Knowledge and attitudes about hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its treatment in HCV mono‐infected and HCV/HIV co‐infected adults

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is rapidly changing but little is known about patients' attitudes and knowledge about HCV. This study used a cross‐sectional survey to examine the relationship between HCV knowledge and attitudes towards HCV in patients with HCV mono‐infection and HIV/HCV co‐infection. Subsequently, an education intervention was developed with an abridged version of the cross‐sectional survey administered before and after the education session to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes. 292 people participated in the cross‐sectional survey, and 87 people participated in the education intervention. In the cross‐sectional survey, the mean knowledge score regarding HCV was low (<50% of the total possible score). Mono‐infected and co‐infected individuals shared similar knowledge deficits and attitudes towards HCV despite having distinct demographic differences. Attitudes endorsed by patients included the following: 57% feared the consequences of HCV on their life, 37% felt HCV was not fatal, 27% did not believe they needed HCV medication, 21% felt ashamed of having HCV and 16% felt HCV treatment was not important. Attitudes that reflected indifference and shame towards HCV were associated with lower knowledge scores (HCV knowledge score of 15.1 vs. 17.5, P < 0.01 for indifference and 15.3 vs. 17.2 for shame, P = 0.02). The education intervention improved knowledge scores but did not modify the assessed attitudes. Intervention studies are needed to effectively change attitudes towards HCV infection and treatment.     

Mixing particles from various HCV genotypes increases the HBV‐HCV vaccine ability to elicit broadly cross‐neutralizing antibodies

The development of a safe, effective and affordable prophylactic vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a medical priority. Hepatitis B‐C subviral envelope particles, which could be produced by industrial procedures adapted from those established for the hepatitis B virus vaccine, appear promising for use for this purpose. The prototype HBV‐HCV bivalent vaccine‐bearing genotype 1a HCV envelopes can induce neutralizing antibodies against this genotype, but is less effective against other genotypes. We show here, in a small animal model, that the use of a set of vaccine particles harbouring envelopes from different HCV genotypes in various association strategies can induce broad neutralizing protection or an optimized protection against a particular genotype prevalent in a given region, such as genotype 4 in Egypt. This vaccine could help to control the hepatitis C epidemic worldwide.     

Anti‐inflammatory cytokines,pro‐fibrogenic chemokines and persistence of acute HCV infection

Chemokines and cytokines play a vital role in directing and regulating immune responses to viral infections. Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by the loss of anti‐HCV cellular immune responses, while control of HCV infection is associated with maintenance of anti‐HCV cellular immune responses. To determine whether plasma concentrations of 19 chemokines and cytokines controlling T‐cell trafficking and function differed based on infection outcome, we compared them in at‐risk subjects followed prospectively for HCV infection. Levels were compared over time in subjects who controlled HCV infection (Clearance) and subjects who developed persistent HCV infection (Persistence) at two time points during acute infection: (i) first viraemic sample (initial viraemia) and (ii) last viraemic sample in Clearance subjects and time‐matched samples in Persistence subjects. At initial viraemia, increased pro‐inflammatory tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) plasma concentrations were observed in the Clearance group, while the plasma levels of anti‐inflammatory interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐10 and IL‐13 were higher in the Persistence group. IL‐13 was positively correlated with IL‐2 and IL‐10 at initial viraemia in the Persistence group. At the time of last viraemia, plasma levels of eotaxin, macrophage chemoattractant protein‐4 (MCP‐4), IL‐5 and IL‐10 were higher in the Persistence group and IL‐10 and IL‐5 levels were positively correlated. Collectively, these results suggest that the development of persistent infection is associated with an anti‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrogenic chemokine and cytokine profile that is evident at the onset of infection and maintained throughout acute infection.     

