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Chien RN, Lu SN, Hui-Min Wu G, Yang WW, Pwu RF, Liu CL, Cheng KP, Chen SC, Chen CJ. Policy and Strategy for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination at the National Level: Experience in Taiwan. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S180-S188. [PMID: 37703347 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The estimated prevalence of anti-HCV was 3.1% in Taiwan. Studies have shown iatrogenic behavior was the major transmission route. It is highest in specific populations including patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), human immunodeficiency virus infection, who inject drug (PWID), and under opioid substitution treatment. Approximately 405,160 patients were seropositive for HCV RNA and in need of treatment. Taiwan government claims to reach WHO's 2030 goal of HCV elimination by 2025 and works hard to resolve several barriers of HCV elimination including political commitment, sustainable financing, minimize reimbursement restrictions, instituted monitoring, and perform micro-elimination of specific populations. The last stage of HCV elimination is to accelerate the universal HCV screening program of populations aged 45-79 years and resolve the unawareness issue of HCV infection. Hopefully, we can achieve the targets of HCV elimination set by WHO and reach the goal earlier in 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Nan Chien
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Liver Research Unit, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Grace Hui-Min Wu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wen Yang
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Raoh-Fang Pwu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Liu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Pen Cheng
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chung Chen
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chien RN, Lu SN, Pwu RF, Wu GHM, Yang WW, Liu CL. Taiwan accelerates its efforts to eliminate hepatitis C. Glob Health Med 2021; 3:293-300. [PMID: 34782872 DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2021.01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The estimated prevalence of anti-HCV was 3.3% (1.8-5.5%) in the general population in Taiwan with several regional disparities. The reactive anti-HCV in different regions may vary between 0% and 65%. The National Hepatitis C Program (NHCP) office estimated approximately 623,323 persons reactive with anti-HCV based on several extensive region- and cohort-wide studies. Taiwan has accelerated its efforts to eliminate hepatitis C since 2018 by committing to achieve World Health Organization (WHO)'s 2030 goal of treating 80% of eligible patients by 2025. Many aggressive measures by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) have been ongoing including several key success factors such as political commitment by the MOHW to finance this national program and improve National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement restrictions for treatment. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) instituted harm reduction programs and the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) started to improve awareness and perform national screening programs. The NHCP office instituted monitoring, evaluation, micro-elimination and funding to linkage to care programs. In addition to sustainable financing, it is imperative to scale-up screening coverage through a precision public health approach to fill the gap of under-diagnosis. Hopefully, we can achieve early elimination by announcing the treatment target of 250000 CHC patients by 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Nan Chien
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Raoh-Fang Pwu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Health Care Administration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Grace Hui-Min Wu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wen Yang
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Liu
- Taiwan National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
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Ohata PJ, Su Lwin HM, Han WM, Khwairakpam G, Tangkijvanich P, Matthews GV, Avihingsanon A. Elimination of hepatitis C among HIV-positive population in Asia: old and new challenges. Future Virol 2021. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people living with HIV co-infected with HCV, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and inmates in correctional settings. The barriers to eliminate HCV among these key populations include diagnosis challenges, lack of awareness, discrimination and stigmatization. In addition, scaling up of HCV treatment has been a challenge in Asia–Pacific with the lack of national policies, targets and unavailability of appropriate direct-acting antivirals regimens. In order to achieve HCV micro elimination within these high-risk populations, novel strategies to improve the cascade of care from diagnosis to treatment with direct-acting antivirals, complemented by behavioral change interventions, harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, civil society led advocacy and policies from the government, will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pirapon June Ohata
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Hay Mar Su Lwin
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Win Min Han
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Giten Khwairakpam
- TREAT Asia, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Road, Suite 2104, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis & Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Gail V Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Anchalee Avihingsanon
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross – AIDS Research Centre, 104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Tuberculosis Research Unit (TB RU), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Jin F, Dore GJ, Matthews G, Luhmann N, Macdonald V, Bajis S, Baggaley R, Mathers B, Verster A, Grulich AE. Prevalence and incidence of hepatitis C virus infection in men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 6:39-56. [PMID: 33217341 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO has set targets for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030. We did a global systematic review of HCV prevalence and incidence in men who have sex with men (MSM) to provide updated estimates that can guide community education and public health policy. METHODS We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published and listed on MEDLINE or Embase between Jan 1, 2000, and Oct 31, 2019, including conference proceedings. Studies were eligible if they reported measures of HCV prevalence or HCV incidence (or both) among MSM. Studies that relied on participants' self-reported HCV status with no laboratory confirmation were excluded. Pooled HCV estimates in MSM were stratified by HIV status and by injecting drug use, then by WHO region and by income level. Random-effects meta-analysis was done to account for between-study heterogeneity and examined using the I2 statistic. Pooled HCV prevalence was also compared with HCV estimates in the general population and presented as prevalence ratios (PRs). In HIV-negative MSM, incidence estimates were stratified by use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42020156262. FINDINGS Of 1221 publications identified, 194 were deemed to be eligible and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled HCV prevalence in MSM was 3·4% (95% CI 2·8-4·0; I2=98·0%) and was highest in Africa (5·8%, 2·5-10·4) and South-East Asia (5·0%, 0·0-16·6). Globally, HCV prevalence was 1·5% (1·0-2·1) in HIV-negative MSM and 6·3% (5·3-7·5) in HIV-positive MSM. Compared with the general population, HCV prevalence was slightly higher in HIV-negative MSM (PR 1·58, 95% CI 1·14-2·01) and markedly higher (6·22, 5·14-7·29) in HIV-positive MSM. Pooled HCV prevalence was substantially higher in MSM who had ever injected drugs (30·2%, 22·0-39·0) or currently injected drugs (45·6%, 21·6-70·7) than in those who never injected drugs (2·7%, 2·0-3·6). In HIV-negative MSM, the pooled HCV incidence was 0·12 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 0·00-0·72) in individuals not on PrEP and 14·80 per 1000 person-years (9·65-20·95) in individuals on PrEP. HCV incidence in HIV-positive MSM was 8·46 per 1000 person-years (6·78-10·32). INTERPRETATION HIV-positive MSM are at substantially increased risk of HCV. Overall, HIV-negative MSM had a slightly higher prevalence of HCV than the general population but had a lower prevalence than HIV-positive MSM. High HCV incidence in more recent PrEP studies suggests that as PrEP use increases, greater HCV transmission might occur. HCV burden in MSM varies considerably by region, which is likely to be associated with variation in the prevalence of injecting drug use and HIV. FUNDING World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gail Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Niklas Luhmann
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Macdonald
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bradley Mathers
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Annette Verster
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Tsai PH, Tsai MS, Chiang YH, Shih CY, Liu CY, Chuang YC, Yang CJ. Effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccination among people living with HIV in Taiwan: Is one dose enough? JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2020; 55:18-25. [PMID: 32690395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single dose hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine had been proven its efficacy in immunocompetent but not immunocompromised hosts. We aim to investigate the effectiveness of one dose versus 2 doses HAV vaccine among people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHOD We conducted a 1:1 single center retrospective case-control study for PLHIV in Northern Taiwan. Case patients were those who received single dose HAV vaccine and controls were those who completed standard 2 doses HAV vaccine. Nationwide campaign of single dose HAV vaccine had been practiced for high risk population including PLHIV and those who had newly diagnosed sexually transmitted diseases. RESULTS During February 2016 and December 2017, 90 cases received single dose HAV vaccine provided while the other 90 age-matched controls received 2 doses vaccine were enrolled. We found more injection drug users (22.22% vs. 1.11%, p < 0.0001), more co-infection with viral hepatitis C (28.89% vs. 5.56%, p < 0.0001), and history of syphilis infection (56.67% VS 30%, p = 0.0003) in single dose group than 2 doses group. Seroconversion rate at one year was significantly higher in 2 doses group (97.78% vs 56.67%, p < 0.0001). Among single dose group, people with hepatitis B or C virus co-infection (HBV: p = 0.02, aOR: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.002-0.55; HCV: p = 0.002, aOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08-0.58) were less likely to achieve seropositivity, while those who had higher CD4 count at baseline and one year, had better response to vaccine. CONCLUSION Two doses HAV vaccine is necessary among PLHIV to achieve sustained seroresponse rather than single dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hsuan Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsuan Chiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Shih
