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Passos-Castilho AM, Udhesister STP, Fontaine G, Jeong D, Dickie M, Lund C, Russell R, Kronfli N. The 11th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: 'Getting back on track towards hepatitis C elimination'. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 6:56-69. [PMID: 36908576 PMCID: PMC9997521 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 204,000 Canadians. Safe and effective direct-acting antiviral therapies have contributed to decreased rates of chronic HCV infection and increased treatment uptake in Canada, but major challenges for HCV elimination remain. The 11th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus took place in Ottawa, Ontario on May 13, 2022 as a hybrid conference themed 'Getting back on track towards hepatitis C elimination.' It brought together research scientists, clinicians, community health workers, patient advocates, community members, and public health officials to discuss priorities for HCV elimination in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had devastating effects on HCV care in Canada, particularly on priority populations. Plenary sessions showcased topical research from prominent international and national researchers, complemented by select abstract presentations. This event was hosted by the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC), with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and in partnership with the Canadian Liver Meeting. CanHepC has an established record in HCV research and in advocacy activities to address improved diagnosis and treatment, and immediate and long-term needs of those affected by HCV infection. The Symposium addressed the remaining challenges and barriers to HCV elimination in priority populations and principles for meaningful engagement of Indigenous communities and individuals with living and lived experience in HCV research. It emphasized the need for disaggregated data and simplified pathways for creating and monitoring interventions for equitably achieving elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Passos-Castilho
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sasha Tejna Persaud Udhesister
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montré (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Fontaine
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dahn Jeong
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melisa Dickie
- Community Health Programming, CATIE, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Rodney Russell
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Botterman R, Verhelst X, Buffel V, Derese A, Van Der Paelt T, De Volder G, Van Vlierberghe H, Boeckxstaens P. Hepatitis C in two general practices in Flanders, Belgium: is there a need to reconsider current screening recommendations? Acta Clin Belg 2021; 76:462-469. [PMID: 32436785 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2020.1763670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma). In Belgium, screening recommendations focus on risk groups. However, it is estimated that 50% of the infected patients are undiagnosed. This study assessed the prevalence of HCV in patients visiting two general practices in Flanders, Belgium. We revealed the associated risk factors and explored whether the current recommendations for HCV screening need to be reconsidered.Methods: A cross-sectional study in a non-urban practice in Lendelede and an urban community health center in Ghent, Belgium was performed. Patients for whom a blood test was required, were recruited for HCV screening. A patient survey assessed the associated risk factors.Results: There were 1112 patients included in the study. Nineteen patients were HCV Ab positive (1.71%) and eight were HCV RNA positive (0.72%). Five patients were unaware of their status. Using IV drugs, being born in the baby boom cohort and originating from a non-Belgian low-endemic country are significantly associated with HCV Ab positivity. Four of the 19 HCV Ab positive patients didn't meet any of the registered risk factors.Conclusions: This study confirms the problem of underdiagnosis of HCV, which is both related to the fact that not all risk groups are being screened and to the fact that patients are identified beyond the risk groups. These results, as well as the current changes in treatment options and their reimbursement, justify a reconsideration of the current recommendations for screening of HCV. To develop the most effective screening strategy in Flanders, further research is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Botterman
- Department of Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veerle Buffel
- Department of Sociology, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anselme Derese
- Department of Family Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Li J, Casey JL, Greenwald ZR, Yasseen III AS, Dickie M, Feld JJ, Cooper CL, Crawley AM. The 9th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: Advances in HCV research and treatment towards elimination. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2021; 4:59-71. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2020-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination has evolved into a coordinated global effort. Canada, with more than 250,000 chronically infected individuals, is among the countries leading this effort. The 9th Canadian Symposium on HCV, held in February 2020, thus established and addressed its theme, ‘advances in HCV research and treatment towards elimination’, by gathering together basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, social scientists, and community members interested in HCV research in Canada. Plenary sessions showcased topical research from prominent international and national researchers, complemented by select abstract presentations. This event was hosted by the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC), with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and in partnership with the Canadian Liver Meeting. CanHepC has an established record in HCV research by its members and in its advocacy activities to address the care, treatment, diagnosis, and immediate and long-term needs of those affected by HCV infection. Many challenges remain in tackling chronic HCV infection, such as the need for a vaccine; difficult-to-treat populations and unknown aspects of patient subgroups, including pregnant women and children; vulnerable people; and issues distinct to Indigenous peoples. There is also increasing concern about long-term clinical outcomes after successful treatment, with the rise in comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease and the remaining risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic individuals. The symposium addressed these topics in highlighting research advances that will collectively play an important role in eliminating HCV and minimizing subsequent health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia L Casey
