Hepatitis C Virus Seropositivity Research Articles

Prevalence, trends, and distribution of hepatitis C virus among the general population in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although the evidence is uncertain, existing estimates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) indicate a high burden. We estimated HCV seroprevalence and viraemic prevalence among the general population in SSA. We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and World Health Organization Africa Index Medicus for community-based studies. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool, and heterogeneity using the index of heterogeneity (I2). Two approaches were deployed. First, we used random-effects meta-analysis to pool prevalence. Second, to derive representative estimates, we weighted each country's HCV seroprevalence using 2021 United Nations country population sizes. We synthesized 130 studies. Overall, SSA HCV seroprevalence from the random-effects model was 4.17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.71-4.66, I2 = 99.30%). There were no differences between males (4.31%) and females (4.03%). Seroprevalence was 2.25%, 3.31%, and 16.23% for ages ≤20, 21-64, and ≥65 years, respectively, and was higher in rural (6.63%) versus urban (2.93%). There was indication of decrement overtime from 5.74% to 4.35% to 3.03% in the years 1984-2000, 2001-2014, and 2015-2023, respectively. The weighted overall SSA HCV seroprevalence was estimated to be 2.30% (95% CI: 1.59-3.00) with regional variation: Africa-Southern (.79%), Africa-Central (1.47%), Africa-Eastern (2.71%), and Africa-Western (2.88%). HCV viremia among HCV seropositives was 54.77% (95% CI: 47.80-61.66). HCV seroprevalence in SSA remains high. Populations aged ≥65 years, rural communities, Africa-Western, and some countries in Africa-Central and Africa-Eastern appear disproportionately affected. These results underline the need for governmental commitment to achieve the 2030 global HCV elimination targets.

All-cause and cause-specific mortality risk among men and women with hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects men and women differently, yet few studies have investigated sex differences in long-term mortality risk among the HCV-infected population. We conducted a population-based study to elucidate all-cause and cause-specific mortality among men and women with HCV infection. The study population consisted of adult participants from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including 945 HCV-infected and 44,637 non-HCV-infected individuals. HCV infection was defined as either HCV seropositivity or detectable HCV RNA. Participants were followed until the date of death or December 31, 2019, to determine survival status. The HCV-infected population, both male and female, tended to be older, more likely to be Black, single, have lower income, lower BMI, higher prevalence of hypertension, and were more likely to be current smokers. During a median follow-up of 125.0 months, a total of 5,309 participants died, including 1,253 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 1,319 deaths from cancer. The crude analysis showed that the risk of death from all causes and from cancer, but not from CVD, was higher in the HCV-infected population. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that both HCV-infected men (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.10-1.81) and women (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.36-3.02) were equally at increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to their non-HCV infected counterparts (p for interaction > 0.05). The risk of cancer-related mortality was significantly increased in HCV-infected women (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.01-4.53), but not in men, compared to non-HCV-infected counterparts. Among HCV-infected population, there was no difference in the risks of all-cause, CVD-related, or cancer-related death between men and women. Both men and women with HCV infection had an increased risk of death from all causes compared to their non-HCV infected counterparts, but we did not observe a significant sex difference.

Trends in hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among msm in Pakistan: insights from a community-based study

Pakistan bears a substantial burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with the second-highest prevalence globally. This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2022 in Punjab, Pakistan, investigates the seroprevalence of HCV among the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. The study identifies demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with HCV infection within this population group. Among the 501 participants, the study found an HCV seroprevalence of 14.86%. The association between demographic characteristics and seroprevalence is assessed by calculating the percentage of positive cases, revealing notable associations with age, education level, and self-identified sexual orientation. Furthermore, the study identified several behavioral risk factors positively associated with HCV seroprevalence, including sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes, histories of surgery, blood transfusion, dental procedures, intravenous drug use, and therapeutic injection histories. These risk factors were identified through structured interviews, and the prevalence of HCV seropositivity among the exposed groups was calculated accordingly. Interestingly, a lower HCV positivity rate was observed among self-reported HIV-positive individuals, contradicting previous research. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, targeted prevention strategies such as risk factor awareness campaigns and educational programs tailored for the MSM population in Pakistan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and better understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to HCV seroprevalence in this high-risk population.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV, HCV and HIV among hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Damascus Syria