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Yu ML, Chen PJ, Dai CY, Hu TH, Huang CF, Huang YH, Hung CH, Lin CY, Liu CH, Liu CJ, Peng CY, Lin HC, Kao JH, Chuang WL. 2020 Taiwan consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C: Part (II) special populations. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:1135-1157. [PMID: 32354689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a silent killer that leads to rapid progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Taiwan, especially in high-risk populations including people who inject drugs (PWID) and patients requiring dialysis. Besides, certain populations merit special considerations due to suboptimal outcome, potential drug-drug interaction, or possible side effect. Therefore, in the second part of this 2-part consensus, the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) proposes the treatment recommendations for the special population in order to serve as guidance to optimizing the outcome in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. Special populations include patients with acute or recent HCV infection, previous DAA failure, chronic kidney disease, decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, liver and other solid organ transplantations, receiving an HCV viremic organ, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV dual infection, HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, active tuberculosis infection, PWID, bleeding disorders and hemoglobinopathies, children and adolescents, and pregnancy. Moreover, future perspectives regarding the management of hepatitis C are also discussed and summarized in this consensus statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Chen WC, Chiang PH, Liao YH, Huang LC, Hsieh YJ, Chiu CM, Lo YC, Yang CH, Yang JY. Outbreak of hepatitis A virus infection in Taiwan, June 2015 to September 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30968822 PMCID: PMC6462791 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.14.1800133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were notified of increasing acute hepatitis A (AHA) in June 2015. Serum and/or stool from AHA patients and sewage samples were tested for hepatitis A virus (HAV). We defined outbreak cases as AHA patients with illness onset after June 2015 and with an HAV sequence less than 0.5% different from that of the TA-15 outbreak strain. We analysed characteristics and food exposures between outbreak and non-outbreak cases between January 2014 (start of enhanced surveillance) and February 2016. From June 2015 to September 2017, there were 1,563 AHA patients with a median age of 31 years (interquartile range (IQR): 26–38); the male-to-female ratio was 8.8 and 585 (37%) had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. TA-15 was detected in 82% (852/1,033) of AHA patients, and 14% (74/540) of sewage samples tested since July 2015. Infection with the TA-15 strain was associated with having HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI), recent oral-anal sex and men who have sex with men (MSM). The Taiwan CDC implemented an HAV vaccine campaign starting from October 2016 where 62% (15,487/24,879) of people at risk were vaccinated against HAV. We recommend HAV vaccination for at-risk populations and continuous surveillance to monitor control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chin Chen
- Office of Preventive Medicine, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | | | - Yu-Hsin Liao
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Ching Huang
- Office of Preventive Medicine, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Jung Hsieh
- Division of Acute Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Ming Chiu
- Division of Acute Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Lo
- Office of Deputy Director-General, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hui Yang
- Division of Acute Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yuan Yang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Platt L, French CE, McGowan CR, Sabin K, Gower E, Trickey A, McDonald B, Ong J, Stone J, Easterbrook P, Vickerman P. Prevalence and burden of HBV co-infection among people living with HIV: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:294-315. [PMID: 31603999 PMCID: PMC7383613 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Globally, in 2017 35 million people were living with HIV (PLHIV) and 257 million had chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positive). The extent of HIV-HBsAg co-infection is unknown. We undertook a systematic review to estimate the global burden of HBsAg co-infection in PLHIV. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and other databases for published studies (2002-2018) measuring prevalence of HBsAg among PLHIV. The review was registered with PROSPERO (#CRD42019123388). Populations were categorized by HIV-exposure category. The global burden of co-infection was estimated by applying regional co-infection prevalence estimates to UNAIDS estimates of PLHIV. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the odds of HBsAg among PLHIV compared to HIV-negative individuals. We identified 506 estimates (475 studies) of HIV-HBsAg co-infection prevalence from 80/195 (41.0%) countries. Globally, the prevalence of HIV-HBsAg co-infection is 7.6% (IQR 5.6%-12.1%) in PLHIV, or 2.7 million HIV-HBsAg co-infections (IQR 2.0-4.2). The greatest burden (69% of cases; 1.9 million) is in sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, there was little difference in prevalence of HIV-HBsAg co-infection by population group (approximately 6%-7%), but it was slightly higher among people who inject drugs (11.8% IQR 6.0%-16.9%). Odds of HBsAg infection were 1.4 times higher among PLHIV compared to HIV-negative individuals. There is therefore, a high global burden of HIV-HBsAg co-infection, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Key prevention strategies include infant HBV vaccination, including a timely birth-dose. Findings also highlight the importance of targeting PLHIV, especially high-risk groups for testing, catch-up HBV vaccination and other preventative interventions. The global scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for PLHIV using a tenofovir-based ART regimen provides an opportunity to simultaneously treat those with HBV co-infection, and in pregnant women to also reduce mother-to-child transmission of HBV alongside HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Platt
- Faculty of Public Health & PolicyLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Clare E. French
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of InterventionsPopulation Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Catherine R. McGowan
- Faculty of Public Health & PolicyLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Humanitarian Public Health Technical UnitSave the Children UKLondonUK
| | | | - Erin Gower
- Centre for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaUSA
| | - Adam Trickey
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of InterventionsPopulation Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Bethan McDonald
- Oxford School of Public HealthNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUK
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Jason Ong
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Jack Stone
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of InterventionsPopulation Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | | | - Peter Vickerman
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of InterventionsPopulation Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Stable Low Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Prevalence Among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending the Sexually Transmitted Infection Outpatient Clinic in Amsterdam, 2007 to 2017. Sex Transm Dis 2019; 45:813-817. [PMID: 30422970 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence recently found among participants of the Amsterdam preexposure prophylaxis demonstration project, we evaluated HCV prevalence over time and the performance of the HCV-MOSAIC risk score for detection of HCV infection in HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) attending the Amsterdam sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. METHODS In October 2016, HIV-negative MSM were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA and completed the HCV-MOSAIC risk score. Anti-HCV prevalence was compared with that found in cross-sectional studies at the Amsterdam STI clinic (2007-2017). The time trend in HCV prevalence was modeled via logistic regression. The performance of the HCV-MOSAIC risk score, adjusted to identify prevalent HCV infection, was evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS Of 504 HIV-negative MSM tested in October 2016, 5 were anti-HCV positive (1.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4%-2.3%) and all were HCV RNA negative. Sensitivity and specificity of the adjusted HCV-MOSAIC risk score for prevalent infection were 80.0% (95% CI, 37.6%-96.4%) and 56.1% (95% CI, 51.7%-60.4%), respectively. The overall anti-HCV prevalence among 3264 HIV-negative MSM participating in cross-sectional studies at the Amsterdam STI clinic (2007-2017) was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.5%-1.2%) and did not change over time (P = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS Anti-HCV prevalence among HIV-negative MSM attending the Amsterdam STI clinic in October 2016 was 1.0% and remained stable over time. We would therefore not recommend routine HCV screening of HIV-negative MSM at the STI clinic. However, given the increased prevalence among MSM using preexposure prophylaxis, periodic monitoring of HCV prevalence remains important.
