Work

Marked Reduction in HIV/HCV Coinfections in Iceland Following the TraP HepC Nationwide Hepatitis C Elimination Program

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The nationwide Treatment as Prevention program for Hepatitis C (TraP HepC) was initiated in Iceland in 2016, where direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) replaced interferon-based treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The study aimed to assess the impact of TraP HepC on the epidemiology of HIV/HCV coinfection, the cascade of care, and HCV reinfection rates among coinfected individuals. Methods: A nationwide retrospective study was conducted on all people with HIV in Iceland who tested HCV antibody positive during 2000-2020. Medical records, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes were reviewed and analyzed by treatment era: interferon (2000-2015) and DAA (2016-2020). Results: < .001) in the DAA era. The HCV reinfection rate in this group was 9.35/100 person-years, all presumed to be acquired by injection drug use. Conclusions: Before the nationwide elimination campaign, the incidence of HIV/HCV coinfections was steadily increasing, but it has subsequently decreased by >85%, primarily due to the widespread use of DAAs. However, high reinfection rates in this population suggest that ongoing prevention, early diagnosis, and easy access to DAAs are necessary to maintain success.

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaf806

Authors: Kara Hlynsdottir, Sigurdur Olafsson, Ubaldo Benitez Hernandez, Mar Kristjansson, Magnus Gottfredsson

Institutions: University of Iceland, National University Hospital of Iceland

Language: English

Topic: Hepatitis C virus research

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,053