Exploring Knowledge and Awareness of HCV Infection and Screening Test: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among an Italian Sample

Moro, Giuseppina Lo; Scaioli, Giacomo; Vola, Lorenzo; Guastavigna, Laura; Frattin, Roberta; Vito, Elisabetta De; Bert, Fabrizio; Siliquini, Roberta

doi:10.1007/s10900-023-01218-4

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Fig. 4 Immunoreactivity of denatured and soluble recombinant proteins. The crude preparations of denatured core (4A: lane C, 4C: lane 1) showed immunogenic bands at M. wt.…”

Section: Assessment Of Specific Activity Of Soluble Recombinant Prote...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Still, the large number of currently ongoing infections worldwide estimated at 1.5 million new infections per year [ 3 ] besides the unavailability of prophylactic vaccine mandate prioritizing the preventive measures, particularly screening, at the same level as the treatment campaigns. Early diagnosis of HCV infection is not only advantageous for minimizing the risk of liver-related morbidity/mortality; it also serves to reduce the pool of infected persons and thereby restricts further transmission [ 4 ]. In general, HCV infection is primarily diagnosed by serological detection of anti-HCV antibodies (IgG) in serum samples, either by enzyme immunoassays (EIA) or chemiluminescence immunoassays (CIA) [ 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Glycylglycine promotes the solubility and antigenic utility of recombinant HCV structural proteins in a point-of-care immunoassay for detection of active viremia

Shawky,

Tabll,

Elshenawy

et al. 2024

Microb Cell Fact

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Background Although E. coli is generally a well-opted platform for the overproduction of recombinant antigens as heterologous proteins, the optimization of expression conditions to maximize the yield of functional proteins remains empirical. Herein, we developed an optimized E. coli (BL21)-based system for the overproduction of soluble immunoreactive HCV core/envelope proteins that were utilized to establish a novel immunoassay for discrimination of active HCV infection. Methods The core/E1-E2 genes were amplified and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) in the absence/presence of glycylglycine. The antigenic performance of soluble proteins was assessed against 63 HCV-seronegative (Ab−) sera that included normal and interferent sera (HBV and/or chronic renal failure), and 383 HCV-seropositive (Ab+) samples that included viremic (chronic/relapsers) and recovered patients’ sera. The color intensity (OD450) and S/Co values were estimated. Results The integration of 0.1–0.4M glycylglycine in the growth media significantly enhanced the solubility/yield of recombinant core and envelope proteins by ~ 225 and 242 fold, respectively. This was reflected in their immunoreactivity and antigenic performance in the developed immunoassay, where the soluble core/E1/E2 antigen mixture showed 100% accuracy in identifying HCV viremic sera with a viral RNA load as low as 3800 IU/mL, without cross-reactivity against normal/interferent HCV-Ab−sera. The ideal S/Co threshold predicting active viremia (> 2.75) showed an AUC value of 0.9362 (95% CI: 0.9132 to 0.9593), with 87.64, 91.23% sensitivity and specificity, and 94.14, 82.11% positive and negative predictive values, respectively. The different panels of samples assayed with our EIA showed a good concordance with the viral loads and also significant correlations with the golden standards of HCV diagnosis in viremic patients. The performance of the EIA was not affected by the immunocompromised conditions or HBV co-infection. Conclusion The applicability of the proposed platform would extend beyond the reported approach, where glycylglycine, low inducer concentration and post-induction temperature, combined with the moderately-strong constitutive promoter enables the stable production of soluble/active proteins, even those with reported toxicity. Also, the newly developed immunoassay provides a cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tool for active HCV viremia that could be useful in resource-limited settings.

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“…Fig. 4 Immunoreactivity of denatured and soluble recombinant proteins. The crude preparations of denatured core (4A: lane C, 4C: lane 1) showed immunogenic bands at M. wt.…”

Section: Assessment Of Specific Activity Of Soluble Recombinant Prote...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Glycylglycine promotes the solubility and antigenic utility of recombinant HCV structural proteins in a point-of-care immunoassay for detection of active viremia

Shawky,

Tabll,

Elshenawy

et al. 2024

Microb Cell Fact

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show abstract

“…About one-third of the general population (31.2%) included in this study reported ever undergoing HCV testing, which was lower than that reported in high-income countries. In Italy, for example, 43.4% of the general population declared that it has undergone HCV testing in the past [ 30 ]. Moreover, this study found that 75.9% of the survey respondents who had undergone HCV testing did so during blood donation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis C Knowledge and Self-Reported Testing Behavior in the General Population in China: Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Liu,

