Risk of hepatitis C virus infection among young adult injection drug users who share injection equipment

Incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs, and associations with age and sex or gender: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Measuring the incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) is key to track progress towards elimination. We aimed to summarise global data on HIV and primary HCV incidence among PWID and associations with age and sex or gender.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we updated an existing database of HIV and HCV incidence studies among PWID by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO, capturing studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 12, 2022, with no language or study design restrictions. We contacted authors of identified studies for unpublished or updated data. We included studies that estimated incidence by longitudinally re-testing people at risk of infection or by using assays for recent infection. We pooled incidence and relative risk (RR; young [generally defined as ≤25 years] vs older PWID; women vs men) estimates using random-effects meta-analysis and assessed risk of bias with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020220884.

FINDINGS

Our updated search identified 9493 publications, of which 211 were eligible for full-text review. An additional 377 full-text records from our existing database and five records identified through cross-referencing were assessed. Including 28 unpublished records, 125 records met the inclusion criteria. We identified 64 estimates of HIV incidence (30 from high-income countries [HICs] and 34 from low-income or middle-income countries [LMICs]) and 66 estimates of HCV incidence (52 from HICs and 14 from LMICs). 41 (64%) of 64 HIV and 42 (64%) of 66 HCV estimates were from single cities rather than being multi-city or nationwide. Estimates were measured over 1987-2021 for HIV and 1992-2021 for HCV. Pooled HIV incidence was 1·7 per 100 person-years (95% CI 1·3-2·3; I2=98·4%) and pooled HCV incidence was 12·1 per 100 person-years (10·0-14·6; I2=97·2%). Young PWID had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·5, 95% CI 1·2-1·8; I2=66·9%) and HCV (1·5, 1·3-1·8; I2=70·6%) acquisition than older PWID. Women had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·4, 95% CI 1·1-1·6; I2=55·3%) and HCV (1·2, 1·1-1·3; I2=43·3%) acquisition than men. For both HIV and HCV, the median risk-of-bias score was 6 (IQR 6-7), indicating moderate risk.

INTERPRETATION

Although sparse, available HIV and HCV incidence estimates offer insights into global levels of HIV and HCV transmission among PWID. Intensified efforts are needed to keep track of the HIV and HCV epidemics among PWID and to expand access to age-appropriate and gender-appropriate prevention services that serve young PWID and women who inject drugs.

FUNDING

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé, Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, and WHO.

Network ethnic homophily and injection equipment sharing among Latinx and White non-Latinx people who inject drugs

Latinx people who inject drugs (PWID) are less likely to engage in injection equipment sharing, but are more vulnerable to injection drug use (IDU)-related morbidity and mortality than Whites. Identifying subgroups of Latinx PWID who do engage in equipment sharing and likely bear the brunt of this health burden is a priority. Ethnic disparities may reflect contextual drivers, including injection networks. Latinx PWID with low ethnic homophily (the proportion of individuals with the same ethnic background) may be more likely to share equipment due to forced distancing from health-protective ethnocultural resources and power imbalances within injection networks. The current study offers a framework and examines how associations between network ethnic homophily and injection equipment sharing differ among 74 Latinx and 170 non-Latinx White PWID in the Chicagoland area (N = 244). Latinx had less homophilous than non-Latinx Whites (p <.001). Ethnic homophily was protective for equipment sharing among Latinx (OR = 0.17, 95%CI [0.77, 0.04], p = .02), but not non-Latinx Whites (OR = 1.66, 95%CI [0.40, 6.93], p = .49). Our findings implicate the need for targeted cultured interventions that focus on Latinx PWID who are more vulnerable to morbidity and mortality, potentially due to less access to ethnic peers.

A cross-sectional study of hepatitis C prevalence and correlates among persons who inject drugs in rural and non-rural communities

Persons who inject drugs (PWID) have been experiencing a higher burden of new hepatitis C (HCV) due to the opioid epidemic. The greatest increases in injection have been in rural communities. However, less is known about the prevalence of HCV or its risk factors in rural compared to non-rural communities. This study compared HCV infection history, current infection, and associated behavioural and sociodemographic correlates among PWID recruited from rural and non-rural communities from Upstate New York (NY). This cross-sectional study recruited 309 PWID, using respondent-driven sampling. Blood samples were collected through finger stick for HCV antibody and RNA tests. A survey was also self-administered for HCV infection history, sociodemographics and behavioural correlates to compare by setting rurality. HCV seropositivity was significantly higher among PWID from rural than non-rural communities (71.0% vs. 46.8%), as was current infection (41.4% vs. 25.9%). High levels of past year syringe (44.4%) and equipment (62.2%) sharing were reported. Factors associated with infection history include syringe service program utilization, non-Hispanic white race, sharing needles and methamphetamine injection, which was higher in rural vs. non-rural communities (38.5% vs. 15.5%). HCV burden among PWID appears higher in rural than non-rural communities and may be increasing possibly due to greater levels of methamphetamine injection. On-going systematic surveillance of HCV prevalence and correlates is crucial to respond to the changing opioid epidemic landscape. Additionally, improving access to harm reduction services, especially with special focus on stimulants, may be important to reduce HCV prevalence among PWID in rural settings.

Trends in Substance Use and Abuse During COVID-19 Among the General Population

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic has brought many public health issues, including substance use and abuse. Individuals abusing substances are vulnerable to severe infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as impairment of the immune system, mental health, and physical health. Despite considerable efforts to minimize and prevent substance use, the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substances is ever increasing resulting in morbidity and mortality which significantly leads to socio-economic costs.

METHODS

A quantitative review of the literature searched in PubMed and Google Scholar databases yielded a total of 1416 studies among which 27 cross-sectional studies, conducted on the general population of 15 and above years of age, were selected based on the eligibility criteria.

FINDINGS

A sample of 1,021,118 individuals were investigated in this study. The most commonly used substances were marijuana (100%), methadone (69.86%), and large cigar (60%). A total of 26 substances were reported to have been used during pandemic, 13 of which showed trends in usage (increased/decreased/no change). Of the total sample, 45.89% were males, 54.14% females, and 1.28% others.

CONCLUSION

Everyone and anyone is susceptible to alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use and abuse at different stages of their lives. Therefore, the need for effective preventive strategies is critical in community efforts to combat substance abuse. Combined efforts from local and global stakeholders will lead to curbing the issue of substance use and abuse worldwide.

Effect of HCV or HIV infection on mortality among hospitalized persons who used opioids, 2000-2010

Mortality due to opioid misuse and overdose has increased substantially in the United States over the past two decades. The study objective was to describe the causes of death among persons with opioid-related hospitalizations and examine survival by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HIV. Opioid-related hospitalization records in Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2010 were linked to death registry files to assess cause of death, and survival from first hospital discharge date to death date, or December 31, 2010. Accelerated failure time models were used to compare survival between persons with and without HCV or HIV diagnoses. Among the 136,416 individuals with an opioid-related hospitalization, 13.0% died over a median of 56 months of follow-up; the most common causes of death were circulatory diseases (26.4%) and drug overdose (23.5%). There were 27,122 (19.9%) and 3662 (2.7%) persons who had an HCV and HIV diagnosis, respectively. Among patients aged ≥20 years, those with HCV had shorter survival time compared to those without HCV, with discrepancies more pronounced at older ages. Patients with HIV also had shorter survival time (time ratio: 0.29 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.34]) compared to without HIV. These findings show that in a cohort of patients with opioid-related hospitalizations, those with HCV or HIV diagnoses have shorter survival. This has public health implications, providing further evidence that medical providers should educate patients who use opioids about the risks of HCV and HIV infection and focus prevention and treatment to decrease mortality among patients hospitalized for opioid use.

Egocentric network characteristics of people who inject drugs in the Chicago metro area and associations with hepatitis C virus and injection risk behavior

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection has been rising in the suburban and rural USA, mainly via injection-based transmission. Injection and sexual networks are recognized as an important element in fostering and preventing risky behavior; however, the role of social support networks has received somewhat less attention.

METHODS

Using baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal study, we examined the composition and structure of injection drug use (IDU), sex, and social support networks of young people who inject drugs (aged 18-30) and their injection network members. Lasso logistic regression was used to select a subset of network characteristics that were potentially important predictors of injection risk behaviors and HCV exposure.

RESULTS

Several measures of IDU, sexual, and support network structure and composition were found to be associated with HCV exposure, receptive syringe sharing (RSS), and ancillary equipment sharing. Gender and sexual relationships were important factors for all risk behaviors. Support network characteristics were also important, notably including a protective effect of majority Hispanic support networks for RSS and HCV exposure. Both IDU network residence heterogeneity and support network geography were associated with injection equipment sharing.

CONCLUSIONS

The associations of IDU and support network geography with equipment sharing highlight the need to extend harm reduction efforts beyond urban areas. Greater understanding of support network influences on risk behavior may provide important insights to strengthen the benefits of harm reduction. In considering the probability of HCV transmission, it is important to consider setting and network structures that promote propagation of risk.