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Nijmeijer BM, Koopsen J, Schinkel J, Prins M, Geijtenbeek TBH. Sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus infections: current trends, and recent advances in understanding the spread in men who have sex with men. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 6:e25348. [PMID: 31468692 PMCID: PMC6715947 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health threat. Although the recent availability of highly effective directly acting antivirals created optimism towards HCV elimination, there is ongoing transmission of HCV in men who have sex with men (MSM). We here report current epidemiological trends and synthesise evidence on behavioural, network, cellular and molecular host factors associated with sexual transmission of HCV, in particular the role of HIV-1 co-infection. We discuss prevention opportunities focusing on the potential of HCV treatment. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, fact sheets from health professional bodies and conference abstracts using appropriate keywords to identify and select relevant reports. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Recent studies strongly suggest that HCV is transmitted via sexual contact in HIV-positive MSM and more recently in HIV-negative MSM eligible for or on pre-exposure prophylaxis. The reinfection risk following clearance is about 10 times the risk of primary infection. International connectedness of MSM transmission networks might contribute to ongoing reinfection. Some of these networks might overlap with networks of people who inject drugs. Although, the precise mechanisms facilitating sexual transmission remain unclear, damage to the mucosal barrier in the rectum could increase susceptibility. Mucosal dendritic cell subsets could increase HCV susceptibility by retaining HCV and transmitting the virus to other cells, allowing egress into blood and liver. Early identification of new HCV infections is important to prevent onward transmission, but early diagnosis of acute HCV infection and prompt treatment is hampered by the slow rate of HCV antibody seroconversion, which in rare cases may take more than a year. Novel tests such as testing for HCV core antigen might facilitate early diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS High-risk sexual behaviour, network characteristics, co-infection with sexually transmitted infections like HIV-1 and other concomitant bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections are important factors that lead to HCV spread. Targeted and combined prevention efforts including effective behavioural interventions and scale-up of HCV testing and treatment are required to halt HCV transmission in MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadien M Nijmeijer
- Department of Experimental ImmunologyAmsterdam Infection and Immunity InstituteAmsterdam University Medical CentersUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jelle Koopsen
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyLaboratory of Clinical VirologyAmsterdam Infection and Immunity InstituteAmsterdam University Medical CentersUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyLaboratory of Clinical VirologyAmsterdam Infection and Immunity InstituteAmsterdam University Medical CentersUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and PreventionPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Teunis BH Geijtenbeek
- Department of Experimental ImmunologyAmsterdam Infection and Immunity InstituteAmsterdam University Medical CentersUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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11
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Chen GJ, Lin KY, Hung CC, Chang SC. Hepatitis A Outbreak Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Country of Low Endemicity of Hepatitis A Infection. J Infect Dis 2018; 215:1339-1340. [PMID: 28329351 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei.,Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Chwen Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
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12
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Cheng CY, Wu HH, Zou H, Lo YC. Epidemiological characteristics and associated factors of acute hepatitis A outbreak among HIV-coinfected men who have sex with men in Taiwan, June 2015-December 2016. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1208-1215. [PMID: 29741291 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In Taiwan, an outbreak of acute hepatitis A (AHA) infection has been identified since June 2015. Approximately half of the cases occurred in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). We used the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC)-operated National Disease Surveillance Systems (NDSS) to identify the incidence of AHA during 2011-2016. Between June 2015 and December 2016, a total of 1268 AHA cases were documented, and 601 cases (47.4%) were co-infected with HIV; the majority of whom were MSM (98.4%). Each AHA case was matched to two HIV-infected controls without AHA reported in the NDSS on age (± 5 years), risk factor of HIV infection, HIV diagnosis date (± 30 days) and county/city of residence at HIV diagnosis. Three hundred forty-three HIV/AHA cases were matched to 686 controls. In multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, a previous gonorrhoea (adjusted OR=1.77, 95% CI 1.16-2.70) and recent (aOR=6.77, 95% CI 4.34-10.55) or remote syphilis report (aOR=3.56, 95% CI 2.48-5.13) were independently associated with AHA. The epidemic persisted till December 2016, and the cases with a new diagnosis of HIV infection after AHA (28/301, 9.3%) increased after July 2016 (P = .001). HIV/AHA cases were centralized in northern and central metropolitan areas and HIV-infected MSM with a recent history of sexually transmitted diseases in Taiwan. We recommend surveillance of associated behavioural and virologic characteristics and HAV counselling and testing for HIV-infected men.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Y Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,School of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H-H Wu
- Division of Infection Control and Biosafety, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H Zou
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Y-C Lo
- Deputy Director-General's Office, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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Thienkrua W, van Griensven F, Mock PA, Dunne EF, Raengsakulrach B, Wimonsate W, Howteerakul N, Ungsedhapand C, Chiwarakorn A, Holtz TH. Young Men Who Have Sex with Men at High Risk for HIV, Bangkok MSM Cohort Study, Thailand 2006-2014. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2137-2146. [PMID: 29138981 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1963-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
High HIV incidence has been reported in young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in North America and Western Europe, but there are limited data from Southeast Asia suggesting MSM may be the driver of the HIV epidemic in this region. We described HIV incidence and risk factors among 494 YMSM enrolled in a cohort study in Bangkok, Thailand. The HIV incidence was 7.4 per 100 person-years. In multivariable analysis, reporting use of an erectile dysfunction drug in combination with club drugs, having receptive or both insertive and receptive anal intercourse with men, having hepatitis A infection, having rectal Chlamydia trachomatis, having hepatitis B infection prior to HIV seroconversion, and reporting not always using condoms with male steady partners were significantly associated with HIV incidence in YMSM. Reduction in new HIV infections in YMSM are critical to reach targets set by Thailand and the region.
