1
|
Grebely J, Matthews S, Causer LM, Feld JJ, Cunningham P, Dore GJ, Applegate TL. We have reached single-visit testing, diagnosis, and treatment for hepatitis C infection, now what? Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:177-191. [PMID: 38173401 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2292645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progress toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is impeded by low testing and treatment due to the current diagnostic pathway requiring multiple visits leading to loss to follow-up. Point-of-care testing technologies capable of detecting current HCV infection in one hour are a 'game-changer.' These tests enable diagnosis and treatment in a single visit, overcoming the barrier of multiple visits that frequently leads to loss to follow-up. Combining point-of-care HCV antibody and RNA tests should improve cost-effectiveness, patient/provider acceptability, and testing efficiency. However, implementing HCV point-of-care testing programs at scale requires multiple considerations. AREAS COVERED This commentary explores the need for point-of-care HCV tests, diagnostic strategies to improve HCV testing, key considerations for implementing point-of-care HCV testing programs, and remaining challenges for point-of-care testing (including operator training, quality management, connectivity and reporting systems, regulatory approval processes, and the need for more efficient tests). EXPERT OPINION It is exciting that single-visit testing, diagnosis, and treatment for HCV infection have been achieved. Innovations afforded through COVID-19 should facilitate the accelerated development of low-cost, rapid, and accurate tests to improve HCV testing. The next challenge will be to address barriers and facilitators for implementing point-of-care testing to deliver them at scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Matthews
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise M Causer
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Philip Cunningham
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carrington N, Conway A, Grebely J, Starr M, Catlett B, Stevens A, Prain B, McGrath C, Causer L, Guy R, Holden J, Keen P, Kingsland M, Lu H, Power C, Read P, Murray C, McNulty A, Cunningham P. Testing, diagnosis, and treatment following the implementation of a program to provide dried blood spot testing for HIV and hepatitis C infections: the NSW DBS Pilot. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:137. [PMID: 38287234 PMCID: PMC10823617 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08989-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dried blood spot (DBS) testing provides an alternative to phlebotomy and addresses barriers to accessing healthcare experienced by some key populations. Large-scale evaluations of DBS testing programs are needed to understand their feasibility. This study evaluated the implementation of a state-wide DBS HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing pilot. METHODS The New South Wales (NSW) DBS Pilot is an interventional cohort study of people testing for HIV antibody and/or HCV RNA from DBS samples in NSW, Australia. Participants at risk of HIV/HCV participated in testing via: 1) self-registration online with a DBS collection kit delivered and returned by conventional postal service; or 2) assisted DBS sample collection at 36 community health sites (including drug treatment and harm-minimisation services) and prisons. Participants received results by text (HIV antibody/ HCV RNA not detected) or a healthcare provider (HIV antibody/ HCV RNA detected). The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation. RESULTS Reach: Between November 2016 and December 2020, 7,392 individuals were tested for HIV and/or HCV (21% self-registration, 34% assisted in community, and 45% assisted in prison). EFFECTIVENESS Of 6,922 people tested for HIV (19% men who have sex with men, 13% living outside major cities, 21% born outside Australia), 51% (3,521/6,922) had no HIV test in the past two years, 0.1% (10/6,922) were newly diagnosed with HIV, and 80% (8/10) initiated HIV treatment within six months. Of 5,960 people tested for HCV (24% women, 35% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 55% recently injected drugs), 15% had detectable HCV RNA (878/5,960), and 45% (393/878) initiated treatment within six months. Adoption: By the end of 2020, DBS via assisted registration was available at 36 community sites and 21 prisons. IMPLEMENTATION 90% of DBS cards arriving at the laboratory had the three full spots required for testing; the proportion was higher in assisted (94%) compared to online (76%) registration. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the feasibility of DBS testing for HIV and HCV in key populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and demonstrated the utility of DBS in the prison setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Carrington
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Mitchell Starr
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annabelle Stevens
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bianca Prain
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Colette McGrath
- NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanne Holden
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
- NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Melanie Kingsland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Heng Lu
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cherie Power
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carolyn Murray
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip Cunningham
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McAuliffe G, Gerber A, Chhibber A, Fisher M, Saxton P, Fisher T, Blakiston M, Forster R. Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of dried blood spots for serological testing of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C Elecsys assays on the Roche Cobas system. Pathology 2023; 55:1000-1003. [PMID: 37690864 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was performed to validate a dried blood spot (DBS) method for the serological screening of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. It included 250 paired DBS and serum samples and 116 unpaired DBS samples from 366 unique patients from two laboratories between 8 October and 2 November 2021. As determined by original test request, these were tested using a DBS method for HIV Ag/Ab (n=216), anti-treponemal Ab (n=166), hepatitis B sAg (n=100), and hepatitis C Ab (n=100) Elecsys assays on the Roche Cobas automated platform. Using the manufacturer's (serum) cut-off for reactivity ('positivity'), the sensitivity and specificity of DBS testing compared with serum were: for HIV Ag/Ab 100% and 100%, for anti-treponemal Ab 68.3% and 100%, for hepatitis B sAg 95.9% and 100%, and for hepatitis C Ab 84.0% and 100%, respectively. Adjusting the assay cut-off using receiver operator curve analysis increased sensitivity of DBS testing for anti-treponemal Ab to 90.0%, hepatitis B sAg to 97.9% and hepatitis C Ab to 94.0% whilst maintaining specificity of 98.8%, 100% and 100%, respectively. With optimisation of assay cut-off, DBS can perform comparably with serum for serological testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C and may be a valuable tool in increasing access to testing in New Zealand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary McAuliffe
- Labtests, Carbine Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand; LabPLUS, Te Whatu Ora, Te Toka Tumai, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Adri Gerber
- Labtests, Carbine Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Aakash Chhibber
- LabPLUS, Te Whatu Ora, Te Toka Tumai, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Peter Saxton
- University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tony Fisher
- University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matt Blakiston
- Labtests, Carbine Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand; LabPLUS, Te Whatu Ora, Te Toka Tumai, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rose Forster
- Labtests, Carbine Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand; University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bigio J, Aho J, Chittle A, Cox J. Improving access to test results for participants in bio-behavioural surveys of people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023:104192. [PMID: 37690921 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Bio-behavioural surveys of people who inject drugs (PWID) evolved from unlinked anonymous monitoring (UAM) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence and prevalence, which began in some high-income countries in the late 1980s. UAM was conducted purely for surveillance purposes and test results were not returned to participants. Later, the importance of collecting data on behavioural risk factors was recognised, leading to the development of bio-behavioural surveys of PWID, which today are conducted regularly in several countries. Typically, these surveys recruit participants from venues providing harm reduction services and involve behavioural questionnaires and dried blood spot (DBS) testing for HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). DBS test results are not returned to participants; instead, countries offer varied systems of on-site testing separate from the bio-behavioural testing or provide referrals to external testing services. In this commentary, we trace the history of bio-behavioural surveys of PWID from their origins to the present day to explain how the methodologies evolved, along with the ethical considerations underlying them. We highlight the dramatic improvements in treatments for HIV and HCV over the past thirty years and the corresponding need to ensure that bio-behavioural survey participants can access low-barrier and timely testing. We review the pros and cons of different strategies for providing test results to participants and argue that the return of DBS results collected as part of bio-behavioural surveys warrants consideration as an additional tool to improve testing access for participants. Any changes should be informed by the perspectives of participants, study site personnel and investigators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bigio
- Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Surveillance Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Josephine Aho
- Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Surveillance Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea Chittle
- Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Surveillance Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Surveillance Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pisoni A, Reynaud E, Douine M, Hureau L, Alcocer Cordellat C, Schaub R, Poland D, Monkel R, Lommen J, Yenkoyan K, Vreden S, Nacher M, Tuaillon E. Automated and combined HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis testing among illegal gold miners in French Guiana using a standardized dried blood device. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106731. [PMID: 36395882 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blood spotted onto filter paper can be easily collected outside healthcare facilities and shipped to a central laboratory for serological testing. However, dried blood testing generally requires manual processing for pre-analytical steps. In this study, we used a standardized blood collection device combined with an automated elution system to test illegal gold miners living in French Guiana for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis. We included 378 participants, 102 females and 266 males, in three illegal gold mining resting sites. Blood collected on the Ser-Col device (Labonovum) was eluted using an automated system (SCAUT Ser-Col automation, Blok System Supply) and an automated analyzer (Alinity i, Abbott). Ser-Col results were compared to both plasma results, considered the gold standard, and to Dried blood Spot (DBS) results, considered the reference sampling method using dried blood. In plasma samples, two participants (0.5%) tested positive for HIV, six (1.5%) tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), eight were weakly positive for anti-HCV antibodies but negative for HCV RNA, and 47 tested positive for treponemal antibodies (12.4%), including 20 females (19.6%) and 27 males (9.8%, p= 0.010179). We observed a full concordance of Ser-Col and DBS results for HIV diagnosis compared to plasma results. Ser-Col and DBS samples tested positive in five HBsAg carriers and negative for one participant with a low HBsAg level in plasma (0.5 IU/mL). All participants tested negative for HCV in Ser-Col and DBS samples, including the eight participants who tested low positive for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA negative in plasma. Among syphilis seropositive participants, 41 (87.2%) and 40 (85.1%) tested positive for treponemal antibodies in Ser-Col and DBS samples, respectively. The Ser-Col method allows automated dried blood testing of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis with performances comparable to DBS. Automated approaches to test capillary blood transported on dried blood devices may facilitate large-scale surveys and improve testing of populations living in remote areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Pisoni
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Montpellier University, INSERM, Établissement Français du Sang, Antilles University, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Elisa Reynaud
- Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Maylis Douine
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane (Inserm 1424), Cayenne Hospital, Epidemiology of Tropical Parasitoses, Universite de Guyane, EA 3593, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Louise Hureau
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane (Inserm 1424), Cayenne Hospital, Epidemiology of Tropical Parasitoses, Universite de Guyane, EA 3593, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | | | - Roxane Schaub
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane (Inserm 1424), Cayenne Hospital, Epidemiology of Tropical Parasitoses, Universite de Guyane, EA 3593, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | | | | | | | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Stephen Vreden
