Hepatitis C Virus Elimination Research Articles

Modelling the microelimination of chronic hepatitis C in the canton of Bern, Switzerland: Reaching the Swiss Hepatitis Strategy goals despite the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Aims of the studySince 2014, the Swiss Hepatitis Strategy (SHS) has targeted the elimination of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Switzerland. The epidemiology of HCV is diverse across Swiss cantons, therefore cantonal-level screening and treatment strategies should be developed. This study aimed to identify scenarios to achieve HCV elimination in the canton of Bern by 2030.MethodsA preexisting Markov disease burden model was populated with data for Bern, and used to forecast the current and future prevalence of HCV, annual liver-related deaths (LRDs), and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensated cirrhosis until 2030. Scenarios were developed to assess the current standard of care and potential long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the HCV infected population. Additionally, potential scenarios for achieving the WHO 2030 targets and the SHS 2025 and 2030 targets (reduction of new cases of HCV, HCV-related mortality and viremic HCV cases) were identified.ResultsIn 2019, there were an estimated 4,600 (95% UI: 3,330–4,940) viremic infections in the canton of Bern and 57% (n = 2,600) of viremic cases were diagnosed. This modelling forecasted a 10% increase in LRDs (28 in 2020 to 31 in 2030) with the current standard of care and a 50% increase in LRDs in a scenario assuming long-term delays. To achieve the WHO and SHS targets, the canton of Bern needs to increase the annual number of patients diagnosed (from 90 in 2019 to 250 per year in 2022–2024 [WHO], or 500 per year in 2022–2025 [SHS]) and treated (from 130 in 2019 to 340 per year in 2022–2024 [WHO] or 670 per year in 2022–2025 [SHS]).ConclusionsThe SHS goals and the WHO targets for HCV elimination can be achieved in the Swiss canton of Bern by 2030; however, not at the current pace of screening, linkage to care and treatment.

A retrospective, descriptive study of hepatitis C testing, prevalence, and care continuum among adults on probation

BackgroundDespite constituting the largest segment of the correctional population, individuals on court-ordered probation remain largely unstudied with respect to hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and linkage-to-care. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive analysis to estimate prevalence of diagnosed HCV and the subsequent HCV care cascade among a cohort of individuals enrolled in an adult probation program over a 25-month period in Denver, Colorado.MethodsWe utilized probabilistic matching with first and last name, sex, and birthdate to identify individuals enrolled in probation between July 1, 2016 and July 30, 2018 who had a medical record at the participating safety-net healthcare institution as of December 31, 2019. Electronic medical record data were queried for evidence of HCV testing and care through June 30, 2021. The state HCV registry was also queried for prevalence of reported HCV cases among the cohort.ResultsThis cohort included 8,903 individuals; 6,920 (78%) individuals had a medical record at the participating institution, and of these, 1,037 (15%) had ever been tested for HCV (Ab or RNA) and 308 (4% of those with a medical record, 30% of those tested) had detectable HCV RNA. Of these, 105 (34%) initiated HCV treatment, 89 (29%) had a subsequent undetectable HCV viral load, and 65 (21%) had documentation of HCV cure. Eleven percent of the total cohort had records of positive HCV Ab or RNA tests in the state HCV registry.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the importance of HCV screening and linkage-to-care for individuals enrolled in probation programs. A focus on this population could enhance progress towards HCV elimination goals.

Challenge of managing hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections in resource-limited settings.

The global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and coinfection represents a major public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. Elimination of HCV by 2030 has become foreseeable, with effective direct-acting antiviral oral therapies and the availability of affordable generics in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). However, access to oral nucleos(t)ide therapy for HBV remains critical and is limited outside the existing global HIV program platforms despite affordable prices. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV through scaling up of birth dose implementation in LMICs is essential to achieve the 2030 elimination goal. Most individuals living with HBV and/or HCV in resource-limited settings are unaware of their infection, and with improved access to medications, the most significant barrier remains access to affordable diagnostics and preventive strategies. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic interrupted hepatitis elimination programs, albeit offered opportunities for improved diagnostic capacities and raised political awareness of the critical need for strengthening health care services and universal health coverage. This review underpins the HBV and HCV management challenges in resource-limited settings, highlighting the current status and suggested future elimination strategies in some of these countries. Global efforts should continue to improve awareness and political commitment. Financial resources should be secured to access and implement comprehensive strategies for diagnosis and linkage to care in resource-constrained settings to fulfill the 2030 elimination goal.

Pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals for patients with hepatitis C virus infection and chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem with significant clinical and economic burdens in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5. Current guidelines recommend pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to be the first-line treatment of choice for HCV. This review summarizes the updated knowledge regarding the epidemiology, natural history, public health perspectives of HCV in patients with CKD stage 4 or 5, including those on maintenance dialysis, and the performance of pan-genotypic DAAs in these patients. The prevalence and incidence of HCV are much higher in patients with CKD stage 4 or 5 than in the general population. The prognosis is compromised if HCV patients are left untreated regardless of kidney transplantation (KT). Following treatment-induced HCV eradication, patient can improve the health-related outcomes by maintaining a long-term aviremic state. The sustained virologic response (SVR12) rates and safety profiles of pan-genotypic DAAs against HCV are excellent irrespective of KT. No dose adjustment of pan-genotypic DAAs is required across CKD stages. Assessing drug–drug interactions (DDIs) before HCV treatment is vital to secure on-treatment safety. The use of prophylactic or preemptive pan-genotypic DAAs in HCV-negative recipients who receive HCV-positive kidneys has shown promise in shortening KT waiting time, achieving excellent on-treatment efficacy and safety, and maintaining post-KT patient and graft survival. HCV elimination is highly feasible through multifaceted interventions, including mass screening, treatment scale-up, universal precautions, and post-SVR12 reinfection surveillance.

Circulating Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus in Italian Patients before and after the Application of Wider Access Criteria to HCV Treatment

Aims: The aims of this study were to report a description of the HCV genotype distribution in adult Italians and non-Italians subjects tested in the Microbiology and Virology Unit of the Padova University Hospital from January 2016 (after about one year from the availability of DAAs) to December 2018 and to compare genotype frequencies in the 12-month period before and after the application of the wider access criteria to HCV treatment. Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem, but the availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed HCV disease natural history because these drugs have excellent tolerability and they can eliminate the virus in almost all treated patients. Objective: The objective was to describe the circulating HCV genotypes in high-income countries in order to help health authorities in the future organization of DAAs treatment strategies; this aspect is not limited to drug prescription, but it also includes the identification of infected individuals who are undiagnosed, which is the limiting step to achieve the HCV elimination goal. Methods: Adult patients who had HCV genotype performed from 01/01/16 to 31/12/18 in the Microbiology and Virology Unit of the Padova University Hospital were included in the study: the two 12-month periods were April 2016-March 2017 (before period, BEF) and April 2017-March 2018 (after period, AFT). Results: Italians were 2168 (91.2%) and non-Italians were 208 (8.8%). Italians median age was 55 years, and females were older. Italians had a lower genotype 1 (p=0.0012) and higher genotype 2 frequencies (p<0.0001) with respect to non-Italians. Most patients aged 38-67 years: Italians were more represented in class age 48-57 years (p=0.0138), 68-77 years (p=0.001) and ≥78 years (p<0.0001); subjects with genotype 3 were the youngest and those with genotype 2 the oldest. Italian patients typed in the AFT and BEF were comparable; only a lower frequency of genotype 1 males and younger age in genotype 3 were found in AFT. Conclusion: Italians were older with respect to non-Italians, which implies that a different age based screening program could be applied. Italian genotype 3 subjects represent a cohort to focus on for the risk of therapeutic failure. Patients tested after the extended criteria for HCV treatment were very similar to those tested before, suggesting that HCV burden in Italians is higher than expected.

Systematic Review of Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence in the WHO Western Pacific Region.

Background: This review aimed to identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence estimates among the general population and six key populations (people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, prisoners/detainees, Indigenous people, and migrants) in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region (WHO WPR). Methods: Original research articles published between 2016 and 2020 were identified from bibliographic databases. Publications were retrieved, replicas removed, and abstracts screened. Retained full texts were assessed and excluded if inclusion criteria were not met. Methodological quality was assessed using the Johanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence data. Data on HCV exposure and active infection were extracted and aggregated and forest plots generated for each population by country. Results: There were no HCV prevalence estimates in any population for more than half of WPR countries and territories. Among the 76 estimates, 97% presented prevalence of exposure and 33% prevalence of active infection. General population viraemic prevalence was 1% or less, except in Mongolia. Results confirm the endemic nature of HCV among people who inject drugs, with estimates of exposure ranging from 30% in Cambodia to 76% in Hong Kong. Conclusions: Countries require detailed knowledge of HCV prevalence in diverse populations to evaluate the impact of efforts to support WHO HCV elimination goals. Results provide baseline estimates from which to monitor and evaluate progress and by which to benchmark future elimination efforts.