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14
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Chen GJ, Lin KY, Sun HY, Sheng WH, Hsieh SM, Huang YC, Cheng A, Liu WC, Hung CC, Chang SC. Incidence of acute hepatitis A among HIV-positive patients during an outbreak among MSM in Taiwan: Impact of HAV vaccination. Liver Int 2018; 38:594-601. [PMID: 28482131 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An unprecedented outbreak of acute hepatitis A has occurred among MSM in Taiwan since June 2015. We aimed to describe the seroepidemiology of HAV infection and to investigate the relationship between HAV vaccination and the incidence of acute hepatitis A among HIV-positive patients at the largest designated hospital for HIV care during the outbreak. METHODS Between 2012 and 2016, the HAV serostatus, vaccination history and clinical characteristics of HIV-positive patients were retrospectively reviewed. A case-control study was performed to identify the factors associated with acute hepatitis A. The trends of HAV vaccination rate and incidence of acute hepatitis A among HAV-seronegative patients were examined during the outbreak. RESULTS During the 4.5-year period, 2088 HIV-positive patients with a mean age of 37.7 years and 90.2% being MSM were included. The overall HAV seroprevalence was 34.3%, which was significantly higher in older and non-MSM patients. The estimated incidence rate of acute hepatitis A was 52.6 cases per 1000 person-years of follow-up during the outbreak. The associated factors with acquiring acute hepatitis A were recent syphilis and having not received HAV vaccines. The HAV vaccination rate during the outbreak increased from 4.7% to 70.6% and the incidence rate of acute hepatitis A declined when up to 65% of the patients were immunized or tested positive for HAV. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of HAV infection was low in the younger HIV-positive individuals. Prevention of acute hepatitis A was achieved among HIV-positive, HAV-seronegative patients through HAV vaccination and increased herd immunity during the ongoing outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Huei Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Aristine Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Chwen Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Lee YL, Lin KY, Cheng CY, Li CW, Yang CJ, Tsai MS, Tang HJ, Lin TY, Wang NC, Lee YC, Lin SP, Huang YS, Sun HY, Zhang JY, Ko WC, Cheng SH, Lee YT, Liu CE, Hung CC. Evolution of hepatitis A virus seroprevalence among HIV-positive adults in Taiwan. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186338. [PMID: 29036227 PMCID: PMC5643057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to describe the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in HIV-positive adult patients in Taiwan between 2012 and 2016 and to examine the evolution of HAV seroprevalence between 2004-2007 and 2012-2016. METHODS Clinical information and data of anti-HAV antibody results were collected from 2,860 antiretroviral-naïve HIV-positive Taiwanese aged 18 years or older who initiated combination antiretroviral therapy at 11 hospitals around Taiwan between 2012 and 2016 (2012-2016 cohort). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify independent variables associated with HAV seropositivity. Comparisons of HAV seroprevalences and associated clinical characteristics were made between this 2012-2016 cohort and a previous cohort of 1580 HIV-positive patients in 2004-2007 (2004-2007 cohort). RESULTS Of the 2,860 HIV-positive patients between 2012 and 2016, the overall HAV seropositivity rate was 21.2% (605/2860), which was independently associated with an older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], per 1-year increase, 1.13; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.11-1.15) and co-infection with hepatitis B virus (AOR 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08-1.93). Residence in southern Taiwan (AOR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34-0.72) was inversely associated with HAV seropositivity. The overall HAV seroprevalence in the 2012-2016 cohort was significantly lower than that in the 2004-2007 cohort (21.2% vs 60.9%, p<0.01). The decreases of HAV seropositivity rate were observed in nearly every age-matched group, which suggested the cohort effect on HAV seroepidemiology. However, among individuals aged 25 years or younger, the HAV seropositivity rate increased from 3.8% (2/52) in the 2004-2007 cohort to 8.5% (50/587) in the 2012-2016 cohort, with 95.4% (560/587) being MSM in this age group of the latter cohort. CONCLUSIONS HAV seroprevalence has decreased with time among HIV-positive adults in Taiwan. The cohort effect has increased the number of young HIV-positive patients that are susceptible to HAV infection in a country without nationwide childhood vaccination program against HAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Sciences, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Te-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yu Zhang
- Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CEL); (YTL)
| | - Chun-Eng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CEL); (YTL)
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Chen NY, Liu ZH, Shie SS, Chen TH, Wu TS. Clinical characteristics of acute hepatitis A outbreak in Taiwan, 2015-2016: observations from a tertiary medical center. BMC Infect Dis 2017. [PMID: 28633630 PMCID: PMC5479032 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2555-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute hepatitis A is a fecal-oral transmitted disease related to inadequate sanitary conditions. In addition to its traditional classification, several outbreaks in the men who have sex with men (MSM) population have resulted in acute hepatitis A being recognized as a sexually transmitted disease. However, few studies have clarified the clinical manifestations in these outbreaks involving the MSM population. Methods Beginning in June 2015, there was an outbreak of acute hepatitis A involving the MSM population in Northern Taiwan. We conducted a 15-year retrospective study by recruiting 207 patients with the diagnosis of acute hepatitis A that included the pre-outbreak (January 2001 to May 2015) and outbreak (June 2015 to August 2016) periods in a tertiary medical center in Northern Taiwan. Using risk factors, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, laboratory test results and imaging data, we aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of acute hepatitis A in the MSM population, where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection is common. Results There was a higher prevalence of reported MSM (p < 0.001), HIV (p < 0.001) and recent syphilis (p < 0.05) coinfection with acute hepatitis A during the outbreak period. The outbreak population had more prominent systemic symptoms, was more icteric with a higher total bilirubin level (p < 0.05) and had a 7-times higher tendency (p < 0.05) to have a hepatitis A relapse. Conclusions The clinical course of acute hepatitis A during an outbreak involving the MSM and HIV-positive population is more symptomatic and protracted than in the general population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2555-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Yu Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5 Fuhsing Street, Kueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Zhuo-Hao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College and University, 5 FuSing Street, Kueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Sen Shie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5 Fuhsing Street, Kueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsing Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College and University, 5 FuSing Street, Kueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Shu Wu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5 Fuhsing Street, Kueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
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17
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Lin KY, Chen GJ, Lee YL, Huang YC, Cheng A, Sun HY, Chang SY, Liu CE, Hung CC. Hepatitis A virus infection and hepatitis A vaccination in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: A review. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:3589-3606. [PMID: 28611512 PMCID: PMC5449416 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i20.3589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the most common infectious etiologies of acute hepatitis worldwide. The virus is known to be transmitted fecal-orally, resulting in symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection to fulminant hepatitis. HAV can also be transmitted through oral-anal sex. Residents from regions of low endemicity for HAV infection often remain susceptible in their adulthood. Therefore, clustered HAV infections or outbreaks of acute hepatitis A among men who have sex with men and injecting drug users have been reported in countries of low endemicity for HAV infection. The duration of HAV viremia and stool shedding of HAV may be longer in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals compared to HIV-negative individuals with acute hepatitis A. Current guidelines recommend HAV vaccination for individuals with increased risks of exposure to HAV (such as from injecting drug use, oral-anal sex, travel to or residence in endemic areas, frequent clotting factor or blood transfusions) or with increased risks of fulminant disease (such as those with chronic hepatitis). The seroconversion rates following the recommended standard adult dosing schedule (2 doses of HAVRIX 1440 U or VAQTA 50 U administered 6-12 mo apart) are lower among HIV-positive individuals compared to HIV-negative individuals. While the response rates may be augmented by adding a booster dose at week 4 sandwiched between the first dose and the 6-mo dose, the need of booster vaccination remain less clear among HIV-positive individuals who have lost anti-HAV antibodies.