- Foundation for Scientific Research of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Mathieu Nacher
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane (Inserm 1424), Cayenne Hospital, Epidemiology of Tropical Parasitoses, Universite de Guyane, EA 3593, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Edouard Tuaillon
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Montpellier University, INSERM, Établissement Français du Sang, Antilles University, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Landy R, Atkinson D, Ogilvie K, St. Denys R, Lund C, Worthington C. Assessing the acceptability of dried blood spot testing for HIV and STBBI among Métis people in a community driven pilot project in Alberta, Canada. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1496. [PMID: 36482470 PMCID: PMC9733141 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little literature exists on culturally grounded approaches for addressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) among Métis people. The goal of this mixed-methods research was to explore the experiences of Métis community members participating in a dried blood spot testing (DBST) for HIV/STBBI pilot for Métis communities in Alberta, Canada, with the aim of assessing the acceptability of this testing method. METHODS Grounded in community-based and Indigenous research approaches and working in partnership with a Métis community-based organization, data collection included a survey and four gathering circles with Métis DBST recipients at one of two community events, and semi-structured interviews with three DBST providers. RESULTS Twenty-six of the 30 DBST recipients completed surveys, and 19 DBST recipients participated in gathering circles. Survey results suggest DBST is a highly acceptable STBBI testing method to Métis community members. Thematic analysis of gathering circle and interview transcripts revealed four broad themes related to the participants' experiences with DBST related to its acceptability (i. ease of DBST process, ii. overcoming logistical challenges associated with existing STBBI testing, iii. Reducing stigma through health role models and event-based, and iv. Métis-specific services). CONCLUSIONS These findings illustrate the potential for DBST to be part of a culturally grounded, Métis-specific response to HIV and STBBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Landy
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465School of Public Health and Social Policy, HSD Building, Room B202, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 Canada
| | - Danielle Atkinson
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465School of Public Health and Social Policy, HSD Building, Room B202, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 Canada
| | - Kandace Ogilvie
- Shining Mountains Living Community Services, 4925 46 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1N2 Canada
| | - Raye St. Denys
- Shining Mountains Living Community Services, 4925 46 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1N2 Canada
| | - Carrielynn Lund
- Communities, Alliances and Networks, PO Box 2978, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK S0G1S0 Canada
| | - Catherine Worthington
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465School of Public Health and Social Policy, HSD Building, Room B202, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Declining prevalence of current HCV infection and increased treatment uptake among people who inject drugs: The ETHOS Engage study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 105:103706. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
8
|
Liver function tests in primary care provide a key opportunity to diagnose and engage patients with hepatitis C. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e133. [PMID: 35757860 PMCID: PMC9306009 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of direct-acting antiviral therapy, the elimination of hepatitis c virus (HCV) as a public health concern is now possible. However, identification of those who remain undiagnosed, and re-engagement of those who are diagnosed but remain untreated, will be essential to achieve this. We examined the extent of HCV infection among individuals undergoing liver function tests (LFT) in primary care. Residual biochemistry samples for 6007 patients, who had venous blood collected in primary care for LFT between July 2016 and January 2017, were tested for HCV antibody. Through data linkage to national and sentinel HCV surveillance databases, we also examined the extent of diagnosed infection, attendance at specialist service and HCV treatment for those found to be HCV positive. Overall HCV antibody prevalence was 4.0% and highest for males (5.0%), those aged 37–50 years (6.2%), and with an ALT result of 70 or greater (7.1%). Of those testing positive, 68.9% had been diagnosed with HCV in the past, 84.9% before the study period. Most (92.5%) of those diagnosed with chronic infection had attended specialist liver services and while 67.7% had ever been treated only 38% had successfully cleared infection. More than half of HCV-positive people required assessment, and potentially treatment, for their HCV infection but were not engaged with services during the study period. LFT in primary care are a key opportunity to diagnose, re-diagnose and re-engage patients with HCV infection and highlight the importance of GPs in efforts to eliminate HCV as a public health concern.
Collapse
|
9
|
McDonald SA, McAuley A, Hickman M, Bird SM, Weir A, Templeton K, Gunson R, Hutchinson SJ. Increasing drug-related mortality rates over the last decade in Scotland are not just due to an ageing cohort: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103286. [PMID: 34011449 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, North America, and Australia, mortality due to drug-related (DR) causes amongst people who inject drugs (PWID) is a major issue. Our objective was to characterise temporal trends in DR mortality rates in a large cohort of PWID in Scotland over the past decade, all of whom had been diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and to investigate factors associated with DR mortality. METHODS Retrospective longitudinal cohort study linking Scotland's national HCV Diagnosis Database and deaths registry. The study cohort consisted of all individuals with likely injection drug use-related route of HCV acquisition, who had been diagnosed with HCV between 1991 and 2018, and were alive and aged under 65 years on 1 January 2009. We used Lexis expansion to adjust for ageing cohort effects and calculated the mortality rate from an underlying/contributing DR cause over the period 2009-2018. We fitted Poisson regression models to estimate the temporal trend adjusting for attained age, sex, referral setting, region, and viraemic status at baseline. RESULTS Amongst the study population (n = 35,065; 236,914 person-years), a total of 1900 DR deaths occurred; the DR mortality rate increased from 5.6/1000 [101 deaths] in 2009 to 12.4/1000 [342] person-years in 2018. Increasing trends were observed for all age-groups except 55-64 years. The overall DR mortality rate was highest for referrals for HCV testing from prison (11.0/1000) and hospital settings (10.0/1000). Mortality increased with calendar time period, with significantly raised adjusted rate ratios (RRs) from 2015 (RR=1.40, 95% CI:1.16-1.69) to 2018 (RR=2.23, 95% CI:1.88-2.64), compared with 2011-2012, for older age (35-44: RR=1.37, 95% CI:1.20-1.56; 45-54: RR=1.32, CI:1.14-1.53) compared with <35 years, for persons diagnosed with HCV since 2009 (RR=1.34, 95% CI:1.21-1.49), and for prison and hospital referrals (RRs of 1.30, 1.37) compared with GP referrals. CONCLUSION Increasing DR mortality rates in Scotland over the past decade are not just due to an ageing cohort. Harm reduction services will likely need to expand and adapt to reverse the recent upward trends in DR mortality in PWID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A McDonald
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; Health Protection Scotland, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK.
| | - A McAuley
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; Health Protection Scotland, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK
| | - M Hickman
- University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK
| | - S M Bird
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 OSR, UK
| | - A Weir
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; Health Protection Scotland, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK
| | - K Templeton
- Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - R Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, 8-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; Health Protection Scotland, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hepatitis C standards of care: A review of good practices since the advent of direct-acting antiviral therapy. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101564. [PMID: 33740477 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Significant steps must be taken to reduce the global incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and mortality from HCV infection to achieve the WHO goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Proper epidemiological surveillance of the full continuum of care is essential for monitoring progress and identifying gaps that need to be addressed. The tools required for elimination have largely been established, and the issue at hand is more how they should best be implemented in different settings around the world. Documenting good practices allows for knowledge exchange to prevent transmission and improve health outcomes for people with HCV. This review found 13 well documented HCV good practices that have become the standard of care or that should become the standard of care as soon as possible. In 2013, highly effective direct-acting antiviral therapy became available, which has cure rates of over 95%. Together with this new therapy, evidence-based good practices can help countries eliminate viral hepatitis C.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ellwanger JH, Veiga ABGD, Kaminski VDL, Valverde-Villegas JM, Freitas AWQD, Chies JAB. Control and prevention of infectious diseases from a One Health perspective. Genet Mol Biol 2021; 44:e20200256. [PMID: 33533395 PMCID: PMC7856630 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2020-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caught the attention of the global community and rekindled the debate about our ability to prevent and manage outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Many alternatives are suggested to address these urgent issues. Some of them are quite interesting, but with little practical application in the short or medium term. To realistically control infectious diseases, human, animal, and environmental factors need to be considered together, based on the One Health perspective. In this article, we highlight the most effective initiatives for the control and prevention of infectious diseases: vaccination; environmental sanitation; vector control; social programs that encourage a reduction in the population growth; control of urbanization; safe sex stimulation; testing; treatment of sexually and vertically transmitted infections; promotion of personal hygiene practices; food safety and proper nutrition; reduction of the human contact with wildlife and livestock; reduction of social inequalities; infectious disease surveillance; and biodiversity preservation. Subsequently, this article highlights the impacts of human genetics on susceptibility to infections and disease progression, using the SARS-CoV-2 infection as a study model. Finally, actions focused on mitigation of outbreaks and epidemics and the importance of conservation of ecosystems and translational ecology as public health strategies are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Henrique Ellwanger
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular - PPGBM, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia - ICT, Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline María Valverde-Villegas
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Laboratoire coopératif IGMM/ABIVAX, UMR 5535, Montpellier, France
| | - Abner Willian Quintino de Freitas
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias da Informação e Gestão em Saúde, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular - PPGBM, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
McLeod A, Hutchinson SJ, Smith S, Leen C, Clifford S, McAuley A, Wallace LA, Barclay ST, Bramley P, Dillon JF, Fraser A, Gunson RN, Hayes PC, Kennedy N, Peters E, Templeton K, Goldberg DJ. Increased case-finding and uptake of direct-acting antiviral treatment essential for micro-elimination of hepatitis C among people living with HIV: a national record linkage study. HIV Med 2020; 22:334-345. [PMID: 33350049 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and co-infected with HCV has been proposed as a key contribution to the overall goal of HCV elimination. While other studies have examined micro-elimination in HIV-treated cohorts, few have considered HCV micro-elimination among those not treated for HIV or at a national level. METHODS Through data linkage of national and sentinel surveillance data, we examined the extent of HCV testing, diagnosis and treatment among a cohort of PLHIV in Scotland identified through the national database of HIV-diagnosed individuals, up to the end of 2017. RESULTS Of 5018 PLHIV, an estimated 797 (15%) had never been tested for HCV and 70 (9%) of these had undiagnosed chronic HCV. The odds of never having been tested for HCV were the highest in those not on HIV treatment [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 7.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.15-10.10). Overall HCV antibody positivity was 11%, and it was at its highest among people who inject drugs (49%). Most of those with chronic HCV (91%) had attended an HCV treatment clinic but only half had been successfully treated (54% for those on HIV treatment, 12% for those not) by the end of 2017. The odds of never having been treated for HCV were the highest in those not on HIV treatment (aOR = 3.60, 95% CI: 1.59-8.15). CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that micro-elimination of HCV in PLHIV is achievable but progress will require increased effort to engage and treat those co-infected, including those not being treated for their HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A McLeod
