المؤلفون: Luca Ceccarelli, Giaele Moretti, Sara Mazzilli, Davide Petri, Ilaria Corazza, Caterina Rizzo, Ersilia Lucenteforte, Milena Vainieri, Chiara Seghieri, Lara Tavoschi, On behalf of OPT-HepaC consortium

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: HCV, DAA treatment, Linkage to care, HCV screening, HCV diagnosis, Evidence-based policy making, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract This comprehensive retrospective data-linkage study aimed at evaluating the impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing, treatment trends, and access to care in Tuscany over six years following their introduction. Utilizing administrative healthcare records, our work reveals a substantial increase in HCV tests in 2017, attributed to the decision to provide universal access to treatment. However, despite efforts to eradicate chronic HCV through a government-led plan, the target of treating 6,221 patients annually was not met, and services contracted after 2018, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings indicate a higher prevalence of HCV screening among females in the 33–53 age group, influenced by pregnancy-related recommendations, while diagnostic tests and treatment uptake were more common among males. Problematic substance users constituted a significant proportion of those tested and treated, emphasizing their priority in HCV screening. Our paper underscores the need for decentralized HCV models and alternative testing strategies, such as point-of-care assays, especially in populations accessing harm reduction services, communities, and prisons. The study acknowledges limitations in relying solely on administrative records, advocating for improved data access and timely linkages to accurately monitor HCV care cascades and inform regional plans. Despite challenges, the paper demonstrates the value of administrative record linkages in understanding the access to care pathway for hard-to-reach populations. The findings emphasize the importance of the national HCV elimination strategy and the need for enhanced data collection to assess progress accurately, providing insights for future regional and national interventions.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/4a8e0acc51ce4c16a7857b001013b9d0Test

المؤلفون: Sameen Amjed, Hafiz Ghulam Murtaza Saleem, Sajjad Ullah, Shahzad Latif, Shabana, Junaid Jafar, Ahmad Bilal Waqar

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: ITPA, HCV, Ribavirin, Polymorphism, Anemia, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background Globally, 80 million people are suffering from chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Sofosbuvir ribavirin-based anti-HCV therapy is associated with anemia and other adverse effects. Polymorphisms of Inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene may cause functional impairment in the Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase enzyme, resulting in enhanced sustained viral response (SVR) and protection from ribavirin-associated anemia in patients on therapy. The study objective was to investigate the effect of Inosine triphosphatase gene polymorphism on SVR achievement, hemoglobin decline and ribavirin dose reduction in patients on therapy. Methods This prospective cohort study was of 170 hepatitis C infected patients received 6-month sofosbuvir ribavirin therapy. Patient viral load, reduction in ribavirin amount, liver function test, and complete blood count were noted monthly. Inosine triphosphatase variants rs1127354 and rs7270101 were assessed through the restriction fragment length polymorphism and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. The impact of polymorphism on cumulative reduction of ribavirin, and anti-HCV therapy outcome were studied. Results A total of 74.3% of patients had ITPA rs1127354 CC genotype, 25.7% were CA and AA 0%. The frequency of ITPA genotype rs7270101-AA was 95%, AC 5%, and CC was 0%. ITPA rs1127354-CA had a notably positive impact on SVR achievement with a zero-relapse rate. ITPA rs1127354-CA genotype was significantly (P ˂0.05) protective against ≥ 2 g/dl Hb reduction from baseline to 1st, 2nd and 6th months of therapy. During treatment, Hb reduction ≥ 10 g/dl was frequently observed in rs1127354-CC genotype and rs7270101-AA genotype patients. Ribavirin dose reduction was significantly (P ˂0.05) high in rs1127354-CC genotype as compared to genotype CA whereas no significant difference was observed in ribavirin dose reduction in rs7270101 AA and non-AA genotype. Patient baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index, rs1127354-CC genotype, and baseline Hb were significantly associated with significant Hb reduction. Conclusion Pretreatment evaluation of ITPA polymorphism can be a diagnostic tool to find out patients at risk of anemia and improve treatment adherence. ITPA genotype rs1127354-CA contributes to improved compliance with ribavirin dose and protects against hemoglobin decline in HCV patients while taking ribavirin-based therapy. However, ITPA rs1127354, rs7270101 polymorphism have no significant impact on SVR achievement.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/8edfc54dfbb9434f898955e74d79800eTest

المؤلفون: Noel Tsui, Gabriel B. Tjong, Abigail J. Simms, Sarah A. Edwards, Shelley Cripps