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zoë R Greenwald
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abdool S Yasseen III
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melisa Dickie
- Knowledge Exchange Division, Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela M Crawley
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Cousineau SE, Erman A, Liu L, Saeed S, Fradette L, Feld JJ, Grebely J, MacParland SA, Shoukry NH, Sebastiani G, Sagan SM. The 8 th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C virus: “Improving diagnosis and linkage to care”. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:3-14. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 250,000 Canadians. Although safe and effective (>95% cure rates) antiviral therapies have become available within the past 5 years, chronic HCV infection still remains a major driver of end-stage liver disease and liver transplantation. Both the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognize the impact of HCV-related liver diseases and support the Canadian Network for Hepatitis C (CanHepC), a National network for the scientific study of hepatitis C that organizes an annual symposium as part of its knowledge translation mandate. At the 8th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus in May 2019, basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, social scientists, and community members came together to share their work under the theme of “Improving diagnosis and linkage to care”. This symposium also marked the launch of the Blueprint to inform hepatitis C elimination efforts in Canada, a policy framework that outlines specific targets, suggested activities, and evidence-based best practices to guide provincial, territorial and federal organizations developing their own HCV elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E Cousineau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Aysegul Erman
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Lewis Liu
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Lorraine Fradette
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec
- co-corresponding authors
| | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- co-corresponding authors
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Deuffic-Burban S, Huneau A, Verleene A, Brouard C, Pillonel J, Le Strat Y, Cossais S, Roudot-Thoraval F, Canva V, Mathurin P, Dhumeaux D, Yazdanpanah Y. Assessing the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C screening strategies in France. J Hepatol 2018; 69:785-792. [PMID: 30227916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In Europe, hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening still targets people at high risk of infection. We aim to determine the cost-effectiveness of expanded HCV screening in France. METHODS A Markov model simulated chronic hepatitis C (CHC) prevalence, incidence of events, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in the French general population, aged 18 to 80 years, undiagnosed for CHC for different strategies: S1 = current strategy targeting the at risk population; S2 = S1 and all men between 18 and 59 years; S3 = S1 and all individuals between 40 and 59 years; S4 = S1 and all individuals between 40 and 80 years; S5 = all individuals between 18 and 80 years (universal screening). Once CHC was diagnosed, treatment was initiated either to patients with fibrosis stage ≥F2 or regardless of fibrosis. Data were extracted from published literature, a national prevalence survey, and a previously published mathematical model. ICER were interpreted based on one or three times French GDP per capita (€32,800). RESULTS Universal screening led to the lowest prevalence of CHC and incidence of events, regardless of treatment initiation. When considering treatment initiation to patients with fibrosis ≥F2, targeting all people aged 40-80 was the only cost-effective strategy at both thresholds (€26,100/QALY). When we considered treatment for all, although universal screening of all individuals aged 18-80 is associated with the highest costs, it is more effective than targeting all people aged 40-80, and cost-effective at both thresholds (€31,100/QALY). CONCLUSIONS In France, universal screening is the most effective screening strategy for HCV. Universal screening is cost-effective when treatment is initiated regardless of fibrosis stage. From an individual and especially from a societal perspective of HCV eradication, this strategy should be implemented. LAY SUMMARY In the context of highly effective and well tolerated therapies for hepatitis C virus that are now recommended for all patients, a reassessment of hepatitis C screening strategies is needed. An effectiveness and cost-effectiveness study of different strategies targeting either the at-risk population, specific ages or all individuals was performed. In France, universal screening is the most effective strategy and is cost-effective when treatment is initiated regardless of fibrosis stage. From an individual and especially from a societal perspective of hepatitis C virus eradication, this strategy should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Deuffic-Burban
- IAME, UMR 1137, Inserm, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U995 - LIRIC - Lille Inflammation Research International Center, Lille, France.
