Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among HIV-infected men who have sex with men--New York City, 2005-2010

In the United States, an estimated 3.2 million persons are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV transmission occurs primarily through percutaneous exposure to blood, and persons who inject drugs are at greatest risk for infection. The role of sexual transmission of HCV has not been well defined. However, reports over the past decade, mainly from Europe, have implicated sexual transmission of HCV among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). In late 2005, two HIV-infected MSM, each with acute HCV infection that was suspected to have been acquired sexually, were evaluated at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, prompting Mount Sinai to request referrals of similar patients. During 2005--2010, a total of 74 HIV-infected MSM with recently acquired HCV infection and no reported history of injection-drug use were evaluated. To examine the role of sexual transmission, a matched case-control study and viral analysis were conducted. Results from the case-control study showed that high-risk sexual behavior was the most likely mode of transmission among these men. Phylogenetic analyses revealed five clusters of closely related HCV variants, suggesting networks of transmission among these men. The findings underscore the importance of screening HIV-infected MSM for HCV, particularly those engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.     

Prevalence of hepatitis C in a German prison for young men in relation to country of birth

A high prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection of up to 80% has been reported for injecting drug users (IDUs) in prison communities. However, there are only very limited data available on the prevalence and course of HCV in young offenders. We performed a study on hepatitis C markers in the largest German Young Offenders' Institution (YOI), a prison for men (aged 16-24 years). In 2002, all 1176 incoming offenders were asked to participate in the study of whom >95% agreed. Ninety-seven inmates (8.6%) tested positive for anti-HCV or HCV RNA, 79% of whom were viraemic. None of the patients had evidence of cirrhosis at presentation. Interestingly, six individuals (6%) tested positive for HCV RNA in the absence of anti-HCV antibodies, four of whom cleared HCV spontaneously during follow-up without either clinical signs of acute hepatitis or developing HCV antibodies. Hepatitis C markers were significantly more prevalent among immigrants from the former Soviet Union (NIS) than among German inmates (31% vs. 6% respectively, P<0.0001). HIV co-infection was found in five individuals, all of whom were German. In contrast, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in five NIS immigrants, one Lebanese and one German inmate. HCV genotypes 2 and 3 were more prevalent in immigrants than in German inmates, while biochemical parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, the prevalence of hepatitis C was relatively low among inmates of German YOIs although there were significant differences in relation to the country of birth. Our data highlight the need for educational programmes for young offenders in order to prevent the further spread of HCV.     

免疫系统在乙型、丙型病毒性肝炎发病过程中作用研究进展

乙型病毒性肝炎和丙型病毒性肝炎分别由乙型肝炎病毒和丙型肝炎病毒感染所致。乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）、丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）感染呈全球分布,我国是高流行地区,由于HBV、HCV基因的高变性,容易逃避机体免疫系统的清除。HBV、HCV感染免疫系统细胞,造成机体对HBV、HCV感染的免疫应答异常,并引起组织的损伤,导致肝细胞的慢性持续性感染,并可进一步发展成肝硬化,甚至肝细胞肝癌。HBV、HCV主要经血液传播,包括输血与血制品传播、静脉吸毒、针刺、医源性传播、性接触和母婴垂直传播。     

Of lives and livers: emerging responses to the hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is an etiological agent of acute and chronic liver disease that exists throughout the world. The high genetic variability of the HCV genome is reflected by six genotypes (1 to 6). Each genotype has a characteristic geographical distribution, which is important epidemiologically. HCV is a blood-borne virus that generally circulates in low titers in the serum of infected individuals. Epidemiologic studies show that the most efficient transmission of HCV is through the transfusion of blood or blood products, the transplantation of organs from infected donors, and the sharing of contaminated needles among injection-drug users. However, fewer than half of patients with acute hepatitis C report a history of such exposure. A small number of epidemiologic studies demonstrate that perinatal, sexual, household, and occupational transmission occurs, but our understanding of the risks of transmission in these settings has been limited. The therapy for chronic hepatitis C has evolved steadily since alpha interferon was first approved for use. At present, the optimal regimen appears to be a 24- or 48-week course of a combined pegylated alpha interferon and ribavirin regimen. Currently, the combination of RNAi (LV-shIRES) with IFN-α has been proposed to prevent therapeutic resistance, and to promote enhanced antiviral activity against HCV. However, any RNAi based therapy may be years away due to off-target effects.     

Hepatitis vaccination among drug users

Hepatitis virus infections are traditionally a major health problem among drug users (DUs). Several factors may favor the rapid spread of hepatitis infection in this category of patients. HBV and HCV are easily transmitted through exposure to infected blood and body fluids. DUs often prepare and use drug solutions together. Many in the DU community are infected and this provides multiple opportunities for transmission to others. Many of these patients with chronic hepatitis virus infection are not aware of their infections and this facilitates the spread of the diseases. Viral hepatitis is not inevitable for DUs. Although multiple factors have prevented the development of vaccines for hepatitis C, both hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented by immunization. The purpose of this overview is to summarize and discuss the hepatitis vaccination in this population.     