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - S Smith
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - C Leen
- Regional Infectious Disease Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Clifford
- Regional Infectious Disease Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A McAuley
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - P Bramley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Stirling Royal Infirmary, Stirling, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - A Fraser
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - R N Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - P C Hayes
- Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - N Kennedy
- University Hospital Monklands, Lanarkshire, UK
| | - E Peters
- The Brownlee Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | - K Templeton
- East of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D J Goldberg
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hutchinson SJ, Valerio H, McDonald SA, Yeung A, Pollock K, Smith S, Barclay S, Dillon JF, Fox R, Bramley P, Fraser A, Kennedy N, Gunson RN, Templeton K, Innes H, McLeod A, Weir A, Hayes PC, Goldberg D. Population impact of direct-acting antiviral treatment on new presentations of hepatitis C-related decompensated cirrhosis: a national record-linkage study. Gut 2020; 69:2223-2231. [PMID: 32217640 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-320007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Population-based studies demonstrating the clinical impact of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are lacking. We examined the impact of the introduction of DAAs on HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis (DC) through analysis of population-based data from Scotland. DESIGN Through analysis of national surveillance data (involving linkage of HCV diagnosis and clinical databases to hospital and deaths registers), we determined i) the scale-up in the number of patients treated and achieving a sustained viral response (SVR), and ii) the change in the trend of new presentations with HCV-related DC, with the introduction of DAAs. RESULTS Approximately 11 000 patients had been treated in Scotland over the 8-year period 2010/11 to 2017/18. The scale-up in the number of patients achieving SVR between the pre-DAA and DAA eras was 2.3-fold overall and 5.9-fold among those with compensated cirrhosis (the group at immediate risk of developing DC). In the pre-DAA era, the annual number of HCV-related DC presentations increased 4.6-fold between 2000 (30) and 2014 (142). In the DAA era, presentations decreased by 51% to 69 in 2018 (and by 67% among those with chronic infection at presentation), representing a significant change in trend (rate ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.90). With the introduction of DAAs, an estimated 330 DC cases had been averted during 2015-18. CONCLUSIONS National scale-up in interferon-free DAA treatment is associated with the rapid downturn in presentations of HCV-related DC at the population-level. Major progress in averting HCV-related DC in the short-term is feasible, and thus other countries should strive to achieve the same.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon J Hutchinson
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK .,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heather Valerio
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Scott A McDonald
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alan Yeung
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kevin Pollock
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shanley Smith
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen Barclay
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Fraser
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.,Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Rory N Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kate Templeton
- East of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hamish Innes
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Allan McLeod
- Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Amanda Weir
- Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - David Goldberg
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The target set by the World Health Organization to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030 first requires methods of testing for hepatitis B and C virus that are acceptable to diverse populations. One such test is the dried blood spot sample method. This article explains what a dried blood spot sample is, how it is collected, and how it can help increase the viral hepatitis test uptake in prisons, drug and alcohol services, and other populations at risk of hepatitis B or C infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Jack
- Research Fellow and Advanced Virology Nurse Specialist, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham
| | - William Lucien Irving
- Professor of Virology, Department of Microbiology, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Goldstein EJ, Shepherd SJ, Gunson RN. Investigating utilising the Alinity m platform to detect hepatitis C virus RNA in dried blood spot samples. J Clin Virol 2020; 132:104647. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
16
|
Pawlotsky JM, Ramers CB, Dillon JF, Feld JJ, Lazarus JV. Simplification of Care for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Semin Liver Dis 2020; 40:392-402. [PMID: 32725611 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) set a target for eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030. However, while today's highly effective and well-tolerated pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral regimens have maximized simplification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, there remain a plethora of barriers to HCV screening, diagnosis, and linkage to care. As of 2017, only 19% of the estimated 71 million individuals living with chronic HCV worldwide were diagnosed and in 2015 to 2016, only 21% of diagnosed individuals had accessed treatment. Simplification and decentralization of the HCV care cascade would bolster patient engagement and support the considerable scale-up needed to achieve WHO targets. Recent developments in HCV screening and diagnosis, together with reduced pretreatment assessment and on-treatment monitoring requirements, can further streamline the care continuum, ensuring patients are linked to care quickly and earlier in the disease course, and minimize clinic visits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est-INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Christian B Ramers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Evaluation of dried blood spot testing using the Abbott Alinity i. J Clin Virol 2020; 132:104638. [PMID: 33049642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104638] [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] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre currently uses the Abbott Architect for DBS serology. The new Abbott Alinity i will replace the Architect in our laboratory. In this study, mock and stored patient DBS samples were tested on both platforms and results compared. STUDY DESIGN Mock DBS were made from whole blood where patient results were known (38 negative samples and 141 positive samples; 39 HIV Antigen/Antibody (Ag/Ab), 35 HCV IgG antibody (HCVG), 34 HBV core IgG (HBCG) and 33 HBsAg). Mock DBS were tested on both Abbott platforms. Stored patient DBS samples (132 negative and 263 positive: 9 HIVAg/Ab, 10 HBsAg, 52 HBCG and 60 HCVG) previously tested on the Architect were retested on the Alinity i. RESULTS Mock DBS showed good correlation between the Architect and Alinity i for the HIV Ag/Ab,HBCG and HCVG assays. A poorer correlation occurred with HBsAg, the Alinity i reported HBsAg positives at a lower value compared to the Architect. The coefficient of variation for intra-assay variation was 1.69 % (HIVAg/Ab), 3.25 % (HCVG), 1.68 % (HBsAg) and 1.95 % (HBCG). The sensitivity and specificity was determined based on results from the mock and patient samples. At S/Co cut-off 1.0 both HIV and HBsAg had a sensitivity of 100 %. A cut-off 0.8 gave a sensitivity of 95.83 % (95 % CI 89.67%-98.85%) for HCVG and 0.3 gave a sensitivity of 98.8 % (CI 93.69%-99.97%) for HBCG. DISCUSSION The alinity i compared well against the architect and can be used to test DBS samples.
Collapse
|
18
|
Pollock KG, McDonald SA, Gunson R, McLeod A, Went A, Goldberg DJ, Hutchinson SJ, Barclay ST. Real-world utility of HCV core antigen as an alternative to HCV RNA testing: Implications for viral load and genotype. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:996-1002. [PMID: 32479681 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Following positive serology, the gold standard confirmatory test of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is detection of HCV RNA by PCR. We assessed the utility of HCV core antigen testing to identify active infection among those positive for anti-HCV antibodies, when introduced to routine testing. We identified serum samples that were tested at a single laboratory in Scotland from June 2011to December 2017. Serum samples testing positive for HCV antibodies (HCV Ab positive) followed by reflex HCV core antigen (Ag) testing during the study period were identified. Those patients for whom a PCR test was requested on the baseline sample were also identified. For this group, the sensitivity and specificity of HCV Ag as a diagnostic tool were assessed using HCV PCR as gold standard. In our cohort of 744 patients, we demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.1% (95% CI 77.1%-86.2%) and a specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 98.6%-100%). Genotype 3 was associated with increased odds of a false-negative result (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.32-9.71), and reduced odds of a false negative were associated with older age (odds ratio (OR)=0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97 per year) and viral load (OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05-0.21 per log10 IU/ml). While the implementation of HCV core antigen testing for diagnosis could lead to significant cost savings in national screening programmes, our data suggest that a significant proportion of HCV-infected individuals may be missed. These findings have implications for HCV diagnosis and determination of viral clearance after treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income regions, where genotype 3 is prevalent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G Pollock
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Scott A McDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University and Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rory Gunson
- Rory Gunson, West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - David J Goldberg
- Rory Gunson, West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Stephen T Barclay
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Catlett B, Bajis S, Starr M, Dore GJ, Hajarizadeh B, Cunningham PH, Applegate TL, Grebely J. Evaluation of the Aptima HCV Quant Dx Assay for Hepatitis C Virus RNA Detection from Fingerstick Capillary Dried Blood Spot and Venepuncture-Collected Samples. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:818-826. [PMID: 32710758 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simplified diagnostic strategies are needed increase hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing to determine active infection and link people into treatment. Collection methods such as dried blood spots (DBS) have advantages over standard phlebotomy, especially within marginalized populations. METHODS We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Aptima HCV Quant assay for the quantification and detection of HCV RNA from paired DBS and venepuncture samples. Specimens were collected from participants enrolled in an Australian observational study. We compared HCV RNA detection from DBS against venepuncture samples (gold standard). RESULTS One hundred sixty-four participants had paired samples and HCV RNA was detected in 45 (27% [95% confidence interval, 21%-35%]) by the Aptima assay in venepuncture samples. Sensitivity of the Aptima assay for HCV RNA quantification from DBS (≥10 IU/mL in plasma) was 100% and specificity was 100%. Sensitivity for HCV RNA detection from DBS was 95.6% and specificity was 94.1%. A small bias in plasma over DBS was observed with good agreement (R2 = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS The Aptima HCV Quant assay detects active infection from DBS samples with acceptable diagnostic performance and is clinically comparable to plasma. These data will strengthen the case for the registration of a DBS kit insert claim, enabling future clinical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Catlett
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,New South Wales State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sahar Bajis
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mitchell Starr
- New South Wales State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Philip H Cunningham
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,New South Wales State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus is a global public health threat, affecting 71 million people worldwide. Increasing recognition of the impact of this epidemic and recent advances in biomedical and technical approaches to hepatitis C prevention and cure have provided impetus for the World Health Organization (WHO) to call for global elimination of hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. This work reviews the feasibility of hepatitis C elimination and pathways to overcome existing and potential future barriers to elimination. Drawing on cost-effectiveness modeling and providing examples of successful implementation efforts across the globe, we highlight the resources and strategies needed to achieve hepatitis C elimination. A timely, multipronged response is required if the 2030 WHO elimination targets are to be achieved. Importantly, achieving hepatitis C elimination will also benefit the community well beyond 2030.
