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Faddy HM, Osiowy C, Custer B, Busch M, Stramer SL, Adesina O, van de Laar T, Tsoi WC, Styles C, Kiely P, Margaritis A, Kwon SY, Qiu Y, Deng X, Lewin A, Jørgensen SW, Erikstrup C, Juhl D, Sauleda S, Camacho Rodriguez BA, Coral LJCS, Gaviria García PA, Oota S, O'Brien SF, Wendel S, Castro E, Navarro Pérez L, Harvala H, Davison K, Reynolds C, Jarvis L, Grabarczyk P, Kopacz A, Łętowska M, O'Flaherty N, Young F, Williams P, Burke L, Chua SS, Muylaert A, Page I, Jones A, Niederhauser C, Vermeulen M, Laperche S, Gallian P, Sawadogo S, Satake M, Gharehbaghian A, Addas-Carvalho M, Blanco S, Gallego SV, Seltsam A, Weber-Schehl M, Al-Riyami AZ, Al Maamari K, Alawi FB, Pandey HC, Mbanya D, França RA, Charlewood R. International review of blood donation nucleic acid amplification testing. Vox Sang 2024; 119:315-325. [PMID: 38390819 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT), in blood services context, is used for the detection of viral and parasite nucleic acids to reduce transfusion-transmitted infections. This project reviewed NAT for screening blood donations globally. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey on NAT usage, developed by the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party on Transfusion-transmitted Infectious Diseases (ISBT WP-TTID), was distributed through ISBT WP-TTID members. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Forty-three responses were received from 32 countries. Increased adoption of blood donation viral screening by NAT was observed over the past decade. NAT-positive donations were detected for all viruses tested in 2019 (proportion of donations positive by NAT were 0.0099% for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], 0.0063% for hepatitis C virus [HCV], 0.0247% for hepatitis B virus [HBV], 0.0323% for hepatitis E virus [HEV], 0.0014% for West Nile virus [WNV] and 0.00005% for Zika virus [ZIKV]). Globally, over 3100 NAT-positive donations were identified as NAT yield or solely by NAT in 2019 and over 22,000 since the introduction of NAT, with HBV accounting for over half. NAT-positivity rate was higher in first-time donors for all viruses tested except WNV. During 2019, a small number of participants performed NAT for parasites (Trypanosoma cruzi, Babesia spp., Plasmodium spp.). CONCLUSION This survey captures current use of blood donation NAT globally. There has been increased NAT usage over the last decade. It is clear that NAT contributes to improving blood transfusion safety globally; however, there is a need to overcome economic barriers for regions/countries not performing NAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Faddy
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan L Stramer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wai-Chiu Tsoi
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Claire Styles
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phil Kiely
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angelo Margaritis
- Manufacturing & Logistics, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - So-Yong Kwon
- Korean Red Cross Blood Services, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yan Qiu
- Beijing Red Cross Blood Centre, Beijing, China
| | | | - Antoine Lewin
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Juhl
- University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Sineenart Oota
- National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Emma Castro
- Centro de Transfusión de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Heli Harvala
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol, UK
| | - Katy Davison
- NHSBT/UKHSA Epidemiology Unit, UKHSA, London, UK
| | | | - Lisa Jarvis
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Piotr Grabarczyk
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Kopacz
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Fiona Young
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Lisa Burke
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Isabel Page
- Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonacion de Castilla y Leon, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ann Jones
- Welsh Blood Service, Pontyclun, Wales, UK
| | | | - Marion Vermeulen
- The South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa
| | - Syria Laperche
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, Tours, France
| | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, Tours, France
| | - Salam Sawadogo
- National Blood Transfusion Center of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Laboratory Hematology & Blood Bank Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Sandra V Gallego
- Fundación Banco Central de Sangre, Córdoba, Argentina
- Virology Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Axel Seltsam
- Bavarian Red Cross Blood Donation Service, Wiesentheid, Germany
| | | | - Arwa Z Al-Riyami
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hem Chandra Pandey
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dora Mbanya
- National Blood Transfusion Service, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Lewin A, Goldman M, Busch MP, Davison K, van de Laar T, Tiberghien P, Shinar E, O'Brien SF, Lambert G, Field S, Hervig T, Tan DHS, Custer B, Drews SJ, Lanteri MC, Klochkov D, Widmer E, Domingue MP, Renaud C, Germain M. End of selection criteria based on sexual orientation: An international symposium on alternatives to donation deferral. Vox Sang 2024; 119:388-401. [PMID: 38270352 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Until recently, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) were deferred from donating blood for 3-12 months since the last male-to-male sexual contact. This MSM deferral has been discontinued by several high-income countries (HIC) that now perform gender-neutral donor selection. MATERIALS AND METHODS An international symposium (held on 20-04-2023) gathered experts from seven HICs to (1) discuss how this paradigm shift might affect the mitigation strategies for transfusion-transmitted infections and (2) address the challenges related to gender-neutral donor selection. RESULTS Most countries employed a similar approach for implementing a gender-neutral donor selection policy: key stakeholders were consulted; the transition was bridged by time-limited deferrals; donor compliance was monitored; and questions or remarks on anal sex and the number and/or type of sexual partners were often added. Many countries have now adopted a gender-neutral approach in which questions on pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been added (or retained, when already in place). Other countries used mitigation strategies, such as plasma quarantine or pathogen reduction technologies for plasma and/or platelets. CONCLUSION The experience with gender-neutral donor selection has been largely positive among the countries covered herein and seems to be acceptable to stakeholders, donors and staff. The post-implementation surveillance data collected so far appear reassuring with regards to safety, although longer observation periods are necessary. The putative risks associated with HIV antiretrovirals should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Lewin
