged between 46 and 65 years. In 15.4% of patients, screening did not find any pathology. These data show a high prevalence of imported diseases in the female immigrant population, which may have serious consequences in terms of morbimortality and vertical transmission. Our results encourage the establishment of policies of active screening both in women of childbearing age and within the specific pregnancy screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Boga
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Casado
- Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cruz Roja, Gijón, Spain
| | - Jonathan Fernández-Suarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Noelia Moran
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodríguez-Perez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Sela
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Candela Menendez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fundación Hospital de Aviles, Aviles, Spain
| | - Sagrario Santos
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
| | - Azucena Rodriguez-Guardado
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Hepatitis C Virus Screening of High-Risk Patients in a Canadian Emergency Department. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 2020:5258289. [PMID: 32211349 PMCID: PMC7049435 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5258289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 0.7% of the Canadian population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and many individuals are unaware of their infection. Our objectives were to utilize an emergency department (ED) based point-of-care (POC) HCV screening test to describe our local population and estimate the proportion of high-risk patients in our population with undiagnosed HCV. METHODS A convenience sample of medically stable patients (≥18 years) presenting to a community ED in Calgary, AB, between April and July 2018 underwent rapid clinical screening for HCV risk factors, including history of injection drug use, healthcare in endemic countries, and other recognized criteria. High-risk patients were offered POC HCV testing. Antibody-positive patients underwent HCV-RNA testing and were linked to hepatology care. The primary outcome was the proportion of new HCV diagnoses in the high-risk population. RESULTS Of the 999 patients screened by survey, 247 patients (24.7%) were high-risk and eligible for testing. Of these, 123 (49.8%) were from HCV-endemic countries, while 63 (25.5%) and 31 (12.6%) patients endorsed a history of incarceration and intravenous drug use (IVDU), respectively. A total of 144 (58.3%) eligible patients agreed to testing. Of these, 6 patients were POC-positive (4.2%, CI 0.9-7.4%); all 6 had antibodies detected on confirmatory lab testing and 4 had detectable HCV-RNA viral loads in follow-up. Notably, 103 (41.7%) patients declined POC testing. Interpretation. Among 144 high-risk patients who agreed to testing, the rate of undiagnosed HCV infection was 4.2%, and the rate of undiagnosed HCV infection with detectable viral load was 2.8%. Many patients with high-risk clinical criteria refused POC testing. It is unknown if tested and untested groups have the same disease prevalence. This study shows that ED HCV screening is feasible and that a small number of previously undiagnosed patients can be identified and linked to potentially life-changing care.
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27
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Marchese V, Beltrame A, Angheben A, Marocco S, Gaeta GB, Bisoffi Z. The impact of schistosomiasis co-infection in the presentation of viral hepatitis B in migrants: An observational study in non-endemic area. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 35:101467. [PMID: 31449881 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, the prevalence rates of schistosomiasis and HBV infection in migrants from sub-Saharan Africa are high. The co-infection schistosomiasis-HBV has been scarcely studied. METHODS This is a retrospective study assessing differences in clinical presentation, laboratory and ultrasound findings in a cohort of migrants admitted at the Department of Infectious - Tropical Diseases and Microbiology IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital of Negrar (Northeast Italy) with schistosomiasis, HBV infection or both. RESULTS Of the 227 migrants, 175 (77.1%) with a diagnosis of schistosomiasis were classified as SCHISTO group, 35 (15.4%) with schistosomiasis and hepatitis B were classified as SCHISTO/HBV group, and 17 (7.5%) patients with a diagnosis of HBV infection were classified as HBV group. S. mansoni was found in 47 patients, classified in MANSONI (38/175, 21.7%) or MANSONI/HBV (9/35, 25.7%) group depending on HBsAg status. Mean transaminases and APRI index values were higher in SCHISTO/HBV compared to SCHISTO group (p < 0.01). AST differed between MANSONI/HBV and MANSONI group (p = 0.038). No differences were found between SCHISTO/HBV and HBV group. Eosinophil count and total IgE differed only between MANSONI/HBV and HBV group (p = 0,049). CONCLUSIONS Schistosomiasis seems not to increase the liver damage in people with HBV infection. Conversely, finding elevated transaminases in patients with schistosomiasis should alert for presence of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Marchese
- Department of Infectious - Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy; University Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases & WHO Collaborating Centre for TB/HIV and TB Elimination, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Beltrame
- Department of Infectious - Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy.