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among hemodialysis (HD) patients as well as to identify associated risk factors.MethodologyA multicenter cross-sectional study involved patients who had been on HD for at least three months. The study was conducted at five HD centers in Damascus, Syria from August 2019 to September 2021. HBsAg, HCV-Ab and HIV (antibody/antigen) seropositivity were identified using the third generation ELISA technique. Patients’ information was extracted from their records and by face-to-face interview. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to identify risk factors associated with HBV or HCV seropositivity. The significance level was set at 5%.ResultsA total of 637 patients were included in the study with a mean age (SD) of 50.5 (15.6) years and 56.7% of them were men. The dialytic age ranged from one to thirty years with a mean (SD) of 6.10 (5.6) years. The prevalence of positive hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV, co-infection of HBV and HCV, and anti-HIV (antibody/antigen) were 3.2%, 22.1%, 0.7%, and 0%, respectively. After controlling for co-variables, hepatitis B vaccine was the only predictor of seropositivity of HBV (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.057–0.393, P < 0.001), as it significantly protected against contracting HBV. On the other hand, the dialytic age (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12–1.94, P = 0.032) and the dialysis center were significant factors affecting the prevalence of HCV.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HCV and HBV infections among HD patients in Damascus, Syria has decreased remarkably compared with the results from 2001. Nevertheless, it is still considered relatively high. Thus, there is an urgent need to strengthen the prevention and control measures for viral infection transmission in HD centers in Damascus.

High Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Among Cisgender Women Who Exchange Sex in the Seattle, Washington Area.

Injection drug use (IDU) is a risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition and occurs disproportionately among women who exchange sex (WES). However, little is known about HCV epidemiology in this population. We estimated HCV seroprevalence, identified correlates of HCV seropositivity, and characterized social networks by HCV serostatus and IDU history among WES in the Seattle, Washington, area. This was a secondary analysis of data from the 2016 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance survey in the Seattle, Washington area, a cross-sectional survey that used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to enroll WES for money or drugs (N = 291). All participants were offered rapid HCV-antibody testing. We estimated HCV seropositivity and used log regression methods to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for correlates of HCV seropositivity among WES. Using RDS recruitment chain data, we computed homophily indices to estimate the extent to which participants were likely to recruit another participant with the same HCV serostatus and IDU history. In the study sample of WES in the Seattle, Washington area, 79% reported lifetime IDU and 60% were HCV seropositive. HCV seropositivity was strongly associated with ever injecting drugs (PRadj: 7.7 [3.3, 18.0]). The RDS homophily scores for HCV seropositivity (0.07) and ever injecting drugs (0.02) suggested that participants did not tend to recruit others with the same characteristics beyond what would be expected by chance. Among this sample of WES in Seattle, Washington area, HCV seroprevalence was high and strongly associated with a history of IDU. The high burden of HCV among WES suggests this marginalized group would benefit from additional harm reduction services and targeted HCV treatment campaigns to reduce forward transmission. We saw little evidence of preferential recruitment among WES who were HCV seropositive or reported a history of IDU, suggesting the potential futility of peer-based referrals for HCV treatment.