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mindy Goldman
- Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael P Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katy Davison
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Epidemiology Unit, UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre Tiberghien
- Établissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
- UMR 1098, Inserm, Établissement Français du Sang, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eilat Shinar
- National Blood Services, Magen David Adom, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sheila F O'Brien
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique - Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stephen Field
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tor Hervig
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darrell H S Tan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steven J Drews
- Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marion C Lanteri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Scientific Affairs, Creative Testing Solutions, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Denis Klochkov
- Research and Development, CSL Behring, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Marie-Pier Domingue
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Renaud
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Germain
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Faddy HM, Osiowy C, Custer B, Busch M, Stramer SL, Dean MM, Acutt J, Viennet E, van de Laar T, Tsoi WC, Styles C, Kiely P, Margaritis A, Kwon SY, Qiu Y, Deng X, Lewin A, Jørgensen SW, Erikstrup C, Juhl D, Sauleda S, Camacho Rodriguez BA, Soto Coral LJC, Gaviria García PA, Oota S, O'Brien SF, Wendel S, Castro E, Navarro Pérez L, Harvala H, Davison K, Reynolds C, Jarvis L, Grabarczyk P, Kopacz A, Łętowska M, O'Flaherty N, Young F, Williams P, Burke L, Chua SS, Muylaert A, Page I, Jones A, Niederhauser C, Vermeulen M, Laperche S, Gallian P, Satake M, Addas-Carvalho M, Blanco S, Gallego SV, Seltsam A, Weber-Schehl M, Al-Riyami AZ, Al Maamari K, Alawi FB, Pandey HC, França RA, Charlewood R. An international review of the characteristics of viral nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) reveals a trend towards the use of smaller pool sizes and individual donation NAT. Vox Sang 2024. [PMID: 38516962 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) is used for screening blood donations/donors for blood-borne viruses. We reviewed global viral NAT characteristics and NAT-yield confirmatory testing used by blood operators. MATERIALS AND METHODS NAT characteristics and NAT-yield confirmatory testing used during 2019 was surveyed internationally by the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases. Reported characteristics are presented herein. RESULTS NAT was mainly performed under government mandate. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) NAT was performed on all donors and donation types, while selective testing was reported for West Nile virus, hepatitis E virus (HEV), and Zika virus. Individual donation NAT was used for HIV, HCV and HBV by ~50% of responders, while HEV was screened in mini-pools by 83% of responders performing HEV NAT. Confirmatory testing for NAT-yield samples was generally performed by NAT on a sample from the same donation or by NAT and serology on samples from the same donation and a follow-up sample. CONCLUSION In the last decade, there has been a trend towards use of smaller pool sizes or individual donation NAT. We captured characteristics of NAT internationally in 2019 and provide insights into confirmatory testing approaches used for NAT-yields, potentially benefitting blood operators seeking to implement NAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Faddy
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Melinda M Dean
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessika Acutt
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elvina Viennet
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wai-Chiu Tsoi
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong
| | - Claire Styles
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Phil Kiely
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angelo Margaritis
- Manufacturing & Logistics, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Australia
| | - So-Yong Kwon
- Korean Red Cross Blood Services, Republic of Korea
| | - Yan Qiu
- Beijing Red Cross Blood Centre, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - David Juhl
- University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emma Castro
- Centro de Transfusión de la Comunidad Valenciana, Spain
| | | | - Heli Harvala
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Jarvis
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, UK
| | - Piotr Grabarczyk
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Kopacz
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Fiona Young
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Lisa Burke
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Isabel Page
- Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonacion de Castilla y Leon, Spain
| | | | - Christoph Niederhauser
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, Switzerland
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | | | - Syria Laperche
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
| | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
| | | | | | | | - Sandra V Gallego
- Fundación Banco Central de Sangre, Argentina
- Virology Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Axel Seltsam
- Bavarian Red Cross Blood Donation Service, Wiesentheid, Germany
| | | | - Arwa Z Al-Riyami
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | | | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | - Hem Chandra Pandey
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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4
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van Erp B, Nuijten WWL, van de Laar T, de Vries B. Automating Model Comparison in Factor Graphs. Entropy (Basel) 2023; 25:1138. [PMID: 37628168 PMCID: PMC10453220 DOI: 10.3390/e25081138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Bayesian state and parameter estimation are automated effectively in a variety of probabilistic programming languages. The process of model comparison on the other hand, which still requires error-prone and time-consuming manual derivations, is often overlooked despite its importance. This paper efficiently automates Bayesian model averaging, selection, and combination by message passing on a Forney-style factor graph with a custom mixture node. Parameter and state inference, and model comparison can then be executed simultaneously using message passing with scale factors. This approach shortens the model design cycle and allows for the straightforward extension to hierarchical and temporal model priors to accommodate for modeling complicated time-varying processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart van Erp
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AP Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter W. L. Nuijten