Collapse
|
21
|
Tuaillon E, Kania D, Pisoni A, Bollore K, Taieb F, Ontsira Ngoyi EN, Schaub R, Plantier JC, Makinson A, Van de Perre P. Dried Blood Spot Tests for the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of HIV and Viral Hepatitis B and C. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:373. [PMID: 32210946 PMCID: PMC7075356 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood collected and dried on a paper card – dried blood spot (DBS) – knows a growing interest as a sampling method that can be performed outside care facilities by capillary puncture, and transported in a simple and safe manner by mail. The benefits of this method for blood collection and transport has recently led the World Health Organization to recommend DBS for HIV and hepatitis B and C diagnosis. The clinical utility of DBS sampling to improve diagnostics and care of HIV and hepatitis B and C infection in hard to reach populations, key populations and people living in low-income settings was highlighted. Literature about usefulness of DBS specimens in the therapeutic cascade of care – screening, confirmation, quantification of nucleic acids, and resistance genotyping -, was reviewed. DBS samples are suitable for testing antibodies, antigens, or nucleic acids using most laboratory methods. Good sensibility and specificity have been reported for infant HIV diagnosis and diagnosis of hepatitis B and C. The performance of HIV RNA testing on DBS to identified virological failure on antiretroviral therapy is also high but not optimal because of the dilution of dried blood in the elution buffer, reducing the analytical sensitivity, and because of the contamination by intracellular HIV DNA. Standardized protocols are needed for inter-laboratory comparisons, and manufacturers should pursue regulatory approval for in vitro diagnostics using DBS specimens. Despite these limitations, DBS sampling is a clinically relevant tool to improve access to infectious disease diagnosis worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Tuaillon
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Amandine Pisoni
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Karine Bollore
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabien Taieb
- Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Center for Translational Science, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Esther Nina Ontsira Ngoyi
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Roxane Schaub
- CIC AG/INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, France
| | | | - Alain Makinson
- INSERM U1175/IRD UMI 233, IRD, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Eshetu A, Hauser A, Schmidt D, Bartmeyer B, Bremer V, Obermeier M, Ehret R, Volkwein A, Bock CT, Bannert N. Comparison of two immunoassays for concurrent detection of HCV antigen and antibodies among HIV/HCV co-infected patients in dried serum/plasma spots. J Virol Methods 2020; 279:113839. [PMID: 32087189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2020.113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) assays offer the benefit of reducing the window period compared to assays that detect only HCV-Ab. In this study the performance of the Murex Ag/Ab (Murex, Abbott) and Monolisa Ag/Ab Ultra (Monolisa, Bio-Rad) ELISAs was compared for the use of filter dried serum/plasma spots (DS/PS) with a focus on the sensitivity and the percentage of correct positive test results. Correct positive ELISA results were assumed for samples that subsequently tested positive for HCV RNA by RT-qPCR, or RNA negative samples that tested positive in a Western blot (confirmed ELISA results). Sensitivity was evaluated from DS/PS eluates using HCV seroconversion panels [plasma samples of subtypes-(St) 1a, 2b)] and longitudinal HCV antibody positive serum panels (St 1b, 2b, 3a, and 4d). The proportion of correct positive test results was evaluated using 1102 newly diagnosed HIV positive clinical dried serum spots (DSS) eluates for screening of potential HCV co-infection. For the plasma HCV seroconversion samples, which were used as a reference for DSS eluates, the Murex became reactive earlier for antigen positive bleeds. However, for the HCV antibody positive eluates and dilutions thereof, the Monolisa demonstrated a superior sensitivity. Of the clinical DSS 22.8 % (28/123) of samples reactive in the Murex were negative in a subsequent RT-qPCR and Western blot, while only 1.9 % (2/105) of the samples reactive in the Monolisa were negative in these confirmatory assays. Our results indicate that the Monolisa provides fewer false positive results for HCV detection in DSS, whereas for undiluted plasma or serum samples, the Murex can serve as an additional diagnostic tool to narrow the window period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amare Eshetu
- Division of HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Hauser
- Division of HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Schmidt
- Division of HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Bartmeyer
- Division of HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viviane Bremer
- Division of HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Robert Ehret
- Medizinisches Infektiologiezentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Claus-Thomas Bock
- Division for Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Division of HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kronfli N, Buxton JA, Jennings L, Kouyoumdjian F, Wong A. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) care in Canadian correctional facilities: Where are we and where do we need to be? CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2019; 2:171-183. [PMID: 35992759 PMCID: PMC9202815 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 25% of people in Canadian correctional facilities have been previously exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite being a high-prevalence setting, most Canadian prisons have thus far failed to engage the majority of those with chronic HCV infection in care. Several factors, including the lack of systematic screening programs, lack of on-site and trained health care personnel to improve access to care and treatment during incarceration, and the absence of standardized procedures needed to facilitate linkage to care following release likely contribute to poor engagement along the HCV care cascade for people in prison. HCV screening and engagement in care for people in prison can be improved through the implementation of universal opt-out screening upon admission and consideration of multidisciplinary care models for the provision of care. As well, the dissemination of prison-based needle and syringe programs to avert new HCV infections and re-infections should be considered. To meet the World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 HCV elimination goals, engaging researchers, clinicians and other health care providers, policy makers, correctional officials, and members of community in dialogue will be an essential first step going forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- BC Centre of Disease Control and School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lindsay Jennings
- Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona Kouyoumdjian
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mason LMK, Veldhuijzen IK, Duffell E, van Ahee A, Bunge EM, Amato‐Gauci AJ, Tavoschi L. Hepatitis B and C testing strategies in healthcare and community settings in the EU/EEA: A systematic review. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1431-1453. [PMID: 31332919 PMCID: PMC6899601 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
An estimated 9 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) across the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), many of which are yet to be diagnosed. We performed a systematic review to identify interventions effective at improving testing offer and uptake in the EU/EEA. Original research articles published between 1 January 2008 and 1 September 2017 were retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE. Search strings combined terms for HBV/HCV, intervention, testing and geographic terms (EU/EEA). Out of 8331 records retrieved, 93 studies were selected. Included studies reported on testing initiatives in primary health care (9), hospital (12), other healthcare settings (31) and community settings (41). Testing initiatives targeted population groups such as migrants, drug users, prisoners, pregnant women and the general population. Testing targeted to populations at higher risk yielded high coverage rates in many settings. Implementation of novel testing approaches, including dried blood spot (DBS) testing, was associated with increased coverage in several settings including drug services, pharmacies and STI clinics. Community-based testing services were effective in reaching populations at higher risk for infection, vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. In conclusion, our review identified several successful testing approaches implemented in healthcare and community settings, including testing approaches targeting groups at higher risk, community-based testing services and DBS testing. Combining a diverse set of testing opportunities within national testing strategies may lead to higher impact both in terms of testing coverage and in terms of reduction, on the undiagnosed fraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene K. Veldhuijzen
- The Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the EnvironmentBilthovenThe Netherlands
| | - Erika Duffell
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and ControlStockholmSweden
| | - Ayla van Ahee
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy B.V.RotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Eveline M. Bunge
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy B.V.RotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Lara Tavoschi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and ControlStockholmSweden
- Present address:
University of PisaPisaItaly
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Catlett B, Lamoury FMJ, Bajis S, Hajarizadeh B, Martinez D, Mowat Y, Cunningham PH, Jacka BP, Cloherty GA, Marks P, Dore GJ, Grebely J, Applegate TL. Evaluation of a hepatitis C virus core antigen assay from venepuncture and dried blood spot collected samples: A cohort study. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1423-1430. [PMID: 31448470 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The global scale-up of hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis requires simplified and affordable HCV diagnostic pathways. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the HCV Architect core antigen (HCVcAg) assay for detection of active HCV infection in plasma and capillary whole blood dried blood spots (DBS) compared with HCV RNA testing in plasma (Abbott RealTime HCV Viral Load). Samples were collected from participants in an observational cohort enrolled at three sites in Australia (two-drug treatment and alcohol clinics and one homelessness service). Of 205 participants, 200 had results across all samples and assay types and 186 were included in this analysis (14 participants receiving HCV therapy were excluded). HCV RNA was detected in 29% of participants ([95% CI: 22.6-36.1], 54 of 186). The sensitivity of HCVcAg for detection of active HCV infection in plasma was 98.1% (95% CI: 90-100) and 100% (95% CI: 93-100) when compared to HCV RNA thresholds of ≥12 and ≥1000 IU/mL, respectively. The sensitivity of the HCVcAg assay for detection of active HCV infection in DBS was 90.7% (95% CI: 80-97) and 92.5% (95% CI: 82-98) when compared to HCV RNA thresholds of ≥12 and ≥1000 IU/mL, respectively. The specificity of HCV core antigen for detection of active infection was 100% (95% CI: 97-100) for all samples and RNA thresholds. These data indicate that the detection of HCVcAg is a useful tool for determining active HCV infection; to facilitate enhanced testing, linkage to care and treatment particularly when testing plasma samples are collected by venepuncture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Yasmin Mowat
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip H Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan P Jacka
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre de recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Evaluation of Dried Blood Spot Sampling for Clinical Metabolomics: Effects of Different Papers and Sample Storage Stability. Metabolites 2019; 9:metabo9110277. [PMID: 31726782 PMCID: PMC6918358 DOI: 10.3390/metabo9110277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The dried blood spot (DBS) sampling has a lot of advantages in comparison with the “standard” venous blood collecting, such as small collection volume, painless and easy sample collection with minimal training required, stable and transportable at ambient temperatures, etc. The aim of this study was to determine the comparability of four different types of DBS sampling (HemaSpot™-HF Blood Collection Device, Whatman® 903 Protein Saver Snap Apart Card, card ImmunoHealth™, and glass fiber strip ImmunoHealth™) for analysis of the global metabolites profile. All the samples were collected from the same person at the same time and stored at room temperature for four weeks in order to exclude all possible deviations deriving from biological variances and to evaluate sample storage stability. Metabolome profiling by direct injection of a deproteinized capillary blood DBS sample into an electrospray ion source of a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used. Differences in the metabolomics profile were found between the different DBS collection materials, especially for ImmunoHealth™ card and ImmunoHealth™ glass fiber strip. However, our results indicate that the analytical performance of all tested DBS sampling materials showed consistent results overall detected metabolites and no dramatic changes between them in the metabolic composition during the storage time.