Real-World Safety, Effectiveness, and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Treated with Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir: Updated Data from the German Hepatitis C-Registry (DHC-R).

Using data from the German Hepatitis C-Registry (Deutsche Hepatitis C-Register, DHC-R), we report the real-world safety and effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) treatment and its impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in underserved populations who are not typically included in clinical trials, yet who will be crucial for achieving hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. The DHC-R is an ongoing, non-interventional, multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study on patients treated for chronic HCV infection in Germany. The data cutoff was 17 January 2021. The primary effectiveness endpoint was sustained virologic response at post-treatment Week 12 (SVR12). Safety outcomes were assessed in all patients receiving GLE/PIB. PROs were assessed using the SF-36 survey. Of 2354 patients, 1964 had valid SVR12 data (intention-to-treat analysis). Of these, 1905 (97.0%) achieved SVR12 with rates similar across the comorbidities analyzed, except for people who actively use drugs (PWUD (active)) (86.4%). Excluding those who discontinued treatment and did not achieve SVR12, or were reinfected with HCV, the rate was 99.3%, with similar results regardless of comorbidity. PWUD (active) and those with psychiatric disorders had the most meaningful improvements in PROs. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 631/2354 patients (26.8%), and serious AEs in 44 patients (1.9%). GLE/PIB was highly effective and well tolerated in this real-world study of patient groups key to HCV elimination.

Impact of Hepatitis C Treatment Uptake on Cirrhosis and Mortality in Persons Who Inject Drugs : A Longitudinal, Community-Based Cohort Study.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be cured, and the United States has joined the World Health Organization in calling for HCV elimination by 2030. However, historically low uptake of HCV treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID) threatens HCV elimination and exacerbates social and racial health disparities. To assess whether all-oral HCV treatments were accessed by PWID and reduced liver disease burden and mortality. Community-based, longitudinal cohort study of persons with a history of injection drug use. Baltimore, Maryland. 1323 participants enrolled in the ALIVE (AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience) study from 2006 to 2019 and chronically infected with HCV. Liver stiffness measures (LSMs) by transient elastography, HCV RNA, and mortality from the National Death Index. Among 1323 persons with evidence of chronic HCV infection at baseline, the median age was 49 years. Most were Black (82%), male (71%), and HIV-negative (66%). The proportion in whom HCV RNA was detected decreased from 100% (by definition) in 2006 to 48% in 2019. Across 10350 valid LSMs, cirrhosis was detected in 15% of participants in 2006, 19% in 2015, and 8% in 2019. Undetectable HCV RNA was significantly associated with reduced odds of cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.45]) and reduced all-cause mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.54 [CI, 0.38 to 0.77]). Noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis have not been validated in persons with sustained virologic response. Many community-based PWID in Baltimore are receiving HCV treatment, which is associated with sharp decreases in liver disease and mortality. Additional efforts will be needed to reduce residual barriers to treatment and to eliminate HCV as a public health threat for PWID. National Institutes of Health.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HCV care cascade in Rwanda: Ecological study from July 2019 to June 2021.

Content available: Author Interview and Audio Recording

Hepatitis C elimination among people who inject drugs in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, Mexico was one of the first countries in Latin America to commit resources to achieve hepatitis C elimination by 2030. One year after this commitment, the global COVID-19 pandemic diverted attention to address immediate health needs to combat the spread of the disease. As a result, efforts to implement hepatitis C prevention and management programs were indefinitely postponed. Furthermore, populations at high risk of contracting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and who bear the greatest burden of HCV national epidemic, including people who inject drugs and people who live with human immunodeficiency virus infection, remain exposed to extreme health disparities, which have potentially been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we discuss the potential impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on HCV elimination efforts in Mexico and the urgent need to resume them, since without these efforts, HCV elimination goals are likely not be achieved in the country by 2030.

Dynamics of HIV Reservoir and HIV-1 Viral Splicing in HCV-Exposed Individuals after Elimination with DAAs or Spontaneous Clearance.

