GETTING HEPATITIS C AGAIN

ABSTRACT

Sharp declines in the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have coincided with unrestricted access to direct-acting antivirals (DAA) against HCV, particularly among PLHIV in clinical care. However, rates of HCV reinfection are still high among specific key populations at risk of or living with HIV. This presentation begins with a case highlighting one individual's experience with PrEP use and HCV re-infection. An overview is then provided of the most recent data on the risk of HCV primary and re-infection among key populations, focusing on MSM and PWID. The potential effect of COVID-19 restrictions on HCV infection rates is also addressed. Issues regarding the role of testing, early diagnosis, and treatment in the acute phase of HCV infection, as well as the implications surrounding chemsex, are explored and recommendations for a comprehensive strategy to prevent new HCV infections are provided.