| | - Alexandre Huneau
- IAME, UMR 1137, Inserm, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Adeline Verleene
- IAME, UMR 1137, Inserm, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Sabrina Cossais
- IAME, UMR 1137, Inserm, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Valérie Canva
- Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif et de la Nutrition, Hôpital Huriez, CHRU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- Université Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U995 - LIRIC - Lille Inflammation Research International Center, Lille, France; Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif et de la Nutrition, Hôpital Huriez, CHRU Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Yazdan Yazdanpanah
- IAME, UMR 1137, Inserm, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Service de maladies Infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, Paris, France
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Cheng ML, Abdel-Hakeem MS, Cousineau SE, Grebely J, Marshall AD, Saeed S, Sagan SM, Shoukry NH, Feld JJ, MacParland SA. The 7th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: “Toward Elimination of HCV: How to Get There”. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:139-152. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects more than 268,000 people in Canada. Both the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognize the significant impact of HCV-related liver diseases and supported the establishment of a national hepatitis C research network, the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC). Interferon-free direct-acting antiviral regimens lead to more than 95% cure rates in almost all patients with well-tolerated short-course therapy. However, the goal of eliminating HCV in Canada cannot be fully realized until we overcome the financial, geographical, cultural, and social barriers that affect the entire continuum of care from diagnosis and linkage to care through treatment and prevention of new and reinfections. Current practices face difficulties in reversing HCV-induced immunological defects, expanding treatment to neglected communities, combating reinfections and co-infections, and expediting and simplifying the processes of diagnosis and treatment. As part of its knowledge translation mandate, CanHepC has organized the annual Canadian symposium on hepatitis C since 2012. The theme of this year’s symposium, “Toward Elimination of HCV: How to Get There?” focused on identifying the requirements of our therapeutic strategies and health policies for the elimination of HCV in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Cheng
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Mohamed S Abdel-Hakeem
- Penn Institute for Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sophie E Cousineau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison D Marshall
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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Bottero J, Brouard C, Roudot-Thoraval F, Deuffic-Burban S, Hofliger P, Abergel A, Volant J, Dhumeaux D, Yazdanpanah Y. 2014 French guidelines for hepatitis B and C screening: a combined targeted and mass testing strategy of chronic viruses namely HBV, HCV and HIV. Liver Int 2016; 36:1442-9. [PMID: 27043826 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Worldwide and, to a lesser extent, in France, a minority of individuals infected with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) is aware of its status. Given the current availability of highly effective anti-HBV and anti-HCV agents, the high rate of undiagnosed people, associated with individual and community prejudices (liver disease worsening, persistence of a hidden transmission reservoir and medicoeconomic burden of delayed care), is unacceptable. METHODS On the occasion of the first French general report on viral hepatitis, new recommendations for HBV and HCV testing were issued. We aim to introduce the new French strategy for HBV and HCV screening, and to describe the underlying epidemiological data. RESULTS These recommendations comprise various items. First, the screening of chronic viruses, namely HBV, HCV and HIV, should be quasi-systematically combined. Second, the targeted screening of groups at risk of viral exposure must be strengthened. Third, routine testing for each of these three viruses should be offered at least once to men of 18-60 years old who had never been tested. In parallel, in pregnant women, in addition to HIV-HBV screening, currently recommended HCV testing should be routinely performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. In order to best achieve the target populations, community initiatives that propose testing actions should be encouraged, particularly those including rapid point-of-care tests. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these recommendations aim to define a comprehensive testing strategy for chronic viral infections, emphasizing both targeted screening and mass screening and considering jointly HBV, HCV and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bottero
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Paris, France. .,AP-HP, Hôpital St Antoine, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, Paris, France.
