The status of hepatitis C microelimination among people living with HIV in Central and Eastern Europe in 2022 - data from Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group.

INTRODUCTION

The implementation of nationwide viral hepatitis C elimination programs is challenging in Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC). It is reasonable to start by targeting specific populations, such as people living with HIV (PLWH), who are at higher risk of acquiring HCV or developing HCV-related complications.

METHODS

Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group consists of experts in the field of infectious diseases from 26 countries in the region. Between April 26 and June 23 2023, the group performed an on-line survey consisting of 32 questions. The questionnaire assessed the status of HCV micro-elimination in 2022.

RESULTS

Twelve HIV centers from 11 countries responded: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine. All centers screen for HCV antibody all PLWH at entry into care. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was <5% in 5 centers (Albania, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Hungary), 30.2% in Estonia and 29% in Ukraine, Greece and Moldova had high seroprevalence as well, 15.3% and 15.6% respectively. The prevalence of HCV viremia in antibody-positive PLWH was very high in Greece (85%), while in most other treatment centers it ranged from 4.2% to 38.2%. There is also a screening policy of annual HCV-testing of HCV-antibody negative persons in all centers by either testing all PLWH or those considered at risk. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) were not available in one country (Albania). Among PLWH who entered care in 2022, nine out of 12 ECEE centers reported cases of HCV/HIV coinfection, with five centers indicating that at least 50% of these individuals were HCV-viremic.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV screening in PLWH followed by access to DAA treatments were available in all but one center. Microelimination of HCV in PLWH in the majority of surveyed HIV treatment centers in CEEC has not been achieved and efforts to reach this goal need to be strengthened.