Su,

Wang

et al. 2023

JMIR Public Health Surveill

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Background The World Health Organization has proposed a worldwide target of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. A better understanding of HCV, testing behaviors, and associated factors in the general population is essential. Objective This study aimed to assess HCV knowledge, self-reported HCV testing behavior, and willingness to undergo HCV screening in the general Chinese population. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of the general Chinese population aged ≥15 years was conducted from November 2021 to May 2023. Participant characteristics were assessed based on their knowledge level and uptake of HCV testing. Participants ever having heard of HCV were recognized as being aware of HCV and asked additional HCV knowledge questions using a brief, validated 9-item scale. Participants with 0-3 points and who were unaware of HCV were categorized as having poor knowledge, and those with 4-6 points and 7 points were categorized as having fair and good knowledge, respectively. Participant uptake of HCV testing, testing results, reasons for undergoing or not undergoing HCV testing, and willingness to undergo HCV screening were collected through self-reports. Ordinal and binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with the HCV knowledge level and the uptake of HCV testing, respectively. Results A total of 1491 valid participants’ questionnaires were included. Of these, 714 (47.6%) participants were aware of HCV. The proportion of participants with poor, fair, and good HCV knowledge was 63.4% (945/1491), 9.3% (139/1491), and 27.3% (407/1491), respectively. A total of 465 (31.2%) participants reported ever undergoing HCV testing, and 4 (0.9%) were anti-HCV antibody positive. Most participants were tested for HCV following blood donation (353/465, 75.9%). The most common reasons for not undergoing HCV screening were a lack of HCV awareness (665/1026, 64.8%), followed by a low self-perceived risk of infection (176/1026, 17.2%). Of 1026 participants who had never undergone HCV testing, 937 (91.3%) were willing to undergo HCV screening if universal screening was provided at no cost. The HCV knowledge level was positively associated with the HCV testing rate. Participants who were less educated, lived in rural areas, resided in West China, and were currently alcohol drinkers had lower HCV knowledge and reduced odds of having undergone HCV testing. In contrast, participants with a blood donation history and a family history of hepatitis B virus or HCV infection had higher HCV knowledge and increased odds of prior testing. Participants aged ≥60 years had lower knowledge, and women had reduced odds of having undergone previous HCV testing. Conclusions The general population of China has low HCV knowledge and testing rate. There is an urgent need for enhanced HCV awareness and scaled-up HCV screening and treatment. Individuals who are less well educated, reside in less-developed areas, currently drink alcohol, and are female should be prioritized for health education and interventions.

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Awareness and Perception of Hepatitis C Self-Testing in Nigeria: A National Survey of Stakeholders and the Public

Adepoju,

Udah,

Ezenwa

et al. 2024

Venereology

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Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in high-burden countries like Nigeria, where an estimated 2.4 million individuals are living with HCV. HCV self-testing (HCVST) can potentially bridge the significant diagnosis gap and help individuals to determine their HCV status in the privacy of their homes. It offers a solution to overcome barriers related to stigma and limited access to healthcare. In Nigeria, Self-testing for hepatitis C has only been implemented in a pilot research context. This study aimed to assess stakeholder and community awareness and perceptions of HCVST in Nigeria. The findings will provide insights that could inform effective policies and future scale-up programs for HCV control. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an online social media survey administered through SurveyMonkey. The survey was disseminated across social media platforms and groups between October–November 2023. Participants included Nigerians (both health professionals and non-health professionals) aged 18 years or older residing in any of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Data collected include sociodemographic characteristics, awareness and perceptions of HCVST, and perceived benefits and barriers. Results: Of 321 respondents, 94% perceived HCVST as highly important. While 77% of respondents knew about HIVST, only 58% had prior knowledge of HCVST. The analysis also showed that healthcare workers had greater awareness of HIV self-testing (82.3%) compared to non-healthcare workers (50.0%). Most respondents (88%) were highly likely to recommend HCVST and perceived it as a cost-effective alternative to traditional testing. Key perceived benefits included increased disease detection and control (67%), improved access to testing (21%), and reduced stigma (11%). In the unadjusted model, geographical zone (Southern Nigeria: cOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30–0.77, p = 0.002), work experience (more than 20 years: cOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.11–8.07, p = 0.039), and prior awareness of HIV self-testing (cOR = 5.24, 95% CI: 3.00–9.43, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of HCVST awareness. However, in the adjusted model, only prior awareness of HIV self-testing remained significant (aOR = 4.77, 95% CI: 2.62–8.94, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The strong support for HCVST among stakeholders in Nigeria highlights its potential to enhance HCV control, especially within the broader context of infectious diseases like STIs. The greater awareness of HIV self-testing among healthcare workers compared to non-healthcare workers indicates the need for targeted awareness campaigns for non-healthcare populations. Addressing these awareness gaps, leveraging lessons from HIVST, and using existing infrastructure will be crucial. Prioritizing public education, outreach, and effective linkage to care will drive the impact of HCVST in achieving HCV elimination goals and position it as a model for expanding similar STI interventions in Nigeria.

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Exploring Knowledge and Awareness of HCV Infection and Screening Test: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among an Italian Sample

Cited by 3 publications

References 39 publications

Glycylglycine promotes the solubility and antigenic utility of recombinant HCV structural proteins in a point-of-care immunoassay for detection of active viremia

Glycylglycine promotes the solubility and antigenic utility of recombinant HCV structural proteins in a point-of-care immunoassay for detection of active viremia

Hepatitis C Knowledge and Self-Reported Testing Behavior in the General Population in China: Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Awareness and Perception of Hepatitis C Self-Testing in Nigeria: A National Survey of Stakeholders and the Public

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