scholarly journals Per-Contact Infectivity of Hepatitis C Virus Acquisition in Association With Receptive Needle Sharing Exposures in a Prospective Cohort of Young Adult People who Inject Drugs in San Francisco, California

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuridia Leyva ◽  
Kimberly Page ◽  
Stephen Shiboski ◽  
Judith A Hahn ◽  
Jennifer Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Exposure Model ◽  
Risk Exposure ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Needle Sharing

Abstract Background Sharing needles and ancillary injecting equipment is a primary risk exposure for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID); however, infectivity of these exposures is not well quantified. We aimed to estimate per-event HCV infectivity associated with receptive needle sharing (RNS) among susceptible PWID. Methods Participants in a prospective cohort study of young adult PWID who were anti-HCV and HCV RNA negative at baseline and attended at least 2 follow-up study visits between 2003 and 2014 were eligible. Data were selected from the first HCV-negative through the first HCV-positive visit (or last HCV-negative among those uninfected). Anti-HCV and HCV-RNA tests were used to determine infection status. A probabilistic exposure model linking observed HCV infection outcomes to self-reported exposure events was applied to estimate infectivity. Results Among 344 participants, a maximum likelihood estimate considering RNS yielded a pooled population per RNS event HCV probability of 0.25% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10%–0.43%), and 1.12% (95% CI, 0.48%–2.35%) among those who acquired any HCV infection (primary or reinfection). Conclusions HCV is highly infectious in association with RNS, a primary injection-related risk exposure. Our infectivity estimate among participants who acquired any HCV infection is 1.7 times higher than that estimated for HIV infection in PWID and 2.24 times higher than that estimated among health care workers exposed through needle sticks. The strengths of this study include the assessment of receptive needle sharing events, the prospective design, and relatively short recall and testing periods. These results can inform transmission models and research to prevent HCV infection.

scholarly journals The effects of needle-sharing and opioid substitution therapy on incidence of hepatitis C virus infection and reinfection in people who inject drugs

2016 ◽  
Vol 145 (4) ◽  
pp. 796-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. K. AITKEN ◽  
P. A. AGIUS ◽  
P. G. HIGGS ◽  
M. A. STOOVÉ ◽  
D. S. BOWDEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Needle Sharing ◽  
Substitution Therapy ◽  
Opioid Substitution Therapy ◽  
Cross Model ◽  
Opioid Substitution

SUMMARYAlthough high hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence has been observed in people who inject drugs (PWID) for decades, research suggests incidence is falling. We examined whether PWIDs’ use of opioid substitution therapy (OST) and their needle-and-syringe sharing behaviour explained HCV incidence. We assessed HCV incidence in 235 PWID in Melbourne, Australia, and performed discrete-time survival with needle-sharing and OST status as independent variables. HCV infection, reinfection and combined infection/reinfection incidences were 7·6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·8–11·9], 12·4 (95% CI 9·1–17·0) and 9·7 (95% CI 7·4–12·6) per 100 person-years, respectively. Needle-sharing was significantly associated with higher incidence of naive HCV infection [hazard ratio (HR) 4·9, 95% CI 1·3–17·7] but not reinfection (HR 1·85, 95% CI 0·79–4·32); however, a cross-model test suggested this difference was sample specific. Past month use of OST had non-significant protective effects against naive HCV infection and reinfection. Our data confirm previous evidence of greatly reduced HCV incidence in PWID, but not the significant protective effect of OST on HCV incidence detected in recent studies. Our findings reinforce the need for greater access to HCV testing and prevention services to accelerate the decline in incidence, and HCV treatment, management and support to limit reinfection.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Tehsil Batkhela District Malakand, KPK, Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (06) ◽  
pp. 20251-20256
Author(s):  
Mudassir Khan ◽  
Shahrukh Khan ◽  
Shohra Haider ◽  
Fazal Jalil ◽  
Muhsin Jamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Common Symptom

