scholarly journals Single Clinical Practice's Report of Testing Initiation, Antibody Clearance, and Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Infants of Chronically HCV-Infected Mothers

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aswine Bal ◽  
Anna Petrova
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Transmission ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Perinatally Acquired ◽  
Hcv Screening ◽  
Chronic Hcv ◽  
Hcv Testing

Abstract Background.  Perinatally acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main source of pediatric HCV infection. However, the best time for initiation of screening and follow up of these infants is still unknown. Analysis of the clinical data of infants born to HCV-infected mothers, transmission rates, and pathway of HCV testing could be important for optimization of their management. Methods.  Children of mothers with chronic HCV infection, who were observed between 1998 and 2013 at the pediatric infectious disease clinic for the first 18 months of their life, were eligible for enrollment. We analyzed the factors influencing initiation of HCV testing in these children and rate of HCV transmission as demonstrated by consecutive HCV antibody and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) amplification testing. Results.  One hundred and forty-two mother-infant pairs were enrolled. The majority of mothers were intravenous drug users, had carried to term, and delivered vaginally. A high proportion of infants had at least 1 positive anti-HCV antibody assay without viremia. True HCV infection and intermittent viremia were recorded in 3.5% and 1.4% of infants, respectively. Initiation of HCV testing after 10 months of age was associated with a significant decline in the probability of obtaining a positive HCV antibody of maternal origin. Conclusions.  The low likelihood for detection and confirmation of true HCV transmission before 10 months of age could challenge the early initiation of HCV screening of infants exposed to maternal HCV infection but may affect the parental need for early monitoring and counseling.

scholarly journals Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir in the Treatment of Early Hepatitis C Virus Infection in HIV-Infected Men

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paari M Palaniswami ◽  
Ahmed El Sayed ◽  
Benjamin Asriel ◽  
Jesse R Carollo ◽  
Daniel S Fierer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Hcv Transmission ◽  
Chronic Hcv

Abstract Background Treatment of HIV-infected men during early hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with interferon results in a higher cure rate with a shorter duration of treatment than during chronic HCV infection. We recently demonstrated that this phenomenon applied to interferon-free treatment as well, curing most participants with short-course sofosbuvir and ribavirin. Due to the significantly higher potency of the ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) combination, we hypothesized that we would be more successful in curing early HCV infections using a shorter course of LDV/SOF than that used for treating chronic HCV infections. Methods We performed a prospective, open-label, consecutive case series study of 8 weeks of LDV/SOF in HIV-infected men with early genotype 1 HCV infection. The primary end point was aviremia at least 12 weeks after completion of treatment. Results We treated 25 HIV-infected men with early sexually acquired HCV infection with 8 weeks of LDV/SOF, and all 25 (100%) were cured. Twelve (48%) reported sexualized drug use with methamphetamine. Conclusions Eight weeks of LDV/SOF cured all 25 HIV-infected men with early HCV infection, including those who were actively using drugs. Based on these results, we recommend treatment of newly HCV-infected men during early infection, regardless of drug use, to both take advantage of this 8-week treatment and to decrease further HCV transmission among this group of men.

Hepatitis C Virus Screening Among Adolescents Attending a Drug Rehabilitation Center

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Dominic Fernandes ◽  
Swagata Banik ◽  
Nazha Abughali ◽  
Bonisha Sthapit ◽  
Neelab Abdullah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Drug Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Center ◽  
Hcv Screening ◽  
Hcv Testing

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a strong association with intravenous drug use (IVDU). IVDU is a growing public health concern, even in the adolescent population. To our knowledge, there are no published HCV screening studies targeting high-risk adolescents who attend drug rehabilitation centers. This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of HCV infection utilizing point-of-care (POC) testing at an adolescent drug rehabilitation center and gain a preliminary understanding of the acceptance rate for HCV screening in this high-risk population. Methods This single-center, observational study was conducted at a major drug rehabilitation center in northeast Ohio from July 2016 to June 2017. The consented adolescents who presented at the center were recruited to participate in HCV screening. The participants were administered a survey to assess their demographics and risk behavior profile followed by HCV testing utilizing a POC test. Results During the study period, 150 adolescents were admitted to the drug rehabilitation center, of whom 100 were approached and 85 agreed to participate. Forty percent of the participants (34/85) were females, and 78% (66/85) were white. HCV prevalence among participants was 5% (4/85), all of whom were females. History of heroin use was reported by 15% (13/85) and it was associated with HCV seropositivity; 100% (4/4) of all HCV-positive individuals reported the use of heroin vs only 11% (9/81) of HCV-negative individuals (P = .0004). Conclusions Our study showed a high prevalence of HCV among adolescents attending a drug rehabilitation center with high acceptance of POC HCV testing.

