Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence Research Articles

Closing the Gaps in Hepatitis C Knowledge Among Internal Medicine Residents in the United States

BackgroundThe introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has revolutionized hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment but has not translated into an appreciable decline in HCV prevalence, which is estimated to be 2.4 million in the United States. Efforts are thought to be limited by the lack of experience among nonspecialist providers in managing HCV. However, there have been no comprehensive surveys assessing HCV knowledge among medical trainees to determine if trends have shifted since the discovery of DAAs. MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study of internal medicine (IM) residents in the United States (n = 1763) who completed the Physician Education and Assessment Center HCV learning module between 2021 and 2022. Participant pre- and post-test performance was compared with further stratified analysis by training year, geography, training program type, and local HCV prevalence using ANOVA and Chi-squared tests of proportions, respectively. ResultsIM residents universally lacked baseline HCV knowledge (average score ± standard deviation, 43% ± 19%); less than 50% of participants answered correctly in the majority of tested domains. There were no consistent trends in performance regardless of resident characteristic used to stratify the participants. Knowledge gaps improved after completing an online educational training module (P < .001). ConclusionsHCV knowledge remains limited among IM residents despite expansion of treatment options. Addressing these gaps during clinical training may substantially increase the availability of HCV treatment in the community, and online modules may be one means by which to integrate these efforts into medical training.

Implementing pathogen reduction technology while discontinuing blood donor deferral criteria for sexual risk behaviors: A simulation study.

Combining pathogen reduction technology (PRT) with blood screening may alleviate concerns over the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) and support changes in blood donor selection to potentially increase blood availability. This study aimed to estimate the residual risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transfusion-transmission in Canada after implementing PRT, while eliminating deferrals for sexual risk behaviors. A probabilistic approach that combined Bayesian networks with Monte Carlo simulations was used to estimate the risk of transfusing HIV-, HBV-, or HCV-contaminated blood components. Different scenarios were considered to compare the current residual risk after PRT implementation, with and without donor deferral criteria for sexual risk behaviors. Donor profiles and blood component outcomes were simulated based on a literature review including the prevalence and incidence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in the Canadian blood donor population; the use of current blood screening assays; and HIV, HBV, and HCV blood donor viral loads. In the universal PRT scenario (i.e., with PRT/without deferral criteria), the estimated risks of HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission were significantly lower than those in the currently observed scenario (i.e., without PRT/with deferral criteria). This risk model suggests that PRT for platelets and plasma (and eventually for RBCs when available) significantly reduces the residual risks of HIV, HBV and HCV transfusion-transmission and could enable the removal of blood donor deferral criteria for sexual risk behaviors.

A novel multisite model to facilitate hepatitis C virus elimination in people experiencing homelessness

Background/aims: Only a handful of countries are on target to achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030. People experiencing homelessness (PEH) remain an important HCV reservoir. The END C study evaluated clinical, patient reported and health economic outcomes of a decentralised integrated model. MethodsThis prospective study assessed a decentralised regional service based at multiple homeless sites in southeast England. Novel linkage-care strategies were utilised. We assessed generic and liver specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (SF-12v2; EQ-5D-5L and SFLDQol) pre/post HCV treatment and cost per HCV case detected and cured. Primary outcome was intention-to-treat (ITT) sustained virological response (SVR12). ResultsWe recruited 418 individuals, mean age 44.45 ± 10.6, 78% were male, 74% being currently homeless, current injecting drug use/alcohol use being 25% and 65% respectively. Prevalence of cirrhosis (liver stiffness measurement >12kPa) was 12%. Twenty-eight percent (n=116) were HCV PCR positive, of whom n=105 received direct acting antiviral treatment. ITT SVR12 rates were 81% (95% CI 72%-88%), the only predictor of SVR12 being >80% treatment adherence (OR 20.69, 95% CI 6.227-68.772, p<0.001). HRQoL improved significantly after SVR12: SF-12v2 (General Health, Mental Health, Social Functioning, Mental Health Composite Score p<0.049); SFLDQoL (Symptoms/Effects of Liver Disease, Distress, Loneliness p<0.004) and EQ-5D-5L (Index Score, Visual Analog Scale p<0.001). Costs (British pound 2022) per HCV case detected and per case cured were £359 and £257 respectively. Reinfection rates were 6.82/100 person years. ConclusionThe END C study endorses a multisite decentralised service for PEH enabling excellent linkage to care, high SVR12 rates and significant improvements in generic and liver specific HRQoL, all being achieved at modest costs. Such services are paramount to help achieve HCV elimination. Impact and implicationsIn people experiencing homeless, we found a high prevalence of HCV, alcohol and substance misuse including overdoses and mental health issues. Despite this, an integrated and decentralised service resulted in excellent linkage to care with high SVR12 rates. Even in this complex cohort with multiple comorbidities, SVR12 was associated with significant improvements in both generic and liver specific health-related quality of life. This was all achieved at modest costs in a community setting. Such models of care are feasible, easy to replicate and essential if we are to achieve HCV elimination.