Background: Prevalence of Hepatitis C viral infection and its major risk factors has been found out in population of Batkhela, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan by taking number of volunteers from the interested area. HCV prevalence has not been researched in recent time here in this area, so that’s why we contributed. Materials and Methods: Ab rapid test cassette serum/plasma (USA) kit has been used for the mentioned purpose following by ELISA and finally PCR to find out active infection of virus. ICT positive individuals were reconfirmed by ELISA and then ELISA positive samples were carefully investigated by RT-PCR for Hepatitis C Virus. Results: The study population was of 770 volunteers belonging to the mentioned area of research, 453 males and 317 females. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.32% of HCV in Batkhela. This prevalence ratio was 3.12% in males and 2.20 % in females. 3rd generation ELISA was used to refine ICT positive samples which showed that 37 of the ICT positive samples had antibodies detected by ELISA. To find out active HCV infection, ELISA positive samples were refined by real time PCR which showed 2.98% of prevalence of active HCV infection in Batkhela based on HCV RNA in their blood. Principle Conclusion: Overall prevalence was found 5.32%, contaminated reused syringes and blades at Barbour’s shop, blood transfusion, surgical operations and unhygienic food in stalls etc were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. Body weakness and pale yellow skin color was common symptom in HCV positive volunteers. Safe sexual activities, blood screening before donation and sterilizing surgical equipment’s can protect us from Hepatitis C Virus.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Village in Northeastern Romania—A Population-Based Screening—The First Step to Viral Micro-Elimination

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 651
Author(s):  
Laura Huiban ◽  
Carol Stanciu ◽  
Cristina Maria Muzica ◽  
Tudor Cuciureanu ◽  
Stefan Chiriac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Virus Eradication ◽  
Tertiary Center

(1) Background: The World Health Organization adopted a strategy for the Global Health Sector on Viral Hepatitis in 2016, with the main objective of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection and risk factors in a Romanian village using population-based screening as part of the global C virus eradication program. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective study from March 2019 to February 2020, based on a strategy as part of a project designed to educate, screen, treat and eliminate HCV infection in all adults in a village located in Northeastern Romania. (3) Results: In total, 3507 subjects were invited to be screened by rapid diagnostic orientation tests (RDOT). Overall, 2945 (84%) subjects were tested, out of whom 78 (2.64%) were found to have positive HCV antibodies and were scheduled for further evaluation in a tertiary center of gastroenterology/hepatology in order to be linked to care. In total, 66 (85%) subjects presented for evaluation and 55 (83%) had detectable HCV RNA. Of these, 54 (98%) completed antiviral treatment and 53 (99%) obtained a sustained virological response. (4) Conclusions: The elimination of hepatitis C worldwide has a higher chance of success if micro-elimination strategies based on mass screening are adopted.

Prospective study of hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients by monthly analysis of HCV RNA and antibodies

2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 503-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina Moreira ◽  
João Renato Rebello Pinho ◽  
Jorge Fares ◽  
Isabel Takano Oba ◽  
Maria Regina Cardoso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus Infection ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Hcv Genotypes ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Time Required

The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the prevalence and the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis patients in two different centers in São Paulo (Brazil), (ii) determine the time required to detect HCV infection among these patients by serology or PCR, (iii) establish the importance of alanine aminotransferase determination as a marker of HCV infection, and (iv) identify the HCV genotypes in this population. Serum samples were collected monthly for 1 year from 281 patients admitted to hospital for hemodialysis. Out of 281 patients, 41 patients (14.6%) were HCV positive; six patients seroconverted during this study (incidence = 3.1/1000 person-month). In 1.8% (5/281) of cases, RNA was detected before the appearance of antibodies (up to 5 months), and in 1.1% (3/281) of cases, RNA was the unique marker of HCV infection. The genotypes found were 1a, 1b, 3a, and 4a. The presence of genotype 4a is noteworthy, since it is a rare genotype in Brazil. These data pointed out the high prevalence and incidence of HCV infection at hemodialysis centers in Brazil and showed that routine PCR is fundamental for improving the detection of HCV carriers among patients undergoing hemodialysis.Key words: HCV genotypes, hemodialysis, hepatitis C, PCR, prevalence, incidence.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C virus depends on E-cadherin as an entry factor and regulates its expression in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (27) ◽  
pp. 7620-7625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qisheng Li ◽  
Catherine Sodroski ◽  
Brianna Lowey ◽  
Cameron J. Schweitzer ◽  
Helen Cha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
E Cadherin