Collapse
|
27
|
Schröeder SE, Pedrana A, Scott N, Wilson D, Kuschel C, Aufegger L, Atun R, Baptista‐Leite R, Butsashvili M, El‐Sayed M, Getahun A, Hamid S, Hammad R, ‘t Hoen E, Hutchinson SJ, Lazarus JV, Lesi O, Li W, Binti Mohamed R, Olafsson S, Peck R, Sohn AH, Sonderup M, Spearman CW, Swan T, Thursz M, Walker T, Hellard M, Howell J. Innovative strategies for the elimination of viral hepatitis at a national level: A country case series. Liver Int 2019; 39:1818-1836. [PMID: 31433902 PMCID: PMC6790606 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but has long been neglected by national and international policymakers. Recent modelling studies suggest that investing in the global elimination of viral hepatitis is feasible and cost-effective. In 2016, all 194 member states of the World Health Organization endorsed the goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, but complex systemic and social realities hamper implementation efforts. This paper presents eight case studies from a diverse range of countries that have invested in responses to viral hepatitis and adopted innovative approaches to tackle their respective epidemics. Based on an investment framework developed to build a global investment case for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030, national activities and key enablers are highlighted that showcase the feasibility and impact of concerted hepatitis responses across a range of settings, with different levels of available resources and infrastructural development. These case studies demonstrate the utility of taking a multipronged, public health approach to: (a) evidence-gathering and planning; (b) implementation; and (c) integration of viral hepatitis services into the Agenda for Sustainable Development. They provide models for planning, investment and implementation strategies for other countries facing similar challenges and resource constraints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia E. Schröeder
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | | | - David Wilson
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | | | - Lisa Aufegger
- Centre for Health PolicyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public HealthHarvard UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | - Ricardo Baptista‐Leite
- Universidade Catolica PortuguesaLisbonPortugal,Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Manal El‐Sayed
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Research CenterAin Shams UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Aneley Getahun
- School of Public Health and Primary CareFiji National UniversitySuvaFiji
| | | | | | - Ellen ‘t Hoen
- Global Health UnitUniversity Medical CentreGroningenthe Netherlands,Medicines Law & PolicyAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Sharon J. Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK,Health Protection ScotlandMeridian CourtGlasgowUK
| | - Jeffrey V. Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)Hospital ClinicUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | | | | | - Sigurdur Olafsson
- Gastroenterology and HepatologyLandspitali University HospitalReykjavikIceland
| | | | | | - Mark Sonderup
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Catherine W. Spearman
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Mark Thursz
- Department of HepatologyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tim Walker
- Department of Gastroenterology and General MedicineCalvary MaterNewcastleNSWAustralia,School of Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleNSWAustralia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia,Hepatitis ServicesDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia,Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,Department of GastroenterologySt Vincent's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia,Department of MedicineUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hickman M, Dillon JF, Elliott L, De Angelis D, Vickerman P, Foster G, Donnan P, Eriksen A, Flowers P, Goldberg D, Hollingworth W, Ijaz S, Liddell D, Mandal S, Martin N, Beer LJZ, Drysdale K, Fraser H, Glass R, Graham L, Gunson RN, Hamilton E, Harris H, Harris M, Harris R, Heinsbroek E, Hope V, Horwood J, Inglis SK, Innes H, Lane A, Meadows J, McAuley A, Metcalfe C, Migchelsen S, Murray A, Myring G, Palmateer NE, Presanis A, Radley A, Ramsay M, Samartsidis P, Simmons R, Sinka K, Vojt G, Ward Z, Whiteley D, Yeung A, Hutchinson SJ. Evaluating the population impact of hepatitis C direct acting antiviral treatment as prevention for people who inject drugs (EPIToPe) - a natural experiment (protocol). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029538. [PMID: 31551376 PMCID: PMC6773339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the second largest contributor to liver disease in the UK, with injecting drug use as the main risk factor among the estimated 200 000 people currently infected. Despite effective prevention interventions, chronic HCV prevalence remains around 40% among people who inject drugs (PWID). New direct-acting antiviral (DAA) HCV therapies combine high cure rates (>90%) and short treatment duration (8 to 12 weeks). Theoretical mathematical modelling evidence suggests HCV treatment scale-up can prevent transmission and substantially reduce HCV prevalence/incidence among PWID. Our primary aim is to generate empirical evidence on the effectiveness of HCV 'Treatment as Prevention' (TasP) in PWID. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We plan to establish a natural experiment with Tayside, Scotland, as a single intervention site where HCV care pathways are being expanded (including specialist drug treatment clinics, needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), pharmacies and prison) and HCV treatment for PWID is being rapidly scaled-up. Other sites in Scotland and England will act as potential controls. Over 2 years from 2017/2018, at least 500 PWID will be treated in Tayside, which simulation studies project will reduce chronic HCV prevalence among PWID by 62% (from 26% to 10%) and HCV incidence will fall by approximately 2/3 (from 4.2 per 100 person-years (p100py) to 1.4 p100py). Treatment response and re-infection rates will be monitored. We will conduct focus groups and interviews with service providers and patients that accept and decline treatment to identify barriers and facilitators in implementing TasP. We will conduct longitudinal interviews with up to 40 PWID to assess whether successful HCV treatment alters their perspectives on and engagement with drug treatment and recovery. Trained peer researchers will be involved in data collection and dissemination. The primary outcome - chronic HCV prevalence in PWID - is measured using information from the Needle Exchange Surveillance Initiative survey in Scotland and the Unlinked Anonymous Monitoring Programme in England, conducted at least four times before and three times during and after the intervention. We will adapt Bayesian synthetic control methods (specifically the Causal Impact Method) to generate the cumulative impact of the intervention on chronic HCV prevalence and incidence. We will use a dynamic HCV transmission and economic model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the HCV TasP intervention, and to estimate the contribution of the scale-up in HCV treatment to observe changes in HCV prevalence. Through the qualitative data we will systematically explore key mechanisms of TasP real world implementation from provider and patient perspectives to develop a manual for scaling up HCV treatment in other settings. We will compare qualitative accounts of drug treatment and recovery with a 'virtual cohort' of PWID linking information on HCV treatment with Scottish Drug treatment databases to test whether DAA treatment improves drug treatment outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Extending HCV community care pathways is covered by ethics (ERADICATE C, ISRCTN27564683, Super DOT C Trial clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02706223). Ethical approval for extra data collection from patients including health utilities and qualitative interviews has been granted (REC ref: 18/ES/0128) and ISCRCTN registration has been completed (ISRCTN72038467). Our findings will have direct National Health Service and patient relevance; informing prioritisation given to early HCV treatment for PWID. We will present findings to practitioners and policymakers, and support design of an evaluation of HCV TasP in England.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Daniela De Angelis
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Graham Foster
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter Donnan
- Dundee Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | - David Goldberg
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Samreen Ijaz
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Sema Mandal
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Natasha Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, UK
| | - Lewis J Z Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, Tayside Medical Science Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kate Drysdale
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Glass
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Rory N Gunson
- West Of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Board, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Helen Harris
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Ross Harris
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Vivian Hope
- Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Karen Inglis
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, Tayside Medical Science Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hamish Innes
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Athene Lane
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jade Meadows
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew McAuley
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Gareth Myring
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Norah E Palmateer
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anne Presanis
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Mary Ramsay
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Pantelis Samartsidis
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruth Simmons
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Katy Sinka
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Alan Yeung
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Introduction: The improvement of number of people diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial to reach the WHO objectives for eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Alternatives to classical HCV virological tests using serum or plasma taken from venous puncture including point-of-care (POC) tests and dried blood spot (DBS) are being considered for HCV screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Reflex nucleic acid testing and HCV core antigen test have the potential to simplify diagnostic algorithm, increase diagnosis and facilitate linkage to care. Areas covered: This review examines strategies for the improvement of HCV testing and diagnosis including alternatives to classical HCV virological tests and approaches for simplified diagnostic algorithms. Expert opinion: Serological and molecular POC tests are now available for HCV antibody and HCV RNA detections in less than 20 and 60, respectively. DBS offers the main advantage to store desiccated blood that can be easily transported to reference centers where state-of-the-art molecular and serological diagnostic tests are used. Simplifications of diagnostic algorithms are urgently needed to enhance HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Chevaliez
- a National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and delta, Department of Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor , Université Paris-Est , Créteil , France.,b INSERM U955 , Créteil , France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Catlett B, Carrera A, Starr M, Applegate TL, Lowe P, Grebely J, Philip Cunningham H. Performance evaluation of the Hologic Aptima HCV Quant Dx assay for detection of HCV RNA from dried blood spots. J Clin Virol 2019; 112:40-44. [PMID: 30776575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of effective direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has led to a need for simplified diagnostic pathways. Barriers to treatment uptake, specifically in people who inject drugs and in remote and resource limited settings, may be overcome by utilizing novel collection methods, such as dried blood spots (DBS). However, there are currently no registered assays for HCV RNA testing from DBS samples. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Aptima HCV Dx Quant assay for HCV RNA detection in DBS samples STUDY DESIGN: 107 paired venepuncture and DBS samples from HCV antibody positive individuals were analyzed for HCV RNA on the Aptima HCV Dx Quant and Roche CAP/CTM (gold standard) HCV assays. RESULTS 78% (n=83) had detectable HCV RNA in plasma. Sensitivity of the Aptima assay for HCV RNA detection in DBS was 96.4% (95% CI 89.8-99.3%) and specificity was 95.8% (95% CI 78.8-99.9%). Sensitivity for HCV RNA detection in DBS using a quantitative threshold of ≥15 IU/mL in plasma was 95.1% (95% CI 88%-98.7%) and specificity was 96.0% (95% CI 79.7%-99.9%). The sensitivity of HCV RNA detection in DBS using a quantitative threshold of ≥1000 IU/mL (based on a clinically relevant threshold) was 100% (95% CI 95.3-100%) and specificity was 100% (95% CI 88.4-100%). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicates that the Aptima HCV Dx Quant can detect active HCV infection from a DBS sample with good sensitivity and specificity, particularly when using a threshold of ≥1000 IU/mL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Catlett
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia; The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Alex Carrera
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mitchell Starr
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Lowe
- Hologic Australia, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H Philip Cunningham
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
McLeod A, Weir A, Hutchinson SJ, Goldberg DJ. Hepatitis C test uptake among historic blood transfusion recipients following media coverage of the Penrose Inquiry and an awareness-raising campaign. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:93-100. [PMID: 30315681 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The final report of the Penrose Inquiry into historic transmission of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) through blood transfusion/products in Scotland was published in March 2015 and recommended "everyone who had received a blood transfusion prior to 1991 and who had not had a test for HCV should be offered one." A targeted awareness-raising campaign to encourage such individuals to be tested was launched in October 2016. We examined HCV testing undertaken in 2015-2016 in three NHS boards in Scotland to evaluate impact of these events. Statistical process control was used to monitor trends in individuals tested and those mentioning transfusion. HCV positivity was calculated and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with mention of transfusion. A total of 22 842 individuals received an HCV test in 2015-2016 and 3% of those with clinical information mentioned transfusion. The total number of HCV tests was significantly higher in the week following the Penrose Report and the number mentioning transfusion was significantly higher for three weeks. There was no significant increase following the awareness-raising campaign. Women and those aged over 50 years were the most likely to have mentioned transfusion. Overall HCV positivity was 3.7% and <1% for the transfusion group. The impact of both intense media coverage and the government-funded awareness-raising campaigns in terms of HCV test uptake was modest and short-lived. Our findings highlight the challenges of case-finding for HCV and the limited impact of awareness-raising. This can be used by other countries aiming to identify those infected through historic blood transfusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - David J Goldberg
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Shepherd SJ, Baxter RE, Gunson RN. Evaluation of the Abbott m2000 system for dried blood spot detection of hepatitis C virus RNA. J Clin Virol 2018; 110:7-10. [PMID: 30496947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus RNA testing using dried blood spots (DBS) offers a method for detecting ongoing HCV infection in "hard to reach" populations. Abbott Molecular have developed a quantitative HCV RNA DBS protocol (currently for research use only) for extraction and real-time PCR amplification using them2000sp and m2000rt system. METHODS A panel of seventy "mock" DBS were made from patient whole blood; who were known to be either HCV RNA negative or positive. This panel compared the "mock" DBS and the plasma viral load results. A further dilution panel of "mock" DBS made from one HCV positive patient was used to estimate the detection limit of the assay. Abbott was then compared with an in-house real-time Taqman PCR using patient DBS samples. RESULTS All "mock" DBS samples with a viral load >1000IU/ml were detected by Abbott, with only 1/8 detected at <1000 IU/ml. The dilution panel suggested the limit of detection to be between 178 to 1779 IU/ml. There were two false positive samples detected at low level <282 IU/ml, both samples were from patients who had been previously positive. The overall sensitivity of the Abbott RUO DBS protocol when compared to plasma was 86% (95 CI 73.76%-74.18%) increasing to 100% (CI 91.59%-100%) when the viral load was >1000IU/ml. Abbott compared well with the in-house assay with sensitivity of 97.5% (95% CI 86.84%-99.94%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI 91.19%-100%). CONCLUSIONS The Abbott system is an automated platform which can be used for DBS HCV RNA extraction and amplification. The preliminary data presented here showed a high sensitivity and specificity for DBS with viral loads greater than 1000IU/ml and compared well with a published in-house method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Shepherd
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Level 5 New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, United Kingdom.
