High Prevalence Of Hepatitis C Virus Research Articles

Seroprevalence and co-infection of HBV, HCV, and HIV among patients visiting selected hospitals in Anyigba, Kogi State

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain a public health challenge globally. This study determined the prevalence and coinfection of HBV, HCV, and HIV among patients visiting Maria Goretti Hospital, Grimard Catholic Hospital, and Good News Hospital Anyigba, Kogi State. In a cross-sectional study, sera samples collected from 400 consenting patients were screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV using commercial immunodiagnostic test kits. Of the 400 subjects, 12 (3.0%), 4 (1.0%), and 16 (4.0%) were infected with HBV, HCV, and HIV, respectively. One participant was co-infected with HCV and HIV, while none was simultaneously infected with HBV and HIV. Participants aged 11–20 years had higher hepatitis B-surface antigenemia, while ages 21–30 years and 31–40 years had higher prevalence of HCV and HIV, respectively. Contrary to HBV and HCV positivity, HIV seropositivity was significantly predicted by the ages of exposure (p = 0.002). Males and females were equally infected with HBV (3.0% each), while more males than females were infected with HCV (1.5%) and HIV (4.6%). However, the difference between the occurrence of viral infections and patients’ sex was not significant (p > 0.05). The single participants were more predisposed to HBV while the married subjects had more HCV and HIV mono-infection. However, neither the occurrence of HBV nor HCV or HIV was significantly predicted by the marital status of the individuals (p > 0.05). Subjects with no formal education had a higher positivity rate of HCV and HIV compared to other levels of education, while the tertiary level of education had higher exposure to HBsAg. Occupationally, students were more predisposed to HBV and HCV, while the unemployed participants were more predisposed to HIV. However, neither education nor the occupation of participants was significantly related to any of the viral infections (p > 0.05). Lack of knowledge of disease prevention significantly influenced the occurrence of HBV (p = 0.02), HCV (p = 0.04), and HIV (p = 0.04). Conclusively, the status of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection is low compared with findings of previous epidemiological studies in the area. However, the continuous circulation of the three viral infections and the high disease occurrence in the poorly informed participants suggest the need for increased public health education about infection control and prevention strategies in the area.

Birth cohort-specific consideration in an Emergency Department Hepatitis C Testing Programme: A description of age-related characteristics and outcomes.

The emergency department (ED) has increasingly become an important public health partner in non-targeted hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and referral to care efforts. HCV has traditionally been an infection associated with the Baby Boomer generation; however, recent exacerbation of the opioid epidemic has resulted in a growing number of younger cohorts, namely Millennials, also impacted by HCV. Examination of this age-related demographic shift, including subsequent linkage success and linkage barriers, from the perspective of an ED-based testing and linkage programme may have implications for future population and health systems interventions. A retrospective descriptive chart review was performed, inclusive of data from August 2015 through December 2020. We compared the quantity of positive HCV screening antibody (Ab) and confirmatory (RNA) tests and further considered linkage rates and correlative demographics (e.g. gender, race). Patient barriers to HCV care linkage (e.g. substance misuse, lack of health insurance, homelessness) were also evaluated. The data set was disaggregated by birth cohort to include Silent Generation (SG) (1928-45), Baby Boomer (BB) (1946-64), Generation X (Gen X) (1965-80), Millennial (1981-96) and Generation Z (1997-2012). Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were performed. Overall, 83,817 patients were tested for HCV (50.6% of eligible); 6187 (7.4%) were HCV Ab positive, and 2665 were HCV RNA positive (3.2%). RNA-positive individuals were more likely to be white (70.4%) and male (67.7%); generational distribution was similar (BB 33.3%, Gen X 32.0% and Millennials 32.7%). Amongst Ab-positive patients, white (45.5%), male (47.2%) and Millennial (49.7%) individuals were most likely to be RNA-positive. Overall, 28.1% of the RNA-positive cohort successfully linked to care; linkage to care rates were significantly higher in older generations (38.1% in BB vs. 17.8% in Millennials) (p < .00001). Over 90% were identified as having at least one linkage to care barrier. Younger generations (Gen X and Millennials) were disproportionately impacted by linkage barriers, including incarceration, lack of health insurance, history of mental health and substance use disorders, as well as history of or active injection drug use (IDU) (p < .00001). Older generations (SG and BB) were more likely to be impacted by competing medical comorbidities (p < .00001). The ED population represents a particularly vulnerable, at-risk cohort with a high prevalence of HCV and linkage to care barriers. While past HCV-specific recommendations and interventions have focused on Baby Boomers, this data suggests that younger generations, including Gen X and Millennials, are increasingly affected by HCV and face disparate social risk and social need factors which impede definitive care linkage and treatment.

Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Infection at Zonal Hospital in Northern India

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern. Persons living with HCV infection are at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and progressing to end-stage liver disease and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of HCV infection in patients admitted as well as outpatient department services of a Zonal Hospital. Methods: The present study was cross-sectional, observational study, conducted in patients &gt;18 years of age, clinically suspected acute infectious hepatitis or admitted to the intensive care unit, and willing to participate in the study. Results: In the present study, 472 patients were studied for hepatitis C infection. Majority of cases were from 51 to 60 years age group (34.5%), followed by 61–70 years age group (26.7%). Female cases were (51.3%) slightly more than male (48.7%). Rapid method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods detected HCV prevalence as 5.7% and 12.5%, respectively. After HCV genotype testing, the prevalence was 12.1%. Majority had 3A genotype (69.49%), followed by 1A genotype (16.95%), 1B genotype (8.47%), 3B genotype (3.39%), and 4 genotypes (1.69%). ELISA testing was significantly correlated with HCV genotype testing (P = 0.017) while the rapid method was not correlated with HCV genotype testing (P = 0.937). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of HCV among the suspected, genotype 3 being the most common.

The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Hemodialysis Patients in Oman: A National Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundHCV infection in hemodialysis units is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The risk of HCV infection among dialysis patients is higher compared to the general population due to high potential blood exposures in hemodialysis settings. This study aims to assess the national HCV seroprevalence in selected dialysis units and to determine the risk factors for acquiring HCV infection.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January to 31 March 2021. A total of 734 patients from 11 hemodialysis centers in Oman were included. Samples were tested simultaneously for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. HCV genotyping was determined in all viremic patients. Demographic and hemodialysis center related data were gathered and their association with the positive HCV serology were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOut of 800 patients selected from 11 dialysis units for the study, 734 patients (91.8%) were included. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients was 5.6%. (41/734). HCV RNA was detected in 31.7% (13/41) of seropositive hemodialysis patients. The most common genotype was subtype 1a, followed by subtype 3. Variables associated with high HCV prevalence were family history of HCV and duration of dialysis.ConclusionThe prevalence of infection within hemodialysis patients in Oman has significantly decreased but remained higher than the general population. Continuous monitoring and follow-up, including periodic serosurvey and linkage to care and treatment are recommended. Additionally, practice audits are recommended for identifying gaps and ensuring sustainability of best practices and further improvement.

Public health interventions, priority populations, and the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on hepatitis C elimination among people who have injected drugs in Montreal (Canada): A modeling study.