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-6 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Hepatitis C, Métis, Indigenous health, HCV infection, Population-based, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global concern, with Indigenous Peoples bearing the highest burden. Previous studies exploring HCV prevalence within Indigenous populations have predominantly used a pan-Indigenous approach, consequently resulting in limited availability of Métis-specific HCV data. The Métis are one of the three recognized groups of Indigenous Peoples in Canada with a distinct history and language. The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is the only recognized Métis government in Ontario. This study aims to examine the prevalence of self-reported HCV testing and positive results among citizens of the MNO, as well as to explore the association between sociodemographic variables and HCV testing and positive results. Methods A population-based online survey was implemented by the MNO using their citizenship registry between May 6 and June 13, 2022. The survey included questions about hepatitis C testing and results, socio-demographics, and other health related outcomes. Census sampling was used, and 3,206 MNO citizens responded to the hepatitis C-related questions. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to analyze the survey data. Results Among the respondents, 827 (25.8%, CI: 24.3–27.3) reported having undergone HCV testing and 58 indicated testing positive, resulting in a prevalence of 1.8% (CI: 1.3–2.3). Respondents with a strong sense of community belonging, higher education levels, and lower household income were more likely to report having undergone HCV testing. Among those who had undergone testing, older age groups, individuals with lower education levels, and retired individuals were more likely to test positive for HCV. Conclusion This study is the first Métis-led and Métis-specific study to report on HCV prevalence among Métis citizens. This research contributes to the knowledge base for Métis health and will support the MNO’s health promotion program and resources for HCV. Future research will examine the actual HCV incidence and prevalence among MNO citizens.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/54b299e59e5a49fca404617d9e755d00Test

المؤلفون: Jehan Altinawe, Muhammad Eid Akkawi, Nihad Kharrat Helu, Qusai Hassan, Abdul-Hakim Nattouf

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-8 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Hemodialysis, Infection, Hepatitis, HBV, HCV, HIV, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among hemodialysis (HD) patients as well as to identify associated risk factors. Methodology A multicenter cross-sectional study involved patients who had been on HD for at least three months. The study was conducted at five HD centers in Damascus, Syria from August 2019 to September 2021. HBsAg, HCV-Ab and HIV (antibody/antigen) seropositivity were identified using the third generation ELISA technique. Patients’ information was extracted from their records and by face-to-face interview. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to identify risk factors associated with HBV or HCV seropositivity. The significance level was set at 5%. Results A total of 637 patients were included in the study with a mean age (SD) of 50.5 (15.6) years and 56.7% of them were men. The dialytic age ranged from one to thirty years with a mean (SD) of 6.10 (5.6) years. The prevalence of positive hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV, co-infection of HBV and HCV, and anti-HIV (antibody/antigen) were 3.2%, 22.1%, 0.7%, and 0%, respectively. After controlling for co-variables, hepatitis B vaccine was the only predictor of seropositivity of HBV (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.057–0.393, P

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/29c996d023734d89bf674ec4bfe84787Test

المؤلفون: Benade, M, Rosen, S, Antoniak, S, Chasela, C, Stopolianska, Y, Barnard, T, Gandhi, MM, Ivanchuk, I, Tretiakov, V, Dible, J, Minior, T, Chew, KW, van der Horst, C, Tsenilova, Z, Sanne, I

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases. 22(1)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Health Sciences, Hepatitis, Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis, Pain Research, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis - C, Clinical Research, Infectious Diseases, Behavioral and Social Science, Liver Disease, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Digestive Diseases, Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions, 6.1 Pharmaceuticals, Infection, Good Health and Well Being, Adult, Antiviral Agents, HIV Infections, Hepacivirus, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis C, Chronic, Humans, Pain, Quality of Life, Substance Abuse, Intravenous, Ukraine, HCV, HIV, Treatment, PWID, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Clinical sciences, Medical microbiology, Public health