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AP Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AP Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bert de Vries
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AP Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- GN Hearing, 5612 AB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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5
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Pierik R, Verweij M, van de Laar T, Zaaijer H. Facing difficult but unavoidable choices: Donor blood safety and the deferral of men who have sex with men. Bioethics 2022; 36:840-848. [PMID: 35656585 PMCID: PMC9796040 DOI: 10.1111/bioe.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Blood service organizations employ various ways to ensure transfusion blood safety, including the testing of all donations for transfusion-transmissible infections (TTI) and the exclusion of donors who are at increased risk of a recent infection. As some TTIs are more common among men who have sex with men (MSM), many jurisdictions (temporarily) defer the donation of blood by sexually active MSM. This boils down to a categorical exclusion of a large group solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, which is seen as unduly discriminatory and stigmatizing. Blood service organizations in the U.K. and the Netherlands have recently changed their deferral policies for MSM. The problem of the MSM deferral involves a conflict between fundamental rights: the right of MSM to equal treatment and the right to health of the recipients of blood and blood products. We distinguish and discuss three broad alternative options to the current categorical deferral of MSM donations: (1) completely abandoning donor selection on the basis of sexual behavior, (2) individual risk assessment of the sexual activities of each potential donor, and (3) individual risk assessment of the sexual activities of MSM only. The new U.K. policy falls within the second category, and the new Dutch policy is in the third category. We argue that each approach comes with moral costs but that the most reasonable option is different from the policies of both the U.K. and the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Pierik
- Faculty of LawMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel Verweij
- Philosophy GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Hans Zaaijer
- SanquinAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyAmsterdam UMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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6
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Blenkinsop A, Monod M, Sighem AV, Pantazis N, Bezemer D, Op de Coul E, van de Laar T, Fraser C, Prins M, Reiss P, de Bree GJ, Ratmann O. Estimating the potential to prevent locally acquired HIV infections in a UNAIDS Fast-Track City, Amsterdam. eLife 2022; 11:76487. [PMID: 35920649 PMCID: PMC9545569 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: More than 300 cities including the city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands have joined the UNAIDS Fast-Track Cities initiative, committing to accelerate their HIV response and end the AIDS epidemic in cities by 2030. To support this commitment, we aimed to estimate the number and proportion of Amsterdam HIV infections that originated within the city, from Amsterdam residents. We also aimed to estimate the proportion of recent HIV infections during the 5-year period 2014–2018 in Amsterdam that remained undiagnosed. Methods: We located diagnosed HIV infections in Amsterdam using postcode data (PC4) at time of registration in the ATHENA observational HIV cohort, and used HIV sequence data to reconstruct phylogeographically distinct, partially observed Amsterdam transmission chains. Individual-level infection times were estimated from biomarker data, and used to date the phylogenetically observed transmission chains as well as to estimate undiagnosed proportions among recent infections. A Bayesian Negative Binomial branching process model was used to estimate the number, size, and growth of the unobserved Amsterdam transmission chains from the partially observed phylogenetic data. Results: Between 1 January 2014 and 1 May 2019, there were 846 HIV diagnoses in Amsterdam residents, of whom 516 (61%) were estimated to have been infected in 2014–2018. The rate of new Amsterdam diagnoses since 2014 (104 per 100,000) remained higher than the national rates excluding Amsterdam (24 per 100,000), and in this sense Amsterdam remained a HIV hotspot in the Netherlands. An estimated 14% [12–16%] of infections in Amsterdan MSM in 2014–2018 remained undiagnosed by 1 May 2019, and 41% [35–48%] in Amsterdam heterosexuals, with variation by region of birth. An estimated 67% [60–74%] of Amsterdam MSM infections in 2014–2018 had an Amsterdam resident as source, and 56% [41–70%] in Amsterdam heterosexuals, with heterogeneity by region of birth. Of the locally acquired infections, an estimated 43% [37–49%] were in foreign-born MSM, 41% [35–47%] in Dutch-born MSM, 10% [6–18%] in foreign-born heterosexuals, and 5% [2–9%] in Dutch-born heterosexuals. We estimate the majority of Amsterdam MSM infections in 2014–2018 originated in transmission chains that pre-existed by 2014. Conclusions: This combined phylogenetic, epidemiologic, and modelling analysis in the UNAIDS Fast-Track City Amsterdam indicates that there remains considerable potential to prevent HIV infections among Amsterdam residents through city-level interventions. The burden of locally acquired infection remains concentrated in MSM, and both Dutch-born and foreign-born MSM would likely benefit most from intensified city-level interventions. Funding: This study received funding as part of the H-TEAM initiative from Aidsfonds (project number P29701). The H-TEAM initiative is being supported by Aidsfonds (grant number: 2013169, P29701, P60803), Stichting Amsterdam Dinner Foundation, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corp. (study number: AI424-541), Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd (grant number: PA-HIV-PREP-16-0024), Gilead Sciences (protocol numbers: CO-NL-276-4222, CO-US-276-1712, CO-NL-985-6195), and M.A.C AIDS Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mélodie Monod
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nikos Pantazis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Eline Op de Coul
- Center for Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Prins
- Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Godelieve J de Bree
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Oliver Ratmann