In Montreal (Canada), high hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroincidence (21 per 100 person-years in 2017) persists among people who have injected drugs (PWID) despite relatively high testing rates and coverage of needle and syringe programs (NSP) and opioid agonist therapy (OAT). We assessed the potential of interventions to achieve HCV elimination (80% incidence reduction and 65% reduction in HCV-related mortality between 2015 and 2030) in the context of COVID-19 disruptions among all PWID and PWID living with HIV. Using a dynamic model of HCV-HIV co-transmission, we simulated increases in NSP (from 82% to 95%) and OAT (from 33% to 40%) coverage, HCV testing (every 6 months), or treatment rate (100 per 100 person-years) starting in 2022 among all PWID and PWID living with HIV. We also modeled treatment scale-up among active PWID only (i.e., people who report injecting in the past six months). We reduced intervention levels in 2020-2021 due to COVID-19-related disruptions. Outcomes included HCV incidence, prevalence, and mortality, and proportions of averted chronic HCV infections and deaths. COVID-19-related disruptions could have caused temporary rebounds in HCV transmission. Further increasing NSP/OAT or HCV testing had little impact on incidence. Scaling-up treatment among all PWID achieved incidence and mortality targets among all PWID and PWID living with HIV. Focusing treatment on active PWID could achieve elimination, yet fewer projected deaths were averted (36% versus 48%). HCV treatment scale-up among all PWID will be required to eliminate HCV in high-incidence and prevalence settings. Achieving elimination by 2030 will entail concerted efforts to restore and enhance pre-pandemic levels of HCV prevention and care.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus among fatal drug overdoses in Tennessee: an analysis using 2019-2020 Tennessee State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System Data.

Given the nature of the co-occurring epidemics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and fatal stimulant overdose, we sought to assess the prevalence of HCV among opioid and stimulant-positive overdoses. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine theprevalence of HCV among fatal drug overdoses in Tennessee using 2019-2020 data from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. We defined history of HCV using surveillance data and autopsy reports. Descriptive statistics were calculated for circumstances of overdose deaths for different categories of opioid and stimulant positivity on toxicology. Between 2019 and 2020, 3570 unintentional or undetermined drug overdose deaths occurred in Tennessee with an available autopsy. History of HCV was found in 24.6% of deaths. When assessing different involvement between stimulants and opioids, the highest prevalence of HCV was found for deaths where methamphetamine and opioids were present in toxicology (35.4%). Scene evidence of injection drug use occurred more frequently among decedents with a history of HCV (P<.0001). This analysis while descriptive highlights the importance of linking datasets to enhance infectious disease and drug overdose surveillance. Partnership between communicable disease and drug overdose surveillance teams should continue toidentify relationships between disease and drug overdose and strengthen the evidence to tailor crucial treatment and prevention activities.

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.

Management of HCV Positive Patients on Maintenance Dialysis

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is quite high in Pakistan, especially among patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). HCV infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The current availability of direct-acting antiviral therapy has changed the picture of HCV prevalence in many countries. Objective: The aim of our study is to assess the prevalence and treatment of HCV infection among patients on maintenance hemodialysis in our setting. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was held in the Medicine department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore for six-months duration from 13th January 2022 to 12th July 2022. The study was conducted on 130 patients to assess HCV seroprevalence among patients on MHD. Data on HCV status, PCR positivity and number of patients receiving active treatment were evaluated. Results: A total of 130 patients on maintenance hemodialysis were included in this study. The incidence of HCV infection was 49 (37.7%). All patients underwent PCR and 32 patients were PCR positive. All except 5 of the 32 PCR positive patients started HCV antiviral treatment. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study helps highlight the high prevalence of HCV among maintenance hemodialysis patients and the need to maintain adequate infection control measures. However, it is encouraging to know that most patients have been treated, and future research will highlight the importance of prompt treatment for MHD patients. It is recommended that all of HCV PCR positive patients were being treated with DAA. Keywords: HCV, Hemodialysis, Antivirals, Seroconversion, Health insurance, Infection.

Incidence of hepatitis C virus infection among people living with HIV: An Egyptian cohort study.

