Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence Rates Research Articles

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among People Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study assesses HIV/HCV coinfection and associated risk factors among patients at Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, highlighting the seroprevalence of HCV among HIV/AIDS reactive individuals. The novelty lies in its detailed demographic analysis, revealing significant age, gender, tribal, educational, and occupational disparities, with a notably high seropositivity among people who inject drugs. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted HCV screening and intervention strategies in HIV/AIDS patients, particularly in demographic subgroups identified as having higher seroprevalence, to improve early diagnosis and management. Full Abstract The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a large healthcare burden. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and HCV coinfection are major global health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to assess the HIV/HCV coinfection and the potential risk factors among people attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of HCV infection was carried out on 77 HIV/AIDS reactive subjects attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, from 30th March 2021 to 4th May 2021. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using immunochromatographic test. Of the 77 study participants, the overall anti-HCV antibody prevalence was 5.2%. The 36-40 age group revealed the highest seropositivity of 18.18%, followed by 51-55 years (14.29%) and the least (11.11%) among 26-30 years. Females had the highest seropositivity of 6.25% and males least (3.45%). The highest seropositivity was seen among the Hausa tribe (7.14%), while the least in Fulani (5.56%). The highest seropositivity was recorded among people with no formal education (6.82%), while people with formal education had the least (5.88%). The highest seropositivity was seen in self-employed individuals (6.52%) regarding occupational status, while employed individuals had the least (4.17%). Married individuals had the highest seropositivity of 7.69%, while the divorced and widow/widower had 5.26% and 4.76% respectively. People who injected drugs recorded the highest seropositivity of 33.33%, with multiple sex partners at 6.90%, while people who shared sharp objects had the least (6.67%). There were no significant differences statistically in HCV seroprevalence among the different age categories, gender, tribe, education, occupation, marital and risk factors (p>0.05). The HCV prevalence rate (5.8%) observed in this study underscored the need to intensify HCV screening among people living with HIV/AIDS for early diagnosis and management of cases.

Prevalence Rates of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and Hepatitis B and C among Migrant Workers in Jordan.

Migration across national borders is an influential factor of consideration in the control of infectious diseases. Therefore, including migrants in surveillance and screening programs as well as linkage to care is mandatory to meet the public health targets of countries and regions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among migrant workers applying for work permits in Jordan during the period 2018-2020. The findings of this study are expected to guide health policy to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in Jordan. During the period 2018-2020, 439,622 migrant workers underwent routine testing for TB, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data for those migrants were retrieved from the Directorate of Chest Diseases and Immigrants Health records. The overall prevalence of the mentioned diseases as well as by subgroups was calculated. The prevalence rates of TB and HIV among migrants were 54 per 100,000 migrants (11 per 100,000 male migrants and 138 per 100,000 female migrants, P < 0.001) and 21 per 100,000 (11 per 100,000 male migrants and 41 per 100,000 female migrants, P < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis B was 10 per 1000 migrants (12 per 1000 male migrants and 7 per 1000 female migrants, P < 0.001) and the prevalence of hepatitis C was 37 per 1000 (51 per 1000 male migrants and 10 per 1000 female migrants, P < 0.001). The prevalence of all studied conditions varied significantly according to gender, age, occupation, and country of origin. The prevalence rates of TB, HIV, HBV, and HCV were generally higher among migrants than Jordanians. Evidence-based health policies need to be drafted that aim to address migrant workers health care to ensure the lowest possible risk from infectious diseases to the people of Jordan is maintained. The study findings can inform the formulation of immigration and public health policies, including screening requirements for migrant workers, health insurance provisions, labor regulations, and support services for those with these conditions.