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Hahn B, Quee F, Prinsze FJ, Gregoire Y, O'Brien SF, Germain M, van de Laar T, Zaaijer HL, van den Hurk K. Balancing non-discriminatory donor selection and blood safety in the Netherlands: Evaluation of an individual risk assessment of sexual behavior. Transfusion 2022; 62:1241-1250. [PMID: 35502143 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To better balance the safety of the blood supply and the inclusion of men who have sex with men (MSM), further improvements are needed to the risk management strategy employed in the Netherlands to reduce transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). A gender-neutral individual risk assessment could provide a solution by determining donor eligibility based on sexual behaviors known to increase the risk of TTIs. Our objective is to estimate the proportion of blood donors that would be deferred by such an assessment, as well as their discomfort answering such questions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Two surveys were distributed in May 2020 to assess sexual behavior in blood donors in the last 4, 6, and 12 months, as well as their discomfort reporting such information. A combination of both surveys measured the extent to which discomfort was associated with reporting sexual behavior. A high-risk sexual behavior pattern was defined as having had multiple sexual partners and having engaged in anal sex, without consistent condom use. RESULTS Of all 2177 participating whole blood donors, 0.8% report engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors over the last 4 months and would therefore be ineligible to donate. When accounting for the additional proportion of donors that reported such questions would stop them from donating, 2.0% and 3.2% of female and male donors, respectively, would be lost. DISCUSSION Gender-neutral eligibility criteria based on high-risk sexual behaviors may reduce the overall number of eligible donors in the Netherlands, but could make blood donation more accessible to a broader group of donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Hahn
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Franke Quee
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Femmeke J Prinsze
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hans L Zaaijer
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Virology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Katja van den Hurk
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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van de Laar T, Koudahl M, van Erp B, de Vries B. Active Inference and Epistemic Value in Graphical Models. Front Robot AI 2022; 9:794464. [PMID: 35462780 PMCID: PMC9019474 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.794464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Free Energy Principle (FEP) postulates that biological agents perceive and interact with their environment in order to minimize a Variational Free Energy (VFE) with respect to a generative model of their environment. The inference of a policy (future control sequence) according to the FEP is known as Active Inference (AIF). The AIF literature describes multiple VFE objectives for policy planning that lead to epistemic (information-seeking) behavior. However, most objectives have limited modeling flexibility. This paper approaches epistemic behavior from a constrained Bethe Free Energy (CBFE) perspective. Crucially, variational optimization of the CBFE can be expressed in terms of message passing on free-form generative models. The key intuition behind the CBFE is that we impose a point-mass constraint on predicted outcomes, which explicitly encodes the assumption that the agent will make observations in the future. We interpret the CBFE objective in terms of its constituent behavioral drives. We then illustrate resulting behavior of the CBFE by planning and interacting with a simulated T-maze environment. Simulations for the T-maze task illustrate how the CBFE agent exhibits an epistemic drive, and actively plans ahead to account for the impact of predicted outcomes. Compared to an EFE agent, the CBFE agent incurs expected reward in significantly more environmental scenarios. We conclude that CBFE optimization by message passing suggests a general mechanism for epistemic-aware AIF in free-form generative models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Thijs van de Laar,
| | - Magnus Koudahl
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Nested Minds Network Ltd., Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bart van Erp
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Bert de Vries
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- GN Hearing Benelux BV, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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9
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Bezemer D, Blenkinsop A, Hall M, van Sighem A, Cornelissen M, Wessels E, van Kampen J, van de Laar T, Reiss P, Fraser C, Ratmann O. Many but small HIV-1 non-B transmission chains in the Netherlands. AIDS 2022; 36:83-94. [PMID: 34618753 PMCID: PMC8655833 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate introductions and spread of different HIV-1 subtypes in the Netherlands. DESIGN We identified distinct HIV-1 transmission chains in the Netherlands within the global epidemic context through viral phylogenetic analysis of partial HIV-1 polymerase sequences from individuals enrolled in the ATHENA national HIV cohort of all persons in care since 1996, and publicly available international background sequences. METHODS Viral lineages circulating in the Netherlands were identified through maximum parsimony phylogeographic analysis. The proportion of HIV-1 infections acquired in-country among heterosexuals and MSM was estimated from phylogenetically observed, national transmission chains using a branching process model that accounts for incomplete sampling. RESULTS As of 1 January 2019, 2589 (24%) of 10 971 (41%) HIV-1 sequenced individuals in ATHENA had non-B subtypes (A1, C, D, F, G) or circulating recombinant forms (CRF01AE, CRF02AG, CRF06-cpx). The 1588 heterosexuals were in 1224, and 536 MSM in 270 phylogenetically observed transmission chains. After adjustments for incomplete sampling, most heterosexual (75%) and MSM (76%) transmission chains were estimated to include only the individual introducing the virus (size = 1). Onward transmission occurred mostly in chains size 2-5 amongst heterosexuals (62%) and in chains size at least 10 amongst MSM (64%). Considering some chains originated in-country from other risk-groups, 40% (95% confidence interval: 36-44) of non-B-infected heterosexuals and 62% (95% confidence interval: 49-73) of MSM-acquired infection in-country. CONCLUSION Although most HIV-1 non-B introductions showed no or very little onward transmission, a considerable proportion of non-B infections amongst both heterosexuals and MSM in the Netherlands have been acquired in-country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Blenkinsop
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew Hall
- Oxford Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Marion Cornelissen
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
| | - Els Wessels
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
| | | | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, laboratory of Blood-borne Infections, Sanquin Research
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Oliver Ratmann
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London
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10
