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Maureen Leonard M.D�Senior Clinical Advisor, ISPD

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C in high-risk populations at an outpatient clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

M. Léonard, E. Emmanuel, C. Orélus, J. W. Domerçant

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Disclosures

The BRIDGE project implemented by ISPD is USAID funded.

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Background

“354 million people globally live with a hepatitis B or C infection”

“90% of people living with viral hepatitis are unaware of their status”

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Background

“In Africa, chronic viral hepatitis affects over 70 million”

“90% of people living with hepatitis B and C in Africa lack much needed care”

“1 in 10 people in Africa have access to testing and treatment”

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Background

Donor sample testing in Haiti, revealed a 0.6% seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus and 3.8% for Hepatitis B virus

A meta-analysis reported :

  • a pooled seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus of 0.9 (general adult population) and 1.4% (high-risk adults : HIV+, TB) and
  • A pooled seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus of 3.5 (general adult population) and 7.4% (high-risk adults : HIV+, TB).

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Background

What is the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among people presenting high-risk sexual behaviors ?

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Methods

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Methods

  • Between May and June, 235 clients/patients tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (AgHBs) and Hep C antibody (HCV Ab)
  • Those with a reactive HCV Ab

HCV viral load

Inclusion criteria :

  • 18 years or older
  • High-risk behaviors
  • On PrEP or on ART
  • General consent form

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Results (1)

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Results (2)

Median age : 36

(IQR 28.0-44.0)

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Results (3)

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Results (4)

6%

1%

2.5%

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Conclusion

  • All participants were sexually active
  • None were aware of their status
  • Considerable risk of transmission

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  • Hepatitis B screening should part of HIV prevention and care and treatment programs in Haiti.

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  • Hepatitis B vaccination should be introduced :
    • at birth and
    • for adults with high-risk sexual behaviors that have a negative AgHBs test.

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Recommendation

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Acknowledgements

  • Patients/clients
  • Clinical staff at Klinik Eritaj
  • Jean Wysler Domerçant MD, MPH
  • Emmlyne Emmanuel MD, MPH
  • Naomie Desilus
  • Chenet Orelus
  • Ismael Joseph