Hepatitis C infection seroprevalence in pregnant women worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Monitoring progress towards the WHO global target to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, entails reliable prevalence estimates for HCV infection in different populations. Little is known about the global burden of HCV infection in pregnant women. Here, for the first time to our knowledge, we estimated the global and regional seroprevalence of HCV antibody (Ab) and determinants in pregnant women. In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and SciELO databases for peer-reviewed observational studies between January 1, 2000 and April 1, 2023, without language or geographical restrictions. Pooled global seroprevalence (and 95% confidence interval, CI) were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis and seroprevalences were categorised according to World Health Organization regions and subregions, publishing year, countries' income and human development index (HDI) levels. We used sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of four large sample size studies on pooled global prevalence through the "leave-one-out" method. We also investigated the association of potential risk factors with HCV seropositivity in pregnant women by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. The Protocol was registered in PROSPERO CRD42023423259. We included 192 eligible studies (208 datasets), with data for 148,509,760 pregnant women from 53 countries. The global seroprevalence of HCV Ab in pregnant women was 1.80% (95% CI, 1.72-1.89%) and 3.29% (3.01-3.57%) in overall and sensitivity analyses, respectively. The seroprevalence was highest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (6.21%, 4.39-8.29%) and lowest in the Western Pacific region (0.75%, 0.38-1.22%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the seroprevalence of HCV Ab among pregnant women was significantly higher for those with opioid use disorder (51.94%, 95% CI: 37.32-66.39) and HIV infection (4.34%, 95% CI: 2.21-7.06%) than for the general population of pregnant women (1.08%, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15%), as confirmed by multivariable meta-regression (p<0.001). A significant decreasing trend was observed with increasing human development index levels. Other important risk factors for HCV seropositivity included older age, lower educational levels, poly sexual activity, history of blood transfusion, hospitalization, surgery, abortion and sexual transmitted diseases, having scarification/tattoo or piercing, and testing hepatitis B positive. This meta-analysis showed relatively high burden of exposure to HCV infection (2.2-5.3 million) in pregnant women globally. However, due to substantial heterogeneity between studies, our estimates might be different than the true seroprevalence. Our findings highlighted the need to expand HCV screening for women of reproductive age or during pregnancy, particularly in countries with high prevalence; as well as for more studies that assess safety of existing therapeutic drugs during pregnancy or potentially support development of drugs for pregnant women. There was no funding source for this study.

Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus Among Blood Donors in Sidi Bel Abbes, West Algeria.

Introduction Blood transfusions can transmit various viruses. Among them, the most common are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These viruses can cause fatal and life-threatening diseases. Worldwide, many people are infected with these viruses. Blood safety has made majorprogress in recent years. Yet, blood-borne viruses continue to be a major concern for patients, physicians, and policymakers. The aim of this study was to assessthe prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in blood donors. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to assess HIV, HBV, and HCV seropositivity in blood donors. This research was carried out at the blood bank of Sidi Bel Abbes University Hospital. This was a retrospective study based on records of blood donors. All data of 10,386 donors were analyzed from January 2015 to December 2015. Biological screening was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibodies and/or antigens. The combined HCV and HIV antigen and antibody ELISA test was utilized. To confirm the results, the blood bank and the virology laboratory used the same technique in duplicate. Results The overall seroprevalence of blood-borne viral infections (HIV, HBV, and HCV) in blood donors was 0.8%. The prevalence of HIV was found to be 0.1%, while the prevalence of HBV and HCV was 0.4%. Coinfection was rare with only one case of HBV with HIV.There was a significant difference in seroprevalence rates among blood donors compared to the general population. Significant variations were observed between the prevalence of this study and those conducted in West, East, Central, and South African countries but not with those of neighboringNorth African countries. The study found no association between seropositivity in blood donors and factors like age, gender, donor status, type of donation, or site. Besides, HIV, HBV, or HCV prevalence was not influenced by ABO and Rhesus blood group. Conclusion The study showed that blood donors in Algeria have a lower prevalence of blood-borne viral infections than the general population. The seropositivity rate of viral markers was similar throughout North African countries. This rate remained low compared to other African countries. Residual risk of infection persists. There is a need to increase blood safety for recipients. This report is the first comprehensive overview of blood-borne viruses among Algerian blood donors. There is a need for further nationwide studies to get a whole picture of the situation.

Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in an informal settlement in Karachi, Pakistan.

The burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Pakistan is amongst the highest in the world. People living in slums are likely to be at high risk of infection. Here, we describe the results of a cross-sectional survey conducted in March 2022 that aimed to quantify the prevalence of HCV infection in Machar Colony, one of the largest and oldest slum settlements in Karachi. Risk factors for HCV seropositivity were identified using multi-level logistic regression. We recruited 1,303 individuals in a random selection of 441 households from Machar Colony. The survey-adjusted HCV-seroprevalence was 13.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 11.1-15.8) and survey-adjusted viraemic prevalence was 4.1% (95% CI 3.1-5.4) with a viraemic ratio of 32% (95% CI 24.3-40.5). Of 162 seropositive people, 71 (44%) reported receiving previous treatment for chronic hepatitis C. The odds of HCV seropositivity were found to increase with each additional reported therapeutic injection in the past 12 months (OR = 1.07 (95% Credible Interval (CrI) 1.00-1.13)). We found weaker evidence for a positive association between HCV seropositivity and a reported history of receiving a blood transfusion (OR = 1.72 (95% CrI 0.90-3.21)). The seroprevalence was more than double the previously reported seroprevalence in Sindh Province. The overall proportion of seropositive people that were viraemic was lower than expected. This may reflect the long-term impacts of a non-governmental clinic providing free of cost and easily accessible hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment to the population since 2015. Reuse of needles and syringes is likely to be an important driver of HCV transmission in this setting. Future public health interventions should address the expected risks associated with iatrogenic HCV transmission in this community.

FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS C SEROCONVERSION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS

Background: Haemodialysis increases Hepatitis-C seroconversion risk adversely affecting Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) prognosis. This study aimed to determine the frequency of Hepatitis C seroconversion in chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dialysis Unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from March 2016 to January 2019. A pre-designed proforma was used for data collection. A sample of 121 patients of dialysis dependent CKD was enrolled for the study through non-probability consecutive sampling. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was re-estimated from serum creatinine to confirm the diagnosis using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation. Patients who were Hepatitis C virus (HCV) negative at the start of dialysis, and became positive 3 months post-dialysis were considered having undergone seroconversion. Data were analysed using SPSS-16. Results: Out of 121 participants, 80 (66.1%) were male and 41 (33.8%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 51.0±6.22 years with range from 41 to 61 years. Hepatitis C seropositivity was recorded in 40 (33.06%) of the study participants during the study period. Statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) associations were observed between HCV seropositivity and age and gender of the patients. Conclusion: Hepatitis C infection is a common complication of haemodialysis. Rigorous screening of patients for Hepatitis C and separate machines for Hepatitis C patients can lead to a decrease in the burden of this disease. Pak J Physiol 2023;19(2):32–5

Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence among patients enrolled at the opioid substitution therapy center in Bihar: A cross-sectional study.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a major public health challenge in Indian settings due to its huge population and easy transmissibility of HCV among individuals who inject drugs (PWID, which is increasing in India). The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), India has started the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centers to improve the health status of opioid dependent PWID and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among them. We conducted a cross-sectional study to find out the HCV sero-positive status and associated determinants in patients attending the OST centre in the ICMR-RMRIMS, Patna. We utilized the routinely collected (as a part of the National AIDS Control Program) and de-identified data from the OST center from 2014 to 2022 (N = 268). We abstracted the information for exposure variables (such as socio-demographic features and drug history) and outcome variable (HCV serostatus). The association of exposure variables with HCV serostatus was examined using robust Poisson regression. All the enrolled participants were male and the prevalence of HCV seropositivity was 28% [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.7% - 33.8%)]. There was a rising prevalence of HCV seropositivity with number of years of injection use (p-trend <0.001) and age (p-trend 0.025). Approximately, 6.3% participants were injecting drugs for >10 years and reported the maximum prevalence of HCV seropositivity (47.1%, 95% CI: 23.3%-70.8%). In adjusted analyses, being employed compared to unemployed patients [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38-0.89]; graduated patients compared to illiterate patients [aPR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02-0.78]; and patients with education up to higher secondary compared to illiterate patients [aPR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43-0.94] had significantly lesser HCV seropositivity. A-one year increase in injection use [aPR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.10] was associated with 7% higher prevalence of HCV seropositivity. In this OST center-based study of 268 PWIDs residing in Patna, ~28% of patients were HCV seropositive, which was positively associated with years of injection use, unemployment, and illiteracy. Our findings suggest that OST centers offer an opportunity to reach a high-risk difficult to reach group for HCV infection and thus support the notion of integrating HCV care into the OST or de-addiction centres.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in Jinan, China, 2008–2020