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van de Laar T, Wymeersch H, Şenöz İ, Özçelikkale A. Chance-Constrained Active Inference. Neural Comput 2021; 33:2710-2735. [PMID: 34280254 DOI: 10.1162/neco_a_01427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Active inference (ActInf) is an emerging theory that explains perception and action in biological agents in terms of minimizing a free energy bound on Bayesian surprise. Goal-directed behavior is elicited by introducing prior beliefs on the underlying generative model. In contrast to prior beliefs, which constrain all realizations of a random variable, we propose an alternative approach through chance constraints, which allow for a (typically small) probability of constraint violation, and demonstrate how such constraints can be used as intrinsic drivers for goal-directed behavior in ActInf. We illustrate how chance-constrained ActInf weights all imposed (prior) constraints on the generative model, allowing, for example, for a trade-off between robust control and empirical chance constraint violation. Second, we interpret the proposed solution within a message passing framework. Interestingly, the message passing interpretation is not only relevant to the context of ActInf, but also provides a general-purpose approach that can account for chance constraints on graphical models. The chance constraint message updates can then be readily combined with other prederived message update rules without the need for custom derivations. The proposed chance-constrained message passing framework thus accelerates the search for workable models in general and can be used to complement message-passing formulations on generative neural models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs van de Laar
- Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AP, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Wymeersch
- Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - İsmail Şenöz
- Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AP, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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11
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Gruteke P, van den Boogaard N, van de Laar T. More details on microbiome profile and IVF, would allow readers to judge for themselves. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2414-2415. [PMID: 34101799 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gruteke
- Department of Medical Microbiology, OLVG Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, OLVG Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Koopsen J, Parker E, Han AX, van de Laar T, Russell C, Hoornenborg E, Prins M, van der Valk M, Schinkel J. Hepatitis C Virus Transmission Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Amsterdam: External Introductions May Complicate Microelimination Efforts. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e1056-e1063. [PMID: 33289036 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether unrestricted access and high uptake of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is sufficient to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) in high-risk populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). This study presents historic trends and current dynamics of HCV transmission among MSM in Amsterdam based on sequence data collected between 1994 and 2019. METHODS Hypervariable region 1 sequences of 232 primary HCV infections and 56 reinfections were obtained from 244 MSM in care in Amsterdam. Maximum-likelihood phylogenies were constructed for HCV genotypes separately, and time-scaled phylogenies were constructed using a Bayesian coalescent approach. Transmission clusters were determined by Phydelity and trends in the proportion of unclustered sequences over time were evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS Seventy-six percent (218/288) of sequences were part of 21 transmission clusters and 13 transmission pairs. Transmission cluster sizes ranged from 3 to 44 sequences. Most clusters were introduced between the late 1990s and early 2010s and no new clusters were introduced after 2012. The proportion of unclustered sequences of subtype 1a, the most prevalent subtype in this population, fluctuated between 0% and 20% in 2009-2012, after which an increase occurred from 0% in 2012 to 50% in 2018. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of external introductions of HCV infections among MSM in Amsterdam has recently increased, coinciding with high DAA uptake. Frequent international transmission events will likely complicate local microelimination efforts. Therefore, international collaboration combined with international scale-up of prevention, testing, and treatment of HCV infections (including reinfections) is warranted, in particular for local microelimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Koopsen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Laboratory of Applied Evolutionary Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Edyth Parker
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Laboratory of Applied Evolutionary Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alvin X Han
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Laboratory of Applied Evolutionary Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Laboratory of Blood-borne Infections, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Colin Russell
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Laboratory of Applied Evolutionary Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section of Clinical Virology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Şenöz İ, van de Laar T, Bagaev D, de Vries B. Variational Message Passing and Local Constraint Manipulation in Factor Graphs. Entropy (Basel) 2021; 23:e23070807. [PMID: 34202913 PMCID: PMC8303273 DOI: 10.3390/e23070807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Accurate evaluation of Bayesian model evidence for a given data set is a fundamental problem in model development. Since evidence evaluations are usually intractable, in practice variational free energy (VFE) minimization provides an attractive alternative, as the VFE is an upper bound on negative model log-evidence (NLE). In order to improve tractability of the VFE, it is common to manipulate the constraints in the search space for the posterior distribution of the latent variables. Unfortunately, constraint manipulation may also lead to a less accurate estimate of the NLE. Thus, constraint manipulation implies an engineering trade-off between tractability and accuracy of model evidence estimation. In this paper, we develop a unifying account of constraint manipulation for variational inference in models that can be represented by a (Forney-style) factor graph, for which we identify the Bethe Free Energy as an approximation to the VFE. We derive well-known message passing algorithms from first principles, as the result of minimizing the constrained Bethe Free Energy (BFE). The proposed method supports evaluation of the BFE in factor graphs for model scoring and development of new message passing-based inference algorithms that potentially improve evidence estimation accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- İsmail Şenöz
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (T.v.d.L.); (D.B.); (B.d.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (T.v.d.L.); (D.B.); (B.d.V.)
| | - Dmitry Bagaev
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (T.v.d.L.); (D.B.); (B.d.V.)
| | - Bert de Vries
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (T.v.d.L.); (D.B.); (B.d.V.)