Evolutionary characteristics and immune mutation of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b among intravenous drug users in mainland, China

China is one of the countries with the heaviest burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide, especially subtype 1b. To better control hepatitis C, insights into the characteristics of dynamic spread and genomic mutations are urgently needed. We retrieved sequences of HCV-1b NS5B among intravenous drug users (IDUs) and general people (Non-IDUs) in China from 2000 to 2011 in NCBI. Bayesian phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were used to evaluate the transmission dynamics of HCV-1b. Non-synonymous substitutions were detected to illustrate immune adaptation. Evolutionary history demonstrated that HCV-1b effective population size experienced a sharp increase in 1990. HCV-1b sequences among IDUs had a higher estimated evolutionary rate (5.7185 × 10^-3  substitutions/site/year) than overall (7.7332 × 10^-4 ). 105/136 (77.2%) of HCV-1b sequences clustered into 38 networks. The average non-synonymous HCV-1b immune epitopes among IDUs were 0.211, higher than non-IDUs, especially in the HLA-A*02 molecular recognition region. All of these posed significant challenges for the prevention and treatment of HCV. Heterogeneity and genetic linkages of HCV-1b suggest that evolutionary surveillance of HCV in cities in east-central China and among IDUs could not be neglected.

Association of co-occurring mental health problems with hepatitis C status among young people who inject drugs in rural New Mexico, 2016-2018

BACKGROUND

Injection drug use (IDU) remains the strongest risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States. HCV rates are increasing in rural areas among young adult people who inject drugs (PWID). People with HCV and PWID have disproportionate rates of mental health problems; however, it is unclear whether risky injection behaviors mediate the association between mental health problems and HCV. We examined the association between mental health problems and HCV in a rural cohort of young adult PWID, with the goal of informing rural service delivery.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of young adult PWID in 2 rural counties in New Mexico. Participants were recruited from 2 community venues between September 2016 and May 2018. Associations between mental health problems and HCV were examined using bivariate (Fisher's exact) and multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses (with robust standard errors). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we assessed duration of IDU and receptive syringe sharing (RSS) as mediators of this relationship.

RESULTS

A total of 263 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 26.1 years. The majority were male (66.3%) and Hispanic/Latino (a) (87.6%). The median age first injected was 19 years, and over half reported having ever engaged in RSS (53.4%). At least one mental health problem was reported by 60.1% of participants, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the most prevalent condition (42.2%). A majority (60.9%) tested positive for HCV antibody, and just under half (45.7%) of all participants tested positive for HCV ribonucleic acid. In SEM, PTSD had a significant total effect on HCV (τ = 0.230, P = 0.05), and this relationship was partially mediated by duration of IDU (αβ = 0.077, P = 0.03). The association between mental health problems and HCV was partially mediated by duration of IDU and the sequential mediation of duration of IDU and RSS (αβ + αββ = 0.091, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High HCV rates among young adult PWID in rural New Mexico may be partly explained by mental health problems, duration of IDU and RSS. Mental health services for young adult PWID in rural areas may help decrease HCV transmission in rural areas. Trial Registration N/A.

High-Risk Injection-Related Practices Associated with anti-HCV Positivity among Young Adults Seeking Services in Three Small Cities in Wisconsin

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been increasing among people who inject drugs (PWID), younger than 30 years, and living in rural or suburban areas. We examined injection-related behaviors of young PWID to determine factors associated with HCV infection.

METHODS

From September 2013-May 2015, respondent-driven and snowball sampling were used in 3 suburban areas of Wisconsin to recruit PWID 18-29 years who reported injection drug use in the previous 12 months. Participants were tested for HCV antibody (anti-HCV) and reported injection-related behaviors/practices via self-administered computer-based survey. We calculated anti-HCV prevalence and assessed associated factors using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Forty-two percent (117/280) of participants were male, 83% (231/280) were white, and median age was 23 years. Overall HCV prevalence was 33%, but HCV prevalence among males was 39%. Adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, relationship status, insurance status and income, anti-HCV positivity was associated with higher injection frequency (> 100 times in the past six months) (aOR = 3.07; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 1.72-5.45), ever shared syringes (aOR = 5.15; 95% CI: 2.52-10.51), past week/last use receptive rinse water sharing (aOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.06-3.33), past week/last use receptive filter sharing (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI: 1.61-6.54), reusing syringes (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.08-3.37), history of overdose (aOR = 8.82; 95% CI: 2.26-3.95), and having ever injected another PWID (aOR = 8.82; 95%CI 3.94-19.76).

DISCUSSION

Anti-HCV positivity is associated with high-risk injection practices. Young PWID would benefit from access to evidence-based interventions that reduce their risk of infection, link those infected to HCV treatment, and provide education to reduce further transmission.

Homelessness, unstable housing, and risk of HIV and hepatitis C virus acquisition among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and also have high levels of homelessness and unstable housing. We assessed whether homelessness or unstable housing is associated with an increased risk of HIV or HCV acquisition among PWID compared with PWID who are not homeless or are stably housed.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we updated an existing database of HIV and HCV incidence studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and June 13, 2017. Using the same strategy as for this existing database, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO for studies, including conference abstracts, published between June 13, 2017, and Sept 14, 2020, that estimated HIV or HCV incidence, or both, among community-recruited PWID. We only included studies reporting original results without restrictions to study design or language. We contacted authors of studies that reported HIV or HCV incidence, or both, but did not report on an association with homelessness or unstable housing, to request crude data and, where possible, adjusted effect estimates. We extracted effect estimates and pooled data using random-effects meta-analyses to quantify the associations between recent (current or within the past year) homelessness or unstable housing compared with not recent homelessness or unstable housing, and risk of HIV or HCV acquisition. We assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and between-study heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and p value for heterogeneity.

FINDINGS

We identified 14 351 references in our database search, of which 392 were subjected to full-text review alongside 277 studies from our existing database. Of these studies, 55 studies met inclusion criteria. We contacted the authors of 227 studies that reported HIV or HCV incidence in PWID but did not report association with the exposure of interest and obtained 48 unpublished estimates from 21 studies. After removal of duplicate data, we included 37 studies with 70 estimates (26 for HIV; 44 for HCV). Studies originated from 16 countries including in North America, Europe, Australia, east Africa, and Asia. Pooling unadjusted estimates, recent homelessness or unstable housing was associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV (crude relative risk [cRR] 1·55 [95% CI 1·23-1·95; p=0·0002]; I2= 62·7%; n=17) and HCV (1·65 [1·44-1·90; p<0·0001]; I2= 44·8%; n=28]) among PWID compared with those who were not homeless or were stably housed. Associations for both HIV and HCV persisted when pooling adjusted estimates (adjusted relative risk for HIV: 1·39 [95% CI 1·06-1·84; p=0·019]; I2= 65·5%; n=9; and for HCV: 1·64 [1·43-1·89; p<0·0001]; I2= 9·6%; n=14). For risk of HIV acquisition, the association for unstable housing (cRR 1·82 [1·13-2·95; p=0·014]; n=5) was higher than for homelessness (1·44 [1·13-1·83; p=0·0036]; n=12), whereas no difference was seen between these outcomes for risk of HCV acquisition (1·72 [1·48-1·99; p<0·0001] for unstable housing, 1·66 [1·37-2·00; p<0·0001] for homelessness).

INTERPRETATION

Homelessness and unstable housing are associated with increased risk of HIV and HCV acquisition among PWID. Our findings support the development of interventions that simultaneously address homelessness and unstable housing and HIV and HCV transmission in this population.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Previous history of surgery in females and roadside shaving in males are the commonest risk factors for hepatitis C infection: A cross-sectional retrospective study

Background and objectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a causative agent of hepatitis C disease of the liver. We have analysed the major risk factors including demographic, clinical and genotypic distribution among HCV seropositive patients and their distribution in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Methods

This study was conducted by a questionnaire-based proforma, filled in Hepatobiliary Clinic, Department of Medicine, King Georg's Medical University, Lucknow, from 2014 to 2017. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Seropositivity was demonstrated through an anti-HCV IgG ELISA kit. Positive patients were further examined for HCV RNA by RT-PCR.

Results

A total of 31,440 patients attended the hepatobiliary clinic. Among these, 310 (0.99%) patients were confirmed for HCV infection and there was no significant difference between males and females (50.3% vs. 49.7%). Previous surgery (49.0%), dental extraction (41.0%) and roadside shaving (38.1%) were the major risk factors for HCV infection. We also observed that previous surgery 143/154 (92.9%) in female and roadside shaving 118/156 (75.6%) in male was the commonest factor for HCV, however; dental extraction was comparable among male and female (65 [51.8%] vs 62 [48.2%], P value = 0.818). HCV RNA genotype 3 (81.6%) was the most frequent followed by 3a (11.3%), 3b (5.8%), 1 (0.7%) and 4 (0.7%). In the district-wise analysis, frequent cases were included from Lucknow with previous surgery and dental extraction as the commonest risk factor.