Implementation of a decentralized hepatitis C care pathway for people who use drugs in Dutch addiction care. Study protocol for the Hepatitis C: chain of addiction care (CAC) project

BackgroundPeople who use drugs (PWUD) are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its complications. Given the high prevalence rate of HCV in PWUD, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes PWUD as a target population for HCV elimination. The introduction of pangenotypic direct acting antivirals (DAAs) greatly simplifies HCV treatment, which encourages integration of HCV treatment in primary care. Facilitating low threshold HCV care for PWUD by implementing decentralized models is crucial for HCV elimination.AimsWith this study we aim to (1) eliminate 90% of identified HCV infections in Dutch addiction care, using a decentralized PWUD-HCV care model, and (2) identify facilitators and barriers for successful implementation of the model using interviews.MethodsWe will perform a multicenter mixed-method study on HCV treatment in addiction care. In a prospective observational study we will examine HCV-related outcomes in PWUD receiving HCV treatment as part of addiction care. The primary outcome is viral elimination, defined as percentage of identified HCV positive patients cured with DAAs. In parallel, we will perform a qualitative study to explore facilitators and barriers for implementation of fully decentralized HCV-PWUD care. We will interview addiction care professionals and board members about their experience with HCV-care as part of addiction care.DiscussionThis study will show effectiveness of integration of HCV care within addiction care, and provide insight in facilitators and barriers to implement integrated HCV-addiction care. The results will provide recommendations for implementation and maintenance of the decentralized HCV pathway, which can facilitate scaling-up to contribute to reaching WHO HCV elimination goals.Trial registration NCT05401136.

Studies on Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence Rate among HIV Positive and HIV Negative Patients of Tertiary Health Facility

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus which is one of the major causes of liver disease and a potential cause of substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. The virus, estimated to infect about 3% of the world population, is primarily transmitted through the parenteral route which includes injection drug use, blood transfusion, unsafe injection practices, and other healthcare related procedures. HCV causes acute hepatitis which is mostly subclinical, but which gradually evolves into chronic hepatitis in about 80% of those infected. HCV infected people are at risk for developing chronic liver disease (CLD), cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been estimated that HCV accounts for 27% of cirrhosis and 25% of HCC worldwide. This work evaluated the prevalence rate of hepatitis C virus among patients of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka in Anambra state Nigeria. For the purpose of this study, two hundred (200) venous blood samples were drawn from patients (80 males and 120 females) in the ART and GOPD phlebotomy units and screened with in vitro anti HCV strip for qualitative diagnosis. 100 out the 200 samples were HIV positive samples whereas 100 remaining samples weren’t. At the end, results showed 11 positive samples out of the 200 patients screened. That is, 5.5% of the study population were infected with hepatitis C virus. 5 out of the 11 positive samples (2.5%) were HIV positive while 6(3%) of the total positive were not. Of the 6 age groups (200 samples) tested for HCV, age groups (25-34) and (45-54) had the highest number of infection i.e. 3 (4.9%) and 3(11.1%) respectively. Age groups 15-24 and 55-64 had 2(5.4%) and 2(11.1%) each. While in (35-44) age group, only 1(2.3%) person was infected and none was infected in those 65 years and above. Then, while 7 (63.6%) of the HCV positive population were male, 4 (36.4%) were female. Of the 11 persons infected with hepatitis C, 72% had multiple sex partners,45% had HIV,18% had tattoos, and 9% had been transfused in the past. Howbeit, HCV has no preventive vaccines; hence the call for greater awareness, public education and encouragement of early diagnosis to curb the prevalence rate of HCV.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection: What Are We Currently Doing in Latin America About WHO's Proposals for 2030?

Hepatitis C Virus Infection: What Are We Currently Doing in Latin America About WHO's Proposals for 2030?

Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B, C and D virus infection amongst patients with features of hepatitis in a referral hospital in Botswana: A cross-sectional study.

