Addressing Hepatitis C in the American Incarcerated Population: Strategies for Nationwide Elimination

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the US incarcerated population is disproportionately high, and when inmates with infection are released back into the general population, they play a substantial role in the spread of disease. This review provides support for targeting the jail/prison population to eliminate HCV in the general population. It will also summarize various screening/treatment models to curtail the burden of disease behind and beyond bars.Recent FindingsTransitioning from risk-based testing to opt-out testing in prisons/jails would be cost-effective through greater identification of cases and treatment to prevent complications from cirrhosis. Other innovative strategies, such as the nominal pricing mechanism or the “Netflix” DAA subscription model, have the potential to be cost-effective and to increase access to treatment.SummaryAddressing HCV in the incarcerated population is a strategy to bring the US closer to successfully eradicating the epidemic. Such findings should incentivize policymakers to implement care models that target this population.
Source: Current HIV/AIDS Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research