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Persistent Transmission of HCV among Men Who Have Sex with Men despite Widespread Screening and Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091953. [PMID: 36146760 PMCID: PMC9502248 DOI: 10.3390/v14091953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the Netherlands, unrestricted access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) halved the incidence of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). To develop strategies that can further reduce the spread of HCV, it is important to understand the transmission dynamics of HCV. We used phylogenetic analysis of a dense sample of MSM to provide insight into the impact of unrestricted access to DAAs on HCV transmission in the Netherlands and in Belgium. Methods: We included 89 MSM that were recently infected with HCV genotype 1a in ten Dutch and one Belgian HIV treatment centers. Sequences were generated using next gene sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis (general time reversible model) was performed on concatenated NS5A and NS5B sequences and a reference set of 389 highly similar control sequences selected from GenBank. A cluster was based on a minimum bootstrap support of 90% and a 3% genetic distance threshold. Results: We found that 78 (88%) of individuals were part of seven major clusters. All clusters included individuals from across the study region, however, different cities were part of different clusters. In three clusters, HIV-negative MSM clustered with sequences from HIV-positive MSM. All clusters that were observed before the introduction of DAAs persisted after unrestricted access to DAAs became available. Conclusion: Recently acquired HCV infections among MSM in the Netherlands and Belgium are strongly clustered and therefore highly suitable for targeted prevention strategies, such as contact tracing and partner notification. Importantly, despite an HCV incidence reduction after high DAA uptake and continuously monitoring, HCV transmission persisted in the same clusters.
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2
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Key Role of Multidisciplinary Collaboration towards Global Elimination of HCV Infection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074158. [PMID: 35409839 PMCID: PMC8998758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The elimination of HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection is, according to WHO (World Health Organization), of international interest. With new diagnostic tools and treatment possibilities, one major challenge for the elimination is to involve infected patients, especially those from socially excluded subpopulations, into HCV infection-treatment programs. The key question is how to help people who inject drugs (PWID) to engage in HCV infection-treatment programs and improve communication between PWID and hepatologists or other medical professionals involved in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. Furthermore, the medical professionals have to accept the changing spectrum of patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Without close interdisciplinary cooperation, it would be extremely difficult to achieve the WHO goal of global viral hepatitis C elimination. Here, we try to encourage our colleagues as well as addictologists and social workers to play their crucial part in the viral hepatitis C eradication process. It is extremely important for the healthcare providers to be able to communicate with addicted clients, inform PWID about the latest developments in the diagnosis and HCV infection treatment, and get them motivated to engage with specialized treatment programs.
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Kardani K, Sadat SM, Kardani M, Bolhassani A. The next generation of HCV vaccines: a focus on novel adjuvant development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:839-855. [PMID: 34114513 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1941895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considerable efforts have been made to treat and prevent acute and chronic infections caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Current treatments are unable to protect people from reinfection. Hence, there is a need for development of both preventive and therapeutic HCV vaccines. Many vaccine candidates are in development to fight against HCV, but their efficacy has so far proven limited partly due to low immunogenicity. AREAS COVERED We explore development of novel and powerful adjuvants to achieve an effective HCV vaccine. The basis for developing strong adjuvants is to understand the innate immunity pathway, which subsequently stimulates humoral and cellular immune responses. We have also investigated immunogenicity of developed adjuvants that have been used in recent studies available in online databases such as PubMed, PMC, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, etc. EXPERT OPINION Adjuvants are used as a part of vaccine formulation to boost vaccine immunogenicity and antigen delivery. Several FDA-approved adjuvants are used in licensed human vaccines. Unfortunately, no adjuvant has yet been proven to boost HCV immune responses to the extent needed for an effective vaccine. One of the promising approaches for developing an effective adjuvant is the combination of various adjuvants to trigger several innate immune responses, leading to activation of adaptive immunity.[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Kardani
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Popping S, Verwijs R, Cuypers L, Claassen MA, van den Berk GE, De Weggheleire A, Arends JE, Boerekamps A, Molenkamp R, Koopmans MP, Verbon A, Boucher CAB, Rijnders BJ, van de Vijver DAMC. Transmission of NS5A-Inhibitor Resistance-Associated Substitutions Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Recently Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1a. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:e215-e217. [PMID: 32055843 PMCID: PMC7643739 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of direct-acting antiviral resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) could hamper hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure rates and elimination efforts. A phylogenetic analysis of 87 men who have sex with men recently infected with HCV genotype 1a placed one-third (28/87) in a large cluster, in which 96% harbored NS5A M28V RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Popping
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosanne Verwijs
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lize Cuypers
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Kristelijke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark A Claassen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Rijnstate Ziekenhuis, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Guido E van den Berk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Onze lieve vrouwe gasthhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anja De Weggheleire
- Department of Clinical Science, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joop E Arends
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Boerekamps
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Molenkamp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion P Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles A B Boucher
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J Rijnders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David A M C van de Vijver
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Factors Influencing the Prevalence of Resistance-Associated Substitutions in NS5A Protein in Treatment-Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8040080. [PMID: 32272736 PMCID: PMC7235841 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8040080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) revolutionized treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) present at the baseline impair response to DAA due to rapid selection of resistant HCV strains. NS5A is indispensable target of the current DAA treatment regimens. We evaluated prevalence of RASs in NS5A in DAA-naïve patients infected with HCV 1a (n = 19), 1b (n = 93), and 3a (n = 90) before systematic DAA application in the territory of the Russian Federation. Total proportion of strains carrying at least one RAS constituted 35.1% (71/202). In HCV 1a we detected only M28V (57.9%) attributed to a founder effect. Common RASs in HCV 1b were R30Q (7.5%), L31M (5.4%), P58S (4.4%), and Y93H (5.4%); in HCV 3a, A30S (31.0%), A30K (5.7%), S62L (8.9%), and Y93H (2.2%). Prevalence of RASs in NS5A of HCV 1b and 3a was similar to that worldwide, including countries practicing massive DAA application, i.e., it was not related to treatment. NS5A with and without RASs exhibited different co-variance networks, which could be attributed to the necessity to preserve viral fitness. Majority of RASs were localized in polymorphic regions subjected to immune pressure, with selected substitutions allowing immune escape. Altogether, this explains high prevalence of RAS in NS5A and low barrier for their appearance in DAA-inexperienced population.