Shedding of Hepatitis C Virus Into the Rectum of HIV-infected Men Who Have Sex With Men

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew L Foster ◽  
Michael M Gaisa ◽  
Rosanne M Hijdra ◽  
Samuel S Turner ◽  
Tristan J Morey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Public Health Campaign ◽  
Health Campaign ◽  
Bleeding Detection ◽  
Hcv Transmission ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Chronic Hcv

Abstract Background For over a decade we have known of an epidemic of sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), but there still remains significant controversy over which bodily fluid(s) are responsible for HCV transmission in these men. Methods We enrolled HIV-infected MSM with recent and chronic HCV infection and quantified HCV from rectal fluid obtained by blind swab. We compared the rectal HCV viral load (VL) with paired blood HCV VL. Results We found rectal HCV shedding in 20 (47%) of 43 men, only one (2%) of whom had visible bleeding. Detection of rectal HCV shedding was associated with blood VL > 5 log10 IU/mL (p = .01), and 85% with blood VL > 5 log10 IU/mL had rectal shedding. The HCV VL of the rectal fluid ranged from 2.6 to 5.5 log10 IU/mL. Based on the median rectal fluid VL, the surface of an average human penis would be exposed to at least 2,300 IU of HCV for the duration of anal intercourse. Conclusion This study provides the first direct evidence to our knowledge that a sufficient quantity of HCV is shed into the rectum in HIV-infected men with HCV infection to directly infect an inserted penis or be passed indirectly through fomite-like transmission to the rectum of sex partner. We must develop an appropriate public health campaign to educate MSM about these routes of HCV infection to reverse the HCV epidemic among HIV-infected MSM.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C Virus Testing Among Men With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Who Have Sex With Men: Temporal Trends and Racial/Ethnic Disparities

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Li ◽  
Carl Armon ◽  
Frank J Palella ◽  
Ellen Tedaldi ◽  
Richard M Novak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hcv Testing ◽  
Virus Testing

Abstract Background National guidelines recommend that sexually active people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) who are men who have sex with men (MSM) be tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection at least annually. Hepatitis C virus testing rates vary by race/ethnicity in the general population, but limited data are available for PWH. Methods We analyzed medical records data from MSM in the HIV Outpatient Study at 9 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2019. We excluded observation time after documented past or current HCV infection. We evaluated HCV antibody testing in each calendar year among HCV-seronegative MSM, and we assessed testing correlates by generalized estimating equation analyses. Results Of 1829 eligible MSM who were PWH, 1174 (64.2%) were non-Hispanic/Latino white (NHW), 402 (22.0%) non-Hispanic black (NHB), 187 (10.2%) Hispanic/Latino, and 66 (3.6%) of other race/ethnicity. Most were ≥40 years old (68.9%), privately insured (64.5%), with CD4 cell count/mm3 (CD4) ≥350 (77.0%), and with HIV viral load <200 copies/mL (76.9%). During 2011–2019, 1205 (65.9%) had ≥1 HCV antibody test and average annual HCV percentage tested was 30.3% (from 33.8% for NHB to 28.5% for NHW; P < .001). Multivariable factors positively associated (P < .05) with HCV testing included more recent HIV diagnosis, public insurance, lower CD4, prior chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or hepatitis B virus diagnoses, and elevated liver enzyme levels, but not race/ethnicity. Conclusions Although we found no disparities by race/ethnicity in HCV testing, low overall HCV testing rates indicate suboptimal uptake of recommended HCV testing among MSM in HIV care.

Diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection in Scotland's injecting drug user population

2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. McDONALD ◽  
S. J. HUTCHINSON ◽  
P. R. MILLS ◽  
S. M. BIRD ◽  
C. ROBERTSON ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus Infection ◽  
Anonymous Testing ◽  
Unlinked Anonymous Testing ◽  
Diagnosis Rate ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Injecting Drug User

SUMMARYWe estimated the extent of undiagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Scotland. We used record-linkage to determine HCV diagnosis status for 41 062 current/former IDUs attending drug treatment and support services between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 2006; the extent of undiagnosed HCV infection was estimated by comparing the number HCV-diagnosed to the number HCV-infected (estimated from an unlinked anonymous testing survey of 2141 current/former IDUs). In all, 9145 IDUs (22%) were diagnosed HCV antibody-positive since first attendance at drug services (diagnosis rate of 33·6/1000 person-years, 95% CI 32·7–34·4). By 31 March 2006, of the 19 632 current/former IDUs who had attended drug services and were determined to be living with HCV, an estimated 58% (95% CI 45–62) had not been HCV-diagnosed. It is essential that the deployment of resources for identifying at-risk IDUs with a view to offering antiviral therapy is guided by evidence.

Genetic polymorphisms as the predictors of response to antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C virus infection

2011 ◽  
Vol 152 (22) ◽  
pp. 876-881
Author(s):  
Alajos Pár
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Genetic Polymorphisms ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis C ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Snp Analysis ◽  
Chronic Hcv

The review discusses the genetic polymorphisms involved in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, that may determine the outcome of disease. In this field earlier both certain major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles and some cytokine gene variants have also been studied. Recently, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) and targeted single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis have revealed that a variant in the promoter region of interleukin-28B (IL-28B) gene is strongly linked to viral clearance and it may be the strongest pretreatment predictor of treatment response in chronic hepatitis C. Last year it was shown that two genetic variants leading to inosine triphosphatase deficiency protect against haemolytic anemia in patients receiving ribavirin during antiviral treatment for chronic HCV infection. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 876–881.

scholarly journals Strategy for the Micro-Elimination of Hepatitis C among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus—A Hospital-Based Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2509
Author(s):  
Pei-Yuan Su ◽  
Yang-Yuan Chen ◽  
Hsu-Heng Yen ◽  
Siou-Ping Huang ◽  
I-Ling Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Electronic Reminder ◽  
Reminder System ◽  
Induce Insulin Resistance ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Hcv Screening

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can induce insulin resistance, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a higher prevalence of HCV infection. Patient outcomes improve after HCV eradication in DM patients. However, HCV micro-elimination targeting this population has not been approached. Little is known about using electronic alert systems for HCV screening among patients with DM in a hospital-based setting. We implemented an electronic reminder system for HCV antibody screening and RNA testing in outpatient departments among patients with DM. The screening rates and treatment rates at different departments before and after system implementation were compared. The results indicated that the total HCV screening rate increased from 49.3% (9505/19,272) to 78.2% (15,073/19,272), and the HCV-RNA testing rate increased from 73.4% to 94.2%. The anti-HCV antibody seropositive rate was 5.7%, and the HCV viremia rate was 62.7% in our patient population. The rate of positive anti-HCV antibodies and HCV viremia increased with patient age. This study demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of an electronic alert system for HCV screening and treatment among DM patients in a hospital-based setting.

Testing for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Adults Aged ≥18 in the United States, 2013-2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110472
Author(s):  
Hope King ◽  
J. E. Soh ◽  
William W. Thompson ◽  
Jessica Rogers Brown ◽  
Karina Rapposelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
High School Education ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Hcv Testing

Objective Approximately 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of our study was to describe demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, liver disease–related risk factors, and modifiable health behaviors associated with self-reported testing for HCV infection among adults. Methods Using data on adult respondents aged ≥18 from the 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey, we summarized descriptive data on sociodemographic characteristics and liver disease–related risk factors and stratified data by educational attainment. We used weighted logistic regression to examine predictors of HCV testing. Results During the study period, 11.7% (95% CI, 11.5%-12.0%) of adults reported ever being tested for HCV infection. Testing was higher in 2017 than in 2013 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18-1.36). Adults with ≥some college were significantly more likely to report being tested (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.52-1.69) than adults with ≤high school education. Among adults with ≤high school education (but not adults with ≥some college), those who did not have health insurance were less likely than those with private health insurance (aOR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.89) to get tested, and non–US-born adults were less likely than US-born adults to get tested (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87). Conclusions Rates of self-reported HCV testing increased from 2013 to 2017, but testing rates remained low. Demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and liver disease–related risk factors may affect HCV testing rates among adults. HCV testing must increase to achieve hepatitis C elimination targets.

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