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18
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Jordan AE, Perlman DC, Neurer J, Smith DJ, Des Jarlais DC, Hagan H. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among HIV+ men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 28:145-159. [PMID: 26826159 PMCID: PMC4965334 DOI: 10.1177/0956462416630910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Since 2000, an increase in hepatitis C virus infection among HIV-infected (HIV+) men who have sex with men has been observed. Evidence points to blood exposure during sex as the medium of hepatitis C virus transmission. Hepatitis C virus prevalence among HIV + MSM overall and in relation to injection drug use is poorly characterized. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis examining global hepatitis C virus antibody prevalence and estimating active hepatitis C virus prevalence among HIV + MSM were conducted; 42 reports provided anti-hepatitis C virus prevalence data among HIV + MSM. Pooled prevalence produced an overall anti-hepatitis C virus prevalence among HIV + MSM of 8.1%; active HCV prevalence estimate was 5.3%-7.3%. Anti-hepatitis C virus prevalence among injection drug use and non-injection drug use HIV + MSM was 40.0% and 6.7%, respectively. Among HIV + MSM, hepatitis C virus prevalence increased significantly over time among the overall and non-injection drug use groups, and decreased significantly among injection drug use HIV + MSM. We identified a moderate prevalence of hepatitis C virus among all HIV + MSM and among non-injection drug use HIV + MSM; for both, prevalence was observed to be increasing slightly. Pooled prevalence of hepatitis C virus among HIV + MSM was higher than that observed in the 1945-1965 US birth cohort. The modest but rising hepatitis C virus prevalence among HIV + MSM suggests an opportunity to control HCV among HIV + MSM; this combined with data demonstrating a rising hepatitis C virus incidence highlights the temporal urgency to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashly E Jordan
- 1 New York University, New York, NY, USA
- 2 Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - David C Perlman
- 2 Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, USA
- 3 Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Don C Des Jarlais
- 2 Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, USA
- 3 Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY, USA
| | - Holly Hagan
- 1 New York University, New York, NY, USA
- 2 Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, USA
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19
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Omata M, Kanda T, Wei L, Yu ML, Chuang WL, Ibrahim A, Lesmana CRA, Sollano J, Kumar M, Jindal A, Sharma BC, Hamid SS, Dokmeci AK, Al-Mahtab M, McCaughan GW, Wasim J, Crawford DHG, Kao JH, Yokosuka O, Lau GKK, Sarin SK. APASL consensus statements and recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:681-701. [PMID: 27229718 PMCID: PMC5003900 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on "APASL consensus statements and recommendations for management of hepatitis C" in March 2015 to revise the "APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection" (Hepatol Int 6:409-435, 2012). The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at the Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13 March 2015. New data were presented, discussed, and debated during the course of drafting a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of the cited studies. The finalized recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing are presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Omata
- Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 400-8506, Japan.
- The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Lai Wei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Alaaeldin Ibrahim
- GI/Liver Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Benha, Banha, Egypt
| | | | - Jose Sollano
- University Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Saeed S Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University and Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - A Kadir Dokmeci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mamun Al-Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Geofferey W McCaughan
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jafri Wasim
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University and Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Darrell H G Crawford
- University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - George K K Lau
- The Institute of Translational Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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20
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Prevalence, Risk Behaviors, and Virological Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Group of Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil: Results from a Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160916. [PMID: 27508385 PMCID: PMC4980030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) compared with the general population. This study aims to assess the epidemiological and virological characteristics of HBV infection in a sample of MSM in Brazil, where data are scarce. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM in the City of Goiânia, Central Brazil, from March to November 2014, using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). After signing the consent form, participants were interviewed and a blood sample collected. All samples were tested for HBV serological markers and HBV DNA. HBV nucleotide sequence analysis was also performed. Results A total of 522 MSM were recruited in the study. The prevalence of HBV infection (current or past [presence of anti-HBc marker]) was 15.4% (95% CI: 8.7–25.8) and the rate of HBsAg carriers was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2–1.6). About 40% (95% CI: 32.3–48.8) of the participants had serological evidence of previous HBV vaccination (reactive for isolated anti-HBs). In addition, 44.3% (95% CI: 36.1–52.9) were seronegative for all HBV markers. Age over 25 years old, receptive anal intercourse, previous sex with women, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were factors associated with HBV infection. HBV DNA was detected only in HBsAg-positive individuals. HBV isolates were classified into genotype A (subgenotypes A1 and A2), and some mutations were identified throughout the genome. Therefore, occult HBV infection was not observed in the study population. Conclusions Public health strategies should be improved for the MSM population in order to prevent HBV and other STIs, as well as to provide appropriate management of patients with active infections.