Transmission of hepatitis C in a pharmacologic study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an outbreak of hepatitis C in a clinical research study. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: Healthcare workers who volunteered to be subjects in a study of the metabolic effects of inhaled and oral corticosteroids who were unwittingly exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: Epidemiological investigation and serological analyses. RESULTS: One chronic carrier of HCV was identified. Four fellow workers volunteering in the studies became infected with HCV, with 96% homology among strains. There was no evidence of spread from infected healthcare workers to patients on whom they had performed arterial punctures (2 of 214 positive, unrelated to each other and to the outbreak strain). CONCLUSION: Infection control standards in clinical research must be maintained vigorously to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HCV.     

Primer on hepatitis C for hospital epidemiologists.

First identified in the late 1980s as the main causative agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States. It is likely that the number of deaths attributable to HCV-related chronic liver disease will increase substantially during the next 2 decades, and the potential economic and clinical burden related to HCV is staggering. Accordingly, it is essential to identify risk factors for transmission of HCV and implement appropriate precautions to decrease the prevalence of this emerging infection. The relative importance of the two most common types of exposures associated with transmission of HCV, ie, blood transfusion and injection drug use, has evolved over time. Strict blood-donor selection and the use of reliable serological tests have led to a significant reduction in transfusion-associated risk. Injection drug use is currently the single most important risk factor for HCV infection in the United States. Transmission of HCV poses a serious threat to healthcare workers and patients if infection control techniques or disinfection procedures are inadequate. Potential exposures include contact of the eyes, mucous membranes, broken skin, or needlestick injury. Hospitalized patients may serve as a reservoir for transmission, and the prevalence of anti-HCV seropositivity among such patients can be as high as 20%. The infected healthcare worker is a potential source of transmission. A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that a cardiac surgeon likely transmitted HCV to five of his patients during open heart surgery. In summary, nosocomial transmission has been unequivocally confirmed and underscores the need for strict infection control practices.     

肝病患者肝炎病毒感染状况的血清学调查

应用第二代抗ＨＣＶ试剂对我国不同地区肝病患者血清抗ＨＣＶ进行了检测，同时调查了ＨＢＶ和 ＨＡＶ感染状况。 ２０１６例肝病患者血清中抗 ＨＣＶ检出率为 １２． ２５％，ＨＢＶｍ 检出率为 ７４． ５５％，抗 ＨＡＶ－ＩｇＭ检出率为２９．３１％。各型肝病患者抗ＨＣＶ检出情况分别是：急性肝炎６２／７５２（８．２４％）；慢迁肝４８／５４１（８．８７％）；慢活肝９３／５２３（１７．７８％），慢性重症肝炎５／３２（１５．６３％）；肝硬化３４／１４３（２３．７８％）；肝癌５／２５（２０． ００％）。对不同年龄组肝病患者抗 ＨＣＶ检出率的比较表明，抗 ＨＣＶ检出率随患者年龄增加而增高。受血史及其他经血液暴露史与 ＨＣＶ感染密切相关，但仍有近半数肝病患者 ＨＣＶ感染途径不明。各型肝病患者中仅４７／２０１６（２．１３％）为单纯ＨＣＶ感染，其他ＨＣＶ感染者则为重叠感染。不同地区肝病患者血清抗ＨＣＶ检出率间差异较大（２．１５％～３０．９５％），北方地区较高，对其影响因素进行了探讨。     

Intrafamilial hepatitis C virus infection

The role of blood and other biological fluids in transmission of HCV is already proven. The infection is acquired mainly by uncontrolled transfusion of blood products, percutaneous inoculation by contaminated equipment, mother-to-infant as well as sexual exposures. Infection by common contact in the family is very rare, but data are present in the literature. AIM: The authors demonstrate a clinical case of possible intrafamilial spread of hepatitis C virus. CASE REPORT: Forty-seven-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C has one anti-HCV positive daughter. DISCUSSION: Because of the long period of incubation, less specific symptoms of acute C-hepatitis and often development of symptom-free disease, the patients and their families can be long in living together without being unaware of potential infection. CONCLUSION: Intrafamilial spread of hepatitis C virus may occur. It is strongly suggested to inform the patients about the possible risk and the importance of personal hygiene.     

Hepatitis C virus: an important occupational hazard?

Infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to affect 3% of the world's population and is an important cause of liver disease. It is most commonly transmitted by percutaneous exposure. Although current evidence does not suggest an increased prevalence of HCV infection among healthcare workers, transmission of infection following occupational exposure has been demonstrated. An average transmission rate of 1.8%, following percutaneous injury, has been reported. The risk of transmission is higher from patients with viraemia, as measured by a positive polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA. After exposure to HCV, healthcare workers should be actively followed up, initially using a test to detect viral RNA. This may facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment. Recent reports in the UK, of transmission of infection to patients from HCV infected healthcare workers, have prompted a review of the appropriateness of HCV infected individuals undertaking exposure prone procedures.     

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection among injecting drug users in Australia.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To review the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Australia, and consider needs for further research and prevention policies and programmes. DESIGN: (1) Review of the results of surveillance for HCV; (2) review of published literature on prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for HCV among IDUs; and (3) reconstruction of incidence rates from prevalence studies of HCV in IDUs. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Field and clinic based studies of IDUs in Australia. MAIN RESULTS: HCV has been present at high prevalences (of the order of 60-70%) in populations of Australian IDUs since at least 1971. Duration of injecting and main drug injected were the main predictors of seropositivity, the latter possibly a surrogate for frequency of injecting and both together as surrogate for cumulative numbers of times injected. Risk of infection begins with first injection and continues as long as injecting does. Current incidence is approximately 15 per 100 person years, and up to 40 per 100 person years in some subpopulations. Incidence may have decreased through the 1980s as a result of behaviour change in relation to HIV, as it has for hepatitis B, but not significantly so. CONCLUSIONS: Control of HCV infection in Australia will depend on effectiveness of measures to control HCV spread among IDUs. This will be a greater challenge than the control of HIV in this population has been. Needs identified include improved surveillance, especially for recently acquired infection, better understanding of exact transmission modes, and urgent improvement in prevention strategies.     

Hospital acquired infections caused by hepatitis C virus

The purpose of the paper was to present opinions endosed in the literature regarding risk factors, modes of transmission and sources of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the hospital settings. Infections occurring among health care workers and patients, residual risks to the blood supply and blood transfusion, routes of hepatitis C transmission in haemodialysis centers were analyzed. In the paper significance of disinfection, sterilization, work practices designed to minimize or eliminate exposure, and use of personal protective equipment (universal precautions) wa showed. The importance of the invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in HCV transmission was stressed. Based on the presented findings, procedures to prevent nosocomial infections of HCV should be defined and implemented in all hospitals.     

Public health and hepatitis C

This paper reviews key public health aspects related to surveillance, transmission and primary prevention of hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is now a reportable disease in all Canadian provinces and territories. Although prevalence in Canada is estimated at under 1%, that associated with injection drug use (IDU) approaches 90%. The epidemiology of new HCV infections in Canada is now primarily defined by IDU behaviour, with annual incidence rates among new drug injectors exceeding 25%. HCV is less efficiently transmitted through other routes of exposure. An effective vaccine against HCV remains elusive. Some jurisdictions offer hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine to HCV-infected persons. An array of harm reduction strategies targeting IDU has been implemented but underdeployed across Canada, and has been ineffective to date in controlling the HCV epidemic. Public policy alternatives, such as legalization and regulation of injection drugs, are being debated. Improved HCV preventive strategies are urgently required and need careful evaluation.     

Bloodborne pathogen exposures in a developmental center: 1993-2000.

In a developmental center, 257 potential bloodborne pathogen exposures (119 bites, 91 scratches, 30 sharps injuries, 17 mucosal breaks) occurred during 8 years (13,187 employee-years and 6,980 resident-years). Of the residents, 9% were hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen carriers. Serological follow-up of exposed, susceptible employees and residents identified no transmission of HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus. This outcome has been due primarily to hepatitis B immunization and low prevalences of HCV or HIV infections among the subjects. Proper follow-up of all potential exposures is crucial to identify transmission promptly, allay anxiety, and prevent unwarranted workmen's compensation claims. Measures are suggested to reduce exposure further.     

丙型肝炎病毒结构蛋白对病毒细胞间传播的影响

目的 探究丙型肝炎病毒（Hepatitis C Virus, HCV）结构蛋白对病毒细胞间传播的影响。方法 分别以HCV基因组电转后的Huh7.5.1细胞和未经电转的Huh7.5.1细胞作为供体细胞和受体细胞,同时加入中和抗体,建立HCV细胞间传播检测系统,应用已建立好的细胞间传播检测系统探究病毒结构蛋白对病毒细胞间传播的影响。结果 在HCV细胞间传播检测系统中,野生型病毒可进行正常的细胞间传播,结构蛋白缺失的缺陷型病毒不能进行细胞间传播。结论 HCV的结构蛋白对HCV进行细胞间传播至关重要。     

Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Infection among Blood Donors in Georgia