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Department of Infectious - Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy
| | - Stefania Marocco
- Department of Infectious - Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Gaeta
- Chair of Infectious Diseases, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Policlinico Via Pansini 5, 8031, Naples, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious - Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy; Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy
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28
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Mattlinger C, Thumfart JO, Heinen W, Michels H, Berres M, Vogt M, Jansky M. [Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and dependency on country of origin of refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany in 2015]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 61:1472-1480. [PMID: 30225596 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-018-2816-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C, a liver disease transmitted by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), can result in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to WHO estimates for 2015, approximately 71 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HCV, representing 1% of the world population. Worldwide migration movements lead to immigration from HCV high- to low-prevalence countries. There are, however, no published data available on HCV seroprevalence and its correlation with the country of origin in current unselected larger refugee populations (>1000 people) having entered Europe/Germany. OBJECTIVES Documentation and evaluation of hepatitis C seroprevalence and its correlation with the country of origin of refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate/Germany in 2015. METHODS As part of routine diagnostics during the initial medical examination, 12,880 refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate were screened for HCV antibodies in 2015. The data have been analyzed retrospectively and anonymously. RESULTS The collective comprising 12,880 refugees showed a HCV seroprevalence of 1.5%. This is higher than the HCV prevalence of the general German population (0.5%). In particular, a correlation between HCV seroprevalence and the country of origin could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS To reach the 2030 HCV-elimination target of the WHO, national and international recommendations to screen refugees/migrants from HCV high-prevalence countries for HCV should be emphasized. The chronically infected should be treated in accordance with HCV-guidelines. National, easily accessible information on HCV high-prevalence countries is required by attending physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mattlinger
- Zentrum für Allgemeinmedizin und Geriatrie, Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Am Pulverturm 13, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland.
| | | | - Wilma Heinen
- Gesundheitsamt der Kreisverwaltung Trier-Saarburg, Trier, Deutschland
| | - Harald Michels
- Gesundheitsamt der Kreisverwaltung Trier-Saarburg, Trier, Deutschland
| | - Manfred Berres
- RheinAhrCampus Remagen, Hochschule Koblenz, Remagen, Deutschland.,Institut für Medizinische Biometrie, Epidemiologie und Informatik, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Manfred Vogt
- Abteilung Humanmedizin, Landesuntersuchungsamt Rheinland-Pfalz, Koblenz, Deutschland
| | - Michael Jansky
- Zentrum für Allgemeinmedizin und Geriatrie, Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Am Pulverturm 13, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland
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29
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Schwarzer G, Chemaitelly H, Abu-Raddad LJ, Rücker G. Seriously misleading results using inverse of Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation in meta-analysis of single proportions. Res Synth Methods 2019; 10:476-483. [PMID: 30945438 PMCID: PMC6767151 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Standard generic inverse variance methods for the combination of single proportions are based on transformed proportions using the logit, arcsine, and Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformations. Generalized linear mixed models are another more elaborate approach. Irrespective of the approach, meta‐analysis results are typically back‐transformed to the original scale in order to ease interpretation. Whereas the back‐transformation of meta‐analysis results is straightforward for most transformations, this is not the case for the Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation, albeit possible. In this case study with five studies, we demonstrate how seriously misleading the back‐transformation of the Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation can be. We conclude that this transformation should only be used with special caution for the meta‐analysis of single proportions due to potential problems with the back‐transformation. Generalized linear mixed models seem to be a promising alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gerta Rücker
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Coppola N, Alessio L, Onorato L, Sagnelli C, Macera M, Sagnelli E, Pisaturo M. Epidemiology and management of hepatitis C virus infections in immigrant populations. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:17. [PMID: 30871599 PMCID: PMC6419370 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, there is a continuous flow of immigrants from the south of the world to north-western countries. Often immigrants originate from areas of high-prevalence of viral hepatitis and pose a challenge to the healthcare systems of the host nations. Aims of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and virological and clinical characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in immigrants and the strategies to identify and take care of the immigrants infected with HCV. MAIN BODY We conducted an electronic literature search in several biomedical databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, using different combinations of key words: "HCV infection; chronic hepatitis C, immigrants; low-income countries". We included studies written in English indicating the epidemiological data of HCV infection in the immigrant population, studies that assessed the clinical presentation, clinical management and treatment with directly acting antiviral agent in immigrants, HCV infection is unevenly distributed in different countries, with worldwide prevalence in the general population ranging from 0.5 to 6.5%. In Western countries and Australia this rate ranges from 0.5 to 1.5%, and reaches 2.3% in countries of south-east Asia and eastern Mediterranean regions, 3.2% in China, 0.9% in India, 2.2% in Indonesia and 6.5% in Pakistan; in sub-Saharan Africa the prevalence of HCV infection varies from 4 to 9%. Immigrants and refugees from intermediate/high HCV endemic countries to less- or non-endemic areas are more likely to have an increased risk of HCV infection due to HCV exposure in their countries of origin. Because of the high HCV endemicity in immigrant populations and of the high efficacy of directly acting antiviral agent therapy, a campaign could be undertaken to eradicate the infection in this setting. CONCLUSIONS The healthcare authorities should support screening programs for immigrants, performed with the help of cultural mediators and including educational aspects to break down the barriers limiting access to treatments, which obtain the HCV clearance in 95% of cases and frequently prevent the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Coppola
