Week Ending November 14, 2022

Hepatitis C virus elimination: A potential global success story
“Dr Zisis Kozlakidis and Dr Dewi Nur Aisyah examine Hepatitis C virus elimination and weigh up if this has the potential to become a global success story.”

Novel Insights into Viral Resistance Revealed
“Scientists from Trinity College Dublin may have uncovered why some people are able to resist viral infections. The team screened the immune systems of women exposed to hepatitis C (HCV) through contaminated anti-D transfusions given over 40 years ago in Ireland. Their study has implications from improving our fundamental understanding of viral resistance to the potential development of new therapeutics for viral infections.”

People behind bars are a lot sicker. New efforts aim to help
“Compared to the rest of the world and compared to earlier generations, vast numbers of Americans are behind bars. And, by many measures, those people are far sicker than most others, several health professionals who are trying to address the issue said Monday.”

Automatic Letters Help Boost Screenings for Hepatitis C
“Automated letters implemented as part of a hepatitis C virus screening program lead to about a third of recipients getting screened for the virus, according to investigators from the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Their study was developed into a subsequent poster, “Analysis of an Automated Letter HCV Screening Program within a Veterans Affairs Health System: Implications for Universal HCV Screening” which was presented at the recent ID Week 2022.”

Groups allege corrections department fails to meet requirements for treating hepatitis C patients in custody
“The Vermont Department of Corrections is not meeting the requirements of a settlement over treatment of incarcerated individuals with hepatitis C, according to the attorneys who brought the lawsuit that led to the agreement.”

Diabetes, hepatitis C predict higher risk for alcohol-associated liver disease
“WASHINGTON — Patients with alcohol use disorder and diabetes mellitus or hepatitis C were at higher risk for advanced liver disease, while African American race had a protective effect, according to late-breaking data at The Liver Meeting.”