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) enters the host cell through interactions with a cascade of cellular factors. Although significant progress has been made in understanding HCV entry, the precise mechanisms by which HCV exploits the receptor complex and host machinery to enter the cell remain unclear. This intricate process of viral entry likely depends on additional yet-to-be-defined cellular molecules. Recently, by applying integrative functional genomics approaches, we identified and interrogated distinct sets of host dependencies in the complete HCV life cycle. Viral entry assays using HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpps) of various genotypes uncovered multiple previously unappreciated host factors, including E-cadherin, that mediate HCV entry. E-cadherin silencing significantly inhibited HCV infection in Huh7.5.1 cells, HepG2/miR122/CD81 cells, and primary human hepatocytes at a postbinding entry step. Knockdown of E-cadherin, however, had no effect on HCV RNA replication or internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-mediated translation. In addition, an E-cadherin monoclonal antibody effectively blocked HCV entry and infection in hepatocytes. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that E-cadherin is closely associated with claudin-1 (CLDN1) and occludin (OCLN) on the cell membrane. Depletion of E-cadherin drastically diminished the cell-surface distribution of these two tight junction proteins in various hepatic cell lines, indicating that E-cadherin plays an important regulatory role in CLDN1/OCLN localization on the cell surface. Furthermore, loss of E-cadherin expression in hepatocytes is associated with HCV-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), providing an important link between HCV infection and liver cancer. Our data indicate that a dynamic interplay among E-cadherin, tight junctions, and EMT exists and mediates an important function in HCV entry.

scholarly journals Characterization of Occult Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv) Infection among Hemodialysis Patient

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Nurul Fazlin Abdul Rahman ◽  
Hairul Aini binti Hamzah ◽  
Mohammed Imad Mustafa ◽  
Mohamed Hadzri Hasmoni
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Viral Rnas ◽  
Occult Hepatitis ◽  
Occult Hepatitis C

Introduction: The existence of new entity called occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become a raising and escalating concern among healthcare professionals worldwide. It is defined by the presence of viral RNA in liver and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) within non HCV-infected patients. Previous study had shown the occult HCV is infectious and capable of transmitting the virus to another host. Till today, HCV infection remains common among hemodialysis patients despite having the best preventive plans. Because of this, there is a significant concern about the source of viral transmission. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize occult HCV infection in PBMC sample of hemodialysis patients. This was an observational and cross sectional study. Materials and method: PBMCs were isolated from the whole blood using Ficoll-gradient centrifugation technique. The PBMCs were then subjected for cell counting and stored in -70O C until further used. HCV RNA were extracted from these cells and viral RNA were subjected for molecular assays, immune cells analysis and cells culture. Results: PBMCs were isolated from eleven (11) study patients and five (5) anti-HCV positive (control) patients. By using automated flow cytometry, PBMCs of each sample were counted and the average number of cells obtained range from 2x104 to 5x106 cells/ ml. Viral RNAs were extracted and quantitatively measured by using NanoDrop Spectrophotometers. The viral RNAs concentration obtained were between 24.7 and 258.9 ng/ml. The RNAs would be subjected for purification (ethanol precipitation) and further assays. Conclusion: The final findings might contribute to the clinical management of dialysis patients.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in the Population of Albania for the Period 2007-2010

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 525-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hysaj Vila Brunilda ◽  
Shundi Lila ◽  
Abazaj Erjona ◽  
Bino Silva ◽  
Rexha Tefta
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C is a blood-borne, infectious, viral disease that is caused by a hepatotropic virus called Hepatitis C virus (HCV).AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of active HCV infection (HCV–RNA) in the cases that were anti-HCV positive.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma of 301 high-risk for HCV infection consecutive from University Hospital Centre “Mother Theresa” Tirana-Albania, during January 2007 to December 2010 was included in this study. To identify the presence of HCV RNA, the samples were examined by Cobas Amplicor HCV test (qualitative method).RESULTS: From 301 samples analyzed in total, 214 of them resulted positive for the presence of HCV-RNA's, corresponding to a prevalence of 71.1%, with 95% CI interval [65.8 - 75.9] for value of χ2 = 52.7 p value <0.0001. Divide by the sex 56% were males and 44% females, with statistically significant difference between them for value χ2 =4306 p value=0.0380. Among the age groups the highest prevalence was observed in the age groups > 25 years with a significant difference with other age groups for p value <0.001.CONCLUSION: Among tested samples, 71.1 % were confirmed to be positive for HCV –RNA infections. The prevalence of male was highest compared to female. For males and females infected the prevalence was highest in the age group of > 25 years.

scholarly journals Robust Production of Infectious Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) from Stably HCV cDNA-Transfected Human Hepatoma Cells

