Care for vulnerable populations visiting walk-in clinics for access to healthcare, who have hepatitis and were offered routine screening: the Précavir Study (2007–2015).
Among people living in precarious circumstances, the prevalence of hepatitis is higher than in the general population. We report on our experience with systematic screening for HBV and HCV at two healthcare access clinics (PASS) and the management of individuals who tested positive. From May 2007 to December 2015, screening was offered to 3,540 individuals and performed on 2,870 of them (81%), most often involving immediate on-site sample collection. In 94% of cases, these were migrants, predominantly from sub-Saharan Africa (66%); 78% were asylum seekers or undocumented migrants. Positive hepatitis serology was observed in 292 patients (10.2%): HBs antigen was positive in 211 (7.4%) and anti-HCV antibodies were positive in 88 (3.1%). Only 21 patients were previously aware of their infection. Access to a specialist consultation and virological evaluation was possible in 90% of cases. Fibrosis assessment was performed in 102 HBV patients and 31 of the 42 HCV RNA-positive patients. Treatment was initiated in 32 of the 39 HBV patients who met the criteria and in 22 of the HCV patients. At two years, 59% and 65% of HBV and HCV patients, respectively, were still being followed. Routine screening for hepatitis viruses in primary care settings for vulnerable populations is feasible and effective. Its implementation should be encouraged among healthcare professionals by offering, whenever possible, immediate specimen collection. Improved long-term follow-up remains desirable.
Author(s): Roudot Thoraval F, Rosa Hezode I, Delacroix Szmania I, Costes L, Hagege H, Elghozi B, Labourdette C, Chousterman M
Publishing year: 2017
Pages: 263-70
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2017, n° 14-15, p. 263-70
In relation to
Our latest news
news
2026 “Sexual Behavior” Survey (ERAS) for men who have sex with men
news
Hervé Maisonneuve has been appointed scientific integrity officer for a...
news