Interpretation and Conclusions

Previous surgery among female and roadside shaving among males are the commonest risk factors for HCV. This study suggests a powerful and strict guideline, to avoid HCV infection.

Novel Routes of Potential Hepatitis C Virus Transmission among People Who Inject Drugs: Secondary Blood Exposures Related to Injection Drug Use

BACKGROUND

The US is in the midst of a national Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) epidemic that appears to be driven by new cases among people who inject drugs (PWID). While HCV transmission among PWID is believed to occur mostly through direct sharing of syringes, some infections may be spread via secondary processes and materials involved in injecting.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we present the prevalence of secondary blood exposures on clothing and nearby surfaces after injection episodes and examine the correlations of these exposures to lifetime HCV infection among a targeted sample of 553 PWID in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California in 2016-18.

RESULTS

In multivariate logistic regression models, higher odds of blood on clothing in the last 30 days was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with lifetime positive HCV status, opioids as primary drug, injecting with others, sharing cookers, and receptive syringe sharing. Higher adjusted odds of blood on nearby surfaces in the last 30 days was significantly associated with lifetime positive HCV status, sharing cookers, and receptive syringe sharing. Native American race was associated with significantly lower adjusted odds of both outcome variables. Conclusions/Importance: Results indicate the relevance of physical and social micro-environments to the potential for blood exposures secondary to injection episodes. Individuals with chronic HCV seropositivity are potentially more likely to expose others to blood due to decreases in the blood's ability to clot. This highlights the need for increased HCV testing at harm reduction sites and increased supply of first aid and wound-care materials to help stop potential blood exposures after injection episodes.

Hepatitis A virus survival on drug paraphernalia

The ongoing hepatitis A outbreaks in multiple states in the United States have concerned public health authorities since March 2017. The outbreaks have spread throughout 30 states and include primarily persons who use drugs, including persons who inject drugs (PWID) and persons experiencing homelessness. Contaminated drug injection paraphernalia and sharing of these items could potentially aid in transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) among these populations. We examined HAV survival on drug paraphernalia frequently shared among PWIDs. The effect of low pH on HAV survival using citric acid, which is frequently used by PWIDs during dose preparation, was investigated. We compared the plaque assay results with those concurrently obtained by qRT-PCR to establish whether HAV RNA levels could be used as surrogates for plaque assay results. HAV suspended in minimal essential media at room temperature infected FRhK4 cells for more than 17 weeks. HAV remained viable in syringes/needles for up to 10 weeks depending on the gauge of the needles and the syringe dead volumes, and on cookers, tourniquets and cotton balls/filter surfaces for up to 4 weeks. HAV retained its infectivity for more than 10 weeks at pH as low as 2. In conclusion, our findings show that HAV survives and remains infective in or on injection drug use equipment for 1 to 10 weeks depending on the type of paraphernalia examined and environmental conditions. These findings suggest that contaminated drug paraphernalia can potentially facilitate the transmission of HAV within populations who share these items.

Baseline prevalence and correlates of HIV and HCV infection among people who inject drugs accessing a syringe services program; Miami, FL

Background

Blood-borne viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C (HCV), are common infections among people who inject drugs (PWID). This study aims to determine the prevalence of HIV and HCV infection among PWID accessing the first legal syringe services program (SSP) in the state of Florida, along with examining baseline correlates of HIV and HCV infection.

Methods

Baseline behavioral enrollment assessments of 837 participants accessing an SSP for the first time were analyzed. Patients self-reporting or testing HIV or HCV positive at the enrollment visit were included. Socio-demographic, drug use, and injection-related risk behaviors in the last 30 days were compared across groups defined by all combinations of HIV and HCV serostatus.

Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess correlates of baseline HCV and HIV infection independently.

Results

Overall prevalence for HCV and HIV infection were 44.4% and 10.2%, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the most significant correlates of baseline HCV infection were age (aOR = 1.01), lower education level (aOR = 1.13), currently homeless (aOR = 1.16), injecting more than seven times a day (aOR = 1.14), reusing syringes (aOR = 1.18), and sharing injection equipment (aOR = 1.13). The most significant predictors of baseline HIV infection were age (aOR = 1.01), non-Hispanic Black race (aOR = 1.28), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR = 1.12), gay or bisexual orientation (aOR = 1.22), and methamphetamine injection (aOR = 1.22). In addition, heroin injection (aOR = 0.92) was significantly associated with a lower odds of HIV infection.

Discussion/conclusion

Baseline behavioral predictors differed between HIV infection and HCV infection among participants accessing syringe services. Understanding the risk factors associated with each infection should be considered when developing additional harm reduction interventions tailored for diverse PWID populations served at SSPs.

Negative affect, affect-related impulsivity, and receptive syringe sharing among people who inject drugs

Receptive syringe sharing (RSS) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a risk factor for hepatitis C virus and HIV infections. PWID with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have increased risk of RSS, but it remains unclear what drives this association. This study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to study characteristics associated with BPD, and RSS among PWID. We recruited PWID, ages 18-35, through two Community Outreach Intervention Projects syringe service program sites in Chicago, Illinois. After a baseline interview, participants used a mobile phone app to respond to momentary surveys on mood, substance use, and injection risk behavior for two weeks. For each momentary assessment, ratings on negative mood descriptors were combined to create measures of total negative affect (NA), and NA components of dejection, shame, anger, irritability, and worry. RSS was defined by participant responses indicating that they had used a syringe that someone else had used. We estimated mixed effects logistic models, regressing RSS on baseline affect-related impulsivity, lagged momentary NA, and the interaction term. Out of 163 participants who completed at least two EMA assessments, 152 (93%) reported at least one injection event and had valid pre-injection mood assessments required to be included in the analysis. We found that affect-related impulsivity, combined with worried mood in the hours preceding the injection episode, predicted increased risk of RSS. PWID having difficulties with emotion regulation may be at increased risk of RSS during periods of anxiety or tension. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

HCV incidence is associated with injecting partner age and HCV serostatus mixing in young adults who inject drugs in San Francisco

BACKGROUND

HCV incidence is increasing in the US, notably among younger people who inject drugs (PWID). In a cohort of young adult (age<30 years) PWID in San Francisco we examined whether 'injecting partner mixing' factors, i.e. age of partner and knowledge of their HCV serostatus, were associated with HCV transmission.

METHODS

In 448 susceptible PWID studied prospectively. All participants were asked to report characteristics and behaviors they engaged in with up to 3 injecting partners defined as "people whom you injected the most with" in the past month". These partnerships did not specify that drugs or injecting equipment was shared. HCV incidence was estimated by age of up to 3 injecting partners, categorized as: (i) all <30; (ii) mixed-age (<&≥30); and (iii) all ≥30 years and perceived knowledge of the HCV status of participants' injecting partners' HCV status. Interaction was evaluated between partnership age categories and perceived HCV status of partners.

RESULTS

Between 2006-2018, overall HCV incidence (/100 person years observation [pyo]) was 19.4 (95% CI: 16.4, 22.9). Incidence was highest in those with mixed-age partnerships: 28.5 (95% CI: 21.8, 37.1) and those whose partners were all <30 (23.9; 95% CI: 18.8, 30.4), and lowest if partners were ≥30 (7.5; 95% CI: 4.8, 11.8). In a multivariable analyses adjusting for age, sex (of index), injection frequency, and injection partnership 'monogamy', we found evidence for an interaction: the highest HCV incidence was seen in PWID whose partners were all <30 and who knew at least one of their partners was HCV-positive (58.9, 95% CI: 43.3, 80.0; p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Younger injectors are more likely to acquire HCV from their similarly-aged peers, than older injecting partners. Protective seroadaptive behavior may contribute to reduce incidence. These findings can inform new HCV prevention approaches for young PWID needed to curb the HCV epidemic.

Associations between perceived illicit fentanyl use and infectious disease risks among people who inject drugs

BACKGROUND

Over the last several years, fentanyl has been introduced into the illicit drug supply in the United States. While the impact of fentanyl on overdose fatalities is clear, the increase in fentanyl use may also be affecting drug use practices with implications for infectious disease transmission. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to explore associations of perceived illicit fentanyl use with opioid use frequency, injection frequency and syringe sharing among people who inject drugs in two California cities.

METHODS

People who inject drugs (PWID) were recruited from community settings in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA from June 2017 to September 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore adjusted associations between perceived illicit fentanyl use and high frequency opioid use, high frequency injection and syringe sharing.

RESULTS

Among the 395 study participants, the median age of participants was 44 years; 74% of participants were cisgender male; 73% reported to be homeless; 61% lived in San Francisco and 39% in Los Angeles. The prevalence of perceived illicit fentanyl use in the past six months was 50.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.4%-55.3%) among PWID. Findings from our adjusted logistic regression models suggested that people reporting perceived illicit fentanyl use had a greater odds of high frequency opioid use (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.43-3.91; p = 0.001), high frequency injection (aOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.08-3.13; p = 0.03) and receptive syringe sharing (aOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.06-4.36; p = 0.03), as compared to people using heroin and other street drugs but not fentanyl.

