HCV incidence in people with HIV in southwest China: A retrospective cohort study (2004-2023).

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are global public health concerns. Little research has been conducted on HCV incidence in people with HIV (PWH).

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study to investigate HCV incidence and associated factors in PWH. HCV-negative PWH registered in national HIV databases were enrolled and followed up from 2004 to 2023. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to identify factors associated with HCV infections.

Results: The study followed 50 245 HCV-negative PWH, totaling 272 979.3 person-years (PYs) of observation. We noted an HCV incidence rate of 0.70 per 100 PYs (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.73). Multivariate analysis indicated that being female (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.70), married (aHR 0.88), and those involved in homosexual intercourse (aHR 0.57) were associated with a lower risk of HCV infection. Conversely, an increased risk was found among those aged 20-39 years (aHR 2.97), 40-59 years (aHR 3.11), ≥ 60 years (aHR 1.80), treated at county-level antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics (aHR 1.19), township-level ART clinics (aHR 1.83), those with a history of intravenous drug use (aHR 21.72), and individuals without CD4 testing (aHR 66.05) or HIV viral load testing (aHR 2.09). A 36% relative reduction in HCV transmission (aHR 0.64) was observed from 2010 to 2015, and a 29% relative reduction (aHR 0.71) was noted after 2016 compared with the pre-2010 levels.

Conclusions: Despite the decrease in HCV incidence after 2010, achieving HCV elimination in PWH remains challenging. Future endeavours should prioritize improving HCV testing, intervention, and treatment in PWH.