Direct‐acting antivirals and hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in co‐infected HBV/HCV kidney‐transplant recipients

Direct‐acting agents (DAAs) are highly efficient at treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections after kidney transplantation. Although drug agencies have recently warned of the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after patients have received DAAs, reports have discrepant results in HBsAg‐positive and HBsAg‐negative patients. We report on 3 cases of HBV reactivation that were detected after achieving a DAA‐associated sustained virological response in 3 kidney‐transplant recipients initially HBsAg‐negative. In the first case, retrospective virological analysis revealed that HBsAgs had become positive and HBV DNA was detectable before initiating DAA therapy. In the second and third cases, HBV reactivation occurred 2 months and more than 1 year after stopping anti‐HCV therapy. These cases underline the discrepancies and highlight the need for comprehensive information before making definitive conclusions regarding the causal link between DAAs and HBV reactivation.     

SERO‐CONVERSION OF HCV NEGATIVE PATIENTS: A EUROPEAN STUDY ON SERO‐CONVERSION OF HCV NEGATIVE PATIENTS: A EUROPEAN STUDY ON

This paper reports part of the findings from a larger study reported earlier, the European study on epidemiology and the management of HCV in the haemodialysis population (1). Centres recruited to the larger study were monitored for a further one year observation period to measure and generate a deeper understanding of HCV sero‐conversion. From 4724 patients who were studied at the baseline, in 68 centres, only 13 patients were found to have sero‐converted. These sero‐conversions occurred in 7 hospitals within 5 different countries. Possible routes of transmission and risk factors are described with respect to the individual centres and good practice recommendations based on current evidence presented.     

丙型肝炎病毒与其合并人类免疫缺陷病毒感染者的病毒基因型差异

HCV与HIV具有相似的传播途径,都可以通过使用污染的血制品、注射用具、性接触及母婴传播,因此,HIV与HCV混合感染较常见.HIV感染改变HCV的自然病程,加速肝纤维化、肝硬化及肝细胞癌的进程已达成共识;HCV基因型对肝病的进程和预后亦起到重要作用.那么HCV基因型的分布在HⅣ/HCV混合感染与HCV单纯感染之间是否存在差异?各自的感染途径有何不同?值得我们作进一步的探讨.我们对昆明市第三人民医院收治的昆明地区85例HCV感染住院患者采用PCR等分子生物学方法研究了HIV/HCV感染与HCV单纯感染患者HCV基因型分布的差异.     

HCV and cancer: a case‐control study in a high‐endemic area

Abstract: Background/Aims: HCV is a RNA virus that cannot be integrated with the host genome; it can, however, exert its oncogenic potential indirectly by contributing to the modulatory effects of the host immune system, probably through a capacity to elude the immune system. We have carried out a case‐controlled study on the different oncological pathologies which have, to date, been shown to have a relationship with HCV. Methods: We screened 495 patients with different types of cancer: 114 cases of liver cancer, 41 of multiple myeloma, 111 non‐Hodgkin’s lymphomas, 130 thyroid cancers, 63 cases of Hodgkin’s disease. The controls were 226 patients with no history of cancer. The relationship between each cancer and HCV infection was assessed by means of odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: Risks were greater for liver cancer (OR=32.9 95% CI 16.5–65.4, p<0.0001), multiple myeloma (OR=4.5 95% CI 1.9–10.7, p=0.0004) and B‐cell non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma (OR=3.7 95% CI 1.9–7.4, p=0.0001). For Hodgkin’s disease there was no significant association (p=0.3). An association between HCV and thyroid cancer was noted (OR=2.8 95% CI 1.2–6.3, p=0.01). Conlusion: Our study is particularly important for public health since the high prevalence of HCV in the South of Italy gives reason to expect increases in not only liver cancer, but also tumors associated with the immune system and thyroid cancer in years to come.     

Meta‐analysis of the association between anti‐HBc seropositivity and a poor prognosis of chronic HCV infection

Aim: The impact of serological HBsAg? and anti‐HBc+ on the prognosis of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is unknown. We conducted a systematic review to analyze whether anti‐HBc positivity imposes any effect on the course of HCV‐related chronic liver disease. Methods: We retrieved references from online databases that included PubMed and EMBASE. Data were gathered with regard to demographic information, disease progression and prognosis, and the results of serological tests. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the endpoint of follow‐up of all cohort studies. Results: Eighteen references were included in this study, of which four were cohort studies. Twelve studies were retrospective, observational and non‐interventional studies. According to our meta‐analysis, the rate of serological HBsAg? and anti‐HBc+ was higher among HCC patients compared with non‐HCC patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.22–1.98). HCV patients that were anti‐HBc+ had a greater chance of developing HCC than their anti‐HBc? counterparts (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.34–3.47). Conclusions: The serological status of HBsAg? and anti‐HBc+ appears to be correlated with a poor prognosis for chronic HCV infection. Though the general quality of these references was low, and multiple confounding factors existed, the likelihood of a poorer outcome of HCV patients that are positive for anti‐HBc should be considered by their physicians.     