Hepatitis C Virus Reinfection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With HIV in New York City.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection rates are substantially higher than primary infection rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in European cohorts. The behaviors mediating this high rate of transmission among MSM are poorly characterized. We performed a prospective cohort study in New York City (NYC) of MSM with HIV who cleared HCV to determine the incidence of and risk factors for HCV reinfection. We assessed the risk behaviors for primary HCV in NYC: receipt of semen in the rectum, and sexualized methamphetamine use, along with route of use. Multivariable analysis was performed with Andersen-Gill extension of the Cox proportional hazards model. From 2000 through 2018, among 304 MSM with HIV who cleared HCV, 42 reinfections occurred over 898 person-years, for an incidence rate of 4.7 per 100 person-years. Assessing 1245 postclearance visits, only receipt of semen into the rectum was associated with reinfection (hazard ratio, 9.7 [95% confidence interval: 3.3-28.3], P < .001); methamphetamine use was not. The high HCV reinfection rate over almost 2 decades demonstrates that sexual transmission of HCV is not inefficient or unusual and that direct-acting antiviral treatment is not sufficient for HCV elimination among MSM in NYC. The contrasts between both the rates of and risk factors for primary and HCV reinfection suggest that HCV prevalence is highly heterogenous among sexual networks and that sexualized methamphetamine use, rather than mediating transmission, is instead a surrogate marker for the highest HCV prevalence networks. As neither condoms nor treatment have been successful strategies for HCV prevention in NYC, novel interventions are needed to stem this sexually transmitted HCV epidemic.

Global epidemiology, natural history, maternal-to-child transmission, and treatment with DAA of pregnant women with HCV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pregnant women with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represent a special population in which treatment access remains limited despite its increasing prevalence. A reliable estimate of the burden and clinical outcomes of pregnant women with HCV infection is crucial for HCV elimination. We aimed to determine the prevalence, maternal-to-child transmission (MTCT), maternal and fetal complication rates, and direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment outcomes of chronic HCV infection in pregnant women. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science from inception until March 1, 2024, for studies reporting on the prevalence, MTCT, complications of HCV infection, and treatment outcomes of DAA in pregnant women. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We performed subgroup analysis based on 9 variables to explore the source of heterogeneity in HCV prevalence. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42024500023. From a total of 311,905,738 pregnant women from 333 studies, the pooled global seroprevalence of HCV in pregnant women was 2.6% (95% CI: 2.0-3.2, I 2=100%) which increased in patients with intravenous drug use and HIV. Majority of the HCV cases in pregnant women (75%) are diagnosed through universal screening. The pooled MTCT rate was 9.0% (95% CI: 6.6-11.7, I 2=79%), which was higher with HIV co-infection (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.1-4.6, I 2=10%), but was not influenced by the mode of delivery or breastfeeding. Pregnant women with HCV infection had more maternal complications, including intrahepatic cholestasis, preterm delivery, and antepartum hemorrhage. Neonates of mothers with HCV had higher odds of being small for gestational age. The pooled rate of sustained virologic response (SVR12) among the 74 women treated with DAA during pregnancy was 98.4%, with no serious adverse events reported. HCV prevalence in pregnant women varies by geographic region and patient population, while MTCT occurs in almost one in ten viremic mothers. The incidence of both maternal and neonatal complications is significantly higher in patients with HCV infection. Limited data suggest that DAA are safe in pregnant women with HCV infection. None.