| | - Rachel E Baxter
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom
| | - Rory N Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Level 5 New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lamoury FM, Hajarizadeh B, Soker A, Martinez D, Quek C, Cunningham P, Catlett B, Cloherty G, Marks P, Amin J, Grebely J, Dore GJ, Applegate TL. Evaluation of a Hepatitis C Virus Core Antigen Assay in Plasma and Dried Blood Spot Samples. J Mol Diagn 2018; 20:621-627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
|
34
|
Alavi M, Janjua NZ, Chong M, Grebely J, Aspinall EJ, Innes H, Valerio H, Hajarizadeh B, Hayes PC, Krajden M, Amin J, Law MG, George J, Goldberg DJ, Hutchinson SJ, Dore GJ. Trends in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and survival among people with hepatitis C: An international study. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:473-481. [PMID: 29194861 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence and survival in three settings, prior to introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies. HCV notifications from British Columbia (BC), Canada; New South Wales (NSW), Australia; and Scotland (1995-2011/2012/2013, respectively) were linked to HCC diagnosis data via hospital admissions (2001-2012/2013/2014, respectively) and mortality (1995-2013/2014/2015, respectively). Age-standardized HCC incidence rates were evaluated, associated factors were assessed using Cox regression, and median survival time after HCC diagnosis was calculated. Among 58 487, 84 529 and 31 924 people with HCV in BC, NSW and Scotland, 734 (1.3%), 1045 (1.2%) and 345 (1.1%) had an HCC diagnosis. Since mid-2000s, HCC diagnosis numbers increased in all jurisdictions. Age-standardized HCC incidence rates remained stable in BC and Scotland and increased in NSW. The strongest predictor of HCC diagnosis was older age [birth <1945, aHR in BC 5.74, 95% CI 4.84, 6.82; NSW 9.26, 95% CI 7.93, 10.82; Scotland 12.55, 95% CI 9.19, 17.15]. Median survival after HCC diagnosis remained stable in BC (0.8 years in 2001-2006 and 2007-2011) and NSW (0.9 years in 2001-2006 and 2007-2013) and improved in Scotland (0.7 years in 2001-2006 to 1.5 years in 2007-2014). Across the settings, HCC burden increased, individual-level risk of HCC remained stable or increased, and HCC survival remained extremely low. These findings highlight the minimal impact of HCC prevention and management strategies during the interferon-based HCV treatment era and form the basis for evaluating the impact of DAA therapy in the coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - N Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Chong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - E J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - B Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P C Hayes
- Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M G Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - G J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kronfli N, Linthwaite B, Kouyoumdjian F, Klein MB, Lebouché B, Sebastiani G, Cox J. Interventions to increase testing, linkage to care and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people in prisons: A systematic review. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 57:95-103. [PMID: 29715590 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the burden of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is significantly higher among people in prisons compared to the general population, testing and treatment uptake remain suboptimal. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to increase HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment uptake among people in prisons. METHODS We searched Medline (Ovid 1996-present), Embase (Ovid 1996-present), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for English language articles published between January 2007 and November 2017. Studies evaluating interventions to enhance HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment uptake for people in prison were included. Two independent reviewers evaluated articles selected for full-text review. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. RESULTS A total of 475 unique articles were identified, 29 were eligible for full text review, and six studies were included. All but one study was conducted in the pre-direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era; no studies were conducted in low- or middle-income countries. Of the six studies, all but one focused on testing. Only two were randomised controlled trials; the remaining were single arm studies. Interventions to enhance HCV testing in prison settings included combination risk-based and birth-cohort screening strategies, on-site nurse-led opt-in screening clinics with pre-test counselling and education, and systematic dried blood spot testing. All interventions increased HCV testing, but risk of study bias was high in all studies. Interventions to enhance linkage to care included facilitated referral for HCV assessment and scheduling of specialist appointments; however, risk of study bias was critical. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of recent data on interventions to improve the HCV care cascade in people in prisons. With the introduction of short-course, well-tolerated DAAs, rigorous controlled studies evaluating interventions to improve testing, linkage and treatment uptake for people in prison are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Blake Linthwaite
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fiona Kouyoumdjian
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
The contribution of alcohol use disorder to decompensated cirrhosis among people with hepatitis C: An international study. J Hepatol 2018; 68:393-401. [PMID: 29107152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has led to ambitious targets for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. However, in the context of alcohol use disorder the ability of DAAs to achieve these targets may be compromised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of alcohol use disorder to HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis in three settings. METHODS HCV notifications from British Columbia, Canada; New South Wales, Australia, and Scotland (1995-2011/2012/2013, respectively) were linked to hospital admissions (2001-2012/2013/2014, respectively). Alcohol use disorder was defined as non-liver-related hospitalisation due to alcohol use. Age-standardised decompensated cirrhosis incidence rates were plotted, associated factors were assessed using Cox regression, and alcohol use disorder-associated population attributable fractions (PAFs) were computed. RESULTS Among 58,487, 84,529, and 31,924 people with HCV in British Columbia, New South Wales, and Scotland, 2,689 (4.6%), 3,169 (3.7%), and 1,375 (4.3%) had a decompensated cirrhosis diagnosis, and 28%, 32%, and 50% of those with decompensated cirrhosis had an alcohol use disorder, respectively. Age-standardised decompensated cirrhosis incidence rates were considerably higher in people with alcohol use disorder in New South Wales and Scotland. Decompensated cirrhosis was independently associated with alcohol use disorder in British Columbia (aHR 1.92; 95% CI 1.76-2.10), New South Wales (aHR 3.68; 95% CI 3.38-4.00) and Scotland (aHR 3.88; 95% CI 3.42-4.40). The PAFs of decompensated cirrhosis-related to alcohol use disorder were 13%, 25%, and 40% in British Columbia, New South Wales and Scotland, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use disorder was a major contributor to HCV liver disease burden in all settings, more distinctly in Scotland. The extent to which alcohol use would compromise the individual and population-level benefits of DAA therapy needs to be closely monitored. Countries, where appropriate, must develop strategies combining promotion of DAA treatment uptake with management of alcohol use disorders, if World Health Organization 2030 HCV mortality reduction targets are going to be achieved. LAY SUMMARY The burden of liver disease has been rising among people with hepatitis C globally. The recent introduction of highly effective medicines against hepatitis C (called direct-acting antivirals or DAAs) has brought renewed optimism to the sector. DAA scale-up could eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat in the coming decades. However, our findings show heavy alcohol use is a major risk factor for liver disease among people with hepatitis C. If continued, heavy alcohol use could compromise the benefits of new antiviral treatments at the individual- and population-level. To tackle hepatitis C as a public health threat, where needed, DAA therapy should be combined with management of heavy alcohol use.