BackgroundThe updated estimates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence are critical for developing strategies to manage or eliminate HCV infection.MethodsA comprehensive study on HCV seroprevalence was conducted among 365,210 patients at Jinan Central Hospital, China, from 2008 to 2020. The patients were tested for anti-HCV, HCV core antigen, hepatitis B surface antigen, syphilis antibody, human immunodeficiency virus antigen + antibody, antihepatitis A virus IgM, and antihepatitis E virus IgM.ResultsHCV seroprevalence was 0.79% and was related to age. HCV seropositivity was lower in children (aged < 18 years) than in adults (aged ≥ 18 years) (0.15% vs. 0.81%). High HCV prevalence was reported in adults aged ≥ 41 years, and HCV seropositivity in those aged 41–80 years accounted for 74.56% of all seropositive individuals. Notably, the rate of HCV–HIV coinfection was 0. HCV seroprevalence was considerably higher in patients at the Kidney Disease Unit and Dialysis Department than in those at other departments (inpatient or outpatient).ConclusionsHCV seroprevalence was lower in Jinan region but higher in patients at the Kidney Disease Unit and Dialysis Department, especially in those undergoing hemodialysis.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased age in sub-Saharan Africa: Results from a cross-sectional comparative analysis

BackgroundSeveral epidemiological studies have established the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the determinants and reasons for the high prevalence of HCV infection in people with T2DM are not well understood especially in sub-Saharan African populations. In this study, we aimed to assess determinants of the association between HCV infection and T2DM.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study amongst 442 T2DM patients recruited from an out-patient adult diabetes clinic in a tertiary hospital and 442 non-diabetic controls recruited from the general population. Serological testing for HCV antibody was performed using standard ELISA technique. Anti-HCV antibody prevalence was reported by age group in participants with diabetes and the non-diabetic controls. Logistic regression was used to examine for factors associated with the HCV infection in patients with diabetes.ResultsWe reported an overall HCV prevalence of 11.5% [95% CI: 9.4-13.6] irrespective of diabetes status in this study. The seroprevalence of HCV infection in diabetics patients was 17.6% [95% CI: 14.0-21.2] compared to 5.5% [95% CI: 3.4-7.6] in non-diabetics (p&amp;lt; 0.001). We did not find a significant HCV seropositivity difference in diabetic patients with common risk factors of HCV infection. When investigating the HCV seroprevalence by age group in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, no case of HCV infection was found in patients less than 30 years old while the highest HCV seropositivity was reported in patients older than 60 years (36.7% T2DM and 11.1% for non-diabetics) followed by the patients belonging to 50-59 years age group (16% in T2DM and 5.8% in non-diabetics) and those in 40-49 years age group (4.4% in diabetic, 0.8% in non-diabetic). To support this finding, in a multivariate logistic regression, only diabetic patients belonging to age group &amp;gt; 65 years had a significant risk (OR: 16.7 [95% CI: 1.7-160.0]) to acquire HCV infection.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HCV infection is higher among T2DM adult patients than in non-diabetic patients, and is associated with increased age. This age-dependent association may suggest a generational exposure that may no longer exist overtime.

Hepatitis C virus prevalence, determinants, and cascade of care among people who inject drugs in Iran

BackgroundPeople who inject drugs (PWID) continue to experience the highest burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV). We aimed to characterize HCV antibody prevalence, determinants of infection, and the cascade of engagement in HCV care among PWID in Iran. MethodsParticipants were recruited in 11 cities of Iran using respondent-driven sampling. PWID underwent a structured interview capturing measures on socio-demographics, behaviors, and the HCV cascade of care. HCV and HIV were tested using antibody rapid tests. Multivariable logistic regression models identified characteristics associated with HCV seropositivity. ResultsHCV antibody prevalence was 26.0% among 2684 PWID enrolled. Of 699 participants who were HCV antibody positive, 88 (12.6%) were aware of past infections. HCV antibody prevalence was associated with older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.09; 95% CI 1.18, 3.71), lower education (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.02, 1.69), >10 years of injecting (aOR 6.03; 95% CI 4.10, 8.85), methamphetamine injection (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.07, 1.99), daily injection drug use (aOR 1.26; 95% CI 1.01, 1.58), needle/syringe sharing (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.24, 3.34), recent incarceration (aOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.30, 2.32), and HIV seropositivity (aOR 7.93; 95% CI 4.12, 15.24). Additionally, 12.0% had ever tested for HCV, 4.0% had previously tested reactive for HCV antibody, and 3.7% had received an HCV diagnosis. Of diagnosed cases, 44.4% were linked to care, 15.2% initiated treatment, and 3.0% achieved sustained virologic response. ConclusionOur data show a high prevalence of HCV antibody and low engagement in HCV care, underscoring an unmet need for HCV prevention, screening, and treatment among PWID in Iran. HCV prevention and treatment programs tailored for PWID are needed to enhance harm reduction efforts and access to HCV care in Iran.