CONCLUSION

People reporting perceived illicit fentanyl use were at increased risk for injection-related infectious disease risks. Actions must be taken to reduce these risks, including improved access to syringe service programs and opioid treatment and consideration of innovative approaches, such as supervised consumption services.

Association between mental health service utilisation and sharing of injection material among people who inject drugs in Montreal, Canada

BACKGROUND

High-risk injection behaviors are associated with high prevalence of mental health problems among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, whether the use of mental health services is associated with lower risk of sharing injection material remains undetermined. This study aims to examine the association between mental health service utilisation and receptive sharing risk, and determine the potential modifying effect of psychological distress on this association.

METHODS

Participants answered an interviewer-administered questionnaire at 3-month intervals gathering information on sociodemographic characteristics, substance use and related behaviors, services utilisation and significant mental health markers. Relationship between the use of mental health services and receptive sharing was modeled using the generalized estimating equation (GEE), controlling for age at baseline, gender, and other potential confounders. Psychological distress was estimated using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Effect modification was investigated by adding an interaction term in the univariate GEE analysis.

RESULTS

358 participants contributed to 2537 visits (median age 40.3, 82% male). Mental health service utilisation was reported in 631 visits (25%), receptive sharing in 321 visits (13%) and severe psychological distress in 359 visits (14%). In multivariate GEE analyses, a significant association was identified between receptive sharing and the use of mental health services (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.50-0.94). We found no evidence of effect modification by psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Among PWID, mental health service utilisation was associated with lower likelihood of receptive sharing, regardless of level of psychological distress. These findings should be taken into account when designing harm reduction strategies for this population.

Opioid epidemic and liver disease

Opioid use in the United States and in many parts of the world has reached epidemic proportions. This has led to excess mortality as well as significant changes in the epidemiology of liver disease. Herein, we review the impact of the opioid epidemic on liver disease, focusing on the multifaceted impact this epidemic has had on liver disease and liver transplantation. In particular, the opioid crisis has led to a significant shift in incident hepatitis C virus infection to younger populations and to women, leading to changes in screening recommendations. Less well characterized are the potential direct and indirect hepatotoxic effects of opioids, as well as the changes in the incidence of hepatitis B virus infection and alcohol abuse that are likely rising in this population as well. Finally, the opioid epidemic has led to a significant rise in the proportion of organ donors who died due to overdose. These donors have led to an overall increase in donor numbers, but also to new considerations about the better use of donors with perceived or actual risk of disease transmission, especially hepatitis C. Clearly, additional efforts are needed to combat the opioid epidemic. Moreover, better understanding of the epidemiology and underlying pathophysiology will help to identify and treat liver disease in this high-risk population.

Age-Related Differences in Past or Present Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs: National Human Immunodeficiency Virus Behavioral Surveillance, 8 US Cities, 2015

BACKGROUND

Historically, older people who inject drugs (PWID) have had the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden; however, young PWID now account for recent increases. We assessed factors associated with past or present HCV infection (HCV antibody [anti-HCV] positive) among young (≤35 years) and older (>35 years) PWID.

METHODS

We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to examine sociodemographic and past 12-month injection behaviors associated with HCV infection.

RESULTS

Of 4094 PWID, 55.2% were anti-HCV positive. Among young PWID, anti-HCV prevalence was 42.1% and associated with ≤high school diploma/General Education Development diploma (GED) (aPR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.03-1.33]), receptive syringe sharing (aPR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.21-1.56]), sharing injection equipment (aPR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.01-1.35]), arrest history (aPR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.02-1.29]), and injecting speedball (aPR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.16-1.61]). Among older PWID, anti-HCV prevalence was 62.2% and associated with ≤high school diploma/GED (aPR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.02-1.15]), sharing injection equipment (aPR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.02-1.15]), high injection frequency (aPR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.01-1.34]), and injecting speedball (aPR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.01-1.16]).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-HCV prevalence is high among PWID and varies with age. Scaling up direct-acting antiviral treatment, syringe service programs, and medication-assisted therapy is critical to mitigating transmission risk and infection burden.

Randomized feasibility trial of directly observed versus unobserved hepatitis C treatment with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir among people who inject drugs

AIMS

The advent of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and limited effectiveness of prevention have generated interest in "Treatment as Prevention" (TasP), in which those most likely to transmit HCV (i.e. people who inject drugs [PWID]) are treated to reduced secondary transmission. However, there are scant data regarding the feasibility of treating PWID at high risk for secondary transmission or the optimal approach to treatment delivery.

METHODS

We conducted a 2:1 randomized trial of modified directly-observed (mDOT) versus unobserved HCV treatment with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir daily for 8 weeks among PWID with 36 weeks of follow-up in San Francisco from 2015-2017. We evaluated recruitment-enrollment, treatment completion, end-of-treatment and 12-week response, and reinfection rate.

RESULTS

Of 83 individuals eligible for screening, 72 (87.6%) attended the screening visit, 33 were eligible, and 31 enrolled; mean age was 42 years, 81% were male, 74% white. All but one participant (in the mDOT arm) completed treatment and 89.4% of mDOT and 96.6% of unobserved arm visits were attended. HCV was undetectable for 96.8% (30/31) at end of treatment and 89.7% (26/29) 12 weeks later (1 relapse, 1 reinfection), with no differences by arm. Two additional reinfections were subsequently identified, for a reinfection rate of 16.3 (95% CI 5.3-50.5) per 100 person-years of observation.

CONCLUSIONS

It was feasible to recruit active PWID for HCV treatment and achieve high retention, viral response, and satisfaction with either mDOT or unobserved protocols, supporting treatment of PWID at risk of transmitting HCV to others. The reinfection rate suggests we successfully reached a high-risk population and that successful HCV TasP initiatives may aim to be sufficient in scope to significantly lower prevalence in the community.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov NCT02609893.

Injecting-related trust, cooperation, intimacy, and power as key factors influencing risk perception among drug injecting partnerships

Sharing of injection drug use paraphernalia is a dyadic process linked to the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite this, limited research exists identifying specific dyadic interpersonal factors driving injecting partners' engagement in needle/syringe and ancillary injecting equipment sharing among young adults. Using semi-structured in-depth interview data collected between 2014 and 2015 from twenty-seven people who inject drugs (PWID), we applied an inductive approach to identify key injection drug-related interpersonal factors and developed a conceptual model integrating the findings based on interdependence theory. Interactions between injecting partners resulted in varying levels of injecting-related trust, cooperation, intimacy, and power. These factors interacted to collectively influence the type and level of risk perceived and enacted by injecting partners. The relationship between these injecting-related interpersonal factors, on the one hand, and risk perception on the other was dynamic and fluctuated between actions that protect the self (person-centered) and those that protect the partnership (partnership-centered). These findings indicate that the interpersonal context exerts substantial influence that shapes risk perception in all types of injecting partnerships. Partnership-focused prevention strategies should consider the dynamics of trust, cooperation, intimacy, and power, in characterizing dyadic risk perceptions and in understanding risky injecting practices among PWID.

Recovery of Infectious Hepatitis C Virus From Injection Paraphernalia: Implications for Prevention Programs Serving People Who Inject Drugs

Background

Controlling hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) has focused on preventing sharing syringes and drug preparation paraphernalia, but it is unclear whether HCV incidence linked to sharing paraphernalia reflects contamination of the paraphernalia or syringe-mediated contamination when drugs are shared.

Methods

In experiments designed to replicate real-world injection practices when drugs are shared, the residual contents of HCV-contaminated syringes with detachable or fixed needled were passed through the "cookers" and filters used by PWID in preparing drugs for injection and then introduced into a second syringe. All items were tested for the presence of infectious HCV using a chimeric HCV with a luciferase gene.

Results

Hepatitis C virus could not be recovered from cookers regardless of input syringe type or cooker design. Recovery was higher when comparing detachable needles to fixed needles for residue in input syringes (73.8% vs 0%), filters (15.4% vs 1.4%), and receptive syringes (93.8% vs 45.7%).

Conclusions

Our results, consistent with the hypothesis that sharing paraphernalia does not directly result in HCV transmission but is a surrogate for transmissions resulting from sharing drugs, have important implications for HCV prevention efforts and programs that provide education and safe injection supplies for PWID populations.

Modeling indicates efficient vaccine-based interventions for the elimination of hepatitis C virus among persons who inject drugs in metropolitan Chicago

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at highest risk for acquiring and transmitting hepatitis C (HCV) infection. The recent availability of oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy with reported cure rates >90% can prevent HCV transmission, making HCV elimination an attainable goal among PWID. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently proposed a 90% reduction in HCV incidence as a key objective. However, given barriers to the use of DAAs in PWID, including cost, restricted access to DAAs, and risk of reinfection, combination strategies including the availability of effective vaccines are needed to eradicate HCV as a public health threat. This study aims to model the cost and efficacy of a dual modality approach using HCV vaccines combined with DAAs to reduce HCV incidence by 90% and prevalence by 50% in PWID populations.

