Developments in hepatitis care: New CDC recommendations and more

As viral hepatitis continues to be a major health concern in the infectious disease field, recent research has highlighted the importance of testing and treatment.

Below are 12 stories regarding developments in viral hepatitis research published by Healio throughout 2023.

Survey shows only 68% of people with hepatitis C aware of the infection

A nationally representative survey revealed that of the more than 2 million people with current hepatitis C virus infection, only 68% are aware of their infection. Read more.

CDC recommends hepatitis B testing for all adults

The CDC has updated its guidance for hepatitis B testing for the first time since 2008 and now recommends that all adults in the U.S. be tested for HBV at least once in their lifetime. Read more.

CDC recommends single-visit testing for hepatitis C

In new guidance, the CDC recommended that the two-step testing process for hepatitis C virus be completed in one visit, eliminating the need for multiple visits, which often leads to incomplete testing. Read more.

HIV, HBV, HCV testing up among Medicaid enrollees, although missed opportunities remain

Testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C increased among U.S. Medicaid enrollees initiating treatment for opioid use disorder. However, a recent study showed approximately three-quarters of enrollees were not tested for each condition. Read more.

Hepatitis C cure rates ‘jarringly low’ as many lack access to treatment

An analysis of data from 2013 to 2022 showed that only 34% of people diagnosed with hepatitis C in the United States were cured or cleared of the virus, with many still lacking access to highly effective treatments. Read more.

Q&A: The challenges of curing hepatitis B

The effort to find a cure for hepatitis B faces steep challenges, Anna Suk-Fong Lok, MD, said. In a Q&A, Lok told us what she thinks the priority areas of research should be to move closer to a cure. Read more.

Drug use, homelessness double HCV reinfection risk

Hepatitis C reinfection rates were high among a population of people who had experienced homelessness but increased even more among those experiencing homelessness at the time of treatment. Read more.

90-day fills for chronic hepatitis B treatments increased patient adherence

Being prescribed a 90-day or a “mixed duration” supply of entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was associated with higher fill rates among commercially insured patients with chronic hepatitis B. Read more.

Dried blood spot test can detect HIV and hepatitis, researchers say

A dried blood spot test can be used to detect HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in a single drop of blood, researchers reported at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. Read more.

Insured women were 15 times more likely to initiate hepatitis treatment

Women who reported having health insurance were significantly more likely to initiate hepatitis C treatment vs. women without health insurance. Read more.

HBV vaccine nonresponders should be considered for revaccination after HCV cure

Approximately 70% of previous nonresponders to the HBV vaccine developed a response after HCV treatment and cure. Age, HIV status and fibrosis degree did not seem to impact vaccine response. Read more.

Alarming data highlight gaps in timely antiviral therapy for chronic HBV

After assessing a national cohort of U.S. veterans with chronic hepatitis B, researchers found that only about half were on antiviral therapy, although they identified some potential factors associated with lack of timely treatment. Read more.