BACKGROUND: Growing awareness about the importance of blood safety for controlling the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has helped to decrease the spread of this virus in many settings. This study was conducted in order to evaluate potential risk factors for HCV infection among blood donors in Georgia. METHODS: The study population consisted of 553 blood donors in three major Georgian cities: Tbilisi, the capital city and Batumi and Poti, naval port cities. Risk factors were examined using a behavior questionnaire. All blood samples were initially tested using 3rd generation anti-HCV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and confirmed using recombinant immunoblot assays and nucleic acid testing. RESULTS: Forty-three blood donors, 7.8%, were confirmed HCV positive. Significant risk factors included: drug injection ever (OR: 42; 95% CI: 3.2-550.7); history of hepatitis (OR: 25.9; 95% CI: 4.6-145.5); history of a previous surgical procedure (OR: 148.4; 95% CI: 26.9-817.4); blood transfusion (OR: 25.9; 95% CI: 3.2-210.9). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a very high prevalence of HCV among blood donors in Georgia. The main risk factor for HCV infection in this population of blood donors was previous contact with contaminated blood or blood products. Reliable screening of donors and their blood is critical for controlling the further spread of HCV in Georgia.     

New class of medicines for chronic hepatitis C

Worldwide approximately 130-210 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis C. Adequate antiviral therapy reduces morbidity and mortality caused by chronic hepatitis C and prevents further spread of the hepatitis C-virus (HCV). The current standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C, consisting of the combination of pegylated interferon-α (peginterferon) and ribavirin, lasts 24-48 weeks, and is accompanied by significant side effects and has a suboptimal chance of success. Protease inhibitors, which have recently been registered, belong to a new class of medicines which directly affect the life cycle of HCV. Protease inhibitors, in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, provide almost double the chance of curing in patients with HCV genotype 1. Treatment duration can be shortened in a considerable proportion of these patients. Since treatment with protease inhibitors can lead to resistant virus strains and this therapy leads to additional side effects, the complexity of treatment will increase.     

HCV prevalence in methadone maintenance: self-report versus serum test

OBJECTIVES: To assess hepatitis C virus (HCV) serostatus, risk factors, and desire for education about HCV among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients. METHODS: We surveyed 200 MMT patients and reviewed charts for 276 patients. RESULTS: The self-report HCV seroprevalence was 34%, adjusted to 52%. The chart review HCV seroprevalence was 70%. Most participants had risk factors for contracting or spreading HCV. CONCLUSIONS: There is discrepancy in HCV seroprevalence by self-report versus serum test results among MMT patients. Some HCV+ MMT patients engage in high-risk behaviors for HCV transmission and may not disclose HCV+ status. MMT patients want HCV education.     

Hepatitis C und HIV-Koinfektion

Hepatitis C and HIV share the same routes of transmission, explaining the high rate of HCV and HIV coinfection of 9-30%. In Germany the total number of HIV/hepatitis C coinfected patients is estimated to be around 6000 HIV/HCV coinfection is characterized by a progredient course of hepatitis C. A more rapid development to cirrhosis and especially in the presence of progredient immunodeficiency an increased mortality due to liver failure has been described in coinfected patients. Considering the worse course of hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected patients, the necessity for the development of treatment options for hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected patients is underlined. First results from trials looking at the effect of ribavirin/interferon combination therapy on hepatitis C in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients did not reveal a significant change in HIV-RNA under ribavirin treatment. Primary response rates under the combination therapy of Hepatitis C were found to be almost 50% and are thus significantly better than the results of monotherapy with α-interferon. Studies looking at possible effects of HAART on the natural course of hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected patients remain controversial. However, first results suggest that HAART may induce a delay on fibrosis progression rate in coinfected patients.     

When ‘raw sex’ turns to a ‘raw deal’ … taking the opportunity to think about sex? Interviews with HIV-positive gay men diagnosed with acute hepatitis C

Since 2001, cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) sexual transmission have been reported in France, among HIV-positive gay men who do not inject drugs. An earlier study focused on the incidence of acute hepatitis C and risk factors associated with HCV transmission. The present study, based on in-depth interviews, aimed to highlight the biography, the sexual practices and the experiences of gay men infected with HCV. Beyond an apparent uniformity, the group of interviewees illustrates a variety of situations, life stories and health pathways, depending on their age. These well-adjusted gay men were used to engaging in unprotected sexual practices, but before their diagnosis they largely ignored HCV-transmission risk, which was associated in their mind with a pejorative drug addict image. Once diagnosed with acute hepatitis C, they experienced a critical and emotional period during which they were open to discuss their sexual practices and reconsider risk-reduction procedures, without being willing to give up on their satisfying sex life. Health educators should consider labelling hepatitis C as an STI in order to disrupt its negative image and to help HIV-positive gay man raise their awareness of HCV-transmission risks and implement better risk-reduction strategies.