The Egyptian journey from having the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus to being the first to achieve “gold tier” in conquering the disease

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health concern, particularly in Egypt, due to historic schistosomiasis control efforts that inadvertently led to widespread HCV transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Egypt’s national strategies in controlling and reducing the prevalence of HCV, including introducing sofosbuvir and implementing the “100 Million Healthy Lives” campaign. The approach includes a review of epidemiological data, an analysis of the national HCV control strategies implemented, and an assessment of their outcomes, focusing on the period from 2006 to 2022. Significant milestones were achieved, including a drastic reduction in new HCV infections from 300 per 100,000 in 2014 to 9 per 100,000 in 2022 and successful treatment of over 4 million people. Egypt has become the first country in the world to achieve the “gold tier” status based on World Health Organization criteria on the path to eradication of HCV. Egypt’s comprehensive approach can serve as a model for similar endemic regions. Other nations with high HCV prevalence might benefit from adopting similar multidimensional strategies, emphasizing prevention and treatment.

HCV prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics in a cross-sectional, community study of young people who inject drugs in New York City: Opportunity for and threats to HCV elimination.

In the United States, the opioid epidemic has led many young people who use opioids to initiate injection drug use, putting them at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, community surveys to monitor HCV prevalence among young people who inject drugs (YPWID) are rare. As part of Staying Safe (Ssafe), a trial to evaluate an HCV-prevention intervention, a community-recruited sample of 439 young people who use opioids (ages 18-30) in New York City (NYC) were screened from 2018 to 2021. Screening procedures included a brief verbal questionnaire, a visual check for injection marks, onsite urine drug testing, rapid HCV antibody (Ab) testing, and dried blood spot (DBS) collection. DBS specimens were sent to a laboratory for HCV RNA testing and phylogenetic analysis to identify genetic linkages among HCV RNA-positive specimens. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between HCV status (Ab and RNA) and demographics and drug use patterns. Among the 330 participants who reported injecting drugs (past 6 months), 33% (n = 110) tested HCV Ab-positive, 58% of whom (n = 64) had HCV RNA-positive DBS specimens, indicating active infection. In multivariable analysis, visible injection marks (AOR = 3.02; p < 0.001), older age (AOR = 1.38; p < 0.05), and female gender (AOR = 1.69; p = 0.052) were associated with HCV Ab-positive status. Visible injection marks were also associated with HCV RNA-positive status (AOR = 5.24; p < 0.01). Twenty-five percent of RNA-positive specimens (14/57) were genetically linked. The relatively low prevalence of active infection suggests the potential impact of treatment-as-prevention in reducing HCV prevalence among YPWID. Targeted community serosurveys could help identify actively infected YPWID for treatment, thereby reducing HCV incidence and future transmissions.

Prevalence of chronic hepatitis C infection in the general population: results from a national survey, Romania, 2020 to 2023.

IntroductionA national study from 2006 to 2008 showed a high antibody prevalence of 3.2% against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Romania, but more recent epidemiological data on hepatitis C prevalence are lacking.AimWe aimed to estimate the current prevalence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and chronic HCV infection in the general adult population in Romania, as a crucial element in monitoring progress towards eliminating hepatitis C.MethodsWe used anonymised leftover sera from a SARS-CoV-2 survey conducted between July and October 2020 (n = 2,100), supplemented with sera collected prospectively between July 2022 and March 2023 (n = 574). These included sera collected from adults visiting laboratories for routine medical check-ups. Sera were tested for anti-HCV and HCV core antigen and classified according to anti-HCV and chronic infection status.ResultsOf the total 2,674 specimens tested, 44 were anti-HCV-positive with a weighted anti-HCV prevalence of 1.4% (95% CI: 1.0-1.9), and 29 were HCV core antigen-positive with a weighted prevalence of chronic infection of 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5-1.2). The prevalence of chronic infection did not differ significantly between men and women. It was higher in persons 60 years and older (2.0%; 95% CI: 1.1-3.0) and in specimens from the North-East region (2.2%; 95% CI: 0.8-3.7).ConclusionAlthough the overall HCV prevalence in Romania is currently low, targeted screening, prevention measures and treatment scale-up are needed especially for the population 60 years and older and in the north-eastern part of the country to achieve the goal of ending the hepatitis C epidemic.

Prevalence of chronic hepatitis C infection in the general population: results from a national survey, Estonia, July to December 2022.

