Screening of viral hepatitis and HIV among migrants from Southeast Asia

Abstract

Introduction Viral hepatitis B and C display high morbidity and mortality among migrants born in Southeast Asia and living in France whereas prevalence in French general population is low (0.3–0.8%). Moreover, access to screening tests for HIV and viral hepatitis B and C remain unknown in this population. Methods This prospective, multicenter and observational study was conducted at a free clinic (“Association DHEVA-KH”, Lyon, France) among Southeast Asian community associations. The study period has started in April 2016 and inclusions remain ongoing in February 2018. Participants were screened during each community event where people were able to be tested for HIV, HBV, and HCV by point-of-care rapid testing. The main study endpoints were the proportion of participants who were infected by HIV, HBV, and HCV status and who were linked to care when testing positive. This study was approved by local Committee on Ethics as usual practices. Results A total of 199 individuals, representing Southeast Asian immigrants, were included and all participants performed a blood draw for viral hepatitis B and C and 186 for HIV (93.4%). Mean age was 55.6 ± 14 years-old. One hundred twenty-four were women (62.3%). All patients retrieved their tests results; 170 of 199 (85.4%) patients tested prefered point-of-care rapid testing rather than classical serology tests. Only 20 people among 199 were previously tested for HIV or viral hepatitis B or C. Nine of the 199 (4.5%) participants testing positive [HIV, n = 0; HBV, n = 6 (3.0%); HCV, n = 3 (1.5%)]. Mean age was 60.8 ± 12.6 years-old. Seven infected people were women. Six were pensioners. Only one infected patient was covered by usual social security system. All infected patients were born in Southeast Asia. Seven of 9 testing positive participants have been able to consult medical staff later at hospital to be followed for their viral hepatitis. Conclusion In a Southeast Asian highly at-risk population for chronic viral infections, the simultaneous use of HIV, HBV, and HCV point-of-care tests clearly improves the screening and the access to care for HBV and HCV positive patients. Migrants from Southeast Asia display a higher prevalence for viral hepatitis rather than French general population. Nonetheless, the prevalence of people living with HIV remains low even null in our sample population among Southeast Asian community living in Lyon city.