METHODS

We developed a mathematical model that represents the HCV epidemic among PWID and calibrated it to empirical data from metropolitan Chicago, Illinois. Four medical interventions were considered: vaccination of HCV naive PWID, DAA treatment, DAA treatment followed by vaccination, and, a combination of vaccination and DAA treatment.

RESULTS

The combination of vaccination and DAAs is the lowest cost-expensive intervention for achieving the WHO target of 90% incidence reduction. The use of DAAs without a vaccine is much less cost-effective with the additional risk of reinfection after treatment. Vaccination of naïve PWID alone, even when scaled-up to all reachable PWID, cannot achieve 90% reduction of incidence in high-prevalence populations due to infections occurring before vaccination. Similarly, the lowest cost-expensive way to halve prevalence in 15 years is through the combination of vaccination and DAAs.

CONCLUSIONS

The modeling results underscore the importance of developing an effective HCV vaccine and augmenting DAAs with vaccines in HCV intervention strategies in order to achieve efficient reductions in incidence and prevalence.

Hepatitis C virus prevalence and estimated incidence among new injectors during the opioid epidemic in New York City, 2000-2017: Protective effects of non-injecting drug use

OBJECTIVE

Assess hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence and incidence among person who began injecting drugs during the opioid epidemic in New York City (NYC) and identify possible new directions for reducing HCV infection among persons who inject drugs.

METHODS

846 persons who began injecting drugs between 2000 and 2017 were recruited from persons entering Mount Sinai Beth Israel substance use treatment programs. A structured interview was administered and HCV antibody testing conducted. Protective effects of non-injecting drug use were examined among persons who "reversed transitioned" to non-injecting drug use and persons who used non-injected heroin in addition to injecting.

RESULTS

Participants were 79% male, 41% White, 15% African-American, 40% Latinx, with a mean age of 35. Of those who began injecting in 2000 or later, 97 persons (11%) "reverse transitioned" back to non-injecting drug use. Reverse transitioning was strongly associated with lower HCV seroprevalence (30% versus 47% among those who continued injecting, p < 0.005). Among those who continued injecting, HCV seropositivity was inversely associated with current non-injecting heroin use (AOR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.52-0.99). HCV incidence among persons continuing to inject was estimated as 13/100 person-years. HCV seropositive persons currently injecting cocaine were particularly likely to report behavior likely to transmit HCV.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to other locations in the US, NYC is experiencing high rates of HCV infection among persons who have begun injecting since 2000. New interventions that facilitate substitution of non-injecting for injecting drug use and that reduce transmission behavior among HCV seropositives may provide additional methods for reducing HCV transmission.

Trends in non-medical prescription opioids and heroin co-use among adults, 2003-2014

BACKGROUND

Patterns in non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) and heroin use have recently shifted, with evidence that NMPO-only users transition to NMPO and heroin co-use. Co-use is associated with increased risk of morbidity and overdose, highlighting the need for further investigation. This study aims to quantify, describe, and explore trends in co-use.

METHODS

Using data from the 2003-2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, we compared co-use to NMPO- and heroin-only use across demographic, substance use and mental health characteristics with chi-squared tests. Logistic regression models assessed trends in opioid use overall, and among co-users.

RESULTS

From 2003 to 2014, the prevalence of all opioid use (NMPO-only, heroin-only, and co-use) and NMPO-only use decreased 6.08% (p < 0.01) and 4.65% (p < 0.001), respectively, while prevalence of heroin-only use increased 21.32% (non-significant). Co-use increased 248.17% (p < 0.001) overall, and did so in all demographic, substance use, and mental health groups. Demographic, substance use, and mental health characteristics of co-users were more similar to the heroin-only group than to NMPO-only. The highest co-use prevalence was among those: without health insurance (8.72%), aged 26-34 (9.76%), reporting unemployment (12.08%), and with a major depressive episode, psychological distress, and who illicitly use or abuse drugs other than opioids or marijuana in the past year (9.33%, 10.75%, 11.87%, and 16.81%, respectively).

DISCUSSION

The increased prevalence of co-use and differences across demographic, substance use, and mental health characteristics highlight the need for targeted prevention and response interventions for this emerging, high-risk group.

Hepatitis C among vulnerable populations: A seroprevalence study of homeless, people who inject drugs and prisoners in London

Injecting drugs substantially increases the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and is common in the homeless and prisoners. Capturing accurate data on disease prevalence within these groups is challenging but is essential to inform strategies to reduce HCV transmission. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV in these populations. We conducted a cross-sectional study between May 2011 and June 2013 in London and, using convenience sampling, recruited participants from hostels for the homeless, drug treatment services and a prison. A questionnaire was administered and blood samples were tested for hepatitis C. We recruited 491 individuals who were homeless (40.7%), 205 drug users (17%) and 511 prisoners (42.3%). Eight per cent of patients (98/1207, 95% CI: 6.7%-9.8%) had active HCV infection and 3% (38/1207, 95% CI: 2.3%-4.3%) past HCV infection. Overall, one quarter (51/205) of people recruited in drug treatment services, 13% (65/491) of people from homeless residential sites and 4% (20/511) prisoners in this study were anti-HCV positive. Seventy-seven of the 136 (56.6%, 95% CI: 47.9%-65%) of HCV infected participants identified had a history of all three risk factors (homelessness, imprisonment and drug use), 27.3% (95% CI: 20.1%-35.6%) had 2 overlapping risk factors, and 15.4% (95% CI: 10.6%-23.7%) one risk factor. Drug treatment services, prisons and homelessness services provide good opportunities for identifying hepatitis C-infected individuals. Effective models need to be developed to ensure case identification in these settings that can lead to an effective treatment and an efficient HCV prevention.

No Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Elbasvir or Grazoprevir and Buprenorphine/Naloxone in Healthy Participants and Participants Receiving Stable Opioid Agonist Therapy

The aims of these phase I trials were to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction between elbasvir (EBR) or grazoprevir (GZR) and buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NAL). Trial 1 was a single-dose trial in healthy participants. Trial 2 was a multiple-dose trial in participants on BUP/NAL maintenance therapy. Coadministration of EBR or GZR with BUP/NAL had minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of BUP/NAL, EBR, and GZR. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs (90% CI)) for BUP, norbuprenorphine, and NAL AUC0-∞ were 0.98 (0.89-1.08), 0.97 (0.86-1.09), and 0.88 (0.78-1.00) in the presence/absence of EBR; 0.98 (0.81-1.19), 1.13 (0.97-1.32), and 1.10 (0.82-1.47) in the presence/absence of GZR. The GMRs (90% CI) for EBR and GZR AUC0-∞ in the absence/presence of BUP/NAL were 1.22 (0.98-1.52) and 0.86 (0.63-1.18). In conclusion, no dose adjustment for BUP/NAL, EBR, or GZR is required for patients with HCV infection receiving EBR/GZR and BUP/NAL maintenance therapy.

HCV seroconversion in a cohort of people who use drugs followed in a mobile harm reduction unit in Madrid: Breaking barriers for HCV elimination

Background and aims

Harm reduction strategies have been shown to decrease the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in people who inject drugs (PWID), but the results have been inconsistent when it comes to prevention of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed to examine the rate of HCV seroconversion among people who use drugs (PWUD) followed at a mobile harm reduction unit (MHRU) to evaluate if a low-threshold methadone substitution program (LTMSP) is associated with a low HCV seroconversion rate and subsequently identify barriers for elimination.

Materials and methods

A cohort of PWUD have been followed at a MRHU in Madrid between 2013 and 2016. Individuals who were negative for HCV antibodies at baseline and who had at least one retest for HCV antibodies were eligible. Kaplan-Meier methods were employed to estimate the global incidence density.

Results

During the study period, 946 PWUD were screened for HCV at least once. At baseline 127 PWUD were negative for HCV antibodies and had at least one follow-up HCV antibodies test. The baseline HCV prevalence was 33%. After a median 0.89 (IQR 0.3–1.5) years of follow-up and 135 person-years of risk for HCV infection, 28 subjects seroconverted. The incidence density for HCV seroconversion for this sample was 20.7 cases (95% CI: 14.3–29.7) per 100 person-years. Injecting drugs in the last year was strongly associated to HCV seroconversion (AHR 15.5, 95%CI 4.3–55.8, p < 0.001). Methadone status was not associated to HCV seroconversion.

Conclusions

A high incidence of HCV infection was found among PWUD at a MHRU in Madrid. In this setting opiate substitutive treatment (OST) as a LTMSP does not appear to protect against HCV seroconversion.

No Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Elbasvir or Grazoprevir and Methadone in Participants Receiving Maintenance Opioid Agonist Therapy

We conducted two phase I trials to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interactions between elbasvir (EBR), grazoprevir (GZR), and methadone (MK‐8742‐P010 and MK‐5172‐P030) in non‐hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected participants on methadone maintenance therapy. Coadministration of EBR or GZR with methadone had no clinically meaningful effect on EBR, GZR, or methadone pharmacokinetics. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) for R‐ and S‐methadone AUC_0‐24 were 1.03 (90% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.15) and 1.09 (90% CI, 0.94–1.26) in the presence/absence of EBR; and 1.09 (90% CI, 1.02–1.17) and 1.23 (90% CI, 1.12–1.35) in the presence/absence of GZR. The GMRs for EBR and GZR AUC_0‐24 in participants receiving methadone relative to a healthy historical cohort not receiving methadone were 1.20 (90% CI, 0.94–1.53) and 1.03 (90% CI, 0.76–1.41), respectively. These results indicate that no dose adjustment is required for individuals with HCV infection receiving stable methadone therapy and the EBR/GZR fixed‐dose regimen.

Opioid Use Disorders in Adolescents-Updates in Assessment and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review information specific to adolescents regarding trends in opioid use, risk factors for opioid misuse, medical co-morbidity, and treatment updates.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although opioid misuse in adolescents is uncommon, it is associated with morbidity and mortality such as hepatitis C and overdose. Adolescents commonly start with prescription opioid misuse before transitioning to heroin use. The existing literature supports the use of buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of adolescent opioid use disorders. Safe medication storage and disposal is important to decrease adolescent prescription opioid misuse.

SUMMARY

Opioid misuse occurs in adolescents and pediatric providers need to remain up to date.

Feasibility of ecological momentary assessment to study mood and risk behavior among young people who inject drugs

AIMS

To test the acceptability and feasibility of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of mood and injection risk behavior among young people who inject drugs (PWID), using mobile phones.

METHODS

Participants were 185 PWID age 18-35 recruited from two sites of a large syringe service program in Chicago. After completing a baseline interview, participants used a mobile phone app to respond to momentary surveys on mood, substance use, and injection risk behavior for 15 days. Participants were assigned to receive surveys 4, 5, or 6 times per day.

RESULTS

Participants were 68% male, 61% non-Hispanic white, 24% Hispanic, and 5% non-Hispanic Black. Out of 185 participants, 8% (n = 15) failed to complete any EMA assessments. Among 170 EMA responders, the mean number of days reporting was 10 (SD 4.7), the mean proportion of assessments completed was 0.43 (SD 0.27), and 76% (n = 130) completed the follow-up interview. In analyses adjusted for age and race/ethnicity, women were more responsive than men to the EMA surveys in days reporting (IRR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.13-1.56), and total number of surveys completed (IRR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.18-1.93). Homeless participants responded on fewer days (IRR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.90) and completed fewer surveys (IRR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91), and were less likely to return for follow-up (p = 0.016). EMA responsiveness was not significantly affected by the number of assigned daily assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated high acceptability and feasibility of EMA among young PWID, with up to 6 survey prompts per day. However, homelessness significantly hampered successful participation.

Elevated liver stiffness is linked to increased biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients

OBJECTIVES

Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and biomarkers of T-cell activation, bacterial translocation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We studied 238 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, 32 healthy controls, and 39 HIV-monoinfected patients. Patients were stratified according to LSM into four groups: less than 12.5, 12.5-25, 25-40, and more than 40 kPa. T-cell subsets were measured using flow cytometry and plasma biomarkers using immunoassays.

RESULTS

HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had higher biomarker levels of immune activation in peripheral blood [T-cell activation (CD4CD38 and CD8CD38), bacterial translocation (soluble CD14), inflammation [IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10)] endothelial dysfunction [soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM1), soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM1), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1)], and coagulopathy (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1)] than healthy controls and HIV-monoinfected patients. Moreover, in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, a direct relationship between LSM and immune activation [T-cell activation (CD8CD38 bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide), inflammation (IL-8, IP-10), endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM1, sICAM1, and sTNFR1), and coagulopathy (D-dimer)] was found. Subsequently, patients were stratified into different fibrosis stages, finding that patients with cirrhosis who had LSM at least 40 kPa showed higher biomarker values of immune activation [T-cell activation (CD4CD38 and CD8CD38), bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide), inflammation (IL-8, IL-6, IP-10), endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM1, sICAM1, and sTNFR1), and coagulopathy (D-dimer)] than patients from the other three groups (<12.5, 12.5-25, and 25-40 kPa).

CONCLUSION

T-cell activation, bacterial translocation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy increased with the severity of liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, particularly in patients who had LSM at least 40 kPa.

Prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection among injecting drug users in a Saudi Arabian hospital: A point cross sectional survey

Hepatitis C Virus is an important cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among Injecting Drug Users worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and correlations of HCV infection among IDUs in Saudi Arabia. A point cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 2012 and Nov 2012 to determine hepatitis C viral antibodies serological status using venous blood among IDUs (N=300) accessing care at Al-Amal Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as to determine clinical correlates of hepatitis C infection among the Injecting Drug Users. There was an overall HCV prevalence of 42.7% among IDUs studied. Low level primary education, single marital status, being unemployed and commencing Injecting Drugs beyond the age of 15 years have higher specific prevalence of HCV among IDUs population. There was statistically significant association between clinical assessments of the participants who were abusing drugs generally, dependent on drugs, specifically abusing cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, cannabinoids and alcohol with HCV antibodies seropositivity. There was no statistical significant relationship between drug induced sleep/sexual disorder and psychosis/delusion with HCV seropositivity. This study demonstrated a relatively high prevalence of HCV among IDUs in KSA. Targeted public health preventive strategies are necessary to halt the spread of HCV among IDUs in KSA. The resultant benefits of these will include reduction in morbidity and mortality as well as improved socioeconomic wellbeing of the IDU's population.

Toots, tastes and tester shots: user accounts of drug sampling methods for gauging heroin potency

BACKGROUND

Internationally, overdose is the primary cause of death among people injecting drugs. However, since 2001, heroin-related overdose deaths in the United States (US) have risen sixfold, paralleled by a rise in the death rate attributed to synthetic opioids, particularly the fentanyls. This paper considers the adaptations some US heroin injectors are making to protect themselves from these risks.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2016, a team of ethnographers collected data through semi-structured interviews and observation captured in field notes and video recording of heroin preparation/consumption. Ninety-one current heroin injectors were interviewed (Baltimore, n = 22; Chicago, n = 24; Massachusetts and New Hampshire, n = 36; San Francisco, n = 9). Experience injecting heroin ranged from < 1-47 years. Eight participants, who were exclusively heroin snorters, were also interviewed. Data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Across the study sites, multiple methods of sampling "heroin" were identified, sometimes used in combination, ranging from non-injecting routes (snorting, smoking or tasting a small amount prior to injection) to injecting a partial dose and waiting. Partial injection took different forms: a "slow shot" where the user injected a portion of the solution in the syringe, keeping the needle in the injection site, and continuing or withdrawing the syringe or a "tester shot" where the solution was divided into separate injections. Other techniques included getting feedback from others using heroin of the same batch or observing those with higher tolerance injecting heroin from the same batch before judging how much to inject themselves. Although a minority of those interviewed described using these drug sampling techniques, there is clearly receptivity among some users to protecting themselves by using a variety of methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of drug sampling as a means of preventing an overdose from injection drug use reduces the quantity absorbed at any one time allowing users to monitor drug strength and titrate their dose accordingly. Given the highly unpredictable potency of the drugs currently being sold as heroin in the US, universal precautions should be adopted more widely. Further research is needed into facilitators and barriers to the uptake of these drug sampling methods.

A Descriptive Examination of Nonmedical Fentanyl Use in the United States: Characteristics of Use, Motives, and Consequences

Little is currently known about nonmedical fentanyl use (NFU; that is, use of illicit or pharmaceutically produced fentanyl without a prescription or in ways other than prescribed) despite increases in prevalence and consequences (e.g., overdose, fatality). Individuals with a lifetime history of NFU ( N = 122) in the United States completed an online survey assessing demographics and factors related to use. Results revealed diversion of prescriptions, unintentional use of illicit fentanyl, and high co-occurrence of mental illness and other illicit substance use among users. Commonly reported motives reflected negative/positive reinforcement (e.g., to relieve stress, to get high) and relieving pain/physical discomfort, regardless of frequency of use. More severe consequences (e.g., increased tolerance, withdrawal) were reported among high frequency users. This descriptive examination of NFU may aid in the identification of individuals at-risk for use, promote an understanding of reasons for use, and guide prevention and intervention developments.

Needle and syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapy for preventing HCV transmission among people who inject drugs: findings from a Cochrane Review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To estimate the effects of needle and syringe programmes (NSP) and opioid substitution therapy (OST), alone or in combination, for preventing acquisition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people who inject drugs (PWID).