Collapse
|
37
|
Ishizaki A, Bouscaillou J, Luhmann N, Liu S, Chua R, Walsh N, Hess S, Ivanova E, Roberts T, Easterbrook P. Survey of programmatic experiences and challenges in delivery of hepatitis B and C testing in low- and middle-income countries. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:696. [PMID: 29143609 PMCID: PMC5688462 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2767-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There have been few reports on programmatic experience of viral hepatitis testing and treatment in resource-limited settings. To inform the development of the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) viral hepatitis testing guidance and in particular the feasibility of proposed recommendations, we undertook a survey across a range of organisations engaged with hepatitis testing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our objective was to describe current hepatitis B and C testing practices across a range of settings in different countries, as well as key barriers or challenges encountered and proposed solutions to promote testing scale-up. Methods Hepatitis testing programmes in predominantly LMICs were identified from the WHO Global Hepatitis Programme contacts database and through WHO regional offices, and invited to participate. The survey comprised a six-part structured questionnaire: general programme information, description of hepatitis testing, treatment and care services, budget and funding, data on programme outcomes, and perceptions on key barriers encountered and strategies to address these. Results We interviewed 22 viral hepatitis testing programmes from 19 different countries. Nine were from the African region; 6 from the Western Pacific; 4 from South-East Asia; and 3 from Eastern Europe. All but four of the programmes were based in LMICs, and 10 (45.5%) were supported by non-governmental or international organizations. All but two programmes undertook targeted testing of specific affected populations such as people living with HIV, people who inject drugs, sex workers, health care workers, and pregnant women. Only two programmes focussed on routine testing in the general population. The majority of programmes were testing in hospital-based or other health facilities, particularly HIV clinics, and community-based testing was limited. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) for confirmation of HCV and HBV viraemia was available in only 30% and 18% of programmes, respectively. Around a third of programmes required some patient co-payment for diagnosis. The most commonly identified challenges in scale-up of hepatitis testing were: limited community awareness about viral hepatitis; lack of facilities or services for hepatitis testing; no access to low cost treatment, particularly for HCV; absence of national guidance and policies; no dedicated budget for hepatitis; and lack of trained health care and laboratory workers. Conclusions At this early stage in the global scale-up of testing for viral hepatitis, there is a wide variation in testing practices and approaches across different programmes. There remains limited access to NAT to confirm viraemia, and patient self-payment for testing and treatment is common. There was consensus from implementing organizations that scale-up of testing will require increased community awareness, health care worker training, development of national strategies and guidelines, and improved access to low cost NAT virological testing. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-017-2767-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azumi Ishizaki
- Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, 27, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Niklas Luhmann
- Médecins du Monde, 62 rue Marcadet, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Liu
- World Health Organization, Regional Office of the Western Pacific, United Nations Avenue, 1000, Manila, Philippines
| | - Raissa Chua
- World Health Organization, Regional Office of the Western Pacific, United Nations Avenue, 1000, Manila, Philippines
| | - Nick Walsh
- World Health Organization, Regional Office of the Western Pacific, United Nations Avenue, 1000, Manila, Philippines
| | - Sarah Hess
- Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, 27, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Campus Biotech, Building B2, Level 0, 9 Chemin des Mines, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Teri Roberts
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Campus Biotech, Building B2, Level 0, 9 Chemin des Mines, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, 27, Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lange B, Cohn J, Roberts T, Camp J, Chauffour J, Gummadi N, Ishizaki A, Nagarathnam A, Tuaillon E, van de Perre P, Pichler C, Easterbrook P, Denkinger CM. Diagnostic accuracy of serological diagnosis of hepatitis C and B using dried blood spot samples (DBS): two systematic reviews and meta-analyses. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:700. [PMID: 29143672 PMCID: PMC5688450 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2777-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dried blood spots (DBS) are a convenient tool to enable diagnostic testing for viral diseases due to transport, handling and logistical advantages over conventional venous blood sampling. A better understanding of the performance of serological testing for hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) from DBS is important to enable more widespread use of this sampling approach in resource limited settings, and to inform the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on testing for HBV/HCV. METHODS We conducted two systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) from DBS samples compared to venous blood samples. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health and Cochrane library were searched for studies that assessed diagnostic accuracy with DBS and agreement between DBS and venous sampling. Heterogeneity of results was assessed and where possible a pooled analysis of sensitivity and specificity was performed using a bivariate analysis with maximum likelihood estimate and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). We conducted a narrative review on the impact of varying storage conditions or limits of detection in subsets of samples. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS For the diagnostic accuracy of HBsAg from DBS compared to venous blood, 19 studies were included in a quantitative meta-analysis, and 23 in a narrative review. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 98% (95%CI:95%-99%) and 100% (95%CI:99-100%), respectively. For the diagnostic accuracy of HCV-Ab from DBS, 19 studies were included in a pooled quantitative meta-analysis, and 23 studies were included in a narrative review. Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 98% (CI95%:95-99) and 99% (CI95%:98-100), respectively. Overall quality of studies and heterogeneity were rated as moderate in both systematic reviews. CONCLUSION HCV-Ab and HBsAg testing using DBS compared to venous blood sampling was associated with excellent diagnostic accuracy. However, generalizability is limited as no uniform protocol was applied and most studies did not use fresh samples. Future studies on diagnostic accuracy should include an assessment of impact of environmental conditions common in low resource field settings. Manufacturers also need to formally validate their assays for DBS for use with their commercial assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berit Lange
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany, Freiburg, Germany. .,Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Jennifer Cohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania, PA, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Johannes Camp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Nina Gummadi
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Azumi Ishizaki
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Edouard Tuaillon
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections UMR 1058 INSERM/Université Montpellier/Etablissement Français du Sang, INSERM, 34394, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Montpellier, Département de bactériologie-virologie, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections UMR 1058 INSERM/Université Montpellier/Etablissement Français du Sang, INSERM, 34394, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Montpellier, Département de bactériologie-virologie, Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Pichler
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Grebely J, Hajarizadeh B, Dore GJ. Direct-acting antiviral agents for HCV infection affecting people who inject drugs. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 14:641-651. [PMID: 28831184 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Globally, 12 million people are estimated to have injected drugs in the past year, 50% of whom have chronic HCV infection, with people who have previously injected drugs presenting an additional large reservoir of infection. The availability of simple and tolerable interferon-free direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV infection, which have a cure rate of >95% represents one of the most exciting advances in clinical medicine in the past few decades. Adherence and response to DAA therapy among people who inject drugs (PWID) receiving opioid substitution therapy (OST) in clinical trials are comparable to populations without a history of injecting drugs. Further data are required among current PWID not receiving OST. Given the potential prevention benefits of treatment, DAAs have enhanced cost-effectiveness among PWID. As HCV therapy is expanded to populations of PWID with high-risk behaviours for re-exposure, acknowledgement that HCV reinfection will occur is crucial, and appropriate strategies must be in place to maximize prevention of reinfection and offer retreatment for reinfection. This Review will also discuss essential components for broadening access to HCV care for PWID as we strive for the global elimination of HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
McLeod A, Cullen BL, Hutchinson SJ, Roy KM, Dillon JF, Stewart EA, Goldberg DJ. Limited impact of awareness-raising campaigns on hepatitis C testing practices among general practitioners. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:944-954. [PMID: 28502088 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The global hepatitis strategy calls for increased effort to diagnose those infected, with a target of 90% diagnosed by 2030. Scotland's Action Plan on Hepatitis C included awareness-raising campaigns, undertaken during 2008-2011, to promote testing by general practitioners. We examined hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing practice among general practitioners before and following these campaigns. Scottish general practitioners were surveyed, using Dillman's method, in 2007 and 2013; response rates were 69% and 60%, respectively. Most respondents offer testing when presented with a risk history (86% in 2007, 88% in 2013) but only one-fifth actively sought out risk factors (19% in 2007, 21% in 2013). Testing was reportedly always/almost always/usually offered to people who inject drugs (84% in 2007, 87% in 2013). Significant improvements in the offer of testing were reported in patients with abnormal LFTs (41% in 2007, 65% in 2013, P<.001) and who had received medical/dental treatment in high prevalence countries (14% in 2007, 24% in 2013, P=.001). In 2013, 25% of respondents had undertaken HCV-related continued professional development. This group was significantly more likely to actively seek out risk factors (P=.009) but only significantly more likely to offer a test to patients who had received medical/dental treatment in high prevalence countries (P=.001). Our findings suggest that government-led awareness raising campaigns have limited impact on general practitioners' testing practices. If the majority of the HCV-infected population are to be diagnosed, practitioner-based or physician-centred interventions should be considered alongside educational initiatives targeted at professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A McLeod
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - S J Hutchinson
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - K M Roy
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- NHS Tayside and Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - E A Stewart
- Department of Public Health, NHS Lothian and Bonnyrigg Health Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Butler K, Day C, Sutherland R, van Buskirk J, Breen C, Burns L, Larney S. Hepatitis C testing in general practice settings: A cross-sectional study of people who inject drugs in Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:102-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
42
|
Grebely J, Bruneau J, Lazarus JV, Dalgard O, Bruggmann P, Treloar C, Hickman M, Hellard M, Roberts T, Crooks L, Midgard H, Larney S, Degenhardt L, Alho H, Byrne J, Dillon JF, Feld JJ, Foster G, Goldberg D, Lloyd AR, Reimer J, Robaeys G, Torrens M, Wright N, Maremmani I, Norton BL, Litwin AH, Dore GJ. Research priorities to achieve universal access to hepatitis C prevention, management and direct-acting antiviral treatment among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:51-60. [PMID: 28683982 PMCID: PMC6049820 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Globally, it is estimated that 71.1 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including an estimated 7.5 million people who have recently injected drugs (PWID). There is an additional large, but unquantified, burden among those PWID who have ceased injecting. The incidence of HCV infection among current PWID also remains high in many settings. Morbidity and mortality due to liver disease among PWID with HCV infection continues to increase, despite the advent of well-tolerated, simple interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) HCV regimens with cure rates >95%. As a result of this important clinical breakthrough, there is potential to reverse the rising burden of advanced liver disease with increased treatment and strive for HCV elimination among PWID. Unfortunately, there are many gaps in knowledge that represent barriers to effective prevention and management of HCV among PWID. The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney and the International Network on Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) established an expert round table panel to assess current research gaps and establish future research priorities for the prevention and management of HCV among PWID. This round table consisted of a one-day workshop held on 6 September, 2016, in Oslo, Norway, prior to the International Symposium on Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU 2016). International experts in drug and alcohol, infectious diseases, and hepatology were brought together to discuss the available scientific evidence, gaps in research, and develop research priorities. Topics for discussion included the epidemiology of injecting drug use, HCV, and HIV among PWID, HCV prevention, HCV testing, linkage to HCV care and treatment, DAA treatment for HCV infection, and reinfection following successful treatment. This paper highlights the outcomes of the roundtable discussion focused on future research priorities for enhancing HCV prevention, testing, linkage to care and DAA treatment for PWID as we strive for global elimination of HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Julie Bruneau
- CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada; Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Levinia Crooks
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Håvard Midgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannu Alho
- University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jude Byrne
- Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League, Canberra, Australia
| | - John F Dillon
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Graham Foster
- The Liver Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jens Reimer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium; Department of Hepatology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Marta Torrens
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry & Addictions-Hospital del Mar, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Grebely J, Lamoury FMJ, Hajarizadeh B, Mowat Y, Marshall AD, Bajis S, Marks P, Amin J, Smith J, Edwards M, Gorton C, Ezard N, Persing D, Kleman M, Cunningham P, Catlett B, Dore GJ, Applegate TL. Evaluation of the Xpert HCV Viral Load point-of-care assay from venepuncture-collected and finger-stick capillary whole-blood samples: a cohort study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:514-520. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(17)30075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
44
|
Marins EG, Bodinaidu K, Lin M, Deforest A. Evaluation of the COBAS ® AmpliPrep/COBAS ® TaqMan ® HCV Test v2.0 for HCV viral load monitoring using dried blood spot specimens. J Virol Methods 2017; 247:77-80. [PMID: 28576449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the use of dried blood spot (DBS) for HCV viral load quantification using the COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® Taqman® HCV Quantitative Test v2.0 (CAP/CTM HCV v2), and compared two different procedures for preparation of DBS samples with a Specimen Pre-Extraction (SPEX) reagent (either heated [SPEX with SH] for 10min at 56°C on a thermomixer, or incubated for 1h at room temperature [SPEX at RT]) against the standard plasma input. Whole blood specimens from 48 patients with chronic HCV infection and Whatman® 903 Protein Saver Cards were used to prepare 35μL DBS. An aliquot of plasma was spun and frozen from each draw. Mean DBS viral load results were compared to the corresponding results from plasma. Correlation between DBS to plasma was linear for both SPEX with SH (R2=0.96) and SPEX at RT (R2=0.97) procedures, with a constant negative offset of approximately 2.0log10IU/mL between whole blood DBS without any adjustments and plasma results. After volume corrections, the mean offset to plasma decreased to -0.39 and -0.36 for the two procedures, respectively. The study demonstrated the use of DBS for HCV viral load correlates well with plasma with a constant offset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ed G Marins
- Roche Molecular Systems, 4300 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States.