- GN Hearing, JF Kennedylaan 2, 5612 AB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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14
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Slurink I, van Aar F, Parkkali S, Heijman T, Götz H, Kampman K, van Weert Y, van Benthem B, van de Laar T, Op de Coul E. Recently acquired HIV infections and associated factors among men who have sex with men diagnosed at Dutch sexual health centres. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:946-956. [PMID: 33910415 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211008071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surveillance for recent HIV infections was implemented at Dutch sexual health centres (SHCs) for planning and evaluation of HIV prevention initiatives. The study objective is twofold: (1) to explore trends in recent HIV infections and associated socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM )attending SHCs, to gain insight into subgroups at risk for acquiring HIV and(2) to illustrate how comparison with different reference groups affect associations with these risk factors. METHODS Residual plasma or serum samples from MSM newly HIV diagnosed at SHCs in 2014-2017 were tested with an avidity assay. Multinomial regression was used to analyse risk factors for recent HIV infections among MSM with established HIV infections among MSM and with HIV-negative MSM as reference groups. RESULTS Of newly diagnosed MSM, 33% were classified as recent HIV infection with avidity testing. Combining HIV-negative test results with avidity outcomes resulted in 54% recent infections. Recent infection was associated with having an STI in the past, multiple partners and condom use for both reference groups of MSM. Additionally, relative to the HIV-negative MSM, recent infection was associated with education and having a non-Western origin. In contrast, relative to MSM with established HIV infections, recent infection was associated with Western origin. CONCLUSION Our results suggest ongoing but declining transmission of HIV and high uptake of HIV testing among MSM visiting SHCs. The identification of risk factors for recent infections can help healthcare professionals to target subgroups eligible for PrEP or condom use promotion. Differentiation by the reference group in explanatory models for recent infections is important as different risk factors were identified. Likely, associations relative to HIV-negative MSM follow those of acquiring HIV infection in general, whereas the comparison with the established HIV infection reference rather reflects the frequent testing behaviour of subgroups of MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Slurink
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur van Aar
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Saara Parkkali
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Titia Heijman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 1221Public Health Service (GGD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannelore Götz
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, 6993Public Health Service, Rotterdam-Rijnmond, The Netherlands
| | - Karlijn Kampman
- 26095Public Health Service Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda van Weert
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit van Benthem
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eline Op de Coul
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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15
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Prinsze FJ, van de Laar T, Slot E, de Jong M, Bokhorst A, de Kort W, Zaaijer H, van den Hurk K. No increased risk of transfusion-transmissible infections after tattooing, body piercing, or acupuncture among blood donors in the Netherlands. Transfusion 2019; 59:2575-2583. [PMID: 31228271 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Netherlands, needle-related events (NREs) including tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture are a reason for temporary blood donor deferral. This study aims to evaluate whether donors with recent NREs had a higher risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) compared to donors without recent NREs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 2006 through 2015 on all blood donation attempts in the Netherlands were collected. Multivariate regression models (for repeated measurements) were used to assess the associations between recent NREs and the acquisition of TTIs. Posttest counseling data were used to determine the most likely risk factor in TTI-positive new and repeat donors. RESULTS Recent NREs were documented in 97,518 out of 9,266,036 (1.1%) donation attempts; 14,097 (14.5%) NREs resulted in NRE-based donor deferral. Recent NREs reported pre-donation were not associated with an increased risk for TTIs. A total of 29 out of 287 TTI-positive donors (11 repeat donors, 18 new donors) reported a recent NRE pre- and/or post-donation. Recent NREs, all needle-stick injuries, were the likely route of transmission in 12 out of 287 (4.2%) of TTI-positive donors. The donor health questionnaire (DHQ) identified only 1 out of 12 TTI-linked NREs. Non-return after NRE deferral, any deferral, or no deferral was 24, 15, and 5%, respectively. DISCUSSION Recent tattoos, body piercings, or acupuncture were not associated with an increased risk for TTIs in Dutch donors. Given the lower return rates of donors following a temporary NRE-based deferral, we advocate ending blood donor deferral policies for acupuncture, tattooing, and body piercings, but not needle-stick injuries, in countries where these practices can be considered safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femmeke J Prinsze
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ed Slot
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten de Jong
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arlinke Bokhorst
- Department of Medical Donor Affairs, Sanquin Blood Bank, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,TRIP National Hemovigilance and Biovigilance Office, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wim de Kort
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Zaaijer
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Virology (CINIMA), Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katja van den Hurk