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Bibliographic databases were searched for studies measuring concurrent exposure to current OST (within the last 6 months) and/or NSP and HCV incidence among PWID. High NSP coverage was defined as regular NSP attendance or ≥ 100% coverage (receiving sufficient or greater number of needles and syringes per reported injecting frequency). Studies were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias in non-randomized studies tool. Random-effects models were used in meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 28 studies (n = 6279) in North America (13), United Kingdom (five), Europe (four), Australia (five) and China (one). Studies were at moderate (two), serious (17) critical (seven) and non-assessable risk of bias (two). Current OST is associated with 50% [risk ratio (RR) =0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.40-0.63] reduction in HCV acquisition risk, consistent across region and with low heterogeneity (I2  = 0, P = 0.889). Weaker evidence was found for high NSP coverage (RR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.39-1.61) with high heterogeneity (I2  = 77%, P = 0.002). After stratifying by region, high NSP coverage in Europe was associated with a 56% reduction in HCV acquisition risk (RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.24-0.80) with low heterogeneity (I2  = 12.3%, P = 0.337), but not in North America (RR = 1.58, I2  = 89.5%, P = < 0.001). Combined OST/NSP is associated with a 74% reduction in HCV acquisition risk (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07-0.89, I2  = 80% P = 0.007). According to Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, the evidence on OST and combined OST/NSP is low quality, while NSP is very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid substitution therapy reduces risk of hepatitis C acquisition and is strengthened in combination with needle and syringe programmes (NSP). There is weaker evidence for the impact of needle syringe programmes alone, although stronger evidence that high coverage is associated with reduced risk in Europe.

Increases in Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection Related to a Growing Opioid Epidemic and Associated Injection Drug Use, United States, 2004 to 2014

OBJECTIVES

To compare US trends in rates of injection drug use (IDU), specifically opioid injection, with national trends in the incidence of acute HCV infection to assess whether these events correlated over time.

METHODS

We calculated the annual incidence rate and demographic and risk characteristics of reported cases of acute HCV infection using surveillance data from 2004 to 2014 and the annual percentage of admissions to substance use disorder treatment facilities reporting IDU for the same time period by type of drug injected and demographic characteristics. We then tested for trends.

RESULTS

The annual incidence rate of acute HCV infection increased more than 2-fold (from 0.3 to 0.7 cases/100 000) from 2004 to 2014, with significant increases among select demographic subgroups. Admissions for substance use disorder attributed to injection of heroin and prescription opioid analgesics increased significantly, with an almost 4-fold increase in prescription opioid analgesic injection. Significant increases in opioid injection mirrored those for reported cases of acute HCV infection among demographic subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings strongly suggest that the national increase in acute HCV infection is related to the country's opioid epidemic and associated increases in IDU.

Injection drug use and overdose among young adults who use prescription opioids non-medically

INTRODUCTION

Non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use is a critical public health problem in the United States, with 2.1 million new initiates annually. Young adult NMPO users are at high risk for initiating injection drug use. We assessed correlates of injection drug use among young adult NMPO users in Rhode Island, a state heavily impacted by opioid overdose.

METHODS

We used data from the Rhode Island Young Adult Prescription Drug Study (RAPiDS), which recruited 199 residents aged 18-29 who reported past-30-day NMPO use (65.3% male). We compared individuals who reported ever having injected with individuals who reported never injecting, using logistic regression to identify independent correlates of injection.

RESULTS

Among eligible participants, the mean age was 24.6years and 61.3% were white. Over one-quarter (n=59, 29.6%) of the sample had ever injected drugs. The majority (n=46, 78.0%) of participants who had ever injected drugs reported injecting heroin as her/his first drug; the majority also reported previously snorting her/his first drug that was injected (n=46, 78.0%). In multivariable analyses, white race, older age, lifetime homelessness, and ever having overdosed or seen someone overdose were independently associated with an increased likelihood of ever injecting drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of lifetime injection drug use among young adults who use prescription opioids non-medically. Given the observed associations between injection drug use and witnessing as well as experiencing overdose, interventions are urgently needed to improve overdose education and naloxone distribution to young adult NMPO users who inject drugs.

Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean

The Caribbean and Central America represent a formidable challenge for researchers and policy makers in the HIV field, due to their pronounced heterogeneity in terms of social, economic, and cultural contexts and the different courses the HIV epidemic has followed in the region. Such contrasting contexts and epidemics can be exemplified by 2 countries that share the island of Hispaniola, the French Creole-speaking Haiti, and the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic. Haiti has experienced the worst epidemics outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Following a protracted economic and social crisis, recently aggravated by a devastating earthquake, the local HIV epidemic could experience resurgence. The region, strategically located on the way between coca-producing countries and the profitable North American markets, has been a transshipment area for years. Notwithstanding, the impact of such routes on local drug scenes has been very heterogeneous and dynamic, depending on a combination of local mores, drug enforcement activities, and the broad social and political context. Injecting drug use remains rare in the region, but local drug scenes are dynamic under the influence of increasing mobility of people and goods to and from North and South America, growing tourism and commerce, and prostitution. The multiple impacts of the recent economic and social crisis, as well as the influence of drug-trafficking routes across the Caribbean and other Latin American countries require a sustained effort to track changes in the HIV risk environment to inform sound drug policies and initiatives to minimize drug-related harms in the region.

ADAR1 polymorphisms are related to severity of liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients

The adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1) gene is an interferon-stimulated gene involved in liver injury protection. Our aim was to analyze the association of polymorphisms within this gene with the severity of liver disease in European HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. We performed a cross-sectional study in 220 patients that underwent a liver biopsy. Five SNPs in the ADAR1 gene (rs1127326, rs1127317, rs1127314, rs1127313, rs2229857) were genotyped by GoldenGate assay. The outcome variables were fibrosis stage and necroinflammatory activity grade by METAVIR-score, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), FIB-4 index, and fibrosis progression rate (FPR). In multivariate analysis, fibrosis progression rate (FPR) (aAMRs = 0.97) decreased in a dose-dependent manner with the presence of rs2229857_T, rs1127313_G, rs1127314_G and rs1127317_G; while rs1127326_T allele had only significant associations with FIB-4 (aAMRs ≤ 0.63) and FPR (aAMRs ≤ 0.97). Moreover, carriers of rs2229857_T, rs1127314_G, rs1127317_G, and rs1127326_T alleles were protected against advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3) (adjusted ORs (aORs) ≤ 0.44), APRI ≥ 1.5 (aORs ≤ 0.33), and FPR ≥ 0.075 (aORs ≤ 0.45). rs1127313_G carriers showed lower odds of having F ≥ 3 (aORs = 0.39), FIB4 ≥ 3.25 (aOR = 0.22) and FPR ≥ 0.075 (aORs = 0.44). In conclusion, ADAR1 polymorphisms protected against severe liver disease in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. These results could be used to improve therapeutic decision-making in clinical practice.

Injection-Related Risk Behavior and Engagement in Outreach, Intervention and Prevention Services Across 20 US Cities

BACKGROUND

Monitoring the effects of HIV prevention efforts on risk behaviors among persons who inject drugs is a key to inform prevention programs and policy.

METHODS

Using data from the 2012 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance interviews with persons who inject drugs across 20 US cities (n = 10,171), we conducted latent class analysis to identify injection risk classes and assess the relationship between engagement in prevention services and injection-related risk behavior. We conducted stratified analyses to examine the consistency of these associations across different geographical regions.

RESULTS

The latent class analysis identified 6 distinct classes of injection-related risk behavior. The class structure was consistent across regions of the United States, but the distribution of risk classes varied significantly across regions. With covariate adjustment, the South had the most high-risk behavior (21%) and the Midwest had the least (6%). Participation in syringe access services and other prevention services was the lowest in the South. Syringe access was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of membership in the highest risk class in all regions except the Midwest. Participation in individual or group intervention with a practical skills component was associated with less risky injection behavior in all regions except the Northeast. Interventions that featured only safer injection information and discussion had no relationship with risk class.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support evidence of the effectiveness of syringe service programs and safer injection skills training in reducing high-risk injection behavior and underscore the need to improve access to these prevention interventions in the South of the United States.

Viruses in the environment - presence and diversity of bacteriophage and enteric virus populations in the Umhlangane River, Durban, South Africa

Due to the continued persistence of waterborne viral-associated infections, the presence of enteric viruses is a concern. Notwithstanding the health implications, viral diversity and abundance is an indicator of water quality declination in the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of viruses (bacteriophage and enteric viruses) in a highly polluted, anthropogenic-influenced river system over a 6-month period at five sampling points. Cytopathic-based tissue culture assays revealed that the isolated viruses were infectious when tested on Hep-G2, HEK293 and Vero cells. While transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the majority of the viruses were bacteriophages, a number of presumptive enteric virus families were visualized, some of which include Picornaviridae, Adenoviridae, Polyomaviridae and Reoviridae. Finally, primer specific nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR)/reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) coupled with BLAST analysis identified human adenovirus, polyomavirus and hepatitis A and C virus genomes in river water samples. Taken together, the complexity of both bacteriophage and enteric virus populations in the river has potential health implications. Finally, a systematic integrated risk assessment and management plan to identify and minimize sources of faecal contamination is the most effective way of ensuring water safety and should be established in all future guidelines.