Egypt used to have one of the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence rates worldwide, with an estimated HCV prevalence of around 4.5% to 6.7%. To determine the HCV infection incidence rate amid Egyptian patients living with HIV. A total of 460 HIV-positive patients were recruited in a retrospective cohort study from Imbaba Fever Hospital, Cairo, between January 2016 and March 2019. The patients had a negative baseline and at least one other HCV antibody test. Hepatitis C virus antibody testing was done by antibody sandwich third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The hepatitis C virus infection incidence rate among HIV-infected patients was calculated using the person-time incidence rate. Two hundred and eighteen patients were finally included: 146 (31.7%) patients were excluded for having a positive baseline HCV Ab result and 96 patients were excluded for not having a follow-up HCV Ab test. Eighteen patients had HCV seroconversion (8.3%), achieving an incidence rate of 4.06 cases per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 3.87-4.24). Injection drug use (IDU) was the commonest risk factor among seroconverters, with an HCV incidence rate of 7.08 cases per 100 person-years. Injection drug use history was reported in 83.3% of the seroconverters and in only 47.2% of non-seroconverters; P = 0.005. Egyptian HIV-infected patients show a high incidence rate of HCV infection especially among those who have a history of IDU. Accordingly, attention should be paid for prevention, screening and timely treatment of HCV in patients infected with HIV. The demonstration of a high HCV infection incidence rate among HIV-infected patients and shows the need for screening and prevention in this population.

Point-of-care hepatitis C reflex testing and treatment referral in methadone clinic settings in Hong Kong—a pilot study

ObjectivesPeople who inject drugs (PWID) constitute a population group with a high hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden. With the objectives of assessing the HCV prevalence in PWID and determining the proportion requiring treatment who could be linked to care, this study piloted onsite reflex HCV testing at low threshold methadone clinics, with prompt referral of HCV RNA-positive participants for treatment. MethodsThis was a prospective study on methadone clinic attendees in Hong Kong. Questionnaires were completed, finger-prick anti-HCV rapid testing was performed, and positive blood samples were collected for laboratory HCV RNA testing. The proportions of participants along the cascade of HCV care were calculated. ResultsIn 2021–2022, after 14 evening screening sessions at three methadone clinics, 86 of 354 regular attendees (24%) were recruited. The anti-HCV prevalence was 63% (54/86, 95% confidence interval 52–73%), with 78% (42/54) testing positive for HCV RNA and 79% (33/42) successfully referred. Almost all (31/33) referred participants received direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, 94% (29/31) with full treatment compliance; 55% (16/29) of these compliant participants achieved a sustained virological response, while the remainder had not received post-treatment testing. ConclusionsThe use of a simplified testing algorithm in the setting of substitution treatment services, incorporating reflex HCV testing, could be an effective strategy for contributing towards the micro-elimination of HCV in PWID.

A Quality Improvement Project: Implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Guidelines at an Addiction Treatment Center.

This quality improvement project was introduced at an addiction treatment center to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment guidelines and offer anticraving medications to patients to improve standards of care of patients with substance use disorders. Patients with opioid use disorders are at the highest risk of contracting HCV. More than 80% of people in the United States with opioid use disorders who use intravenous drugs have contracted HCV. Despite the high prevalence of HCV, patients at treatment centers are being screened only for HCV antibodies (HCV-AB) and are not receiving the CDC's HCV treatment guidelines. The CDC has treatment recommendations of hepatitis panels, full STD testing, and early follow-up care. This quality improvement project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act tool. With the application of Plan-Do-Study-Act, for patients identified with HCV-AB, the established CDC HCV treatment guidelines were followed, and the clinical progress of the implementation of the guidelines was monitored. Chart reviews comparing compliance of guidelines before and after the study were implemented. A convenience sample of 125 patients were collected, and of these, 32 patients were found to be HCV-AB+. The findings revealed that 18.75% of patients followed the CDC's HCV recommendations after the quality improvement project compared with 6.25% of patients before the intervention. The number of HIV testing offered increased by 40.00% as a result of the implementation of the project.

Meta-analysis: risk of hepatitis C virus infection associated with hospital-based invasive procedures.