الوصف: BackgroundDirect-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective in achieving sustained virologic response among those with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Quality of life (QOL) benefits for an HCV-infected population with high numbers of people who inject drugs and people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Eastern Europe have not been explored. We estimated such benefits for Ukraine.MethodsUsing data from a demonstration study of 12-week DAA conducted in Kyiv, we compared self-reported QOL as captured with the MOS-SF20 at study entry and 12 weeks after treatment completion (week 24). We calculated domain scores for health perception, physical, role and social functioning, mental health and pain to at entry and week 24, stratified by HIV status.ResultsAmong the 857 patients included in the final analysis, health perception was the domain that showed the largest change, with an improvement of 85.7% between entry and week 24. The improvement was larger among those who were HIV negative (104.4%) than among those living with HIV (69.9%). Other domains that showed significant and meaningful improvements were physical functioning, which improved from 80.5 (95% CI 78.9-82.1) at study entry to 89.4 (88.1-90.7) at 24 weeks, role functioning (64.5 [62.3-66.8] to 86.5 [84.9-88.2]), social functioning (74.2 [72.1-76.2] to 84.8 [83.2-86.5]) and bodily pain (70.1 [68.2-72.0] to 89.8 [88.5-91.1]). Across all domains, QOL improvements among PLHIV were more modest than among HIV-negative participants.ConclusionQOL improved substantially across all domains between study entry and week 24. Changes over the study period were smaller among PLHIV.

وصف الملف: application/pdf

الوصول الحر: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6bm8817xTest

المؤلفون: Mariana Pinheiro Alves Vasconcelos, Juan Camilo Sánchez-Arcila, Luciana Peres, Paulo Sérgio Fonseca de Sousa, Júlio Castro-Alves, Hermano Gomes Albuquerque, Maria Cássia Mendes-Correa, Marilza Maia-Herzog, Lia Laura Lewis-Ximenez, Lívia Melo Villar, Joseli Oliveira-Ferreira

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-10 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Viral hepatitis, HBV, HDV, HCV, Yanomami, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background Viral hepatitis is a significant health concern among indigenous population in the Americas. In Brazil, reports find high endemicity of HBV and HDV infections has been reported in several indigenous groups. However, few studies have documented the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HDV in the Yanomami. In this study, the prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D serological markers and potential risk factors were investigated to provide guidance for the development of strategies aimed at reducing viral transmission in the Yanomami indigenous villages. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2015 and included 430 individuals from four Yanomami villages: Alapusi (n = 78), Castanha/Ahima (n = 126), Gasolina (n = 105), and Taibrapa (n = 121). A rapid test was used for detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV and chemiluminescent immunoassay for anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and anti-HDV antibodies. Results HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs were detected in 8.8, 45.5, and 49.4% of the participants, respectively. The estimated HBV status: current infection 9.6% (38/395); resolved infection 43.3% (171/395); vaccine immunity 20.5% (81/395), and susceptible to HBV 26.6% (105/395). Gasolina presented the lowest prevalence of HBV infection (6.5%) and the highest prevalence of vaccine immunity (26.9%). Children

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/62f3029c9a134c63919e1794ba2092daTest

المؤلفون: Wafaa M. Ezzat, Khalda S. Amr, Salwa Tawfeek, Hassan Elbatae, Eman A. Bayomi, Ahmed Heiba, Yasser Elhosary

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-8 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: HCV, microRNAs, Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir, Egypt, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background MicroRNAs (miR) are small sequence of nucleotides that can affect multiple genes involved in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle and disease development. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance of serum microRNA profiles in a cohort of Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection before and after combined sofosbuvir and daclatasvir treatment, as well as to gain a better understanding of the exact interaction mechanism in HCV transcriptional activity via differentially expressed miRNAs. For 12 weeks, 50 patients were eligible for and received sofosbuvir (400 mg daily) and daclatasvir (60 mg daily) treatment. Each patient’s blood was obtained twice: once before therapy began and again three months afterwards. Results The current study found that serum levels of circulating miR-122, miR-221, miR-23a, miR-125, miR-217, miR-224, and miR-181a were high in HCV pre-treatment patients, but after 12 weeks of direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in expression levels of miR-122, miR-221, miR-23a, miR-125, miR-217, and miR-224 (p

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/15a60f3433c846ae9ee3a90057d72c63Test

المؤلفون: Rui Huang, Jia Shang, Hong Chen, Jun Li, Qing Xie, Jiajun Feng, Lai Wei, Huiying Rao