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania, Via: L. Armanni 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano di Caserta, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Loredana Alessio
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano di Caserta, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Onorato
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania, Via: L. Armanni 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania, Via: L. Armanni 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Macera
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania, Via: L. Armanni 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Evangelista Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania, Via: L. Armanni 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Pisaturo
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania, Via: L. Armanni 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano di Caserta, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Abstract
Migration is increasing and practitioners need to be aware of the unique health needs of this population. The prevalence of infectious diseases among migrants varies and generally mirrors that of their countries of origin, but is modified by the circumstance of migration, the presence of pre-arrival screening programs and post arrival access to health care. To optimize the health of migrants practitioners; (1) should take all opportunities to screen migrants at risk for latent infections such as tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis B and C, HIV, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease, (2) update routine vaccines in all age groups and, (3) be aware of "rare and tropical infections" related to migration and return travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, Room E0057, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; J.D. MacLean Center for Tropical Diseases at McGill, McGill University Health Centre, Glen Site, 1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Francesco Castelli
- University Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili, Piazza del Mercato, 15, Lombardy, Brescia 25121, Italy; UNESCO Chair "Training and Empowering Human Resources for Health Development in Resource-Limited Countries", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Greenaway C, Castelli F. Infectious diseases at different stages of migration: an expert review. J Travel Med 2019; 26:5307656. [PMID: 30726941 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taz007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human migration is increasing in magnitude and scope. The majority of migrants arriving in high-income countries originate from countries with a high prevalence of infectious diseases. The risk and burden of infectious diseases are not equally distributed among migrant groups and vary with migration stage. METHODS A broad literature review was conducted on the drivers for infectious diseases and associated health outcomes among migrants across different stages of migration. The aim was to provide practitioners with an overview of the key infectious disease risks at each stage to guide health promotion strategies. RESULTS A complex interaction of factors leads to infectious diseases and associated poor health outcomes among migrants. The most important drivers are the epidemiology of infectious diseases in their countries of origin, the circumstances and conditions of the migration journey and barriers accessing healthcare post-arrival. During the recent large waves of forced migration into Europe, the primary health concerns on arrival were psychological, traumatic and chronic non-communicable diseases. In the early settlement period, crowded and unhygienic living conditions in reception camps facilitated outbreaks of respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin infections and vaccine preventable diseases. After re-settlement, undetected and untreated latent infections due to tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, HIV, chronic helminthiasis and Chagas' disease led to poor health outcomes. Migrants are disproportionally affected by preventable travel-related diseases such as malaria, typhoid and hepatitis due to poor uptake of pre-travel prophylaxis and vaccination. Infectious diseases among migrants can be decreased at all migration stages with health promotion strategies adapted to their specific needs and delivered in a linguistically and culturally sensitive manner. CONCLUSIONS Tailored health promotion and screening approaches and accessible and responsive health systems, regardless of legal status, will be needed at all migration stages to limit the burden and transmission of infectious diseases in the migrant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francesco Castelli
- JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,University Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.,UNESCO Chair 'Training and Empowering Human Resources for Health Development in Resource-Limited Countries', University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Abstract
Hepatitis C infection has affected 189 million people globally and more than 4 million in the US. Owing to remarkable advances in the therapeutic sphere, essentially all infected patients can be expected to achieve cure. This provides an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate the risk of complications from hepatitis C and to reduce the spread of the virus to others. To achieve this, a streamlined cascade of care from diagnosis to treatment may be enacted. Although great strides have been made, under-diagnosis and under-treatment remain major hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Sagnelli E, Alessio L, Sagnelli C, Gualdieri L, Pisaturo M, Minichini C, Di Caprio G, Starace M, Onorato L, Scotto G, Macera M, Coppola N. Clinical Findings of HCV Chronic Infection in Undocumented Immigrants and Low-Income Refugees in Three Areas of Southern Italy. Ann Hepatol 2018; 17:47-53. [PMID: 29311411 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.7534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM In recent decades, Italy has become a land of immigration from countries suffering a socio-economic crisis. The aim of this study was to perform an organized screening to identify and offer care to immigrants with HCV infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS The screening, performed from 2012 to 2015, involved 1,727 immigrants in the Campania and Apulia regions in southern Italy. RESULTS Screening was accepted by 1,727 (85%) out of 2,032 immigrants interviewed; 70 (4.1%) of the 1,727 were