CROI 2018: Highlights of Viral Hepatitis

Abstract

At the 2018 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), there was a major focus on hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination and improving each component of the hepatitis C care cascade. Several countries and cohorts have demonstrated the remarkable impact that universal HCV testing and unrestricted access to hepatitis C treatment can have on markedly reducing incident HCV infections and HCV infection prevalence, including in people who inject drugs and HIV/HCV-coinfected populations. However, in many settings, substantial barriers to widespread HCV treatment remain, including undiagnosed HCV infection, particularly in populations outside the standard "baby boomer" birth cohort (ie, born 1945-1965); restricted access to hepatitis C treatment in those with known HCV infection; reinfection with HCV; and migration of HCV-infected populations. Many innovative programs have successfully implemented HCV testing and treatment outside of traditional care settings, expanding access for harder-to-reach populations, which will be crucial to successful elimination efforts. Outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection continue to occur in among men who have sex with men and homeless populations in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, highlighting the need for improved HAV vaccination programs for populations at risk.