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Brook G, Brockmeyer N, van de Laar T, Schellberg S, Winter AJ. 2017 European guideline for the screening, prevention and initial management of hepatitis B and C infections in sexual health settings. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:949-967. [PMID: 29716442 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418767576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This guideline updates the 2010 European guideline for the management of hepatitis B and C virus infections. It is primarily intended to provide advice on testing, prevention and initial management of viral hepatitis B and C for clinicians working in sexual health clinical settings in European countries. The guideline is in a new question and answer format based on clinical situations, from which population/intervention/comparison/outcome questions were formulated. Updates cover areas such as epidemiology, point-of-care tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C risk and 'chemsex', and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and hepatitis B. We have also included a short paragraph on hepatitis E noting there is no evidence for sexual transmission. The guideline has been prepared in accordance with the Europe protocol for production available at http://www.iusti.org/regions/europe/pdf/2017/ProtocolForProduction2017.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Brook
- 1 Genitourinary Medicine, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Norbert Brockmeyer
- 2 Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- 3 Department of Bloodborne Infections, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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18
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Mac Donald-Ottevanger MS, Vreden S, van der Helm JJ, van de Laar T, Molenkamp R, Dams E, Roosblad J, Codrington J, Hindori-Mohangoo AD, Prins M. Prevalence, determinants and genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus in the multi-ethnic population living in Suriname. Virology 2016; 499:114-120. [PMID: 27657832 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the epidemiology of HCV in Suriname, a former Dutch colony in South America. To study the prevalence, determinants and genetic diversity of HCV, a one-month survey was conducted at the only Emergency Department in the capital Paramaribo. Participants (≥18 years) completed an interviewer-led standardized HCV risk-factor questionnaire, were tested for HCV-antibodies, and if positive also for HCV RNA. The overall HCV prevalence was 1.0% (22/2128 participants; 95%CI 0.7-1.5). Male sex (OR=4.11; 95%CI 1.30-13.01), older age (OR=1.06 per year increase; 95%CI 1.04-1.09), Javanese ethnicity (OR=7.84; 95%CI 3.25-18.89) and cosmetic tattooing (OR=31.7; 95%CI 3.25-323.87) were independently associated with HCV-infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed six distinct HCV subtypes, all HCV-genotype 2 (HCV-2): subtype 2f (also circulating in Indonesia) plus five yet unassigned HCV-2 subtypes exclusively linked to Suriname.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sigrid Mac Donald-Ottevanger
- Foundation for Scientific Research Suriname (SWOS), Leysweg 49, Paramaribo, Suriname; Research Center, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Flustraat 1-3, Paramaribo, Suriname.
| | - Stephen Vreden
- Foundation for Scientific Research Suriname (SWOS), Leysweg 49, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Jannie J van der Helm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Molenkamp
- Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands
| | - Els Dams
- Diakonessenhuis, Zinniastraat 64, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Jimmy Roosblad
- Clinical Laboratory, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Flustraat 1-3, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - John Codrington
- Clinical Laboratory, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Flustraat 1-3, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Ashna D Hindori-Mohangoo
- Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kernkampweg 5, Paramaribo, Suriname; Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, TNO Healthy Living, Department Child Health, Schipholweg 77-89, 2316 ZL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands
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19
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Hogema BM, Molier M, Sjerps M, de Waal M, van Swieten P, van de Laar T, Molenaar-de Backer M, Zaaijer HL. Incidence and duration of hepatitis E virus infection in Dutch blood donors. Transfusion 2015; 56:722-8. [PMID: 26559806 DOI: 10.1111/trf.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in the Netherlands is high. Blood donors are not routinely screened for HEV infection, but since January 2013, donations used for the production of solvent/detergent (S/D)-treated plasma have been screened for HEV RNA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Donations were screened for HEV RNA in pools of 96 and 192 donations. In addition, all donations made between 60 days before and after each HEV RNA-positive donation were tested individually for HEV RNA and anti-HEV immunoglobulin G. RESULTS The screening of 59,474 donations between January 2013 and December 2014 resulted in identification of 45 HEV RNA-positive donations (0.076%) from 41 donors. HEV RNA loads ranged from 80 to 2.3 × 10(6) IU/mL. The number of positive donations increased significantly over time (p = 0.03). Thirty-three of 90 donations made up to 60 days before or after HEV RNA-positive donations were positive when tested individually, while they had not been detected in the pool screening. The mean duration of HEV viremia in the healthy blood donor is estimated to be 68 days. CONCLUSION The incidence of HEV infection in the Netherlands is high and increased during the study period. In 2013 and 2014, HEV RNA was detected in 1 per 762 donations intended for production of S/D plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris M Hogema
- Department of Blood-Borne Infections, Sanquin Research.,Department of Virology, Sanquin Diagnostic Services
| | - Michel Molier
- Department of Blood-Borne Infections, Sanquin Research
| | | | | | | | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Blood-Borne Infections, Sanquin Research.,Department of Virology, Sanquin Diagnostic Services
| | - Marijke Molenaar-de Backer
- Department of Blood-Borne Infections, Sanquin Research.,Department of Virology, Sanquin Diagnostic Services
| | - Hans L Zaaijer