Relationship between hepatitis C virus infection and extrahepatic malignancies.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common causes of liver-related deaths worldwide. Non-hepatic cancers such as lung and pancreatic cancers have been linked to HCV infection. This study aimed to determine whether HCV seropositivity was related to the development of extrahepatic malignancies and whether this had an impact on patients' survival. This retrospective case control study included 1476 patients with lung, colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancers compared to 1550 age- and sex-matched controls regarding HCV seropositivity. In the cancer group, HCV seropositive and seronegative subjects were compared for TNM staging, histologic grading and survival. There was no significant difference between cancer patients and controls regarding age and sex. The percentage of HCV seropositivity was significantly higher in the total cancer group compared to that in the control group (11.6% vs. 7.3%) [OR = 1.67, p < 0.001] and in cancer types: lung (20.1%) [OR = 3.20, p < 0.001], colorectal (11.8%) [OR = 1.70, p = 0.025], pancreatic (25.4%) [OR = 4.33, p < 0.001] and breast cancer (8.1%) [OR = 1.47, p = 0.03]. There was a significant decrease in survival among HCV seropositive subjects compared to seronegatives in colorectal [HR = 2.77, p = 0.002] and pancreatic cancer [HR = 2.2, p = 0.004], a non-significant decrease in lung cancer [HR = 1.02, p = 0.93] and a non-significant increase in breast cancer [HR = 0.79, p = 0.51]. HCV seropositivity was associated with increased risk of lung, colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancer development; it was also associated with reduced survival in colorectal and pancreatic but not in lung and breast cancers.

SERO SURVEY OF HIV, HBV AND HCV AMONG THE PATIENTS VISITING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Objective: The emergence of Human immunodeciency virus(HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has posed the greatest challenge to public health in modern era. Study was done retrospectively to nd out burden of HIV, HBV and HCV in community. Similarly we tried to study other sociodemographic factors and correlates of HIV. Methodology: A retrospective study was done. Serum samples were processed and analysed in the department of microbiology, in tertiary care hospital since JAN 20 to JAN 22. The study included all OPD and IPD patients sample. Results: A total of 21600 samples were analysed retrospectively. Prior consent was taken. Of these, 13490 were males and 8110 were females. The seroprevalence of HIV was found to be 0.5% , HBsAg 0.70% and HCV was 0.25 among population visiting Tertiary Care Centre. Coinfection rate of hepatitis B and hepatitis C with HIV positive patients was found to be 5 (0.23%). Conclusions: Prevalence HIV, HBV and HCV seropositivity was found to be very low in this population around our tertiary care hospital. Sexually transmitted infection history was most relevant risk factors of co-infection among seropositive population. Coinfection rate of hepatitis B and hepatitis C with HIV positive patients was on higher side among patients with high risk sexual behaviour..

