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Hepatitis C seroprevalence and engagement in related care and treatment among trans women
Author(s) -
Wilson Erin C.,
Turner Caitlin,
Lin Jess,
McFarland Willi,
Burk Katie,
Raymond Henry Fisher
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of viral hepatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1365-2893
pISSN - 1352-0504
DOI - 10.1111/jvh.13089
Subject(s) - seroprevalence , medicine , hepatitis c , environmental health , hepatitis a , demography , virology , family medicine , hepatitis , immunology , antibody , sociology , serology
A cross-sectional survey of transwomen in San Francisco was conducted to determine the prevalence of HCV and examine indicators of engagement in HCV care. A total of 315 transwomen were interviewed and tested for HCV antibodies. Overall HCV seroprevalence was 23.6%. HCV seroprevalence was significantly (p<0.05) higher among transwomen who had ever injected drugs (48.2% vs 9.9%), had smoked crack or methamphetamine (30.8% vs 12.5%), had used intranasal drugs (28.4% vs 15.8%), and had been incarcerated (27.9% vs 9.9%). Prior HCV testing was reported by 79.3% overall, with 80.7% of HCV-seropositive transwomen reporting a prior diagnosis. Viral load testing was reported by 83.3% of those previously diagnosed, with 90.6% of those reporting a positive result. HCV treatment was reported by 77.9% of those with a positive viral load result, of whom 33.6% were told they cleared the virus following completion of treatment. Our data document that transwomen are a population at elevated risk for HCV infection. HCV care indicators suggest many transwomen in San Francisco have access to HCV testing and treatment, presenting an opportunity for HCV control and elimination. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.