anti-HCV-positive, all unaware of their serological condition, 31 (44.3%) of whom were HCV-RNA-positive and 39 negative. The 31 HCV-RNA-positive immigrants were further investigated at a third-level clinic of infectious diseases. The HCV viral load was 2.6 x 107 ± 7.7 x107 IU/mL, and 35.5% showed HCV-genotype 1a or 1b, 23.8% genotype 2 and 22.6% genotype 3. Two immigrants had liver cirrhosis and, in accordance with the Italian Healthcare Authority guidelines, received an interferon-free regimen and achieved a sustained virological response (SVR); 18 had chronic hepatitis, 6 of whom with a high risk of progression and received interferonbased therapy, with SVR in 4, whereas 12 at low risk were put on a waiting list for future interferon-free treatment, once licensed. The remaining 11 HCV-RNA-positive immigrants were considered HCV inactive chronic carriers and were included in a long-term observational program. CONCLUSION The screening program can be considered successful since it was accepted by 85% of the subjects interviewed and identified 70 anti-HCV-positive immigrants, all unaware of their clinical and virological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelista Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Alessio
- Medical Center, Centro Sociale ex Canapificio, Caserta; Medical Center, Centro di Accoglienza "La tenda di Abramo", Caserta, Italy
| | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Luciano Gualdieri
- Medical Center, Centro per la Tutela della Salute degli Immigrati, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Pisaturo
- Medical Center, Centro Sociale ex Canapificio, Caserta; Medical Center, Centro di Accoglienza "La tenda di Abramo", Caserta, Italy
| | - Carmine Minichini
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Caprio
- Medical Center, Centro Sociale ex Canapificio, Caserta; Medical Center, Centro di Accoglienza "La tenda di Abramo", Caserta, Italy
| | - Mario Starace
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Onorato
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | | | - Margherita Macera
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
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Pradat P, Virlogeux V, Trépo E. Epidemiology and Elimination of HCV-Related Liver Disease. Viruses 2018; 10:E545. [PMID: 30301201 PMCID: PMC6213504 DOI: 10.3390/v10100545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, defined by active carriage of HCV RNA, affects nearly 1.0% of the worldwide population. The main risk factors include unsafe injection drug use and iatrogenic infections. Chronic HCV infection can promote liver damage, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in affected individuals. The advent of new second-generation, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents allow a virological cure in more than 90% of treated patients, and therefore prevent HCV-related complications. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of DAA-regimens in cirrhotic patients with respect to the occurrence and the recurrence of HCC. Here, we review the current available data on HCV epidemiology, the beneficial effects of therapy, and discuss the recent controversy with respect to the potential link with liver cancer. We also highlight the challenges that have to be overcome to achieve the ambitious World Health Organization objective of HCV eradication by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Pradat
- Centre for Clinical Research, Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France.
- Lyon University, Lyon, France.
| | - Victor Virlogeux
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France.
- Lyon University, Lyon, France.
- Department of Hepatology, Croix-Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France.
| | - Eric Trépo
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatopancreatology and Digestive Oncology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium.
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Greenaway C, Makarenko I, Chakra CNA, Alabdulkarim B, Christensen R, Palayew A, Tran A, Staub L, Pareek M, Meerpohl JJ, Noori T, Veldhuijzen I, Pottie K, Castelli F, Morton RL. The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Screening for Migrants in the EU/EEA: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2013. [PMID: 30223539 PMCID: PMC6164358 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15092013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a public health priority in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Migrants account for a disproportionate number of HCV cases in the EU/EEA (mean 14% of cases and >50% of cases in some countries). We conducted two systematic reviews (SR) to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HCV screening for migrants living in the EU/EEA. We found that screening tests for HCV are highly sensitive and specific. Clinical trials report direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are well-tolerated in a wide range of populations and cure almost all cases (>95%) and lead to an 85% lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and an 80% lower risk of all-cause mortality. At 2015 costs, DAA based regimens were only moderately cost-effective and as a result less than 30% of people with HCV had been screened and less 5% of all HCV cases had been treated in the EU/EEA in 2015. Migrants face additional barriers in linkage to care and treatment due to several patient, practitioner, and health system barriers. Although decreasing HCV costs have made treatment more accessible in the EU/EEA, HCV elimination will only be possible in the region if health systems include and treat migrants for HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada.
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2.
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada.
| | - Iuliia Makarenko
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2.
| | - Claire Nour Abou Chakra
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5NG, Canada.
| | - Balqis Alabdulkarim
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2.
| | - Robin Christensen
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital & Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, DK2000 Odense, Denmark.
| | - Adam Palayew
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada.
| | - Anh Tran
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 1450, Australia.
| | - Lukas Staub
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 1450, Australia.
| | - Manish Pareek
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Joerg J Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine (for Cochrane Germany Foundation), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 169 73 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Irene Veldhuijzen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Kevin Pottie
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1N 5C8, Canada.
- Centre for Global Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 5C8, Canada.
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Brescia, 255123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Rachael L Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 1450, Australia.
