Differences in HCV Seroprevalence, Clinical Features, and Treatment Outcomes between Female and Male Incarcerated Population: Results from a Matched Cohort Study

Autor: Vito Fiore, Andrea De Vito, Elena Rastrelli, Valentina Manca, Giuseppe De Matteis, Roberto Ranieri, Emanuele Pontali, Nicholas Geremia, Sandro Panese, Giulio Starnini, Giordano Madeddu, Sergio Babudieri
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Viruses, Vol 15, Iss 12, p 2414 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1999-4915
DOI: 10.3390/v15122414
Popis: Background: Women represent less than 5% of the incarcerated population in Italy, with very limited data on HCV infection. Higher HCV seroprevalence and active infection rates have been described among incarcerated females in available studies. Our aim is to compare the prevalence and cascade of care of HCV between male and female populations in Italian penitentiaries. Methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective study comparing HCV seroprevalence, active infections, treatment, and SVR rates between female (Group A) and male (Group B) populations in Italian prison settings. Results: No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding PWIDs (p = 0.16), nor in people living with HIV (p = 0.35) or HBV co-infection (p = 0.36). HCV seroprevalence was higher in Group A (p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding active infections (p = 0.41). Both groups showed a low level of fibrosis, and the dominant genotype was 3a. Almost all patients underwent antiviral treatment. All treated patients achieved SVR12. Conclusions: Our findings illuminate the importance of recognizing and addressing gender differences in HCV seroprevalence within penitentiary settings. Moving forward, addressing the unique needs of incarcerated females and optimizing HCV care for all incarcerated individuals are essential steps in the pursuit of achieving HCV micro-elimination goals.
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