Background: Although human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reservoir size is very stable under antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals exposed to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (chronically coinfected and spontaneous clarifiers) show an increase in HIV reservoir size and in spliced viral RNA, which could indicate that the viral protein regulator Tat is being more actively synthesized and, thus, could lead to a higher yield of new HIV. However, it is still unknown whether the effect of HCV elimination with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) could modify the HIV reservoir and splicing. Methods: This longitudinal study (48 weeks’ follow-up after sustained virological response) involves 22 HIV+-monoinfected individuals, 17 HIV+/HCV- spontaneous clarifiers, and 24 HIV+/HCV+ chronically infected subjects who eliminated HCV with DAAs (all of them aviremic, viral load < 50). Viral-spliced RNA transcripts and proviral DNA copies were quantified by qPCR. Paired samples were analyzed using a mixed generalized linear model. Results: A decrease in HIV proviral DNA was observed in HIV+/HCV- subjects, but no significant differences were found for the other study groups. An increased production of multiple spliced transcripts was found in HIV+ and HIV+/HCV+ individuals. Conclusions: We conclude that elimination of HCV by DAAs was unable to revert the consequences derived from chronic HCV infection for the reservoir size and viral splicing, which could indicate an increased risk of rapid HIV-reservoir reactivation. Moreover, spontaneous clarifiers showed a significant decrease in the HIV reservoir, likely due to an enhanced immune response in these individuals.

Hepatitis C microelimination among people living with HIV in Taiwan

ABSTRACT To reach the WHO target of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2025, Taiwan started to implement free-of-charge direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment programme in 2017. Evaluating the progress of HCV microelimination among people living with HIV (PLWH) is a critical step to identify the barriers to HCV elimination. PLWH seeking care at a major hospital designated for HIV care in Taiwan between January 2011 and December 2021 were retrospectively included. For PLWH with HCV-seropositive or HCV seroconversion during the study period, serial HCV RNA testing was performed using archived samples to confirm the presence of HCV viremia and estimate the prevalence and incidence of HCV viremia. Overall, 4199 PLWH contributed to a total of 27,258.75 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). With the reimbursement of DAAs and improvement of access to treatments, the prevalence of HCV viremia has declined from its peak of 6.21% (95% CI, 5.39–7.12%) in 2018 to 2.09% (95% CI, 1.60–2.77%) in 2021 (decline by 66.4% [95% CI, 55.4–74.7%]); the incidence has declined from 25.94 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 20.44–32.47) in 2019 to 12.15% per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 8.14–17.44) (decline by 53.2% [95% CI, 27.3–70.6%]). However, the proportion of HCV reinfections continued to increase and accounted for 82.8% of incident HCV infections in 2021. We observed significant declines of HCV viremia among PLWH with the expansion of the DAA treatment programme in Taiwan. Further improvement of the access to DAA retreatments is warranted to achieve the goal of HCV microelimination.

Medicaid Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Policies: Impact on Testing and Treatment in the Commercially Insured

A total of 23 state Medicaid programs continue to restrict hepatitis C virus (HCV) medication access by liver disease or substance-use criteria, creating obstacles to HCV elimination and significant care disparities. Because public insurers often set precedents for private insurer coverage and clinician practice patterns, this study sought to analyze whether spillover occurs from state Medicaid HCV treatment restrictions to HCV screening and treatment rates in commercially insured individuals. Investigators analyzed 2014‒2017 commercial claims data across 48 U.S. states (721,961,965 person-months) and used an interrupted times series design to compare hepatitis C virus screening and treatment rates before and after state Medicaid HCV treatment policy changes, adjusting for state-level random effects, Medicaid expansion status, and state drug overdose incidence rates, in states that relaxed Medicaid policy over the study period. Analysis occurred during 2019‒2021. Hepatitis C virus screening rates among commercially insured individuals increased after the corresponding state Medicaid program relaxed HCV treatment policy. Among states that changed Medicaid policy, those that reduced fibrosis or both fibrosis and abstinence restrictions experienced increased HCV screening rates by the study end compared with states that changed only abstinence restrictions (rate ratio=1.29; 95% CI=1.15, 1.44; and rate ratio=1.32; 95% CI=1.17, 1.50, respectively). Similar patterns did not occur in HCV treatment rates, which declined after 2015 across groups. These data show that HCV screening rates increased among commercially insured individuals after the removal of Medicaid HCV treatment restrictions in the same state. This suggests that Medicaid treatment policies can spill over to affect health outcomes among commercially insured populations.

Feasibility of Hepatitis C Elimination in China: From Epidemiology, Natural History, and Intervention Perspectives.