Factors associated with HCV antiviral treatment uptake among participants of a community‐based HCV programme for marginalized patients

While the majority of cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in developed countries occur among illicit drug users, HCV antiviral treatment uptake is poor in this population. Several studies have shown that patients can successfully be treated for HCV in the context of methadone maintenance programmes, but little evidence exists evaluating HCV treatment models for substance users where methadone maintenance is not indicated. This retrospective cohort study involved 129 persons participating in psycho‐educational support groups and integrated, interprofessional, community‐based health services focused on the treatment for HCV among marginalized populations with high rates of crack cocaine use and mental health comorbidities. We sought to identify the factors associated with antiviral treatment uptake. Group participation improved access to health care. While 19% had previously seen an HCV specialist prior to group initiation, 59% saw an HCV specialist during the group. Half of the participants were nonimmune to hepatitis A or B at baseline, and 80% of these patients received immunization through the programme. The programme treated 24 patients with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) rate of 91% for genotype 2 or 3 and 54% for genotype 1. Stable housing was independently associated with initiation of treatment, and there was a nonsignificant trend towards lower rates of treatment initiation among women. SVR rates for those who had used crack or injection drugs in the month prior to joining the programme did not differ significantly from those who had abstained.     

Real‐world utility of HCV core antigen as an alternative to HCV RNA testing: Implications for viral load and genotype

Following positive serology, the gold standard confirmatory test of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is detection of HCV RNA by PCR. We assessed the utility of HCV core antigen testing to identify active infection among those positive for anti‐HCV antibodies, when introduced to routine testing. We identified serum samples that were tested at a single laboratory in Scotland from June 2011to December 2017. Serum samples testing positive for HCV antibodies (HCV Ab positive) followed by reflex HCV core antigen (Ag) testing during the study period were identified. Those patients for whom a PCR test was requested on the baseline sample were also identified. For this group, the sensitivity and specificity of HCV Ag as a diagnostic tool were assessed using HCV PCR as gold standard. In our cohort of 744 patients, we demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.1% (95% CI 77.1%‐86.2%) and a specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 98.6%‐100%). Genotype 3 was associated with increased odds of a false‐negative result (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.32‐9.71), and reduced odds of a false negative were associated with older age (odds ratio (OR)=0.92, 95% CI: 0.88‐0.97 per year) and viral load (OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05‐0.21 per log₁₀ IU/ml). While the implementation of HCV core antigen testing for diagnosis could lead to significant cost savings in national screening programmes, our data suggest that a significant proportion of HCV‐infected individuals may be missed. These findings have implications for HCV diagnosis and determination of viral clearance after treatment, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income regions, where genotype 3 is prevalent.     

Long‐term follow‐up of clinical trial patients treated for chronic HCV infection with daclatasvir‐based regimens

Background & Aims

Daclatasvir has achieved high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in diverse hepatitis C virus (HCV) populations. This study evaluated the long‐term efficacy and safety of daclatasvir‐based regimens administered during clinical studies.

Methods

Patients enrolled within 6 months of parent study completion or protocol availability at the study sites. The primary objective was durability of SVR at follow‐up Week 12 (SVR12). Secondary objectives included analysing HCV sequences in non‐responders or responders who relapsed, and characterization of liver disease progression.