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Greenaway C, Makarenko I, Tanveer F, Janjua NZ. Addressing hepatitis C in the foreign-born population: A key to hepatitis C virus elimination in Canada. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:34-50. [PMID: 35990716 PMCID: PMC9202799 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.1.2.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of death from infectious disease in Canada. Immigrants are an important group who are at increased risk for HCV; they account for a disproportionate number of all HCV cases in Canada (~30%) and have approximately a twofold higher prevalence of HCV (~2%) than those born in Canada. HCV-infected immigrants are more likely to develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and are more likely to have a liver-related death during a hospitalization than HCV-infected non-immigrants. Several factors, including lack of routine HCV screening programs in Canada for immigrants before or after arrival, lack of awareness on the part of health practitioners that immigrants are at increased risk of HCV and could benefit from screening, and several patient- and health system-level barriers that affect access to health care and treatment likely contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment uptake. HCV screening and engagement in care among immigrants can be improved through reminders in electronic medical records that prompt practitioners to screen for HCV during clinical visits and implementation of decentralized community-based screening strategies that address cultural and language barriers. In conclusion, early screening and linkage to care for immigrants from countries with an intermediate or high prevalence of HCV would not only improve the health of this population but will be key to achieving HCV elimination in Canada. This article describes the unique barriers encountered by the foreign-born population in accessing HCV care and approaches to overcoming these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Iuliia Makarenko
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fozia Tanveer
- CATIE (Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- Clinical Preventative Services, British Columbia Centers for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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38
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Derks L, Gassowski M, Nielsen S, An der Heiden M, Bannert N, Bock CT, Bremer V, Kücherer C, Ross S, Wenz B, Marcus U, Zimmermann R. Risk behaviours and viral infections among drug injecting migrants from the former Soviet Union in Germany: Results from the DRUCK-study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 59:54-62. [PMID: 30005420 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High prevalence of drug use and injection-related risk behaviours have been reported among former Soviet Union (FSU)-migrants. To investigate hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV seroprevalence and related risk behaviours in this subgroup in Germany, we compared first generation FSU-migrants and native Germans using data from a sero-behavioural survey of people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS Current injectors were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in eight German cities in 2011-2014. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted and dried blood spots collected and tested for anti-HCV, HCV-RNA, and anti-HIV1/2. Descriptive and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed. RESULTS A total of 208 FSU-born and 1318 native German PWID were included in the analysis. FSU-migrants were younger than Germans (median age: 33 vs. 39 years), and more often male (83.1% vs. 75.9%, p = 0.022). HCV seroprevalence was 74.5% in FSU-migrants vs. 64.6% in Germans (p = 0.006), HIV seroprevalence was 5.8% and 4.6%, respectively (p = 0.443). The proportion of FSU-migrants reporting injecting-related risk behaviours was higher than among Germans: injecting daily (39.4% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.015), with friends (39.2% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.038), cocaine (32.7% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.044), more than one drug (18.2% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.006), and sharing filters/cookers (35.5% vs. 28.0%, p = 0.045). No statistically significant differences were observed in HIV/HCV testing rates (range: 50.7%-65.6%), opioid substitution treatment (43.9% vs. 50.5%), and access to clean needles/syringes (89.8% vs. 90.3%). In MVA, risk for HCV-infection was increased in male FSU-migrants compared to German males (OR 3.32, p = 0.006), no difference was identified between female FSU-migrants and German females (OR: 0.83, p = 0.633). CONCLUSION Male FSU-migrants were at highest risk of being HCV infected. Therefore, targeted actions are needed to ensure access and acceptance of harm reduction measures, including HCV-testing and -treatment for this subpopulation of PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lineke Derks
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martyna Gassowski
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stine Nielsen
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias An der Heiden
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division for HIV and other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claus-Thomas Bock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division for Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viviane Bremer
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kücherer
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Ross
- Institute of Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis C, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wenz
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Marcus
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ruth Zimmermann
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
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39
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Khan S, Bernier A, Dapp D, Fortier E, Krajden M, King A, Grebely J, Sagan SM, Cooper CL, Crawley AM. 6th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: Delivering a cure for hepatitis C infection—What are the remaining gaps? CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:94-105. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.1.2.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Estimates are that more than 250,000 people in Canada are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and many more are unaware of their infection status. If untreated, chronic HCV infection can lead to cirrhosis and subsequent complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma. The Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, has been committed to the scientific study of chronic hepatitis C and to supporting the advocacy work to improve diagnosis and access to HCV care in Canada. Although the treatment of HCV infection has been greatly advanced with direct-acting antivirals, with cure rates as high as 95%, many challenges remain in the implementation of HCV care. These issues include the lack of an effective vaccine, infection screening, treatment failure or resistance, post-cure health issues, limitations of treatment access despite increased provincial subsidization, complex needs of at-risk populations (ie, injection drug users, societal obstacles). At the 6th Canadian Symposium on HCV in March 2017, the theme “Delivering a Cure for Hepatitis C Infection: What Are the Remaining Gaps?” provided a framework in which basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, social scientists, and community members interested in HCV research in Canada could showcase how they are working to address these ongoing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Bernier
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dustin Dapp
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Fortier
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandra King
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Angela M Crawley
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Cooper CL, Thavorn K, Damian E, Corsi DJ. Hepatitis C Virus Infection Outcomes Among Immigrants to Canada: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Ann Hepatol 2018; 16:720-726. [PMID: 28809741 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.2714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM HCV-infected immigrants contribute to the total prevalence in Canada and other developed nations. Little is known about engagement in care, access to service, and treatment outcomes in recipients of Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) HCV therapies among immigrants living with HCV. MATERIAL AND METHODS HCV patients assessed at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Clinic between 2000-2016 were identified. Immigration history, race, socioeconomic status, HCV work-up, treatment and outcome data were evaluated. HCV fibrosis assessment, treatment and sustained virologic response (SVR) were compared using logistic regression. RESULTS 2,335 HCV-infected patients were analyzed with 91% (2114) having data on immigration (23% immigrants). A median 16 years (Quartiles: 5, 29) passed from immigration to referral. Access to diagnostic procedures (Fibroscan/liver biopsy) was greater among immigrants compared to Canadian-born (78% vs. 68%, p = 0.001) and immigrants had an odds ratio of 1.72 (95% CI: 1.18-2.51) of receiving a FibroScan compared to Canadians after adjustment for demographic characteristics, HCV risk factors, and socioeconomic status. No differences in SVR were found between immigrants for IFN recipients. Among DAA recipients, rates of SVR were > 94% among all patients, 93% in Canadian-born and 98% among immigrants (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION Nearly 80% of immigrants in this setting had access to fibrosis assessment which was higher than Canadian-born patients. Under half of both groups had initiated HCV therapy. Delays in accessing HCV care represent a missed opportunity to engage, treat and cure HCV patients. HCV screening and health care engagement at the time of immigration would optimize HCV care and therapeutic outcomes.