SummaryBackgroundHealthcare settings, where invasive procedures are frequently performed, may play an important role in the transmission dynamics of blood‐borne pathogens when compliance with infection control precautions is suboptimal.AimsTo understand and quantify the role of hospital‐based invasive procedures on hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to identify recent studies reporting association measures of HCV infection risk that are linked to iatrogenic procedures. Based on expert opinion, invasive procedures were categorised into 10 groups for which pooled measures were calculated. Finally, the relationship between pooled measures and the country‐level HCV prevalence or the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) index was assessed by meta‐regression.ResultsWe included 71 studies in the analysis. The most frequently evaluated procedures were blood transfusion (66 measures) and surgery (43 measures). The pooled odds ratio (OR) of HCV infection varied widely, ranging from 1.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.88) for dental procedures to 3.22 (1.7–6.11) for transplantation. The OR for blood transfusion was higher for transfusions performed before 1998 (3.77, 2.42–5.88) than for those without a specified/recent date (2.20, 1.77–2.75). In procedure‐specific analyses, the HCV infection risk was significantly negatively associated with the HAQ for endoscopy and positively associated with HCV prevalence for endoscopy and surgery.ConclusionsVarious invasive procedures were significantly associated with HCV infection. Our results provide a ranking of procedures in terms of HCV risk that may be used for prioritisation of infection control interventions, especially in high HCV prevalence settings.

Study the response of Qurevo (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir) in end-stage renal disease patients with hepatitis C virus

BackgroundOut of the 185 million people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Egypt had the highest prevalence of HCV reaching 13% of its population with an estimated number of 12 million people. The prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis (HD) patients ranged from 6 to 60%. HD patients have an increased overall mortality risk if they have chronic HCV when compared to those without HCV infection. Treatment of HCV with the new direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) therapy Qurevo “ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir” with ribavirin in ESRD was approved in many countries compared to traditional HCV treatment that faced restrictions in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Aim of the studyTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qurevo/ribavirin regimen in HCV-infected HD patients.Patients and methodsA prospective cohort study evaluated the outcome of 12-week ombitasvir (NS5A inhibitor)/paritaprevir (NS3/4A protease inhibitor)/ritonavir with ribavirin combination therapy for 50 HCV-infected HD patients, over a period of 15 months from December 2016 to February 2018. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12) and after 24 weeks of therapy (SVR24).ResultsThe SVR12 rate was 96% (48/50); 2 patients (4%) were non-responders to treatment at SVR12, and another 2 (4%) were relapsers after SVR12. As regards the adverse events, the most frequent were fatigue/asthenia in 44 patients (88%) and worsening anemia (Hb dropped to < 10 g/dl) in 42 patients (84%). GIT upset occurred in 10 patients (20%), sleep disorders in 8 patients (16%), decreased appetite in 8 patients (16%), respiratory distress in 6 patients (12%), headache and dizziness in 6 patients (12%), and muscle spasms in 4 patients (8%). Itching (pruritus) occurred in 3 patients (6%). Death occurred in 4 patients (8%) after SVR24 most probably not due to DAA but may be due to myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, severe hypotension on hemodialysis sessions, and shock due to blood loss in retroperitoneal hematoma following peritoneal dialysis not related to DAA therapy. Hepatic decompensation, hypersensitivity (angioedema), teratogenicity, and drug interactions did not occur in any patient (0%). Other events occurred in 11 patients (22%). They were parenchymal liver changes in ultrasound at the end of therapy after being normal before therapy (in 3 patients), thrombocytopenia, increased alkaline phosphatase, hiccough, deterioration of hypertension, urinary tract infection, lower limb cellulitis, vaginal bleeding, and chest infection (in 1 patient each). SVR12 was achieved in 100% of patients who had to stop or modify the ribavirin dose; this means that ribavirin absence did not affect the SVR in these patients.ConclusionOur results confirm the efficacy of Qurevo “ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir” with ribavirin combination therapy in ESRD patients (on regular hemodialysis) with HCV infection with anemia as the most frequent adverse event.

Establishing a framework towards monitoring HCV microelimination among men who have sex with men living with HIV in Germany: A modeling analysis.