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Douglas MW, Tay ESE, Wang DS, Ong ATL, Wilson C, Phu A, Kok J, Dwyer DE, Bull RA, Lloyd AR, Applegate TL, Dore GJ, Howe AY, Harrigan R, George J. Impact of an Open Access Nationwide Treatment Model on Hepatitis C Virus Antiviral Drug Resistance. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:904-915. [PMID: 32490325 PMCID: PMC7262285 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, but drug resistance could undermine proposed global elimination targets. Real‐world studies are needed to inform the impact of widespread DAA treatment on antiviral resistance in the community. The prevalence and range of posttreatment resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) was determined in Australian patients with open access to DAAs through a wide range of prescribers. NS3, NS5A, and NS5B regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by population sequencing. Clinically relevant RASs were identified using online databases (ReCALL and Geno2Pheno[hcv]). Of 572 samples, 60% were from genotype 3 and 27% from genotype 1a. Ninety‐two percent of people failed a DAA regimen containing an NS5A inhibitor, including 10% with a pangenotype regimen. NS5A RASs were detected in 72% of people with genotype 1 and 80% with genotype 3. For genotype 1, there was a range of RASs across the NS5A region, while for genotype 3, the Y93H RAS predominated (72%). The prevalence of NS3 RASs was higher in people exposed to an NS3 inhibitor (35% vs. 3.9%; P < 0.0001). NS5B resistance was rare, with a single case of sofosbuvir resistance. Multiclass drug resistance was found in 33% of people exposed to both NS3 and NS5A inhibitors. Conclusion: The high prevalence of NS5A RASs among people failing DAA therapy reinforces the importance of specific retreatment regimens, ideally guided by resistance testing. The impact of multiclass drug resistance on retreatment in people exposed to both NS3 and NS5A inhibitors needs to be assessed in real‐world studies. Surveillance for increasing antiviral resistance during treatment scale‐up is essential to maintain the efficacy of current DAA regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Enoch S E Tay
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Dao Sen Wang
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Adrian T L Ong
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Amy Phu
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Jen Kok
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Dominic E Dwyer
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Rowena A Bull
- The Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | | | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Anita Y Howe
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control BC Canada
| | | | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity University of Sydney Sydney Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an overview of HCV resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) with a focus on NS3 protease and NS5A inhibitor resistance. Treatment approaches for managing resistance are also covered including the use of newly approved therapies with improved resistance profiles. RECENT FINDINGS HCV RASs are frequently selected if the patient is not cured during treatment; NS5A RASs persist for prolonged periods of time (years) after treatment failure and may adversely impact retreatment responses. Newly approved regimens with improved potency and resistance profiles are less impacted by resistance and provide the best retreatment options for patients who previously failed DAA therapy. The clinical impact of HCV RASs has been lessened significantly with the introduction of new DAA treatment regimens. Routine testing for resistance is unlikely to impact retreatment approaches if newer regimens are accessible. Knowledge of factors, such as the presence of cirrhosis and prior treatment regimens, remain as the key to optimizing retreatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Wyles
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Denver Health Medical Center, 660 Bannock St, MC 4000, Denver, CO, 80204, USA.
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Gaeta GB, Puoti M, Coppola N, Santantonio T, Bruno R, Chirianni A, Galli M. Treatment of acute hepatitis C: recommendations from an expert panel of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases. Infection 2017; 46:183-188. [PMID: 29238918 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-017-1107-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM This paper is aimed at providing practical recommendations for the management of acute hepatitis C (AHC). METHODS This is an expert position paper based on the literature revision. Final recommendations were graded by level of evidence and strength of the recommendations. RESULTS Treatment of AHC with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) is safe and effective; it overcomes the limitations of INF-based treatments. CONCLUSIONS Early treatment with DAA should be offered when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni B Gaeta
- Infectious Diseases, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Infectious Diseases, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Massimo Galli
- Infectious Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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