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Van Biesen W, Vanholder R, Ernandez T, Drewniak D, Luyckx V. Caring for Migrants and Refugees With End-Stage Kidney Disease in Europe. Am J Kidney Dis 2018; 71:701-709. [DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Tiittala P, Ristola M, Liitsola K, Ollgren J, Koponen P, Surcel HM, Hiltunen-Back E, Davidkin I, Kivelä P. Missed hepatitis b/c or syphilis diagnosis among Kurdish, Russian, and Somali origin migrants in Finland: linking a population-based survey to the national infectious disease register. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:137. [PMID: 29558910 PMCID: PMC5859750 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrants are considered a key population at risk for sexually transmitted and blood-borne diseases in Europe. Prevalence data to support the design of infectious diseases screening protocols are scarce. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C, human immunodefiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis in specific migrant groups in Finland and to assess risk factors for missed diagnosis. METHODS A random sample of 3000 Kurdish, Russian, or Somali origin migrants in Finland was invited to a migrant population-based health interview and examination survey during 2010-2012. Participants in the health examination were offered screening for hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis. Notification prevalence in the National Infectious Diseases Register (NIDR) was compared between participants and non-participants to assess non-participation. Missed diagnosis was defined as test-positive case in the survey without previous notification in NIDR. Inverse probability weighting was used to correct for non-participation. RESULTS Altogether 1000 migrants were screened for infectious diseases. No difference in the notification prevalence among participants and non-participants was observed. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 2.3%, hepatitis C antibodies 1.7%, and Treponema pallidum antibodies 1.3%. No cases of HIV were identified. Of all test-positive cases, 61% (34/56) had no previous notification in NIDR. 48% of HBsAg, 62.5% of anti-HCV and 84.6% of anti-Trpa positive cases had been missed. Among the Somali population (n = 261), prevalence of missed hepatitis B diagnosis was 3.0%. Of the 324 Russian migrants, 3.0% had not been previously diagnosed with hepatitis C and 2.4% had a missed syphilis diagnosis. In multivariable regression model missed diagnosis was associated with migrant origin, living alone, poor self-perceived health, daily smoking, and previous diagnosis of another blood-borne infection. CONCLUSIONS More than half of chronic hepatitis and syphilis diagnoses had been missed among migrants in Finland. Undiagnosed hepatitis B among Somali migrants implies post-migration transmission that could be prevented by enhanced screening and vaccinations. Rate of missed diagnoses among Russian migrants supports implementation of targeted hepatitis and syphilis screening upon arrival and also in later health care contacts. Coverage and up-take of current screening among migrants should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tiittala
- Doctoral Programme in Population Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Matti Ristola
- Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, 00250, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Liitsola
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Ollgren
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivikki Koponen
- Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heljä-Marja Surcel
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Aapistie 5B, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Eija Hiltunen-Back
- Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, 00250, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irja Davidkin
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Kivelä
- Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, 00250, Helsinki, Finland
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Ponziani FR, Miele L, Tortora A, Furnari M, Bodini G, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A, Giannini EG. Treatment of early stage chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:519-524. [PMID: 29498556 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1447923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) is able to achieve the cure of infection in almost the totality of patients, independently of the characteristics of the individual and the virus, using short treatment schedules, and without the need of ribavirin. The high cost of DAAs is the main limiting factor for universal treatment of HCV. However, there is a strong evidence that treatment of infection at the early stage of disease may be the most rewarding approach. Areas covered: This review evaluates the aspects underlying the benefit of treating chronic HCV infection at the early stage of disease. It outlines the considerations that have to be taken into account when planning treatment in patients with HCV and minimal liver disease, assessing the positive reflex of viral eradication on several HCV-associated extra-hepatic conditions such as the risk of lymphoma, insulin-resistance and glycaemic control, and renal function. Lastly, it also covers the improvement of patients' quality of life and the pharmaco-economic aspects associated with early treatment. Expert commentary: Treatment of patients with HCV and minimal liver disease is associated with a beneficial, pleiotropic effect of viral eradication that goes beyond the simplistic consideration of the improvement in liver disease-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romana Ponziani
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" , Catholic University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Luca Miele
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" , Catholic University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Annalisa Tortora
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" , Catholic University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Manuele Furnari
- b Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine , University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genoa , Italy
| | - Giorgia Bodini
- b Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine , University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genoa , Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" , Catholic University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli" , Catholic University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Edoardo Giovanni Giannini