Prior to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), HCV incidence rose among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV infection in Germany despite high hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment rates. We establish a HCV elimination modeling framework to evaluate whether existing treatment rates can achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) incidence target among MSM living with HIV in Germany. To evaluate progress towards HCV elimination in Germany, we adapted a previously published HCV transmission model among MSM living with diagnosed HIV. We modelled HCV incidence and prevalence until 2030 (relative to 2015) under existing treatment and DAA scale-up and explored potential impacts of disruptions in treatment and behavioral risk reduction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing current treatment rates will result in stable HCV incidence among MSM living with HIV in Germany between 2015-2030. The WHO HCV incidence target is achievable under DAA scale-up to 100% treatment combined with treatment of those previously diagnosed and untreated (at a rate of 15%/year) and would result in greater reductions with early treatment (3 vs 6 months) reducing incidence from 4.0/100person-years to 0.8/100person-years by 2030. A 12-month disruption to HCV treatment (20% reduction) and risk behaviors (25%,50%,75% reduction) during the COVID-19 pandemic would result in a 15% relative increase in total HCV incidence in 2030 compared to that expected under the status quo. HCV elimination among MSM living with HIV in Germany requires further DAA scale-up among those newly diagnosed combined with efforts to treat those previously diagnosed but untreated. Prospective monitoring will establish whether Germany is on track for HCV microelimination.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination in the hospital setting: The results of the HCV Caserta hospital project

BackgroundIn the present study we evaluated the efficacy of an innovative model of HCV micro-elimination in a hospital setting in an area of high HCV prevalence. Patients and metodsBetween January and December 2019, a prospective, interventional study for a program of HCV case-finding and linkage-to-care was performed in S. Anna and S. Sebastiano hospital of Caserta, in Campania, a region in southern Italy. All adult patients who were admitted to the Caserta hospital in the study period and resulted positive for anti-HCV were included in the study. The outcomes evaluated were the number of subjects resulting HCV-RNA-positive, those linked-to-care and treated with a DAA and the subjects whose anti-HCV-status was unknown. ResultsIn the study period, 14,396 subjects, admitted to the hospital for different reasons, were tested for anti-HCV: 529 (3.7%) subjects resulted positive for anti-HCV. Of the 529 anti-HCV-positive subjects, 10 died during hospitalization and 243 were already treated with a DAA. The remaining 276 subjects were contacted and agreed to be evaluated. Of these 276 subjects, 68 patients resulted HCV- RNA-negative and 194 HCV-RNA-positive and 180 of these were treated with a DAA according to the international guidelines. DiscussionA simple, rapid, inexpensive model of HCV micro-elimination in the hospital setting allowed us to find anti-HCV-positive subjects with unknown anti-HCV status or not linked to a clinical center.

Hepatitis C virus infection could be a risk factor for adult-onset vitiligo in Egyptian patients: A cross-sectional study.

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder resulting from the destruction of melanocytes. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been linked to a variety of extrahepatic manifestations, including skin diseases. To measure the prevalence of HCV-seroreactivity among vitiligo patients. This cross-sectional study included 108 vitiligo patients. Serum anti-HCV antibodies were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Eighteen patients (16.7%) out of 108 were HCV-reactive; all of them had adult-onset vitiligo. They represented approximately 34.6% of the total patients with adult-onset vitiligo (52 patients). On the contrary, all patients with childhood-onset vitiligo were HCV-non-reactive. Moreover, adult-onset vitiligo was significantly associated with HCV-seroreactivity (p<.001). Also, there was a significant difference between HCV-reactive and HCV-non-reactive vitiligo patients regarding the age of patients and their ages at the onset of vitiligo (p<.001). HCV may be the triggering factor for adult-onset vitiligo, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of HCV. Therefore, patients with adult-onset vitiligo, rather than childhood-onset disease, should be screened for associated HCV infection in HCV-endemic regions.