Viral hepatitis is a major global health problem. There is a paucity of data from Botswana on the seroprevalence of markers of hepatitis. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in patients with clinical features of hepatitis and/or altered liver function tests. This cross-sectional study was done at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Gaborone, Botswana, from February 2015 to July 2016. It involved 328 adult patients with any of the following: jaundice, history of liver disease and/or increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum bilirubin of > 2 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Active or chronic active hepatitis (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive) was identified in 46.7% of patients. Antibodies to HDV infection were detected in 4.6% of the HBsAg-positive patients and antibodies to HCV infection in 4.3% of the study patients. Immunity against HBV infection was noted in 34.5% of patients. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection was self-reported by 42.7% of HBsAg-positive patients with known HIV status. High prevalence rate of HBV, HCV, HDV infection and HIV co-infection was observed in patients with liver disease attending PMH.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Duhok Province

Background and Objective: Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk of developing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections owing to frequent hospitalization and blood investigations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Duhok. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 200 patients with DM type 1 and 2 were included. Patients’ serum samples were obtained to study HBsAg, and anti-HCV assays were done by the enzyme immunoassay method. Patients diagnosed to be positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV were referred to the infectious diseases unit for further evaluation. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.33 ± 11.25 years (mean±SD). More than two-thirds of them (70.0%) were females. The crude prevalence rates of HBV and HCV in patients with T2DM were 1.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The diabetes-specific seroprevalence of infection with HBV and HCV was 1.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The study did not show that baseline and clinical characteristics are related to developing viral hepatitis infection in diabetic patients. Conclusion: The study showed a very low seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV infection in type 2 diabetic patients with no relationship with clinical information.

Molecular epidemiology and genotype distribution of hepatitis C in Pakistan; a multicenter cross-sectional study

Pakistan has second highest burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients in the World. Little is known about the molecular epidemiology and risk factors for prevailing HCV genotypes in Pakistan. Considering this a multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at 23different viral hepatitis control and prevention centers. A total of 175,897 patients were registered and screened for HCV, out of which 73,180 (41.6%) were found positive on Architect screening test. The screened positive patients were sequentially tested on RT-PCR; where 41,241 (56.35%) were detected positive. Molecular characterization results showed genotype 3 (73.9%) as the most prevalent type, followed by genotype 1 (9.7%), and genotype 4 (0.3%) was isolated for the first time in Pakistan. On regression analysis; risk factors associated with genotype 3 and 1 included; age group of 30–50 years, rural residence, exposure to >10 injections, barber shaving, circumcision by barbers, and low literacy rate. Phylogenetic analysis based on genotypes identified in this study and sequences isolated from Pakistan in last 10 years demonstrated that genotype 3 and 1 are endemic locally in Punjab province. The high prevalence rate of HCV is a threat for a generalized epidemic and genetic recombination with such variability of genotypes identified here is an alarming condition. More focused attention and resources should be spent in awareness of the population to prevent the spread of HCV among high risk population.

Significant decrease in injection risk behaviours among participants in a needle exchange programme

Background and aims: Sharing of unsterile injection equipment contributes to transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) but is largely preventable through needle exchange programmes (NEP). Sweden has been one of the last countries in Europe to scale up access to NEP for PWID, who consequently have high prevalence rates of HCV and HIV. The aim of the study was to investigate demographic and drug-related determinants of injection risk behaviours, sharing of needle/syringe and paraphernalia, and patterns of change over time in subgroups of PWID participating in the Stockholm NEP.Methods: The Stockholm NEP started in 2013 as the first formal NEP in the region. A total of 2860 PWID were included in this prospective open cohort study. The association between demographic and drug-related determinants and injection risk behaviours were analysed at baseline and followed up at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months post-enrolment.Results: The following factors were associated with high levels of injection risk behaviours at inclusion: female gender, homelessness, low education level, younger age, amphetamine use, not in opioid substitution therapy (OST), being HIV negative and being HCV positive. We found an overall significant decrease in injection risk behaviours over time among participants. Not previously investigated in depth, we found that subgroups of participants varied in degrees of injection risk behaviour reduction over time and that women decreased injection risk behaviours faster than men. Enrolment in OST, HIV positive and age <25 years at inclusion were not associated with a decrease in injection risk behaviours over time.Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study over 4 years, we found that NEP participation was associated with a significant decrease in injection risk behaviours.

The Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus in Healthy Women in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Brief Report

Background: Infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major global public health problems. Infection with such viruses is commonly associated with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of HBV and HCV in women in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed in Zakho City, Iraq between January 2019 and October 2019. A total of 2223 females aged between 18 to 52 years old were included in this study. ELISA test was used to determine HBsAg, HBc IgG, and HCV antibodies positivity. HCV positive samples were then confirmed by Xpert HCV quantification assay. Results: Among the studied subjects, 12/2223 (0.54%) samples were positive for HBs Ag. All these 12 patients showed also positivity for HBc IgG. Only 1/2223 (0.045%) sample was positive for HCV antibodies. The result of HCV-RT-PCR confirmed the positivity for this patient. Conclusions: The low prevalence rate of HBV and HCV infection among women in Zakho City was less than that reported in other studies. Population-based study is needed to estimate the prevalence of infection.

Comparative Analysis of PCR and LIPA Method for HCV Genotypes Screening

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. About 6% of the population of Pakistan is suffering from HCV infection. HCV has a high mutation rate and consists of seven genotypes and sixty-seven subtypes. Genotype information of patients infected with HCV is significant for its treatment. Methods: In this study, 416 HCV serum samples were collected and HCV prevalence rate was studied in different districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Nested PCR and INNO LIPA HCV-II were used for HCV genotyping and their respective performance was evaluated. This study was conducted by the approval of Lahore Clinical Laboratory and Research Centre situated at Shadman, Lahore. Results: The highest prevalence of HCV was found in Shekhupura district followed by Bhakkar, Narowal and Okara districts, respectively. In Punjab, the most prevalent genotype was 3a (70.29%), followed by genotype 1 (5.47%), untypable genotypes (5.44%) and genotype 3a/3b (4.64%). Nested PCR was found to be more reliable than INNO LIPA-II. Nested PCR results were more accurate and only 5 samples remained untypable whereas 33 samples could not be typed by LIPA method. Conclusion: This study was focused on the comparative analysis of Nested PCR and LIPA method for screening HCV genotypes and their prevalence in different districts of Punjab, Pakistan. HCV genotyping is important since different genotypes require different therapeutic treatments. In Punjab, 3a is the most prevalent genotype followed by non-typable genotypes. LIPA is the most commonly used HCV genotype assay but this study found Nested PCR to be a highly sensitive and cost-effective method in this regard. This study can lead to the better selection of genotyping methods and treatment.

Infectious diseases in post-trial detention and comparisons with pre-trial detention: A study in Geneva, Switzerland

BackgroundPrevalence rates of infectious diseases in post-trial prisons have been scarcely investigated. Due to the specific characteristics of these prison populations, these prevalence rates may differ from pre-trial prisons and more information is needed for developing adequate prevention and treatment interventions. This study compared prevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), susceptibility to varicella zoster virus (VZV) and measles in pre- and post-trial detention. MethodsData were collected in Geneva post-trial prisons among males (n=250), including serological tests, demographics, and risk factors, and were compared to those of the Geneva pre-trial prison (n=273). Results and conclusionsIncarcerated men in post-trial detention shared a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases compared to community (chronic HBV: 5.9%, HVC: 2.8%, susceptibility to VZV: 5.9%, to measles: 4.7%). Susceptibility to VZV and prevalence rate of HCV were lower in post-trial prisons (p=.034 and p=.080). Prevalence rates of infectious diseases in prison should be interpreted in light of the prison population’s characteristics. Screening and treatment should be promoted in all types of prison settings. Since overcrowding and turnover of pre-trial prisons restrict the access to screening, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, interventions are crucial in post-trial prisons.

Addressing the Disease Burden of Vertically Acquired Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Opioid-Exposed Infants.