- b Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine , University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genoa , Italy
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Chernet A, Utzinger J, Sydow V, Probst-Hensch N, Paris DH, Labhardt ND, Neumayr A. Prevalence rates of six selected infectious diseases among African migrants and refugees: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 37:605-619. [PMID: 29080108 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-3126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this paper was to systematically review the literature on the prevalence of selected infectious diseases among migrants/refugees of African origin and to provide policy makers and health care professionals with evidence-based information. We pursued a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of six selected infectious diseases (i.e., syphilis, helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, intestinal protozoa infections, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C) among migrants/refugees of African origin. Three electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science) were searched without language restrictions. Relevant data were extracted and random-effects meta-analyses conducted. Only adjusted estimates were analyzed to help account for heterogeneity and potential confounding. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. The results were stratified by geographical region. Ninety-six studies were included. The evidence was of low quality due to the small numbers of countries, infectious diseases, and participants included. African migrants/refugees had median (with 95% confidence interval [95% CI]) prevalence for syphilis, helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, intestinal protozoa infection, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C of 6.0% [95% CI: 2.0-7.0%], 13.0% [95% CI: 9.5-14.5%], 14.0% [95% CI: 13.0-17.0%], 15.0% [95% CI: 10.5-21.0%], 10.0% [95% CI: 6.0-14.0%], and 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0-4.0%], respectively. We found high heterogeneity regardless of the disease (I 2; minimum 97.5%, maximum 99.7%). The relatively high prevalence of some infectious diseases among African migrants/refugees warrants for systematic screening. The large heterogeneity of the available published data does not allow for stratifying such screening programs according to the geographical origin of African migrants/refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chernet
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - V Sydow
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - N Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - D H Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - N D Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Disease and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Neumayr
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Chernet A, Neumayr A, Hatz C, Kling K, Sydow V, Rentsch K, Utzinger J, Probst-Hensch N, Marti H, Nickel B, Labhardt ND. Spectrum of infectious diseases among newly arrived Eritrean refugees in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study. Int J Public Health 2017; 63:233-239. [PMID: 28924741 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-1034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study aimed at determining the prevalence of selected infectious diseases among recently arrived Eritrean refugees in Switzerland. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, asymptomatic Eritrean migrants aged ≥16 years who arrived <24 months ago were recruited at refugee centres in Switzerland. Infectious disease screening included serology for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and schistosomiasis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for malaria, stool microscopy for helminths and intestinal protozoa and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) testing in urine for schistosomiasis. RESULTS Among 107 participating Eritrean refugees, point-of-care CCA urine test for Schistosoma mansoni was positive in 43 patients (40.2%; 95% CI 31.9-49.5). Stool microscopy detected eggs of S. mansoni in 23 (21.5%; 95% CI 13.7-29.3), Hymenolepis nana in 11 (10.3%; 95% CI 4.5-16.0), and cysts of Giardia intestinalis in 7 participants (6.5%: 95% CI 1.9-11.2). Two tested positive for hepatitis B (1.9%; 95% CI 0.0-4.4) and one for syphilis (0.9%; 95% CI 0.0-2.8), none tested positive for HIV or hepatitis C. Malaria PCR was positive in six participants (5.6%; 95% CI: 1.2-9.9). CONCLUSIONS Given the high prevalence of S. mansoni infection and potentially severe long-term sequelae of untreated schistosomiasis, routine screening for schistosomiasis in refugees from Schistosoma-endemic regions should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afona Chernet
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Neumayr
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hatz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Kling
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Véronique Sydow
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Rentsch
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hanspeter Marti
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Nickel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Eiset AH, Wejse C. Review of infectious diseases in refugees and asylum seekers-current status and going forward. Public Health Rev 2017; 38:22. [PMID: 29450094 PMCID: PMC5810046 DOI: 10.1186/s40985-017-0065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An unprecedented rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugees was seen in Europe in 2015, and it seems that numbers are not going to be reduced considerably in 2016. Several studies have tried to estimate risk of infectious diseases associated with migration but only very rarely these studies make a distinction on reason for migration. In these studies, workers, students, and refugees who have moved to a foreign country are all taken to have the same disease epidemiology. A common disease epidemiology across very different migrant groups is unlikely, so in this review of infectious diseases in asylum seekers and refugees, we describe infectious disease prevalence in various types of migrants. We identified 51 studies eligible for inclusion. The highest infectious disease prevalence in refugee and asylum seeker populations have been reported for latent tuberculosis (9-45%), active tuberculosis (up to 11%), and hepatitis B (up to 12%). The same population had low prevalence of malaria (7%) and hepatitis C (up to 5%). There have been recent case reports from European countries of cutaneous diphtheria, louse-born relapsing fever, and shigella in the asylum-seeking and refugee population. The increased risk that refugees and asylum seekers have for infection with specific diseases can largely be attributed to poor living conditions during and after migration. Even though we see high transmission in the refugee populations, there is very little risk of spread to the autochthonous population. These findings support the efforts towards creating a common European standard for the health reception and reporting of asylum seekers and refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Wejse