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (22) ◽  
pp. 13963-13973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaohui Cai ◽  
Chen Zhang ◽  
Kyung-Soo Chang ◽  
Jieyun Jiang ◽  
Byung-Chul Ahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Culture System ◽  
Infectious Virus ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Human Hepatoma ◽  
Stable Cell Lines ◽  
Increased Risk

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects approximately 170 million people worldwide, with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The study of HCV replication and pathogenesis has been hampered by the lack of an efficient stable cell culture system and small-animal models of HCV infection and propagation. In an effort to develop a robust HCV infection system, we constructed stable human hepatoma cell lines that contain a chromosomally integrated genotype 2a HCV cDNA and constitutively produce infectious virus. Transcriptional expression of the full-length HCV RNA genome is under the control of a cellular Pol II polymerase promoter at the 5′ end and a hepatitis delta virus ribozyme at the 3′ end. The resulting HCV RNA was expressed and replicated efficiently, as shown by the presence of high levels of HCV proteins as well as both positive- and negative-strand RNAs in the stable Huh7 cell lines. Stable cell lines robustly produce HCV virions with up to 108 copies of HCV viral RNA per milliliter (ml) of the culture medium. Subsequent infection of naïve Huh7.5 cells with HCV released from the stable cell lines resulted in high levels of HCV proteins and RNAs. Additionally, HCV infection was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies specific to CD81 and the HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2, and HCV replication was suppressed by alpha interferon. Collectively, these results demonstrate the establishment of a stable HCV culture system that robustly produces infectious virus, which will allow the study of each aspect of the entire HCV life cycle.

Serologic, Virologic, and Histologic Characteristics of Chronic Phase Hepatitis C Virus Disease in Children Infected by Transfusion

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 919-922
Author(s):  
Suguru Matsuoka ◽  
Katsuyoshi Tatara ◽  
Yasunobu Hayabuchi ◽  
Yoshiyuki Taguchi ◽  
Kazuhiro Mori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Core Antigen ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Histologic Evidence ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Objective. We studied the time course of hepatic dysfunction, seropositivity to hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, viremia, and histologic evidence of hepatic injury to evaluate the course of HCV infection in children infected by blood transfusion. Patients and methods. Twenty-nine patients (ages 4 to 18 years) who underwent open-heart surgeries for congenital heart disease were grouped into three categories based on alterations in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels: Group A, acute infection; Group B, subacute infection; and Group C, chronic infection. Results. In Group C, all 13 patients had detectable HCV RNA in serum. In contrast, all patients in Group A had no detectable HCV RNA. In Group B, one of nine patients had detectable HCV RNA and two of four patients examined had persistent chronic hepatitis by histologic criteria. Antibodies directed against C100-3 antigen or core-antigen were more useful than second-generation HCV antibody assays in determining the relationship between viremia and immunologic response. Infection with HCV genotype II and the presence of higher HCV RNA copy numbers were associated with histologic evidence of hepatic damage. Conclusion. An abnormal ALT value is frequently associated with viremia, and biochemically resolved acute infection reflects clearance of HCV. However, a normal ALT does not always reflect an absence of hepatocyte damage and HCV replication in patients with subacute disease. The measures outlined in this study are useful indicators of disease activity during the chronic phase of post-transfusion HCV infection.

scholarly journals Association of Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Type II Diabetes in Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Ali ◽  
Solomon Abera ◽  
Adane Mihret ◽  
Tamrat Abebe
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Type Ii Diabetes ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Control Study

Background.Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become the global “epidemic” with an estimated 123 million people currently infected worldwide. As the same time diabetes is also rapidly emerging as a global health care problem that threatens to reach pandemic levels by 2030.Objective.To investigate the magnitude of HCV infection in type II diabetes as compared to controls.Methodology.A case control study design was conducted at Jimma University Specialized Hospital from May to June 2010. A total of 604 study subjects were included in this study. Sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected by questionnaire. From serum sample, HCVAb screening was done by rapid antibody screening test. Liver functioning tests and total cholesterol tests were done by Dr. Lange LP 800 spectrophotometer.Results.The prevalence of HCV in type II diabetes and nondiabetic controls was 9.9% and 3.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, HCV seropositives have high risk of developing diabetes as compared with seronegatives (AOR = 2.997, 95% CI: (1.08, 8.315)).Conclusion.In this study, we found a positive association between past HCV infection and type II diabetes. As we did not perform HCV RNA test, we could not assess the association with HCV viremia.

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