Thousands of Patients Are at Risk of Exposure to Possible HIV, Hepatitis
“More than 2400 patients are being cautioned about the potential exposure to bloodborne diseases hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, because of a physician who did not follow infection control practices during some procedures at Portland-area hospitals, including Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center; Providence Portland Medical Center; and Legacy Health Systems Mt. Hood Medical Center, in Gresham.”
First hepatitis C self-test prequalified by WHO
“On 10 July 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the first self-test for hepatitis C. The disease is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) which affects the liver.”
To initiate same-day hepatitis C testing and treatment, hepatitis B status must be known
“The FDA’s recent authorization of a rapid, point-of-care test to diagnose current hepatitis C virus infection is a major victory, but it would be malpractice to initiate same-day HCV treatment if a patient’s hepatitis B virus status is unknown.”
HBV, HCV Screening Disparities Among Low-Income US Veterans
“Findings from a recent study are calling attention to disparities in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening rates among low-income US veterans based on demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics.”
Harnessing Early Detection for Two Common Cancers
“New research from Moffitt Cancer Center suggests a simple way to potentially boost your chances of catching two common cancers early: getting screened for hepatitis C, which can cause liver cancer, and colorectal cancer simultaneously. This dual screening approach might be especially helpful for those born between 1945 and 1965, a group with a higher risk for both cancers.”
Eliminating Hepatitis C Requires Commitment
“In just 35 years, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has gone from unidentified to a disease targeted for elimination as a public health threat. The Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan for the United States: A Roadmap to Elimination’s vision for the country is, “a place where new viral hepatitis infections are prevented, every person knows their status, and every person with viral hepatitis has high-quality health care and treatment and lives free from stigma and discrimination.” This is an admirable and technically possible goal given the availability of cost-effective, well-tolerated, oral treatments that cure more than 95 percent of HCV cases in only eight to 12 weeks; broad testing recommendations; and a clear understanding of how HCV spreads. Nevertheless, the nation is a long way from realizing this vision. Although there have been successes in HCV care and prevention, it will take a strong commitment to treatment and harm reduction to meet national goals.”
Hepatitis C Leaves Lasting “Scars” On the Immune System Even After Treatment
“Led by Director SHIN Eui-Cheol, researchers from the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Korea Virus Research Institute’s (KVRI) Center for Viral Immunology have provided new insights into the lasting effects of chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the immune system, even after the disease has been successfully treated. The research team has discovered that traces of “epigenetic scars” remain in regulatory T cells and exhibit sustained inflammatory properties long after the virus is cleared from the body.”
Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Survival in Patients With Cirrhosis After Hepatitis C Virus Cure
“These findings suggest that individuals with cirrhosis who have achieved HCV cure should receive recommended HCC screening.”
Organ network to remove race, hepatitis C coefficients for evaluating organ function
“Procurement specialists will no longer use race or hepatitis C to determine organ health. The current formula suggests that donor kidneys from African American or Black patients function for a shorter period.”
Stagnant Progress in Assessing and Addressing HCV Prevalence
“The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) fails to capture the actual prevalence of HCV infection. Researchers developed two models to estimate US adult HCV prevalence from 2017 to 2020. Despite effective treatment availability for years, HCV prevalence stagnated during this period, due to increased injection drug use elevating estimates compared to 2013-2016.”
New York Implements Strategies to Reach Hep C Elimination Goal
“New York state is ramping up efforts to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 by increasing screening, treatment and more, according to Spectrum News…Knowing your HCV status is the first step toward treatment and a cure. While current guidelines recommend that all adults should be tested for HCV at least once, New York state recently implemented a new testing law requiring universal screening for all adults over 18 and pregnant individuals.”