Treatment outcomes of HIV patients with hepatitis B and C virus co-infections in Southwest China: an observational cohort study

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH) in China, but co-infections of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) may individually or jointly reduce the effect of ART. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of HBV/HCV coinfections on treatment drop-out and mortality among PLWH on ART.MethodsA retrospective cohort study analysis of 58 239 people living with HIV (PLWH) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) during 2010–2018 was conducted in Guangxi Province, China. Data were from the observational database of the National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to evaluate the effects of baseline infection of HBV or HCV or both on death and treatment attrition among PLWH.ResultsOur study showed high prevalence of HBV (11.5%), HCV (6.6%) and HBV-HCV (1.5%) co-infections. The overall mortality rate and treatment attrition rate was 2.95 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.88–3.02] and 5.92 (95% CI 5.82–6.01) per 100 person-years, respectively. Compared with HIV-only patients, HBV-co-infected patients had 42% higher mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.42; 95% CI 1.32–1.54], HCV-co-infected patients had 65% higher mortality (aHR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.47–1.86), and patients with both HCV and HBV co-infections had 123% higher mortality (aHR = 2.23; 95% CI 1.87–2.66).ConclusionsHBV and HCV coinfection may have an additive effect on increasing the risk of all-cause death among PLWH who are on ART. It is suggested that there is need for primary prevention and access to effective hepatitis treatment for PLWH.Graphical

A retrospective study to find the prevalence of HIV, HCV and dual HIV-HCV infection in the prison inmates.

People who inject drugs are vastly over-represented, often accounting for 50% of prison inmates, so, the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and tuberculosis (TB) is a serious problem in many prison systems. The prevalence of HCV infection is so disproportionately high in the correctional population that one in four detainees worldwide is living with HCV and the story is similar for HIV. The objective of the study is to find the prevalence of HIV, HCV and dual HIV-HCV infection in the prison inmates. A sample of 1569 jail inmates was assessed, after obtaining formal approval from the ethical committee for assessment of the medical record of subjects, to know sero-positivity for HIV and HCV. The data generated is then analysed. The results show a very high point prevalence of HIV (10.0%) and HCV (31.6%) in the jail inmates, which is 40 and 30 times higher, respectively, as compared to the national average. A staggering 8.5% of the inmates were found to be positive for both viruses. The sero-prevalence for mono-infection for HCV (23.1%) is found to be significantly higher compared to HIV (1.5%). The infection rate of HCV was found to be three times higher compared to HIV. Substantially high prevalence of HIV, HCV and dual HIV-HCV infection exists in the prison inmates. Data suggests high virulence for HCV compared to HIV, as both viruses have common routes of transmission. There is an urgent need to keep a constant check on the intravenous drug usage (IDU) in the prisons that is linked to the common transmission of both these blood-borne viruses.

Prevalence and Risk Factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Individuals with Hemophilia in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents: A National Inpatient Sample Study