Increased All-cause Mortality in People With HIV and Comorbidities: Hepatitis B and C Virus Seropositivity and Hyperglycemia in Myanmar, 2005-2017.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection are associated with increased mortality in people with HIV (PWH), and hyperglycemia is a common comorbidity in PWH. In this study, we used routinely collected clinical data to assess the associations between HBV and HCV seropositivity with all-cause mortality and whether this relationship differs by hyperglycemia status. Eligible participants included adult PWH (≥15 years) who initiated antiretroviral therapy between May 2005 and June 2016 in Myanmar. HBV and HCV serostatus and hyperglycemia were measured at enrollment to HIV care using HBV surface antigen, HCV antibody tests, and random blood glucose (≥140 mg/dL), respectively. Among 27 722 PWH, 2260 (8%) were HBV seropositive, 2265 (9%) were HCV seropositive, 178 (0.6%) were HBV-HCV seropositive, and 1425 (5%) had hyperglycemia. During the median follow-up (interquartile range) of 3.1 (1.5-5.1) years, 3655 (13%) PWH died, and the overall mortality rate was 3.8 (95% CI, 3.7-3.9) per 100-person-years (PY). The mortality rate (per 100 PY) among PWH who were HBV seropositive was 4.6, among PWH who were HCV seropositive it was 5.1, and among PWH who were HBV-HCV seropositive it was 7.1. When stratified by glycemic status, the mortality rate was higher among patients with hyperglycemia compared with those with euglycemia (5.4 vs 4.0 per 100 PY), and the difference in mortality rate between patients with hyperglycemia and euglycemia was highest among those with HCV seropositivity (9.8 vs 5.0 per 100 PY). Increased mortality rates associated with HBV and HCV seropositivity in PWH differed by their glycemic status. PWH with HCV seropositivity and hyperglycemia had the highest mortality rates.

Hepatitis C virus care cascade for children in Moscow Region

Background. Children and adolescents with infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have not been given sufficient attention due to mild forms of HCV and delays in approval of antiviral treatment regimens. Omissions in the studies of pediatric cohorts and shortcomings of management policies aimed at children should be eliminated by improving screening coverage and access to treatment.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to present the results of the cascade sequence of diagnostic testing, care and treatment of children with HCV in the Moscow Region (MR).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included all HCV seropositive children of MR (n = 175), who underwent screening tests, and it did not include patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection. Children were observed from 2017 to 2022. The HCV RNA was detected in 164 children and HCV genotypes were identified in 99 children. The stage of liver fibrosis was assessed in 73 children by transient elastography and by FIB-4 index calculation.&#x0D; Results. In MR, 93.7% of seropositive children were tested for HCV RNA; 71.2% of adolescents over 12 years of age received treatment. The prevalence of HCV seropositivity was estimated at 0.113/1,000 children population; the prevalence of chronic HCV infection was at least 0.059/1,000. The dominant HCV subtypes were GT 1b (43.4% [the 95% confidence interval, 33.553.8%]), GT 3a (23.2% [15.332.8%]) and GT 3a/3b (20.2% [12.829.5%]). The incidence of viremic HCV infection per 100,000 children was 3.3 among children under 3 years of age; 7.0 among children aged 36 years; 7.7 among children aged 711 years, 4.4 among adolescents older than 12 years. Natural HCV clearance was reported at the frequency of 19.5% [13.826.4%]. Extrahepatic manifestations were of rare occasion 2.9% [0.96.5%]. Vertical transmission was the primary route of HCV transmission (78.3% [71.484.2%]); infection is assumed to occur during medical invasive procedures 7.4% [4.012.4%], drug using 0.6% [0.013.10%], in the family household 0.6% [0.013.10%]. New cases of HCV infection were more frequently detected during routine examination of children prior to hospitalization or children born to mothers with HCV. Viremic HCV was confirmed in 90.2% [84.694.3%], including HCV infection in 53.4% [45.061.6%], chronic liver disease in 35.8% [28.144.1%] having low activity and occasional consequences (the fibrosis METAVIR score of F1 and F1-2 17.8% [9.828.5%]). No significant clinical and epidemiological differences between the natural course of chronic HCV infection and the liver disease caused by HCV have been found. The burden of pediatric HCV in MR is aggravated by a significant proportion of socially vulnerable patients and patients with comorbid conditions.&#x0D; Conclusion. One of the solutions for detection of new pediatric cases of HCV infection in MR can be offered by improvement of collaboration and continuity of care among healthcare organizations and early treatment of women of childbearing age. Further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of routine testing of all socially vulnerable pediatric groups. Early application of pan-genotypic antiviral treatment regimens can contribute significantly to control of the HCV infection incidence in children.