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Chan DP, Sun HY, Wong HT, Lee SS, Hung CC. Sexually acquired hepatitis C virus infection: a review. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 49:47-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Tsai JC, Hung CC, Chang SY, Liu WC, Wu CH, Su YC, Wu PY, Luo YZ, Chang LH, Sun HY, Chang SC. Increasing incidence of recent hepatitis C virus infection among persons seeking voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Taiwan. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e008406. [PMID: 26463221 PMCID: PMC4606383 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) is rarely investigated in the Asia-Pacific region. We aimed to estimate the incidence rate of and factors associated with recent HCV infection among the clients seeking voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services for HIV in Taiwan. METHODS During 2006-2013, 12 143 clients sought VCT services for HIV. Clients with subsequent follow-up tests at an interval of 6 months or longer were included to estimate the incidence rate of HCV seroconversion. Phylogenetic analysis of HCV sequences from VCT clients and HIV-positive patients was performed. RESULTS The overall HCV seroprevalence at baseline was 0.3%. Of 2150 clients testing negative for anti-HCV antibody at baseline with a total of 5074.99 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), 17 (0.8%) developed HCV seroconversion, leading to an overall incidence rate of 3.35 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI 1.76 to 4.94), which increased from 2.28 (95% CI 0.05 to 4.51) in 2006-2009, to 3.33 (95% CI 0.86 to 5.80) in 2010 to 2011 and 4.94 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI 0.99 to 8.99) in 2012-2013; the incidence of early syphilis increased from 11.91 to 13.28 and 31.78 per 1000 PYFU in the three corresponding periods. In multivariate analysis, having HIV-positive partners (adjusted HR (AHR) =3.756; 95%CI 1.180 to 11.955) and developing a rapid plasma reagin titre of 4 or greater (AHR=9.978; 95% CI 1.550 to 64.233) were significantly associated with HCV seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS An increasing trend of recent HCV infection occurs among individuals seeking VCT services in Taiwan. Having HIV-positive partners and having syphilis are independently associated with recent HCV seroconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Chih Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tzu-Chi Hospital and Tzu-Chi University College of Medicine, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsin Wu
- Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Wu
- Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Zhen Luo
- Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Hsin Chang
- Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Chwen Chang
- Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Epidemiology of sexually transmitted viral hepatitis in human immunodeficiency virus-positive men who have sex with men in Asia. J Formos Med Assoc 2015; 114:1154-61. [PMID: 26375778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis constitute major disease burden globally. As with other parts of the world, the HIV epidemic in Asia impacts mainly on men who have sex with men, one of the at-risk populations for sexually transmitted viral hepatitis. With the increasing availability of effective antiretroviral therapy, HIV-related mortality of people living with HIV has markedly reduced. Liver disease has become an important cause of mortality and morbidity in the HIV-infected population. With the improvement of socioeconomic conditions and availability of healthcare in Asian countries in recent years, the epidemiology of sexually transmitted viral hepatitis among HIV-positive men who have sex with men has also evolved. This review updates the epidemiology of different types of sexually transmitted viral hepatitis in this defined population in Asia.
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Chang CK, Kao CF, Lin PH, Huang HL, Ho SY, Wong KC, Lin BC, Yeh CC, Lee CY, Kao CL, Lee CN, Chang SY, Yang JY. Evaluation of performance of human immunodeficiency virus antigen/antibody combination assays in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2015; 50:440-447. [PMID: 26433754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fourth-generation human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) combination assay, which can simultaneously detect the presence of anti-HIV antibody and HIV antigen, has been shown to shorten the window period in HIV diagnosis compared with the third-generation HIV antibody immunoassay. This study was aimed to determine the performance of HIV combination assays in Taiwan, where the HIV-1 seroprevalence is 0.007% and HIV-2 infection has never been reported. METHODS Performance of three fourth-generation HIV Ag/Ab combination assays (Dia.Pro, Wantai, and Bio-Rad) and one third-generation HIV Ab immunoassay (AxSYM HIV 1/2 gO) was assessed. RESULTS A total of 152 specimens, including 86 confirmed HIV-seropositive and 66 HIV-seronegative samples, were used in the study. The sensitivity of four assays varied from 98.8% to 100%, and specificity varied from 98.5% to 100%. Performance of the 75 equivocal samples, the HIV status of which was confirmed later, in terms of negative prediction varied from 81.8% to 87.5%. The Bio-Rad and Dia.Pro assays exhibited higher sensitivity for the detection of p24 antigen among the three fourth-generation HIV combination assays. CONCLUSION The three fourth-generation HIV Ag/Ab combination assays exhibited better sensitivity, specificity, and negative prediction than the third-generation HIV Ab immunoassay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Kai Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Feng Kao
- Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Han Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Lin Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chen Wong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Chang Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Ching Yeh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yeh Lee
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Liang Kao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nan Lee
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Jyh-Yuan Yang
- Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan.
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A review of the burden of hepatitis C virus infection in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Hepatol Int 2015; 9:378-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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May S, Ngui SL, Collins S, Lattimore S, Ramsay M, Tedder RS, Ijaz S. Molecular epidemiology of newly acquired hepatitis C infections in England 2008-2011: genotype, phylogeny and mutation analysis. J Clin Virol 2014; 64:6-11. [PMID: 25728071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of laboratory testing data collected through the Sentinel Surveillance programme has provided a method for identifying individuals who have recently acquired their hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Access to samples from these individuals provided a rare opportunity to undertake molecular characterization studies. OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiology and genetic diversity of hepatitis C in recent seroconverter infections and to predict how this will impact on HCV treatment and control. STUDY DESIGN One hundred and forty seven samples were available from individuals, identified to have recently acquired their HCV infection. Genotype determination with additional phylogenetic analysis was carried out on NS5B sequences. Analysis across the NS3 region investigated the presence of antiviral resistance mutations. Where possible, molecular data was linked to demographic and risk/behavioural factor information. RESULTS The majority of new infections occurred in males with a mean age of 37 years. The most commonly observed genotypes were 1a (49%) and 3a (42%) and injecting drug use (58%) was the most common risk factor. Genotype distribution differed between persons who inject drugs and those with other risk factors suggesting two possible epidemics. Phylogenetic analysis indicated possible transmission networks within specific risk groups. Amino acid changes associated with antiviral resistance were noted in the NS3 region in some samples. CONCLUSIONS Continued surveillance of linked molecular, virological, demographic and epidemiological information on recently acquired infections will contribute to understanding the on-going HCV epidemic in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshanna May
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Microbiology Service - Colindale, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Siew Lin Ngui
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Microbiology Service - Colindale, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Sarah Collins
- Immunisation, Hepatitis and Blood Safety Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Sam Lattimore