IntroductionObtaining epidemiological data on chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential to monitor progress towards the hepatitis C elimination targets.AimWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic HCV and the seroprevalence of HCV in the adult general population in Estonia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, conducted between 12 July and 6 December 2022, included anonymised residual sera collected prospectively from patients 18 years and older visiting a general practitioner in all counties of Estonia. Specimens were considered HCV-seropositive if they tested positive for HCV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunoassay, confirmed by line-immunoblot assay. Chronic HCV infection was determined by positive RT-qPCR.ResultsWe tested a total of 4,217 specimens. The estimated HCV seroprevalence and prevalence of chronic HCV infection were 1.8% (95% CI: 1.4-2.2) and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.5-1.1), respectively, with ca 8,100 persons estimated to have chronic HCV infection in the general adult population of Estonia. No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of chronic HCV infection were observed between sexes, counties or age groups, with the highest prevalence rates observed in men (sex ratio: 1.7), Ida-Virumaa County (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.8-3.6) and the age group 40-49 years (1.7%; 95% CI: 0.9-2.9).ConclusionThis study found an overall low prevalence of chronic HCV infection in Estonia. Continued efforts should be made for the targeted screening, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with chronic HCV infection to achieve hepatitis elimination targets.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis c virus in Blood Donors in Kabul in 2023

Introduction: Understanding the prevalence and distribution of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is crucial for the development of effective prevention and control strategies, given its significant impact on global public health. The objective of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of HCV among blood donors in Kabul and assess the possible gender-based variations in infection rates. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed blood donor records from the central blood bank in Kabul, including both male and female donors, from January to December 2023. HCV screening was performed using ELISA testing, and the data were analyzed using SPSS to determine HCV prevalence and investigate gender-based differences in infection rates. Results: In this study, 59 out of 15,080 individuals (0.39%) tested positive for HCV infection. Among the HCV-positive cases, 81.5% were male and 18.6% were female. The majority of infected males (64.4%) were in the 30-39 age range. A significant proportion of HCV-positive patients had no formal education (69.5%) and were unemployed (61.0%). Additionally, the majority of HCV-positive patients reported a low monthly income (66.1%). Discussion: The study found a low prevalence of HCV infection (0.39%) among the participants, with the highest rates observed in the 30-39 age group. Socioeconomic factors, such as lack of education, unemployment, and low income, were associated with HCV infection. Targeted interventions are needed to address gender disparities, age-specific risks, and socioeconomic determinants to improve prevention and control strategies for HCV in Kabul's blood donor population and enhance overall population health.

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&gt;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.

The burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia.

Globally, viral hepatitis is decreasing, but nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is increasing. We assessed the burden and trends of MASLD and viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia. Prevalence, death, and disability data due to MASLD, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) were obtained from 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database for Saudi Arabia. Time trends were assessed by annual percent change (APC) from joinpoint regression. From 2012 through 2019, MASLD prevalence in children and adults increased from 28.02% ( n = 8.34 million) to 33.11% ( n = 11.83 million); APC +2.43% (95% confidence interval: 2.33% to 2.54%). HBV prevalence decreased from 1.83% ( n = 0.54 million) to 1.53% ( n = 0.55 million); APC -1.74% (-2.66% to -0.81%). HCV prevalence stabilized from 0.72% ( n = 0.21 million) to 0.73% ( n = 0.26 million): APC +0.32% (-0.13% to 0.78%). Among adults (>20 years), MASLD prevalence increased from 40.64% to 43.95% (APC = +1.15%, 1.12% to 1.18%), HBV prevalence decreased from 2.67% to 2.05% (APC = -2.96%, -3.90% to -2.01%), and HCV leveled from 0.88% to 0.86% (APC = -0.30%, -0.75% to 0.16%). MASLD liver mortality rate from liver cancer and cirrhosis increased: APC of +1.15% (0.82% to 1.48%) from 1.31 to 1.43 (per 100,000). HBV and HCV liver mortality increased at slower rates (APC = +0.78%, 0.38% to 1.19%): 2.07 to 2.20 (per 100,000) and (APC = +0.55%, 0.09% to 0.89%): 6.32 to 6.61 (per 100,000), respectively. MASLD burden is increasing, while HBV and HCV burden is decreasing/remaining stable. Early prevention and diagnosis health policies for MASLD are needed.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among visceral leishmaniasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections during multiple injections and the anti-leishmanial treatment possesses a potential hepatotoxic effect. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the pooled prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in VL patients. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with the assigned number CRD42024516889, and conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA version 11.0 software. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size of outcome variables across studies with a 95% confidence interval and was displayed in a forest plot. The I 2 statistic was used to check for heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias was determined using a funnel plot and Egger's test with a p value <0.05 evidence of statistically significant bias. Among 216 retrieved records, seven studies were eligible for systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 937 VL patients were examined, revealing that 105 and 93 were infected with HBV and HCV, respectively. The pooled prevalence of HBV was 16.15% (95% CI: -4.10 to 36.39), with a significant heterogeneity (I 2 = 91.4%, p < 0.001). The combined prevalence of HCV was 13.74% (95% CI: 1.32-26.16, I 2 = 71.6%, p = 0.003). The funnel plot (symmetry), and Egger's test in both HBV (p value = 0.650) and HCV (p value = 0.841) revealed no publication bias. In subgroup analysis, high HBV and HCV prevalence was detected in Sudan; 20.64% (95% CI: -13.60 to 54.88) and India; 18.26% (95% CI: -0.40 to 36.92%), respectively. This study revealed a high prevalence of both HBV and HCV infections in VL patients. In subgroup analysis, the prevalence of HBV and HCV was high in Sudan and India, respectively. Therefore, screening of VL patients for HBV and HCV, vaccination of VL patients in endemic regions, and collaboration between kala-azar and hepatitis elimination programs are required. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/export_details_pdf.php#page=1.00&gsr=0, identifier: CRD42024516889.