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-10 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), Sustained virological response (SVR), Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background To investigate the trends in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients and to assess the longitudinal impact of antiviral therapy on their well-being. Methods In this prospective multicenter observational study in adults with HCV infection, sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and EQ-5D questionnaires were collected. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to assess the associations between these variables and changes in HRQoL over time. Results 456 patients were included, with a median age of 46.5 (36.5–57.0) years, of which 262 (57.5%) were males and 44 (9.6%) had cirrhosis. 335 patients (73.5%) receiving antiviral therapy and 61.8% achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). The baseline EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS were 0.916 ± 0.208 and 80.6 ± 13.0. In multivariable analysis of GEE estimation, achieving SVR24 was positively associated with EQ-5D utility (p = 0.000) and EQ-VAS (p = 0.000) over time. Age and income were shown to be significant predictors of EQ-5D utility, while gender, age and genotype were associated with EQ-VAS over time. Conclusions SVR improved long-term HRQoL in HCV patients in the first few years following viral clearance. Certain sociodemographic factors, such as gender, age, income as well as genotype, significantly influenced long-term changes in patients’ quality of life. Trial registration NCT01594554. Registration date: 09/05/2012.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/ac6451c3d0c1414aa141f16899c06b1fTest

المؤلفون: Phuong Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Ngoc Nghiem My, Sabrina Rasheed, Fatema Khatun, Jennifer Van Nuil, Dung Nguyen Thanh, Hung Le Mạnh, Motiur Rahman

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 23, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Gender, Hepatitis C virus, Health insurance, Determinants, HCV treatment, Hospital visits, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background Healthcare utilization is typically adversely affected when the treatment is expensive and requires multiple visits. We examined the determinants of healthcare-seeking for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is asymptomatic, chronic, and requires costly treatment in an urban tertiary care referral hospital in Vietnam. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of hospital data for patients attending the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam between 2017 and 2020 specifically for HCV infection treatment. Poisson regression was used to determine the effect of personal factors (age, sex, comorbidities) and structural factors (health insurance, proximity to the facility, seasonality, year of visit) on the number of hospital visits. Results From 2017 to 2020 a total of 22,052 eligible patients sought treatment in the hospital. Among the patients, 50.4% were males and 58.7% were > 50 years of age. The mean number of visits per person was 2.17. In the multivariate analysis compared to 2017, the number of hospital visits increased by 4% in 2018 and then significantly decreased in 2019 and 2020. Visit numbers were significantly lower (6%) among South East region residents compared to those from Central Highlands and for those who lived further away from the hospital. The visit numbers were significantly higher among older age groups (5–11%), those with health insurance (6%), and those with comorbidities (5%) compared to others. Although the number of hospital visits by females was higher (7%) than males in 2017, it significantly decreased in subsequent years. Conclusions Our study indicated that there are both structural and individual factors affecting the number of visits for HCV treatment. To meet the global strategy for elimination of HCV, Vietnam Government needs to address the structural and personal barriers to healthcare seeking, with a special focus on women.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/e01e7811977a4f038706d35a287b5abfTest

المؤلفون: Hasnain Javed, Abida Bano, Warda Fatima, Rimsha Khan, Asma Akhtar

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 23, Iss 1, Pp 1-6 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Transgender, Sexually transmitted diseases, HCV, HBV, Syphilis, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background Transgender (TG) people are key drivers for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) all over the world. There is substantial evidence that STIs are associated with an increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior however little is known about the prevalence of STIs (HIV, HBV, HCV, and Syphilis) among HIV infected transgender population in Pakistan. Methods The current study investigated the seroprevalence of four STIs and associated socio-demographic risk factors among TGs of Punjab, Pakistan from July 2019 to June 2021. The samples were tested serologically and final confirmation was done through PCR for HIV, HBV, and HCV. Results A total of 1,562 transgenders cross-sectional descriptive records of the Punjab AIDS Control Program (PACP) were reviewed during the period from July 2019 to June 2021. The serological results evidenced that 533 (34.1%) had one pathogen, 309 (19.8%) had two or more (multiple) infections. The most predominant mono-infection among the transgender population was Syphilis 324 (20.7%) followed by HCV 114 (7.3%), HIV 69 (4.4%), and HBV 26 (1.7%). The highest proportions of Infections were found in TG residing in urban areas (68.6%) as compared to rural areas (31.4%). The seropositivity of all STIs was predominantly increased in Sex worker TGs i-e 55%, 46.5%, 38.5%, and 41.8% in HIV, HBV, HCV, and Syphilis respectively. Among 280 HIV-infected Transgender, 177 (63.2%) had Syphilis co-infections. While 87 (31%) and 47 (16.8%) HIV-infected individuals had HC and HBV co-infection respectively. Conclusion Transgender is neglected population group in society. All STIs were predominantly common among sex worker transgenders, Illiterate educational groups, and TGs residing in urban areas. There is a need to spread awareness about STIs, preventive strategies, and facilitation to health care programs in this high-risk population group.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/73ac3b16c5134645a4515cedceac3f51Test