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A new analysis suggests there’s a need for frequent testing after the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been cleared. Data from 3 European countries and the United Kingdom indicate a rise in reinfection of acute HCV among men with HIV who have sex with men (MSM).
Moderate cure rates of acute HCV have been reported in the last decade among MSM and also are infected with HIV. However, many who either clear the infection spontaneously or through treatment are later re-infected, researchers noted.
“With a high treatment uptake in this population even in the interferon era and with higher response rates to treatment in the acute phase of infection, reinfections are most likely occurring due to maintained risk behaviors,” the study authors wrote in the Journal of Hepatology.
“Thirty out of 70 (43%) who cleared again or were successfully treated, presented with a second reinfection, 5 with a third, and 1 with a fourth reinfection,” wrote lead author, Patrick Ingiliz, MD, of the Center for Infectiology in Berlin, Germany, and colleagues. “The reinfection incidence was 7.3/100 person-years (95% CI 6.2–8.6).”
– See more at: http://www.specialtypharmacytimes.com/news/rates-of-hepatitis-c-coinfection-in-patients-with-hiv#sthash.m9FEBxNH.dpuf