Understanding current antenatal Hepatitis C testing and care in maternity services in England.

Universal opt-out antenatal screening for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not currently recommened and it is recommended that maternity services offer risk-based testing. We aimed to investigate antenatal HCV testing and adherence to testing guidance. A cross-sectional survey was circulated to maternity service providers between November-December 2020 which included testing policy, training for healthcare staff, and management of women found to be HCV positive. Descriptive data are presented. A total of 75 questionnaires were returned, representing 48 % of English maternity service providers. 87 % of providers reported offering antenatal HCV risk-based testing. Risk factors used to identify pregnant women for testing varied. Less than 15 % of respondents considered women that were ever homeless or with history of incarceraton or from higher HCV prevalence areas as high risk. Current antenatal HCV testing practices are inadequate and HCV infection likely goes undiagnosed in pregnancy, especially among vulnerable population groups. In the absence of universal antenatal screening, re-framing antenatal HCV risk-based testing and management as a quality improvement initiative and developing HCV specific pathway guidance for maternity units is required.

Hepatitis C virus infection is uncommon at baseline and during follow-up among individuals using PrEP in the Dutch national PrEP programme between 2019 and 2022

ObjectivesStudies showed that men who have sex with men (MSM), including those using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are at increased risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated HCV prevalence...

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Among Blood Donors in a Tribal-Preponderant Region of India.

Hepatitis C isa global health burden with significant morbidity and mortality. It primarily affects the liver and causes acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Common modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are blood transfusion, needlestick injury, and mother-fetus transmission, among which transmission, blood transfusion is one of the most important causes. Blood transfusion is one of the pillars in the management of patients that saves lives and improves morbidity. Blood donation in India is done by voluntary and replacement blood donors of both sexes.The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of HCV among blood donors in the Jharkhand state, a tribal-preponderant region of India, and to see the trend over the years. This is a nine-yearretrospective observational study from 2015 to 2023 that screened for anti-HCV antibodies (third-generation kit: Abbott Diagnostics) using the chemiluminescence technique. In this study, in total, 249,461 units of blood were collected, of which the majority of donations were by male and replacement donors (RDs) comprising230,757 (92.50%) and 188,047 (75.38%), respectively. The meannumber of blood donations by replacement and male donors (MDs) was more than for voluntary donors (VDs) and female donors (FDs) (20894.11 ± 3041.71 RDs vs. 6823.77 ± 2332.96 VDs, p < 0.0001 and 25639.66 ± 2810.08 MDs vs. 2078.22 ± 828.16 FD, p < 0.0001), respectively. The overall prevalence of HCV was 0.63%, and all seropositive donors were male. Replacement blood donation contributes to the major part of blood donation and is primarily done by males in this tribal population-dominant region of India. Seroprevalence of HCV is high in the population of this part of India, and there is a constant or slightly upward trend in hepatitis C infection among individuals.

Development of a risk prediction score for screening for HBV, HCV and HIV among migrants in France: results from a multicentre observational study (STRADA study)

ObjectivesMigrants from high HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemicity regions have a great burden of these infections and related diseases in the host countries. This...