| | - Cécile Brouard
- Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de veille sanitaire, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Françoise Roudot-Thoraval
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Service de Santé Publique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Sylvie Deuffic-Burban
- INSERM, IAME, UMR 1137, Paris, France.,Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Inserm, LIRIC-UMR995, Lille, France.,Univ Lille, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Hofliger
- Département d'Enseignement et de Recherche en Médecine Générale, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand - Hôpital d'Estaing, Service d'hépato-gastro-entérologie, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Daniel Dhumeaux
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Service d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Yazdan Yazdanpanah
- INSERM, IAME, UMR 1137, Paris, France.,Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, Paris, France
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The 5th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: We Are Not Done Yet-Remaining Challenges in Hepatitis C. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 2016:7603526. [PMID: 27843889 PMCID: PMC5098058 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7603526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 268,000 Canadians and results in more years of life lost than any other infectious disease in the country. Both the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have identified HCV-related liver disease as a priority and supported the establishment of a National Hepatitis C Research Network. In 2015, the introduction of new interferon- (IFN-) free therapies with high cure rates (>90%) and few side effects revolutionized HCV therapy. However, a considerable proportion of the population remains undiagnosed and treatment uptake remains low in Canada due to financial, geographical, cultural, and social barriers. Comprehensive prevention strategies, including enhanced harm reduction, broader screening, widespread treatment, and vaccine development, are far from being realized. The theme of the 2016 symposium, "We're not done yet: remaining challenges in Hepatitis C," was focused on identifying strategies to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HCV to reduce disease burden and ultimately eliminate HCV in Canada.
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Highlights of the Fourth Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C: Moving towards a National Action Plan. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 2016:5743521. [PMID: 27446849 PMCID: PMC4904693 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5743521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects at least 268,000 Canadians and causes greater disease burden than any other infectious disease in the country. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have identified HCV-related liver disease as a priority. In 2015, the release of well-tolerated, short course treatments (~12 weeks) able to cure the majority of treated HCV patients revolutionized HCV therapy. However, treatment is extremely costly and puts a significant burden on the Canadian healthcare system. Thus, managing treatment costs and improving treatment engagement in those most in need will be a key challenge. Diagnosis and treatment uptake are currently poor in Canada due to financial, geographical, cultural, and social barriers. The United States, Australia, and Scotland all have National Action Plans to prevent, diagnose, and treat HCV in order to efficiently reduce the burden and costs associated with HCV-related liver disease. The theme of the 4th annual symposium held on Feb 27, 2015, "Strategies to Manage HCV Infection in Canada: Moving towards a National Action Plan," was aimed at identifying strategies to maximize the impact of highly effective therapies to reduce HCV disease burden and ultimately eliminate HCV in Canada.
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Kouyoumdjian FG, McIsaac KE. Persons in correctional facilities in Canada: A key population for hepatitis C prevention and control. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2015; 106:e454-6. [PMID: 26680439 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.106.5132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
About one in nine Canadians who are infected with hepatitis C spend time in a correctional facility each year. With high rates of current injection drug use and needle sharing, this population may account for a large proportion of new infections. Any national strategy to address hepatitis C should include a focus on persons in correctional facilities, and should build on existing evidence regarding primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
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Milne R, Price M, Wallace B, Drost A, Haigh-Gidora I, Nezil FA, Fraser C. From principles to practice: Description of a novel equity-based HCV primary care treatment model for PWID. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:1020-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Brouard C, Le Strat Y, Larsen C, Jauffret-Roustide M, Lot F, Pillonel J. The undiagnosed chronically-infected HCV population in France. Implications for expanded testing recommendations in 2014. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126920. [PMID: 25961575 PMCID: PMC4427442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent HCV therapeutic advances make effective screening crucial for potential HCV eradication. To identify the target population for a possible population-based screening strategy to complement current risk-based testing in France, we aimed to estimate the number of adults with undiagnosed chronic HCV infection and age and gender distribution at two time points: 2004 and 2014. METHODS A model taking into account mortality, HCV incidence and diagnosis rates was applied to the 2004 national seroprevalence survey. RESULTS In 2014, an estimated 74,102 individuals aged 18 to 80 were undiagnosed for chronic HCV infection (plausible interval: 64,920-83,283) compared with 100,868 [95%CI: 58,534-143,202] in 2004. Men aged 18-59 represented approximately half of the undiagnosed population in 2014. The proportion of undiagnosed individuals in 2004 (43%) varied from 21.9% to 74.1% in the 1945-1965 and 1924-1944 birth cohorts. Consequently, age and gender distributions between the chronically-infected (diagnosed and undiagnosed) and undiagnosed HCV populations were different, the 1945-1965 birth cohort representing 48.9% and 24.