BackgroundThis study aims to estimate the disease burden of vertically acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a large Midwestern hospital and to identify factors associated with HCV diagnostic testing among high-risk infants.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of an infant cohort (n = 58 427) born from 2014 to 2016 in the Greater Cincinnati region, where universal maternal urine testing is conducted at delivery to assess for intrauterine drug exposure (IUDE). Demographics and birth characteristics were analyzed among high-risk infants to identify factors associated with receiving HCV testing. A nested, matched, case-control analysis examined the association of pediatric HCV infection and IUDE.ResultsThe HCV prevalence rate among high-risk infants who received testing was 3.6%–5.2% of births. Approximately 66.7% of maternally acquired HCV infections may be missed using current testing recommendations. Prenatal care had no significant effect (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4–3.5) on the odds of a high-risk infant receiving HCV testing. Opioid-exposed cases had a more than 6-fold increase in the odds of HCV infection (aOR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.3–16.6]) compared with nonopioid exposed infants.ConclusionsThe IUDE was significantly associated with increased odds of pediatric HCV infection in this population. The gaps in pediatric HCV testing identified in this study, despite known risk level and maternal infection, suggest the need for increased focus on HCV identification in the pediatric population.

Association of HLA‐DQB1*03:01 and DRB1*11:01 with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in Chinese Li ethnicity, an ethnic group genetically distinct from Chinese Han ethnicity and infected with unique HCV subtype

Specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and class II alleles have been associated with spontaneous clearance or persistent infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV), which seemed to be restricted by the host's ethnicity and viral genotype. Recently we reported a high prevalence and spontaneous clearance rate of HCV in a cohort of Chinese Li ethnicity who were infected with new variants of HCV genotype 6. In this study, we found that the distribution of HLA class I and class II alleles in HCV infected individuals of Chinese Li ethnicity (n = 143) was distinct from that of Chinese Han ethnicity which was reported in our previous study. HLA-DRB1*11:01 and DQB1*03:01 were more prevalent in Chinese Li subjects who cleared HCV spontaneously than those who were chronically infected (P = .036 and P = .024, respectively), which were consistent with our previous report regarding the Chinese Han population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that DQB1*03:01 (odds ratio = 3.899, P = .017), but not DRB1*11:01, associated with HCV spontaneous clearance, independent of age, sex, and IFNL3 genotype. Because DQB1*03:01 and DRB1*11:01 were tightly linked because of linkage disequilibrium, our results clearly supported the associations of these two alleles with HCV spontaneous clearance in Chinese Li as well as Han ethnicity.

Intrafamilial Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Among Families of Infected Pediatric Oncology Patients.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most commonly encountered blood transmittable hepatitis among cancer patients. Several studies have reported clustering of HCV infections in families or household contacts of infected cases. Data about the epidemiologic aspects of intrafamilial transmission from pediatric cancer patients are scarce and still debated. We aimed to identify the magnitude of horizontal intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected pediatric oncology patients; its prevalence, risk factors and possible routes of transmission. One hundred fifty-seven (86 HCV positive, 71 HCV negative) pediatric oncology patients who received treatment and follow-up at Zagazig university Hospital-Egypt and their household family contacts (751) were enrolled in this cross-sectional case-control study. Blood samples were collected from 450 relatives of HCV infected cases (group 1) and 301 household contacts of HCV-negative cases (group 2) for analysis of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA to confirm positivity. Family contacts of HCV-infected cases were interviewed, and close-ended questionnaire was completed for each participant to determine risk factors and possible routes of HCV intrafamilial transmission. Significantly higher HCV prevalence and chronicity rates were documented among relatives of HCV-infected cases as compared with contacts of HCV-negative cases (12.6% and 10.6% for group 1 vs. 7% and 5.3% for group 2, respectively). Risk factors of infection were calculated by univariate and logistic regression analysis among contacts of HCV-infected cases. Female caregivers, particularly mother (OR 5.1, 95% CI: 2-13.5), contact with index cases blood, either directly without using personal protective equipment (OR 7.8, 95% CI: 2.9-23.8) or indirectly through common use of sharps (razors, scissors) (OR 8.9, 95% CI: 3.5-20.5) and nail clippers (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-5.4) and giving care to infected cases (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-16.6) represented the real predictors of intrafamilial HCV infection. Intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected children to their relatives does occur. Parenteral route is the only documented way of transmission either directly or indirectly.