▪Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV is the leading cause of liver disease in hemophilia population and was acquired with their first transfusion. While direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are effective in HCV eradication, its impact on preventing HCC remains unclear. Few data on HCC in hemophilia after DAA are available. We undertook an observational study to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for HCC in hemophilia since the introduction of DAAs.Methods: We conducted an observational study including adult male discharges in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016-2018. Status of hemophilia (H) and non-hemophilia (NH), HCV, HCC, and other relevant medical conditions were identified using ICD-10 codes. Analysis included NIS-provided discharge-level weights to reflect national estimates. Categorical and continuous variables were assessed by Rao-Scott Chi-Square and weighted simple linear regression, respectively. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine HCC risk factors. Variables included were age, race, HCV, HIV, alcoholism, smoking, obesity, hyperlipidemia (HLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), substance abuse, transfusion, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).Results: In total, 7,674,969 adult male discharges, including 3,370 with H (0.04%), were identified between 2016 and 2018. Between 2016 and 2018, the diagnosis rates of HCV were 10.06% (95%CI 8.97%-11.26%) in H vs. 1.22% (95%CI 1.19%-1.25%) in NH, and the rates of HCC were 1.07% (95%CI 0.76%-1.51%) in H vs. 0.27% (95%CI 0.26%-0.28%) in NH. The diagnosis rates of HCV and HCC were similar in 2016, 2017 and 2018, for both H and NH populations. Compared with H without HCC, H with HCC were older (58.6 vs. 50.9 years-old, p<0.001), had higher CCI (mean : 6.5 ± 0.6 vs. 2.0 ± 2.0, p<0.001), and higher prevalence of HCV (36.11% vs. 9.78%, p<0.001), HBV (11.11% vs. 0.45%, p<0.001), NASH (5.56% vs. 0.12%, p<0.001), end-stage liver disease (88.89% vs. 8.61%, p<0.001), portal hypertension (27.78% vs. 2.61%, p<0.001), and platelet transfusion (11.11% vs. 1.44%, p<0.001). The prevalence of HIV infection between H with and without HCC was similar (8.33% vs. 8.82%, p=0.919). Among these with HCC, H were more likely to be younger (58.6 vs. 64.1 years-old, p=0.001), HIV (+) (8.33% vs. 1.64%, p=0.002), and less likely to have alcoholism (11.1% vs. 33.2%, p=0.018) and HLD (2.78% vs. 20.8%, p=0.008), than NH. The rates of cirrhosis, NASH, autoimmune hepatitis, and biliary cirrhosis were similar between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis among H patients indicated that NASH (OR 21.6, 95%CI 4.63-100.6), HCV (OR 3.96, 95%CI 1.55-10.2), and CCI (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.39-1.72) were significant risk factors for HCC, while HIV (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00-0.13) and HLD (H: OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.39) were protective.Conclusion: From 2016 to 2018, the rate of HCC did not significantly decrease in discharges with hemophilia in the NIS database. Chronic HCV infection remains a significant risk factor of HCC in hemophilia despite availability of DAA therapy. NASH and Charlson comorbidity contribute to HCC risk, while HIV and hyperlipidemia appear protective. DisclosuresRagni: Takeda Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BioMarin Pharmaceutical: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bioverativ (Sanofi): Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Spark Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alnylam (Sanofi): Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; University of Pittsburgh: Research Funding.

Epidemiology of hepatitis b virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection among assymptomatic persons resident in Alex Ekwueme federal university Ndufu-alike

Based on their epidemiology, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), share the same routes of transmission and risk factors for infection. This study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of HBV, HCV, HIV co-infection among residents of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State Nigeria who are mostly young adults. Three Hundred and Eighty-Four participants were enlisted for this study. Blood samples were collected and tested for presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Anti-HCV antibodies and HIV antibodies using first response antigen detection kits for HBV and HCV as well as Determine and StatPak kits for HIV. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chisquare was used to test the associations. Statistical significance was taken at P ˂ 0.05. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results obtained from this study showed that the mean age of the participants was 24 years (SD: 5.343). The prevalence for HCV and HBV was 8.85% and 10.86% respectively. The occurrence of HBV and HCV co-infection was statistically non- significant (p 0.50). However, the prevalence of HBV was statistically significant (p = 0.012) The prevalence of HIV was 5.99%. A total of 5 (1.30%) had concomitant HBV, HCV and HIV infections. Also, 11 (2.86%) had HBV/HIV co-infection, 8(2.08%) had HCV/HIV co-infection while 5(1.30%) had HBV/HCV co-infections. All the participants were asymptomatic. This study demonstrated high prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV and provides the first epidemiologic data on the prevalence of these viral infections among the population within the geographic region studied. To reduce the prevalence of the viral infections among the populations, preventive strategies should be developed and implemented. Also, further studies should be conducted to elucidate the epidemiological pattern of HIV, HCV and HBV concomitant infections in other States within south-eastern Nigeria.