Investigation of HBV, HCV, and HIV seropositivity in healthcare workers of reproductive age

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections are health problems that threaten human health. This study, it was aimed to investigate HBV, HCV, and HIV seropositivity in female healthcare workers of childbearing age in our hospital.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 1224 women working in our hospital, who were of childbearing age, were included in the study. The HBsAg, Anti-HBc total, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV, and anti-HIV results of the patients were analyzed using the hospital database.&#x0D; Results: Seven (0.5%) of reproductive-age female healthcare workers were positive for HBsAg. While anti-HBs positivity was detected in 1128 (93.6%) of 1224 healthcare workers, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were positive in 80 (6.53%) patients. Both anti-HBs and anti-HBc were negative in 16 (1.3%) subjects (neither vaccinated nor exposed to HBV).&#x0D; Conclusions: Healthcare workers are at high risk for viral hepatitis and other infectious viral diseases. The fact that the frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV among healthcare professionals of reproductive age is quite low in our region shows that the training for healthcare professionals has been quite successful in recent years, both in our country and in our region.&#x0D; Due to the high contagiousness of viral hepatitis B in our country, not only healthcare professionals of reproductive age but all healthcare personnel should be meticulously vaccinated. It is very important to implement standard infection control programs for HBV, HCV, and HIV and to increase compliance with national and international programs.

Estimating the number of livebirths to Hepatitis C seropositive women in England in 2013 and 2018 using Bayesian modelling.

The UK National Screening Committee currently recommends against antenatal screening for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in England due to lack of HCV prevalence data and treatment licensed for use in pregnancy. We aimed to produce regional and national estimates of the number and proportion of livebirths to HCV seropositive women in England in 2013 and 2018. A logistic regression model fitted in the Bayesian framework estimated probabilities of HCV seropositivity among 24,599 mothers delivering in the North Thames area of England in 2012 adjusted by maternal age and region of birth. These probabilities were applied to the underlying population structures of women delivering livebirths in England in 2013 and 2018 to estimate the number of livebirths to HCV seropositive women in these years nationally and by region. The Bayesian approach allowed the uncertainty associated with all estimates to be properly quantified. Nationally, the estimated number of livebirths to women seropositive for HCV for England was 464 (95% credible interval [CI] 300-692) in 2013 and 481 (95%CI 310-716) in 2018, or 70.0 (95%CI 45.0-104.1) per 100,000 and 76.9 (95%CI 49.5-114.4) per 100,000 in these years respectively. Regions with the highest estimated number of livebirths to HCV seropositive women in 2013 and 2018 included London with 118.5 and 124.4 and the South East with 67.0 and 74.0 per 100,000 livebirths. Few previous studies have investigated HCV among pregnant women in England. These findings complement and supplement existing research by providing national and regional estimates for the number of livebirths to HCV seropositive women in England. Bayesian modelling allows future national and regional estimates to be produced and the associated uncertainty to be properly quantified.

Patient journey of individuals tested for HCV in Spain: LiverTAI, a retrospective analysis of EHRs through natural language processing

ObjectivesLimited screening and delays in diagnosis and linkage-to-care are barriers for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. The LiverTAI study focused on patients tested for HCV using AI technologies to describe their demographic and clinical characteristics and pre-testing patient journeys, reflecting clinical practice in hospitals. Patients and methodsLiverTAI is a retrospective, secondary analysis of electronic health records (EHRs) from 6 tertiary Spanish hospitals, extracting unstructured clinical data using natural language processing (NLP) EHRead® technology. Adult subjects with an HCV testing procedure from January 2014 to December 2018 were grouped according to HCV seropositivity and viremia. ResultsFrom 2,440,358 patients, 16,261 patients were tested for HCV (13,602 [83.6%] HCV seronegative; 2659 [16.4%] seropositive). Active HCV viremia appeared in 37.7% (n=1003) of patients, 18.6% (n=494) had negative viremia, and 43.7% (n=1162) unknown viremia. Patient journeys showed core departments (Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, and Infectious Disease) and others including Emergency perform ample HCV testing in Spanish hospitals, whereas Medical Oncology lags. Patients were PCR-tested and genotyped significantly faster in core departments (p<.001). ConclusionsOur results highlight hospital departments responsible for HCV testing. However, further testing was sub-optimal during the study period. Therefore, we underscore the need for HCV screening and reflex testing to accelerate diagnosis and linkage-to-care.