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Many individuals were still undiagnosed in 2014 despite a marked reduction with respect to 2004. The present work contributed to the 2014 recommendation of a new French complementary screening strategy, consisting in one-time simultaneous HCV, HBV and HIV testing in men aged 18-60. Further studies are needed to assess the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of such a strategy. We also demonstrated that data on the undiagnosed HCV population are crucial to help adapt testing strategies, as the features of the chronically-infected HCV population are very distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Brouard
- Infectious Diseases Department, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Yann Le Strat
- Infectious Diseases Department, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Christine Larsen
- Infectious Diseases Department, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Infectious Diseases Department, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), Saint-Maurice, France
- Cermes3 (Inserm U988/CNRS UMR8211/EHESS/Université Paris-Descartes), Paris, France
| | - Florence Lot
- Infectious Diseases Department, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Josiane Pillonel
- Infectious Diseases Department, French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), Saint-Maurice, France
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13
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MacParland SA, Bilodeau M, Grebely J, Bruneau J, Cooper C, Klein M, Sagan SM, Choucha N, Balfour L, Bialystok F, Krajden M, Raven J, Roberts E, Russell R, Houghton M, Tyrrell DL, Feld JJ. The 3rd Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: expanding care in the interferon-free era. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 28:481-7. [PMID: 25314353 PMCID: PMC4205903 DOI: 10.1155/2014/704919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) currently infects approximately 250,000 individuals in Canada and causes more years of life lost than any other infectious disease in the country. In August 2011, new therapies were approved by Health Canada that have achieved higher response rates among those treated, but are poorly tolerated. By 2014⁄2015, short-course, well-tolerated treatments with cure rates >95% will be available. However, treatment uptake is poor due to structural, financial, geographical, cultural and social barriers. As such, 'Barriers to access to HCV care in Canada' is a crucial topic that must be addressed to decrease HCV disease burden and potentially eliminate HCV in Canada. Understanding how to better care for HCV-infected individuals requires integration across multiple disciplines including researchers, clinical services and policy makers to address the major populations affected by HCV including people who inject drugs, baby boomers, immigrants and Aboriginal and⁄or First Nations people. In 2012, the National CIHR Research Training Program in Hepatitis C organized the 1st Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus (CSHCV) in Montreal, Quebec. The 2nd CSHCV was held in 2013 in Victoria, British Columbia. Both symposia were highly successful, attracting leading international faculty with excellent attendance leading to dialogue and knowledge translation among attendees of diverse backgrounds. The current article summarizes the 3rd CSHCV, held February 2014, in Toronto, Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Bilodeau
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Department of Family Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | | | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Norma Choucha
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
| | - Louise Balfour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | | | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Jennifer Raven
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Infection and Immunity, Ottawa, Ontario
| | | | - Rodney Russell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
| | - Michael Houghton
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - D Lorne Tyrrell
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
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14
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With all the new treatment regimens, complete elimination of hepatitis C virus in Canada is a possibility! But when will Canadians have access these drugs? Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 28:417-8. [PMID: 25229463 PMCID: PMC4210230 DOI: 10.1155/2014/140864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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15
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Hepatitis C virus and human miR-122: insights from the bench to the clinic. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 7:11-8. [PMID: 24721497 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function as part of RNA-induced silencing complexes that repress the expression of target genes. Over the past few years, miRNAs have been found to mediate complex regulation of a wide variety of mammalian viral infections, including Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here, we focus on a highly abundant, liver-specific miRNA, miR-122. In a unique and unusual interaction, miR-122 binds to two sites in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the HCV genome and promotes viral RNA accumulation. We will discuss what has been learned about this important interaction to date, provide insights into how miR-122 is able to modulate HCV RNA accumulation, and how miR-122 might be exploited for antiviral intervention.
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