Hepatitis C imposes a heavy burden on many countries, including China, where the number of reported cases and the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) increased yearly from 2005 to 2012, with a stable trend after 2012. The geographical distribution of HCV infections varies widely in China, with the northwest and southwest regions and the Henan Province showing a high disease burden. Elderly, men, sexually active people, drug users, migrants, blood transfusion recipients, and renal dialysis patients have become the target populations for hepatitis C prevention and control. It is important to improve the diagnosis rate in high-risk groups and asymptomatic people. Identifying secondary HCV infections, especially in HCV patients co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a priority of hepatitis C prevention and control. Enhancing universal access to direct antiviral agents (DAAs) treatment regimens is an effective way to improve the cure rate of HCV infection. For China to contribute to the WHO 2030 global HCV elimination plan, strategic surveillance, management, and treatment program for HCV are needed.

Avaliação dos preditores da falha dos antivirais de ação direta como mais um passo para programas de eliminação de VHC mais eficiente: o polimorfismo genético IL28B (IFNL4) não tem destaque, enquanto maior liberação estimada do “clearence” de creatinina é um fator esquecido

ABSTRACT Background: Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates after directly acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) exceed 95%. This encouraged policymakers to put plans to achieve HCV elimination by 2030. The remaining percentage of non-SVR12 can affect HCV eradication strategies in the real-world especially the compliance of large numbers of treated persons to follow up for assessment of virologic response cannot be guaranteed. Objective: We aimed to assess predictors of failure to achieve SVR after receiving sofosbuvir plus NS5A inhibitor as an important step towards achieving better HCV eradication strategies. Methods: During the period from 1st November 2018 to 1st November 2019, 1581 treatment-naive patients received sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir ± ribavirin at our unit and 10 patients were referred to us with HCV relapse after the same regimens. A total of 163 out of the 1581 patients were lost for follow-up before assessment of virologic response and excluded from the analysis. 20 out of the remaining patients failed to achieve SVR12. Data from the 30 patients with non-SVR12 were included in the case-control analysis. Results: Every unit increase in estimated creatinine clearance using modification of diet in renal disease study (MDRD) score, total bilirubin, and INR was associated with 1.03, 13.92, and 80.08 times greater odds of non-SVR12 (P&lt;0.001, P=0.0016, P=0.02) respectively. The presence of liver cirrhosis on ultrasonography increases the odds by 10.03. (P=0.009). Conclusion: Higher MDRD score, INR, total bilirubin, and presence of sonographic features of liver cirrhosis are predictors of failure to achieve SVR12 using sofosbuvir plus NS5A inhibitor.

Association of Referral Source and Substance Use with Hepatitis C Virus Outcomes at a Southern Academic Medical Center.

Therapeutic advances make the cure of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection achievable for individuals aware of their diagnosis who can access care. Identifying barriers to accessing care is critical to achieve population-level HCV elimination and improve the cascade of care from diagnosis to cure. To identify barriers to HCV care, we performed a retrospective observational analysis of outcomes for patients with chronic HCV referred to an infectious diseases clinic at an academic medical center in Charleston, South Carolina between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2020. We categorized outcomes in the cascade of care between "never presenting for evaluation" and "completed treatment with documented cure." Patient demographic factors, referral source, ZIP code of residence, insurance status, clinical characteristics, antiviral regimen, psychiatric and substance use history, and route of infection were assessed for associations with care outcomes. Of 407 referrals, 32% of patients never presented for an initial evaluation, an outcome that was associated with active substance use, mental health disease, and referral from an emergency department or obstetrics-gynecology provider. Of the patients who presented for an initial evaluation, 78% of patients initiated treatment. Active substance use was the only variable associated with lack of therapy initiation after presenting for an initial evaluation (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.07-5.84). Once treatment had been initiated, no clinical or demographic variables were associated with odds of achieving documented or presumed HCV cure. Active substance use, mental health disease, and referral from an emergency department or obstetrics-gynecology provider were associated with a lower odds of presenting for evaluation and initiation of HCV treatment. Innovative models to improve access to care and increase outreach to vulnerable populations will be essential to eliminate HCV.