| | - Keerthi Bodinaidu
- Roche Molecular Systems, 4300 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
| | - Matthew Lin
- Roche Molecular Systems, 4300 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
| | - Alison Deforest
- Roche Molecular Systems, 4300 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
OP44 Cost-Effectiveness Of Hepatitis C Virus Screening In Swiss Prisons Using Rapid Tests. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2017. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266462317001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:This study explored the cost-effectiveness of expanding Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening and subsequent treatment in Swiss custodial settings, given the availability of rapid antibody saliva tests (Oraquick®) and dried blood spot tests (semi-quantitative viremia and viral genotype), and recent therapeutic advances which have higher cure rates and shorter treatment courses (1).METHODS:A comprehensive strategy offering screening to all detainees was compared to the current setup of screening high-risk individuals (for example, from endemic countries, active or former injecting drug users). A decision tree simulated the diagnosis pathway, and results from a Markov model were included to predict treatment effects and natural progression over a lifetime time-horizon. Input data were derived from clinical studies, literature reviews, custodial health services and expert opinion (2). The net monetary benefit (NMB) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of comprehensive compared to current screening were calculated. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to explore parameter uncertainty and whether variations informed by expert opinion changed the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive screening.RESULTS:At a willingness-to-pay threshold of CHF100,000 (USD99,500) per Quality-Adjusted Life-Year (QALY), comprehensive screening had an 83 percent probability of being cost-effective, with a corresponding NMB of CHF33,451,972 (USD33,284,712) and ICER of CHF7,168/QALY (USD7,132/QALY). Results were most sensitive to the QALYs gained from the treatment model (both treatment and no treatment arms), respective HCV prevalence in the current and comprehensive screening populations, treatment initiation rates, and screening offer acceptance rates. Compared to the current practice of screening high-risk individuals, comprehensive screening is likely to be cost-effective due to the increase in testing rates, which were conservatively estimated in this study. Furthermore, comprehensive HCV screening of prisoners may prove more cost-effective in countries where prisoners are not routinely screened.CONCLUSIONS:Comprehensive screening programs could be considered in prison units with a large proportion of high-risk individuals and where detainees are incarcerated for enough time to complete a treatment course during their sentence.
Collapse
|
46
|
Alavi M, Law MG, Grebely J, Amin J, Hajarizadeh B, George J, Dore GJ. Time to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma after an HBV or HCV notification: A population-based study. J Hepatol 2016; 65:879-887. [PMID: 27401548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Delayed hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis may increase risk of advanced liver disease complications, including decompensated cirrhosis (DC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to characterise "late hepatitis notification" among people with an HBV/HCV notification and advanced liver disease in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS HBV/HCV notifications 1995-2012 were linked to cancer registry and hospital admissions. Late hepatitis notification was defined by a notification after, at the time, or within two years before DC/HCC diagnosis. RESULTS HBV and HCV cohorts comprised 50,958 and 79,727 individuals, respectively. Among people with DC (n=3869), late HBV notification declined from 64% (88/138) during 2001-2002 to 31% (46/149) in 2011-2012 (p<0.001), and late HCV notification declined from 52% (179/341) during 2001-2002 to 22% (134/605) in 2011-2012 (p<0.001). Among people with HCC (n=1656), late HBV notification declined from 68% (59/87) during 2001-2002 to 29% (37/128) in 2011-2012 (p<0.001), and late HCV notification declined from 51% (40/79) during 2001-2002 to 17% (49/288) in 2011-2012 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite significant declines in late hepatitis notification since early 2000s, efforts to enhance hepatitis screening, particularly for HBV, are required. Late hepatitis notification as described in this study could be used as a measure of population-level HBV/HCV screening. LAY SUMMARY Delayed hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis may increase the risk of advanced liver disease complications, including decompensated cirrhosis (DC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to characterise "late hepatitis notification" among people with an HBV or HCV notification in New South Wales, Australia. Late hepatitis notifications have significantly declined since early 2000s; however, efforts to enhance hepatitis screening, particularly for HBV, are required. Late hepatitis notification as described in this study could be used as a measure of population-level HBV/HCV screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Matthew G Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Easterbrook PJ. Who to test and how to test for chronic hepatitis C infection - 2016 WHO testing guidance for low- and middle-income countries. J Hepatol 2016; 65:S46-S66. [PMID: 27641988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Testing and diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the gateway for access to both treatment and prevention services, and crucial for an effective hepatitis epidemic response. In contrast to HIV, a systematic approach to hepatitis C testing has been fragmented and limited to a few countries, and there remains a large burden of undiagnosed cases globally. Key challenges in the current hepatitis testing response, include lack of simple, reliable, and low cost diagnostic tests, laboratory capacity, and testing facilities; inadequate data to guide country-specific hepatitis testing approaches and who to test; stigmatization and social marginalization of some groups with or at risk of viral hepatitis; and lack of international or national guidelines on hepatitis testing for resource-limited settings. New tools to support the hepatitis global response include the 2016 Global Hepatitis Health Sector Strategy which include targets for testing and diagnosis, and World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 hepatitis testing guidelines for adults, adolescents, and children in low- and middle-income countries. The testing guidance complements recent published WHO guidance on the prevention, care and treatment of chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection. These testing guidelines outline the public health approach to strengthening and expanding current testing practices for HCV and HBV and address what serological and virological assays to use, and who to test, as well as interventions to promote linkage to prevention and care after testing. They are intended for use across all age groups and populations. See boxes for key recommendations. Future directions and innovations in viral hepatitis testing include use of point-of-care assays for nucleic acid testing (NAT) and core antigen; validation of dried blood spots specimens with different commercial serological and NAT assays; multiplex and polyvalent platforms for integrated testing of HIV, HBV and HCV; and potential for self-testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippa J Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | -
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Weir A, McLeod A, Innes H, Valerio H, Aspinall EJ, Goldberg DJ, Barclay ST, Dillon JF, Fox R, Fraser A, Hayes PC, Kennedy N, Mills PR, Stanley AJ, Aitken C, Gunson R, Templeton K, Hunt A, McIntyre P, Hutchinson SJ. Hepatitis C reinfection following treatment induced viral clearance among people who have injected drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 165:53-60. [PMID: 27268294 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although people who inject drugs (PWID) are an important group to receive Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antiviral therapy, initiation onto treatment remains low. Concerns over reinfection may make clinicians reluctant to treat this group. We examined the risk of HCV reinfection among a cohort of PWID (encompassing all those reporting a history of injecting drug use) from Scotland who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS Clinical and laboratory data were used to monitor RNA testing among PWID who attained SVR following therapy between 2000 and 2009. Data were linked to morbidity and mortality records. Follow-up began one year after completion of therapy, ending on 31st December, 2012. Frequency of RNA testing during follow-up was calculated and the incidence of HCV reinfection estimated. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine factors associated with HCV reinfection. RESULTS Among 448 PWID with a SVR, 277 (61.8%) were tested during follow-up, median 4.5 years; 191 (69%) received one RNA test and 86 (31%) received at least two RNA tests. There were seven reinfections over 410 person years generating a reinfection rate of 1.7/100py (95% CI 0.7-3.5). For PWID who have been hospitalised for an opiate or injection related cause post SVR (11%), the risk of HCV reinfection was greater [AHR=12.9, 95% CI 2.2-76.0, p=0.002] and the reinfection rate was 5.7/100py (95% CI 1.8-13.3). CONCLUSION PWID who have been tested, following SVR, for HCV in Scotland appear to be at a low risk of reinfection. Follow-up and monitoring of this population are warranted as treatment is offered more widely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Weir
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | - Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Esther J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - David J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | - Ray Fox
- Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Celia Aitken
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rory Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Kate Templeton
- East of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Edinburgh, UK.
| | | | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Innes H, Goldberg D, Dillon J, Hutchinson SJ. Strategies for the treatment of Hepatitis C in an era of interferon-free therapies: what public health outcomes do we value most? Gut 2015; 64:1800-9. [PMID: 25378522 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-308166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The expense of new therapies for HCV infection may force health systems to prioritise the treatment of certain patient groups over others. Our objective was to forecast the population impact of possible prioritisation strategies for the resource-rich setting of Scotland. DESIGN We created a dynamic Markov simulation model to reflect the HCV-infected population in Scotland. We determined trends in key outcomes (e.g., incident cases of chronic infection and severe liver morbidity (SLM)) until the year 2030, according to treatment strategies involving prioritising, either: (A) persons with moderate/advanced fibrosis or (B) persons who inject drugs (PWID). RESULTS Continuing to treat the same number of patients with the same characteristics will give rise to a fall in incident infection (from 600 cases in 2015 to 440 in 2030) and a fall in SLM (from 195 cases in 2015 to 145 in 2030). Doubling treatment-uptake and prioritising PWID will reduce incident infection to negligible levels (<50 cases per year) by 2025, while SLM will stabilise (at 70-75 cases per year) in 2028. Alternatively, doubling the number of patients treated, but, instead, prioritising persons with moderate/advanced fibrosis will reduce incident infection less favourably (only to 280 cases in 2030), but SLM will stabilise by 2023 (i.e., earlier than any competing strategy). CONCLUSIONS Prioritising treatment uptake among PWID will substantially impact incident transmission, however, this approach foregoes the optimal impact on SLM. Conversely, targeting those with moderate/advanced fibrosis has the greatest impact on SLM but is suboptimal in terms of averting incident infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - David Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - John Dillon
- Ninewells hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
The effect of introducing point-of-care or dried blood spot analysis on the uptake of hepatitis C virus testing in high-risk populations: A systematic review of the literature. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:1050-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|