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among HIV-positive men who have sex with men: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is highly prevalent and often coexists with other infectious diseases, especially Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a vulnerable population in terms of HIV infection. We aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV, HBV among HIV-infected MSM. This systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest up-to 2023/04/22. All studies reporting the prevalence of HBV or HCV infection in MSM PLHIV were included. Meta-analysis used random effect model for synthesis and I 2 along with prediction interval for heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis based on continent and meta-regression for study size, average age and year of publication were used to explore heterogeneity. Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies according to the protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023428764). Fifty-sixof 5948 studies are included. In 53 studies with 3,07,589 participants, a pooled prevalence of 7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5-10) was found for HCV among MSM PLHIV, while a 9% (95% CI: 4-18) prevalence was found for HBV infection from five studies which included 5641 MSM PLHIV. Asia reported the lowest pooled prevalence at 5.84% (95% CI: 2.98-11.13) for HCV while Europe reported the highest pooled prevalence at 7.76% (95% CI: 4.35-13.45). Baujat plot and influence diagnostic identified contributors to influence and between-study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses omitting these studies result in considerably more precise estimates. Another sensitivity analysis as leave-one-out meta-analysis did not change any pooled estimate significantly. There is a significant burden of HCV and HBV among MSM PLHIV worldwide, with varying prevalence rates. Future studies should focus on these multimorbidity clusters and investigate factors influencing disease burden, long-term outcomes, optimal testing strategies, and tailored interventions.

Analysing HCV incidence trends in people who inject drugs using serial behavioural and seroprevalence data: A modelling study

IntroductionThe introduction of new direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, has enabled the formulation of a HCV elimination strategy led by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Guidelines for elimination of HCV target a reduction in incidence, but this is difficult to measure and needs estimating. MethodsSerial cross-sectional bio-behavioural sero-surveys provide information on an individual's infection status and duration of exposure and how these change over time. These data can be used to estimate the rate of first infection through appropriate statistical models. This study utilised updated HCV seroprevalence information from the Unlinked Anonymous Monitoring survey, an annual survey of England, Wales and Northern Ireland monitoring the prevalence of blood borne viruses in people who inject drugs. Flexible parametric and semiparametric approaches, including fractional polynomials and splines, for estimating incidence rates by exposure time and survey year were implemented and compared. ResultsIncidence rates were shown to peak in those recently initiating injecting drug use at approximately 0.20 infections per person-year followed by a rapid reduction in the subsequent few years of injecting to approximately 0.05 infections per person-year. There was evidence of a rise in incidence rates for recent initiates between 2011 and 2020 from 0.17 infections per person-year (95 % CI, 0.16–0.19) to 0.26 infections per person-year (0.23–0.30). In those injecting for longer durations, incidence rates were stable over time. ConclusionsFractional polynomials provided an adequate fit with relatively few parameters, but splines may be preferable to ensure flexibility, in particular, to detect short-term changes in the rate of first infection over time that may be a result of treatment effects. Although chronic HCV prevalence has declined with treatment scale up over 2016–2020, there is no evidence yet of a corresponding fall in the rate of first infection. Seroprevalence and risk behaviour data can be used to estimate and monitor HCV incidence, providing insight into progress towards WHO defined elimination of HCV.

Prevalence of HCV infection in Europe in the DAA era: Review.

In 2016, the Global Health Sector Strategy, ratified by the 69th World Health Assembly, set the ambitious goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus infections by 2030, emphasizing the importance of national screening programmes. Achieving this goal depends on each country's ability to identify and treat 80% of chronic hepatitis C cases, a critical threshold set by the World Health Organization. Traditionally, estimates of HCV prevalence have been based on interferon era studies that focused on high-risk subgroups rather than the general population. In addition, the incomplete data available from national registries also limited the understanding of HCV prevalence. The 2016 report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlighted that HCV rates varied across European counties, ranging from .1% to 5.9%. However, data were only available for 13 countries, making the overall picture less clear. Additionally, the epidemiological data may have underestimated the true burden of HCV due to lack of awareness among those with chronic infection. The main objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of HCV epidemiology in Europe in the current era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The data included in the analysis range from the end of 2013 to December 2023 and have been categorised according to the United Nations Geoscheme. The resulting synthesis underscores the noteworthy impact of DAA treatment on the epidemiological situation.