- Immunisation, Hepatitis and Blood Safety Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Mary Ramsay
- Immunisation, Hepatitis and Blood Safety Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Richard S Tedder
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Microbiology Service - Colindale, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Transfusion Microbiology, NHS Blood and Transplant, Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5BG, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Microbiology Service - Colindale, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
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Chan PC. Reemerging threat of hepatitis A among men who have sex with men in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2014; 113:985-6. [PMID: 25455264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chun Chan
- Division of HIV/AIDS and TB, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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A pilot study of add-on oral hypoglycemic agents in treatment-naïve genotype-1 chronic hepatitis C patients receiving peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin. J Formos Med Assoc 2014; 113:716-21. [PMID: 24974131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Insulin resistance (IR) affects sustained virological response (SVR) to peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin (PR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Whether add-on oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) to PR improve SVR remains unclear; therefore, we conducted a prospective, randomized pilot trial on 23 consecutive patients with genotype 1 CHC and IR in Taiwan. METHODS Patients were randomized to receive acarbose (Arm A; n = 7) or metformin (Arm B; n = 6) or pioglitazone (Arm C; n = 5) in addition to peginterferon alfa-2b (1.5 μg/kg/week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/day) or just PR (Arm D; n = 5). The primary end point was SVR, and secondary end points were viral clearance at Weeks 17, 29, and 53. There were no differences among all arms at baseline. RESULTS Using intent-to-treat analysis, SVR was observed in 66.7% (4/6), 83.3% (5/6), 66.7% (4/6), and 60% (3/5) in Arms A, B, C, and D, respectively. SVR was higher in female patients receiving OHA [90% (9/10)] than in male patients [50% (4/8)]. Results of per protocol analysis showed that SVR was 80.0% (4/5) in Arm A, 100% (5/5) in Arm B, 66.7% (4/6) in Arm C, and 60% (3/5) in Arm D. Patients receiving OHA had a higher rapid virologic response: 11/18 (61%) versus 2/5 (40%). Complete early virologic response was comparable between patients receiving OHA and PR [15/18 (83%) vs. 4/5 (80%)]. CONCLUSION Our preliminary data show add-on OHAs to PR might achieve better early viral kinetics and SVR. However, further larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Hsieh MH, Tsai JJ, Hsieh MY, Huang CF, Yeh ML, Yang JF, Chang K, Lin WR, Lin CY, Chen TC, Huang JF, Dai CY, Yu ML, Chuang WL. Hepatitis C virus infection among injection drug users with and without human immunodeficiency virus co-infection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94791. [PMID: 24722534 PMCID: PMC3983255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs) with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in southern Taiwan. For 562 IDUs (265 anti-HIV negative, 297 anti-HIV positive), we analyzed liver function, anti-HIV antibody, anti-HCV antibody, HCV viral loads, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). HIV RNA viral loads and CD4 cell count for anti-HIV-seropositive IDUs and the HCV genotype for HCV RNA-seropositive IDUs were measured. The seroprevalence rates of anti-HIV, anti-HCV, and HBsAg were 52.8%, 91.3%, and 15.3%, respectively. All the anti-HIV-seropositive IDUs were positive for HIV RNA. Anti-HCV seropositivity was the most important factor associated with HIV infection (odds ratio [OR], 25.06; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 8.97-74.9), followed by male gender (OR, 6.12; 95% CI, 4.05-9.39) and HBsAg seropositivity (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.11-3.34). Among IDUs positive for anti-HCV, 80.7% had detectable HCV RNA. HCV viremia after HCV exposure was strongly related to HIV infection (OR, 6.262; 95% CI, 1.515-18.28), but negatively correlated to HBsAg seropositivity (OR, 0.161; 95% CI, 0.082-0.317). HCV genotype 6 was the most prevalent genotype among all IDUs (41.0%), followed by genotypes 1 (32.3%), 3 (12.8%), and 2 (5.6%). In conclusion, about half IDUs were infected with HIV and >90% with HCV infection. Male and seropositivity for HBsAg and anti-HCV were factors related to HIV infection among our IDUs. HIV was positively correlated, whereas hepatitis B co-infection was negatively correlated with HCV viremia among IDUs with HCV exposure. Different HCV molecular epidemiology was noted among IDUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Jin Tsai
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Tropical Medicine Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City,Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yen Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Fu Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ko Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ru Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Tun-Chieh Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
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Kang W, Tong HI, Sun Y, Lu Y. Hepatitis C virus infection in patients with HIV-1: epidemiology, natural history and management. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 8:247-66. [PMID: 24450362 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2014.876357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases have contributed to increased morbidity and mortality in HIV-1-infected individuals in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy. HCV transmission patterns have changed among the HIV co-infected population during the last decade, with acute HCV infection emerging worldwide. HIV infection accelerates the progression of HCV-related liver diseases and consequently cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the current standard treatment of HCV infection with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin results in only a limited viral response. Furthermore, cumbersome pill regimens, antiretroviral related hepatotoxicity, and drug interactions of HCV and HIV regimens complicate therapy strategies. Fortunately, in the near future, new direct-acting anti-HCV agents will widen therapeutic options for HCV/HIV co-infection. Liver transplantation is also gradually accepted as a therapeutic option for end stage liver disease of HCV/HIV co-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Kang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Chang LY, Lu CY, Shao PL, Lee PI, Lin MT, Fan TY, Cheng AL, Lee WL, Hu JJ, Yeh SJ, Chang CC, Chiang BL, Wu MH, Huang LM. Viral infections associated with Kawasaki disease. J Formos Med Assoc 2014; 113:148-54. [PMID: 24495555 PMCID: PMC7125523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Kawasaki disease (KD) is a disease of unknown cause. To investigate the infectious etiology of Kawasaki disease, we initiated a prospective case-control study to investigate possible links between common viral infections and Kawasaki disease. METHODS We enrolled 226 children with KD and 226 age- and sex-matched healthy children from February 2004 to March 2010. Throat and nasopharyngeal swabs were taken for both viral isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for various viruses. RESULTS The mean age of the 226 KD cases was 2.07 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.43 (133 boys to 93 girls). Their mean fever duration was 7.5 days with a mean peak temperature of 39.7°C. In addition to the typical symptoms of fever, neck lymphadenopathy, lip fissure and/or strawberry tongue, skin rash, nonpurulent bulbar conjunctivitis, palm/sole erythema, and induration followed by periungual desquamation, these KD cases also exhibited cough (69%), rhinorrhea (58%), and diarrhea (45%). Cases of KD had a significantly higher positive rate of viral isolation in comparison with the control group (7.5% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.02). Compared with the control group, cases of KD were more likely to have overall positive rates of viral PCR (50.4% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.001) and for various viruses including enterovirus (16.8% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001), adenovirus (8.0% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.007), human rhinovirus (26.5% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001), and coronavirus (7.1% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION We found that some common respiratory viruses, such as adenoviruses, enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, and coronaviruses, were associated with KD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan-Yin Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Yi Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lan Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ing Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tai Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Yien Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ai-Ling Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Jan Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Jen Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Luen Chiang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Min Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Sun HY, Cheng CY, Lee NY, Yang CJ, Liang SH, Tsai MS, Ko WC, Liu WC, Wu PY, Wu CH, Lin HH, Hung CC. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus among adults at high risk for HIV transmission two decades after implementation of nationwide hepatitis B virus vaccination program in Taiwan. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90194. [PMID: 24587275 PMCID: PMC3935970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) after implementation of universal neonatal HBV vaccination and catch-up vaccination programs remains rarely investigated among the adults who were born in the vaccination era (in or after 1986) and engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2006 and 2012, we determined HBV surface antigen ([HBsAg), anti-HBs, and HBV core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) and rapid plasma reagin titers among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) born during 1984-1985 (Group I: 244 persons) and those born in or after 1986 (Group II: 523), and HIV-uninfected MSM (Group III: 377) and heterosexuals (Group IV: 217) born in or after 1986. Prevalence and incidence of HBV infection were estimated and multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with HBsAg positivity. RESULTS Compared with Group I, Groups II-IV had a significantly lower prevalence of HBsAg positivity (7.8% vs 3.7%, 2.4%, and 3.2%, respectively); and the prevalence of anti-HBc positivity was also lower for Groups III and IV (30.3% vs. 19.6%, and 18.0%, respectively), but no difference was observed between Groups I and II (30.3% vs. 26.3%). In multivariate analysis, HBsAg positivity was significantly associated with syphilis (adjusted odds ratio, 2.990; 95% confidence interval, 1.502-5.953) and anti-HCV positivity (adjusted odds ratio, 3.402; 95% confidence interval, 1.091-10.614). In subjects of Group II with all-negative HBV markers at baseline, the incidence rate of HBsAg seroconversion was 0.486 episodes per 100 person-years; and for those who received combination antiretroviral therapy containing lamivudine and/or tenofovir, none developed HBsAg seroconversion during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Among the adults who were born in or after 1986 and engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors in Taiwan, neonatal HBV vaccination and catch-up vaccination programs conferred long-term protection against HBsAg seroconversion and HBsAg positivity was associated with syphilis and anti-HCV positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital and College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Haur Liang
- Department of Medicine, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital and College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Wu
- Center for Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Hsun Lin
- Department of Medicine, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (C-CH); (H-HL)
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (C-CH); (H-HL)
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Templeton DJ, Read P, Varma R, Bourne C. Australian sexually transmissible infection and HIV testing guidelines for asymptomatic men who have sex with men 2014: a review of the evidence. Sex Health 2014; 11:217-29. [DOI: 10.1071/sh14003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia and overseas are disproportionately affected by sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. Many STIs are asymptomatic, so regular testing and management of asymptomatic MSM remains an important component of effective control. We reviewed articles from January 2009–May 2013 to inform the 2014 update of the 2010 Australian testing guidelines for asymptomatic MSM. Key changes include: a recommendation for pharyngeal chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) testing, use of nucleic acid amplification tests alone for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) testing (without gonococcal culture), more frequent (up to four times a year) gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing in sexually active HIV-positive MSM, time required since last void for chlamydia first-void urine collection specified at 20 min, urethral meatal swab as an alternative to first-void urine for urethral chlamydia testing, and the use of electronic reminders to increase STI and HIV retesting rates among MSM.
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Lee JT, Shao PL, Chang LY, Xia NS, Chen PJ, Lu CY, Huang LM. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Swine Farmers and the General Population in Rural Taiwan. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67180. [PMID: 23840620 PMCID: PMC3694024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging pathogen. We evaluated the seroprevalence of HEV infection among swine farmers and the general population in Taiwan, a nonendemic country. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional seroepidemiologic study in rural Taiwan in 2012 and 2013. The study included swine farmers, health examination attendees, pregnant women, and students. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM against HEV. Pertinent information was collected using a questionnaire. Results In total, 660 participants were enrolled in the study, including 156 swine farmers, 314 health examination attendees, 100 pregnant women, and 90 students. IgG anti-HEV was detected in 29.5% of swine farmers, 11.5% of health examination attendees, 2% of pregnant women, and 1.1% of students. Two subjects were positive for IgM anti-HEV. Logistic regression analysis revealed that swine farmers had an approximately 3.5-fold increased risk (odds ratio [OR], 3.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91–6.27; p<0.0001) for being seropositive for IgG anti-HEV as compared to the general population. Age was positively associated with seropositive rate (OR, 1.07 per year; 95% CI, 1.05–1.09; p<0.0001). Conclusion HEV infection is prevalent in Taiwan. The seroprevalence of HEV infection is high in swine farmers and in the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Te Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
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Tseng YT, Chang SY, Liu WC, Sun HY, Wu CH, Wu PY, Lu CL, Hung CC, Chang SC. Comparative effectiveness of two doses versus three doses of hepatitis A vaccine in human immunodeficiency virus-infected and -uninfected men who have sex with men. Hepatology 2013; 57:1734-41. [PMID: 23258666 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to compare the serologic response between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) receiving two and three doses of hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine and HIV-uninfected MSM receiving two doses of HAV vaccine. Between June 2009 and December 2010, 582 MSM aged 18 to 40 years who were seronegative for HAV were enrolled in the study. HIV-infected MSM received either two doses of HAV vaccine (1,440 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units) (n = 140) with the second dose given at week 24 or three doses (n = 225) with the second and third dose given at weeks 4 and 24, respectively, while HIV-uninfected MSM (n = 217) received two doses. The primary endpoint was seroconversion at week 48. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HAV antibody was determined at weeks 48 and 72. At week 48, the seroconversion rate was 75.7%, 77.8%, and 88.5% in intention-to-treat analysis for two-dose HIV-infected, three-dose HIV-infected, and two-dose HIV-uninfected MSM, respectively. The GMC of anti-HAV antibody at week 48 for three-dose HIV-infected MSM (2.29 ± 0.73 log10 mIU/mL) was significantly higher than that for two-dose HIV-infected MSM (1.94 ± 0.66; P < 0.01), but was lower than HIV-uninfected MSM (2.49 ± 0.42; P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed higher CD4 counts (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for per 50 cells/μL increase, 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.21) and undetectable plasma HIV RNA load (AOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.10-3.28) before HAV vaccination were predictive of seroconversion in HIV-infected patients. CONCLUSION Serologic response rate to three and two doses of HAV vaccine was similar in HIV-infected MSM, which was lower than that in HIV-uninfected MSM receiving two doses. HAV vaccination in HIV-infected patients with a higher CD4 count and suppression of HIV replication increased the seroconversion rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Tzu Tseng
- Departments of Traumatology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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