How useful is routine pre-endoscopy viral screening?

Pre-procedural screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are routinely done in several endoscopy centres in Nigeria. These tests constitute an additional layer of financial burden to the patients since most of them settle their medical bills out of pocket. At the same time, the burden of these viral infections on the society demands that all measures are taken to prevent their iatrogenic transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV among patients referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy so as to determine the relevance of routine screening before procedures. The study was a retrospective cross-sectional survey of patients referred to the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan-Remo, for endoscopy from January 2015 to December 2018. A total of 432 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 48.15 (±15.89) while the age range was 12-86 years. Of these, 240 (54.7%) were females while 199 (45.3%) were males. The results of the viral screening available in the record book varied: HBV (n = 419), HCV (n = 238) and HIV (n = 417). The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV was 4.3% (95% CI = 2.4% - 6.2%), 2.1% (95% CI = 0.4% - 4.2%) and 1.0% (95% CI = 0.2% - 1.9%) respectively. Fourteen (3.3%), 5 (2.2%) and 14 (3.4%) patients who were initially negative, were rescreened for HBV, HCV and HIV respectively for repeat endoscopy. None of these patients tested positive for the viruses. We found no evidence of viral transmission from endoscope to patients in our centre. Viral pre-screening for endoscopy in settings with low to moderate prevalence rates of HBV, HCV and HIV infections may not be necessary.

Seroprevalence of HIV &amp; HCV coinfection among patients in a rural tertiary care centre in North India

Objective: Viral hepatitis C infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Chronic HCV infection can cause a wide spectrum of liver disease, potentially leading to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis, organ failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. It accounts for nearly 12– 32% of all cases of liver cancer and 10- 20% cases of cirrhosis of liver, both of which have high treatment costs and poor outcomes. As route of infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is same, People with HIV infection are at more risk of acquiring Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. The co-infection of Hepatitis C virus with HIV accelerates disease progression and also has an effect on the management of patients infected with HIV. The prevalence of HIV co-infection with Hepatitis C virus varies widely. This study is planned to evaluate the prevalence of HIV co-infection with Hepatitis C viruses in North India. Materials and Methods: A total of 25443 patients enrolled in the microbiology lab were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of HCV and HIV infection on the basis of the presence of anti-HCV and anti HIV markers. Results: In patients infected with HIV, the prevalence of co-infection with HCV was 0.07%. The mean age of the study group was 28.7 years. Discussion: The prevalence rate of HCV are increasing in patients infected with HIV. Having acquired the knowledge about the importance of such a co-infection, it is essential that all the patients infected with HIV be screened for HCV co-infection.

Towards hepatitis C virus elimination: Egyptian experience, achievements and limitations.

Worldwide, more than one million people die each year from hepatitis C virus (HCV) related diseases, and over 300 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B or C. Egypt used to be on the top of the countries with heavy HCV burden. Some countries are making advances in elimination of HCV, yet multiple factors preventing progress; remain for the majority. These factors include lack of global funding sources for treatment, late diagnosis, poor data, and inadequate screening. Treatment of HCV in Egypt has become one of the top national priorities since 2007. Egypt started a national treatment program intending to provide cure for Egyptian HCV-infected patients. Mass HCV treatment program had started using Pegylated interferon and ribavirin between 2007 and 2014. Yet, with the development of highly-effective direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV, elimination of viral hepatitis has become a real possibility. The Egyptian National Committee for the Control of Viral Hepatitis did its best to provide Egyptian HCV patients with DAAs. Egypt adopted a strategy that represents a model of care that could help other countries with high HCV prevalence rate in their battle against HCV. This review covers the effects of HCV management in Egyptian real life settings and the outcome of different treatment protocols. Also, it deals with the current and future strategies for HCV prevention and screening as well as the challenges facing HCV elimination and the prospect of future eradication of HCV.

Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) as a setting to address hepatitis C \u2013 findings from an international online survey

BackgroundPrevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is high. Risky injecting behaviours have been found to decrease in drug consumption rooms (DCRs) and supervised injecting facilities (SIFs), yet HCV prevention and treatment in these settings have not been extensively explored.MethodsTo determine the range and scope of HCV prevention and treatment options in these services, we assessed DCR/SIF operational features, their clients’ characteristics and the HCV-related services they provide. A comprehensive online survey was sent to the managers of the 91 DCRs/SIFs that were operating globally as of September 2016. A descriptive cross-country analysis of the main DCR/SIF characteristics was conducted and bivariate logistic models were used to assess factors associated with enhanced HCV service provision.ResultsForty-nine valid responses were retrieved from DCRs/SIFs in all countries where they were established at the time of the survey (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Switzerland). Internationally, the operational capacities of DCRs/SIFs varied in terms of funding, location, size and staffing, but their clients all shared common features of vulnerability and marginalisation. Estimated HCV prevalence rates were around 60%. Among a range of health and social services and referrals to other programs, most DCRs/SIFs provided HCV testing onsite (65%) and/or offered liver monitoring or disease management (54%). HCV treatment onsite was offered or was planned to be offered by 21% of DCRs/SIFs. HCV testing onsite was associated with provision of other services addressing blood-borne diseases and HCV treatment was linked to the provision of OST. HCV disease management was associated with employing a nurse at a DCR/SIF and HCV treatment was associated with employing a medical doctor.ConclusionsDCRs/SIFs offer easy-to-access HCV-related services for PWID. The availability of onsite medical professionals and provision of support and education to non-medical staff are key to enhanced provision of HCV-related services in DCRs/SIFs. Funding and support for HCV treatment at the community level, via low-threshold services such as DCRs/SIFs, are worthy of action.

Intrafamilial Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Among Families of Infected Pediatric Oncology Patients

Background and Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most commonly encountered blood transmittable hepatitis among cancer patients. Several studies have reported clustering of HCV infections in families or household contacts of infected cases. Data about the epidemiological aspects of intrafamilial transmission from pediatric cancer patients are scarce and still debated. We aimed to figure-out the magnitude of horizontal intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected pediatric oncology patients; its prevalence, risk factors and possible routes of transmission. Patients and Methods: 157 (86 HCV positive, 71 HCV negative) pediatric oncology patients and their household family contacts (751) were enrolled in this cross sectional case- control study. Blood samples were collected from 450 relatives of HCV infected cases (group-1) and 301 household contacts of HCV negative cases (group-2) for analysis of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA to confirm positivity. Family contacts of HCV infected cases were interviewed and close-ended questionnaire was filled for each participant to determine risk factors and possible routes of intrafamilial transmission. Results: Significantly higher HCV prevalence and chronicity rates were documented among relatives of HCV infected cases as compared with contacts of HCV negative cases (12.6% & 10.6% for group-1 Vs 7% & 5.3% for group-2 respectively). Risk factors of infection were calculated by univariate and logistic regression analysis among contacts of HCV infected cases. Female caregivers, particularly mother (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2-13.5), contact with index cases blood, either directly without using personal protective equipment (OR7.8, 95% CI2.9-23.8)or indirectly through common use of sharps (razors, scissors) (OR8.9, 95% CI3.5-20.5) and nail clippers (OR 2.1 95% CI 1.1-5.4) and giving care to infected cases (OR 2.9 95% CI 1.3-16.6) represented the real predictors of intrafamilial HCV infection. Conclusion: Intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected children to their relatives does occur. Parenteral route is the only documented way of transmission either directly or indirectly. Funding: This research did not receive any grant from any funding agency. Declaration of Interest: Authors declare no conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval: The study protocol was approved by our hospital local research and ethical committee and written informed consent was taken from each participant or his/her legal guardian before enrollment.