Patient Navigation Increases Linkage to Care and Receipt of Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients with Hepatitis C

Patient navigation interventions can improve health outcomes in underserved, low-income, and racial and ethnic minority groups, who often experience health disparities. We examined the effectiveness of patient navigation to improve linkage to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment receipt in a socioeconomically disadvantaged, racially diverse patient population. We performed a pre-post analysis evaluating the effectiveness of a patient navigation program among baby boomers who tested positive for HCV in a safety-net health system. The usual care group (June 2013 to May 2015) and patient navigation group (January 2016 to December 2017) were balanced using a stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting approach. We used logistic regression analyses to evaluate associations between patient navigation and linkage to care for HCV treatment evaluation, treatment initiation, and sustained virologic response. Among 1353 patients (62% black, 61% uninsured, 16% homeless), 769 were in the usual care group, and 584 were in the patient navigation group. The patient navigation group had significantly higher odds of linkage to care (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9-4.8) and treatment initiation (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.3-4.2) within 6 months. The patient navigation group continued to have increased linkage to care (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.7-4.3) and treatment initiation (OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.7-3.0) at 12 months. However, there was no significant difference in sustained virologic response between the groups (86.9% vs 86.1%; P= .78). Patient navigation was associated with significantly increased linkage to care and treatment initiation among patients with HCV infection. Patient navigation programs can be used to promote HCV elimination among traditionally difficult-to-reach patient populations.

Updated epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infections and implications for hepatitis C virus elimination in Germany.

In 2014, an analysis was conducted to evaluate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology and disease burden in Germany. Since then, there have been considerable developments in HCV management such as the implementation of direct acting antivirals. The aim of this analysis was to assess the recent data available for Germany, establish an updated 2020 HCV prevalence and cascade of care and evaluate the impact of what-if scenarios on the future burden of disease using modelling analysis. A dynamic Markov model was used to forecast the HCV disease burden in Germany. Model inputs were retrieved through literature review, unpublished sources and expert input. Next, three "what-if" scenarios were developed to evaluate the status quo, COVID-19 pandemic, and steps needed to achieve the WHO targets for elimination. At the beginning of 2020, there were 189,000 (95% UI: 76,700-295,000) viremic infections in Germany, a decline of more than 85,000 viremic infections since 2012. Annual treatment starts went down since 2015. Compared with 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a further 11% decline in 2020. If this continues for two years, it could result in 110 excess HCC cases and 200 excess liver related deaths by 2030. To achieve the WHO targets, 81,200 people need to be diagnosed, with 118,600 initiated on treatment by 2030. This could also avert 1,020 deaths and 720 HCC cases between 2021 and 2030. Germany has made strides towards HCV elimination, but more efforts are needed to achieve the WHO targets by 2030.

Hepatitis C Elimination in the Netherlands (CELINE): How nationwide retrieval of lost to follow-up hepatitis C patients contributes to micro-elimination

Background & AimsThe number of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients who have been lost to follow-up (LTFU) is high and threatens HCV elimination. Micro-elimination focusing on the LTFU population is a promising strategy for low-endemic countries like the Netherlands (HCV prevalence 0.16%). We therefore initiated a nationwide retrieval project in the Netherlands targeting LTFU HCV patients. MethodsLTFU HCV-infected patients were identified using laboratory and patient records. Subsequently, the Municipal Personal Records database was queried to identify individuals eligible for retrieval, defined as being alive and with a known address in the Netherlands. These individuals were invited for re-evaluation. The primary endpoint was the number of patients successfully re-linked to care. ResultsRetrieval was implemented in 45 sites in the Netherlands. Of 20,183 ever-diagnosed patients, 13,198 (65%) were known to be cured or still in care and 1,537 (8%) were LTFU and eligible for retrieval. Contact was established with 888/1,537 (58%) invited individuals; 369 (24%) had received prior successful treatment elsewhere, 131 (9%) refused re-evaluation and 251 (16%) were referred for re-evaluation. Finally, 219 (14%) were re-evaluated, of whom 172 (79%) approved additional data collection. HCV-RNA was positive in 143/172 (83%), of whom 38/143 (27%) had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and 123/143 (86%) commenced antiviral treatment. ConclusionOur nationwide micro-elimination strategy accurately mapped the ever-diagnosed HCV population in the Netherlands and indicates that 27% of LTFU HCV-infected patients re-linked to care have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. This emphasizes the potential value of systematic retrieval for HCV elimination.

A gender lens is needed in hepatitis C elimination research.

The World Health Organisation has established a goal of eliminating the hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat by 2030. Considerable effort is being directed towards research to support and enhance HCV treatment uptake among people who inject drugs, but there is a distinct lack of attention given to gender in this work. We argue that a gender lens is needed to make visible the limitations of current HCV elimination research, and support the development of innovative, inclusive approaches to HCV treatment. Partnerships between researchers and people who inject drugs are essential in this work, particularly in the development and evaluation of programs by and for women who inject drugs. Failure to acknowledge the gendered dimensions of HCV elimination risks entrenching gender disparities in access to treatment and cure.