- Department of Blood-Borne Infections, Sanquin Research.,Medical Microbiology (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Stewardson AJ, Renzi G, Maury N, Vaudaux C, Brossier C, Fritsch E, Pittet D, Heck M, van der Zwaluw K, Reuland EA, van de Laar T, Snelders E, Vandenbroucke-Grauls C, Kluytmans J, Edder P, Schrenzel J, Harbarth S. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in hospital food: a risk assessment. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014; 35:375-83. [PMID: 24602942 DOI: 10.1086/675609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) contamination of food and colonization of food handlers in a hospital kitchen and compare retrieved ESBL-PE strains with patient isolates. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A 2,200-bed tertiary care university hospital in Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS Food handlers. METHODS Raw and prepared food samples were obtained from the hospital kitchen, with a comparator group from local supermarkets. Fecal samples collected from food handlers and selectively pre-enriched homogenized food samples were inoculated onto selective chromogenic media. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL production was performed using the double disk method. Representative ESBL-PE were characterized using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM genes, and Escherichia coli strains were typed using phylotyping, repetitive element palindromic PCR, and multilocus sequence typing. Meat samples were screened for antibiotic residues using liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS Sixty (92%) of the raw chicken samples were ESBL-PE positive, including 30 (86%) of the hospital samples and all supermarket samples. No egg, beef, rabbit, or cooked chicken samples were ESBL-PE positive. No antibiotic residues were detected. Six (6.5%) of 93 food handlers were ESBL-PE carriers. ESBL-PE strains from chicken meat more commonly possessed blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-2, whereas blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-15 were predominant among strains of human origin. There was partial overlap in the sequence type of E. coli strains of chicken and human origin. No E. coli ST131 strains or blaCTX-M-15 genes were isolated from meat. CONCLUSIONS Although there is significant ESBL-PE contamination of delivered chicken meat, current preventive strategies minimize risks to food handlers, hospital staff, and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Stewardson
- Infection Control Program, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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van den Berg CHBS, Grady BPX, Schinkel J, van de Laar T, Molenkamp R, van Houdt R, Coutinho RA, van Baarle D, Prins M. Female sex and IL28B, a synergism for spontaneous viral clearance in hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconverters from a community-based cohort. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27555. [PMID: 22110669 PMCID: PMC3216978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Since acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is often asymptomatic, it is difficult to examine the rate and determinants of spontaneous clearance. Consequently, these studies are subject to bias, which can potentially lead to biased rates of viral clearance and risk estimates. We evaluated determinants of spontaneous HCV clearance among HCV seroconverters identified in a unique community-based cohort. METHODS Subjects were 106 drug users with documented dates of HCV seroconversion from the Amsterdam Cohort Study. Logistic regression was used to examine sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, viral and host determinants, measured around acute infection, of HCV clearance. RESULTS The spontaneous viral clearance rate was 33.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.2-42.8). In univariate analyses female sex and fever were significantly associated with spontaneous clearance. The favorable genotypes for rs12979860 (CC) and rs8099917 (TT) were associated with spontaneous clearance, although borderline significant. In multivariate analysis, females with the favorable genotype for rs12979860 (CC) had an increased odds to spontaneously clear HCV infection (adjusted OR 6.62, 95% 2.69-26.13), whereas females with the unfavorable genotype were as likely as men with the favorable and unfavorable genotype to clear HCV. Chronic Hepatitis B infection and absence of HIV coinfection around HCV seroconversion also favor HCV clearance. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that co-infection with HIV and HBV and genetic variation in the IL28B region play an important role in spontaneous clearance of HCV. Our findings suggest a possible synergistic interaction between female sex and IL28B in spontaneous clearance of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H. B. S. van den Berg
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, CINIMA, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P. X. Grady
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, CINIMA, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Public Health, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Molenkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, CINIMA, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robin van Houdt
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Public Health, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Roel A. Coutinho
- Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, CINIMA, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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Vogel M, van de Laar T, Kupfer B, Stellbrink HJ, Kümmerle T, Mauss S, Knecht G, Berger A, Bruisten S, Rockstroh JK. Phylogenetic analysis of acute hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infections among human immunodeficiency virus-positive men who have sex with men in Germany. Liver Int 2010; 30:1169-72. [PMID: 20633101 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02305.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An ongoing HCV epidemic currently affects a growing proportion of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. Recently in the North-Rhine region of Germany, we have observed an increase in acute HCV infections of genotype 4 (HCV-4). AIMS To characterize the current spread of HCV-4 among German MSM using a molecular epidemiological approach. METHODS Patient characteristics and sera were collected for HIV-positive MSM diagnosed with acute HCV-4 infections in the North-Rhine region (n=14), Hamburg (n=14), Frankfurt (n=4) and Berlin (n=4). Part of the HCV NS5B region (436 bp) was amplified, sequenced and compared with HCV-4 sequences from HIV-positive Dutch, English and French MSM (n=50) as well as unrelated HCV risk groups (n=61). RESULTS NS5B sequences were obtained from 35/36 (97%) of German cases, all of which were HCV subtype 4d (HCV-4d). The phylogenetic analysis of HCV sequences revealed two MSM-specific HCV-4d clusters of 71 and 12 sequences. All except one of the German MSM belonged to a large MSM-specific HCV cluster containing MSM from all four different European countries. None of the HCV-4 strains circulating among injecting drug users or in HCV-4 endemic areas were part of the MSM-specific clusters. CONCLUSIONS HCV rapidly spreads among European HIV-positive MSM through a joint international transmission network, separate from that of injecting drug users. In order to contain this epidemic, non-parenteral routes of transmission, such as unsafe sex, must be taken into consideration and prevention measures should be refocused accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Vogel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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