Results

Between 24 February 2012 and 17 July 2015, this study enrolled and began following 1503 recipients of daclatasvir‐based regimens (follow‐up cut‐off, 13 October 2015); 60% were male, 18% aged ≥65 years, 87% had genotype‐1a (42%) or ‐1b (45%) infection, and 18% had cirrhosis. Median follow‐up from parent study follow‐up Week 12 was 111 (range, 11‐246) weeks. 1329/1489 evaluable patients were SVR12 responders; 1316/1329 maintained SVR until their latest visit. Twelve responders relapsed by (n = 9) or after (n = 3) parent study follow‐up Week 24; one was reinfected. Relapse occurred in 3/842 (0.4%) and 9/487 (2%) responders treated with interferon‐free or interferon‐containing regimens, respectively. Hepatic disease progression and new hepatocellular carcinoma were diagnosed in 15 and 23 patients, respectively. Among non‐responders, emergent non‐structural protein‐5A (NS5A) and ‐3 (NS3) substitutions were replaced by wild‐type sequences in 27/157 (17%) and 35/47 (74%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

SVR12 was durable in 99% of recipients of daclatasvir‐based regimens. Hepatic disease progression and new hepatocellular carcinoma were infrequent. Emergent NS5A substitutions persisted longer than NS3 substitutions among non‐responders.     

Evaluation of clinical usefulness of second‐generation HCV core antigen assay: comparison with COBAS AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR assay version 2.0

Abstract: Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important etiologic agent for chronic liver diseases. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of second‐generation HCV core antigen assay by comparing the results of the assay with those of the COBAS AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR version 2.0 (COBAS v2.0). Results: HCV core antigen was detectable by this assay in 142/149 (95.3%) of serotype 1 (3821±322 fmol/l; mean±SD), in 56/58 (96.6%) of serotype 2 (2589±449 fmol/l), and in 6/6 (100%) of serotypes 1+2 (1240±548 fmol/l). The HCV core antigen levels measured by this assay correlated well with the HCV RNA levels by COBAS v2.0 (r=0.848, P<0.0001). In relation to the outcome of interferon monotherapy, the pretreatment HCV core antigen levels of sustained and non‐sustained virological responders were 659±189 and 4904±376 fmol/l in serotype 1, 1993±740 and 3145±519 fmol/l in serotype 2. The cutoff values with the best accuracy for HCV core Ag levels to discriminate between sustained and non‐sustained virological response were 699 fmol/l for serotype 1 and 292 fmol/l for serotype 2, respectively, by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Conclusion: This new assay was considered to be useful in evaluating the HCV levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C.     

HCV不同功能区抗体与HCVRNA的关系探讨

探讨HCV不同功能区抗体(抗-C、抗-NS3、抗-NS4及抗-NS5)与HCVRNA的关系。HCV不同功能区抗体测定采用ELISA法,用RT-PCR进行HCV RNA检测。结果显示55例抗HCV阳性血清中有7种抗体阳性组合。抗-NS3、抗-C、抗-NS5及抗-NS4在7种阳性组合中的检出率分别为96．4%、89．1%、58．2%、56．4%。HCVRNA阳性血清中抗-NS3、抗-C、抗-NS5及抗NS4的检出率分别为96．2%,88．5%,57．7%,57．7%。HCV不同功能区抗体ELISA法有很高的敏感性和特异性,与RT-PCR法基本一致。抗-NS3、抗-C在HCV的诊断中有重要的意义,抗-NS5和抗-NS4有诊断的互补作用。     

丙型、乙型肝炎混合感染者病毒基因型与临床特征分析

探讨丙型、乙型肝炎病毒混合感染的基因型特点及临床特征。采用ELISA法进行病毒血清标志物检测 ,采用PCR -微板核酸杂交 -ELISA法进行HBV -DNA定量及HCV -RNA基因分型检测。丙型、乙型肝炎病毒混合感染者HCV -RNA及HBV -DNA阳性率 (72 5 1%和 30 4 1% )分别低于丙型、乙型肝炎病毒单独感染者 (85 4 2 %和 6 0 72 % ) ,Ⅰ / 1a型和Ⅲ / 2a型HCV与HBV混合感染较同类基因型HCV单独感染明显增加 ,Ⅱ / 1b型丙型肝炎病毒合并乙型肝炎病毒感染者血清转氨酶及总胆红素水平最高 ,白蛋白和胆碱酯酶水平最低 ,尽管HCV、HBV混合感染的临床症状可能更为严重 ,但在病毒学上两者的确存在着相互抑制作用