Needle syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapy for preventing hepatitis C transmission in people who inject drugs

BACKGROUND

Needle syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapy for preventing hepatitis C transmission in people who inject drugsNeedle syringe programmes (NSP) and opioid substitution therapy (OST) are the primary interventions to reduce hepatitis C (HCV) transmission in people who inject drugs. There is good evidence for the effectiveness of NSP and OST in reducing injecting risk behaviour and increasing evidence for the effectiveness of OST and NSP in reducing HIV acquisition risk, but the evidence on the effectiveness of NSP and OST for preventing HCV acquisition is weak.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of needle syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapy, alone or in combination, for preventing acquisition of HCV in people who inject drugs.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Drug and Alcohol Register, CENTRAL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), the Health Technology Assessment Database (HTA), the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHSEED), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, CINAHL, and the Web of Science up to 16 November 2015. We updated this search in March 2017, but we have not incorporated these results into the review yet. Where observational studies did not report any outcome measure, we asked authors to provide unpublished data. We searched publications of key international agencies and conference abstracts. We reviewed reference lists of all included articles and topic-related systematic reviews for eligible papers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included prospective and retrospective cohort studies, cross-sectional surveys, case-control studies and randomised controlled trials that measured exposure to NSP and/or OST against no intervention or a reduced exposure and reported HCV incidence as an outcome in people who inject drugs. We defined interventions as current OST (within previous 6 months), lifetime use of OST and high NSP coverage (regular attendance at an NSP or all injections covered by a new needle/syringe) or low NSP coverage (irregular attendance at an NSP or less than 100% of injections covered by a new needle/syringe) compared with no intervention or reduced exposure.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We followed the standard Cochrane methodological procedures incorporating new methods for classifying risk of bias for observational studies. We described study methods against the following 'Risk of bias' domains: confounding, selection bias, measurement of interventions, departures from intervention, missing data, measurement of outcomes, selection of reported results; and we assigned a judgment (low, moderate, serious, critical, unclear) for each criterion.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 28 studies (21 published, 7 unpublished): 13 from North America, 5 from the UK, 4 from continental Europe, 5 from Australia and 1 from China, comprising 1817 incident HCV infections and 8806.95 person-years of follow-up. HCV incidence ranged from 0.09 cases to 42 cases per 100 person-years across the studies. We judged only two studies to be at moderate overall risk of bias, while 17 were at serious risk and 7 were at critical risk; for two unpublished datasets there was insufficient information to assess bias. As none of the intervention effects were generated from RCT evidence, we typically categorised quality as low. We found evidence that current OST reduces the risk of HCV acquisition by 50% (risk ratio (RR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.63, I2 = 0%, 12 studies across all regions, N = 6361), but the quality of the evidence was low. The intervention effect remained significant in sensitivity analyses that excluded unpublished datasets and papers judged to be at critical risk of bias. We found evidence of differential impact by proportion of female participants in the sample, but not geographical region of study, the main drug used, or history of homelessness or imprisonment among study samples.Overall, we found very low-quality evidence that high NSP coverage did not reduce risk of HCV acquisition (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.61) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 77%) based on five studies from North America and Europe involving 3530 participants. After stratification by region, high NSP coverage in Europe was associated with a 76% reduction in HCV acquisition risk (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.62) with less heterogeneity (I2 =0%). We found low-quality evidence of the impact of combined high coverage of NSP and OST, from three studies involving 3241 participants, resulting in a 74% reduction in the risk of HCV acquisition (RR 0.26 95% CI 0.07 to 0.89).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

OST is associated with a reduction in the risk of HCV acquisition, which is strengthened in studies that assess the combination of OST and NSP. There was greater heterogeneity between studies and weaker evidence for the impact of NSP on HCV acquisition. High NSP coverage was associated with a reduction in the risk of HCV acquisition in studies in Europe.

Assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of needle and syringe provision and opioid substitution therapy on hepatitis C transmission among people who inject drugs in the UK: an analysis of pooled data sets and economic modelling

Background

There is limited evidence of the impact of needle and syringe programmes (NSPs) and opioid substitution therapy (OST) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID), nor have there been any economic evaluations.

Objective(s)

To measure (1) the impact of NSP and OST, (2) changes in the extent of provision of both interventions, and (3) costs and cost-effectiveness of NSPs on HCV infection transmission.

Design

We conducted (1) a systematic review; (2) an analysis of existing data sets, including collating costs of NSPs; and (3) a dynamic deterministic model to estimate the impact of differing OST/NSP intervention coverage levels for reducing HCV infection prevalence, incidence and disease burden, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios to measure the cost-effectiveness of current NSP provision versus no provision.

Setting

Cost-effectiveness analysis and impact modelling in three UK sites. The pooled analysis drew on data from the UK and Australia. The review was international.

Participants

PWID.

Interventions

NSP coverage (proportion of injections covered by clean needles) and OST.

Outcome

New cases of HCV infection.

Results

The review suggested that OST reduced the risk of HCV infection acquisition by 50% [rate ratio (RR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.63]. Weaker evidence was found in areas of high (≥ 100%) NSP coverage (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.54) internationally. There was moderate evidence for combined high coverage of NSPs and OST (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.65). The pooled analysis showed that combined high coverage of NSPs and OST reduced the risk of HCV infection acquisition by 29–71% compared with those on minimal harm reduction (no OST, ≤ 100% NSP coverage). NSPs are likely to be cost-effective and are cost-saving in some settings. The impact modelling suggest that removing OST (current coverage 81%) and NSPs (coverage 54%) in one site would increase HCV infection incidence by 329% [95% credible interval (CrI) 110% to 953%] in 2031 and at least double (132% increase; 95% CrI 51% to 306%) the number of new infections over 15 years. Increasing NSP coverage to 80% has the largest impact in the site with the lowest current NSP coverage (35%), resulting in a 27% (95% CrI 7% to 43%) decrease in new infections and 41% (95% CrI 11% to 72%) decrease in incidence by 2031 compared with 2016. Addressing homelessness and reducing the harm associated with the injection of crack cocaine could avert approximately 60% of HCV infections over the next 15 years.

Limitations

Findings are limited by the misclassification of NSP coverage and the simplified intervention definition that fails to capture the integrated services that address other social and health needs as part of this.

Conclusions

There is moderate evidence of the effectiveness of OST and NSPs, especially in combination, on HCV infection acquisition risk. Policies to ensure that NSPs can be accessed alongside OST are needed. NSPs are cost-saving in some sites and cost-effective in others. NSPs and OST are likely to prevent considerable rates of HCV infection in the UK. Increasing NSP coverage will have most impact in settings with low coverage. Scaling up other interventions such as HCV infection treatment are needed to decrease epidemics to low levels in higher prevalence settings.

Future work

To understand the mechanisms through which NSPs and OST achieve their effect and the optimum contexts to support implementation.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.

Prevalence and predictors of HCV among a cohort of opioid treatment patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

BACKGROUND

The government of Tanzania launched an opioid treatment program (OTP), using methadone, in Dar es Salaam in February of 2011. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, especially among people who inject drugs (PWID). We conducted a cross-sectional study among PWID engaged in OTP in Dar es Salaam to describe the prevalence and predictors of HCV antibody serostatus.

METHODS

Routine programmatic data on patients enrolled in Muhimbili National Hospital's OTP clinic from February 2011 to January 2013 were utilized. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to examine factors associated with HCV antibody serostatus.

RESULTS

A total of 630 PWID enrolled into the OTP clinic during the study period, seven percent of which were women. The overall seroprevalence of HCV antibody was 57% (95% Confidence interval: 53-61%). In adjusted analysis, methadone patients who used heroin for 5-10 years (adjusted prevalence ratio; aPR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.10-1.81) and >10years (aPR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.17-1.88) were more likely to be HCV antibody positive, compared to patients who used heroin for <5years. Patients who reported sharing needles or other equipment at their last injection (aPR=1.20; 95% CI: 1.01-1.41; p=0.022), being arrested (aPR=1.20; 95% CI: 1.04-1.40; p=0.012) and who were HIV-positive (aPR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.56-2.16; p<0.001) were also more likely to be HCV antibody positive than their counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Our observed HCV antibody prevalence among PWID engaged in OTP is higher than previously reported estimates in Dar es Salaam. Predictors of HCV antibody serostatus in this sample were similar to those found among PWID in many other settings. Integrating HCV care and treatment into OTP clinics should be considered, leveraging lessons learned from the integration of HIV services into OTP. Global efforts to develop HCV care and treatment programs in low and middle-income countries are critical, especially among PWID who have a high burden of HCV.