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Seroprevalence of antibodies and antigens against hepatitis A-E viruses in refugees and asylum seekers in Germany in 2015. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 29:939-945. [PMID: 28492419 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration because of miscellaneous political crises in countries in the Middle East and Africa is a global challenge for whole Europe from an economic, social, and public health view. There is an urgent need to generate comprehensive, evidence-based data to expedite further screening and vaccination strategies. METHODS A total of 604 individuals ranging in age from 2 to 68 years who enrolled at a single reception center were tested for the prevalence of serologic markers for hepatitis virus types A, B, C, D, and E (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV), respectively. RESULTS Anti-HAV antibody prevalence was 91.2 and 70.3% in children younger than 18 years of age. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies was 20.1% among the individuals. 3.0% were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, whereas 15.2% tested positive for anti-hepatitis B core antigen. None of the refugees tested positive for anti-HDV. 14.1% of refugees were vaccinated against hepatitis B and had a protective anti-hepatitis B surface level of at least 10 mIU/ml. Significant differences in vaccination status were found between the regions (Eastern Mediterranean Region with 77/482 (16.0%; 95% confidence interval=12.7-19.3%) versus African Region with 1/55 (1.8%; 95% confidence interval=0-5.0%). The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 1.2% (n=7), with 0.7% HCV RNA positivity; 16.7% of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive individuals were HCV coinfected (n=3). CONCLUSION The prevalence of refugees with previous exposure to hepatitis viruses was higher than that in the general German population, but lower than in other migrant populations in Germany. The vaccination status against hepatitis B was poor.
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Schilling T, Rauscher S, Menzel C, Reichenauer S, Müller-Schilling M, Schmid S, Selgrad M. Migrants and Refugees in Europe: Challenges, Experiences and Contributions. Visc Med 2017; 33:295-300. [PMID: 29034258 DOI: 10.1159/000478763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the current geopolitical situation more refugees from crisis countries were and will be treated in Europe. In 2015 the number of displaced people reached an unprecedented level, with more than one million crossing into Europe. The migration itself can impair both mental and physical health. Therefore, the provision of medical care for refugees and migrants is a novel and major challenge for the health care systems in Europe. In this article we describe our experiences and contribution in providing medical care for refugees who have newly arrived in Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Furthermore, we report our experiences from a tertiary referral University center in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany. We focus on challenges in both the outpatient and the inpatient setting, with a special focus on intensive care patients. In addition, we provide an overview about the spectrum of diseases in this specific patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schilling
- Interdisciplinary Emergency Department, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stephan Rauscher
- Interdisciplinary Emergency Department, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christian Menzel
- Interdisciplinary Emergency Department, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Simon Reichenauer
- Interdisciplinary Emergency Department, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Stephan Schmid
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Selgrad
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Hvass AMF, Wejse C. Systematic health screening of refugees after resettlement in recipient countries: a scoping review. Ann Hum Biol 2017; 44:475-483. [PMID: 28562071 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2017.1330897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Health screening of refugees after settlement in a recipient country is an important tool to find and treat diseases. Currently, there are no available reviews on refugee health screening after resettlement. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using the online Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System ('MEDLINE') database. Data extraction and synthesis were performed according to the PRISMA statement. RESULTS The search retrieved 342 articles. Relevance screening was conducted on all abstracts/titles. The final 53 studies included only original scientific articles on health screening of refugees conducted after settlement in another country. The 53 studies were all from North America, Australia/New Zealand and Europe. Because of differences in country policies, the screenings were conducted differently in the various locations. The studies demonstrated great variation in who was targeted for screening and how screening was conducted. The disease most frequently screened for was tuberculosis; this was done in approximately half of the studies. Few studies included screening for mental health and non-infectious diseases like diabetes and hypertension. CONCLUSION Health screening of refugees after resettlement is conducted according to varying local policies and there are vast differences in which health conditions are covered in the screening and whom the screening is available to.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Wejse
- a Department of Infectious Diseases , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark.,b Department of Public Health, Center for Global Health , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
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