Concurrent Infection with Hepatitis C Virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Concurrent infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the causative agent of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), are not well understood.
• HCV infection is a significant global health concern, and IPD remains a leading cause of bacterial mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between HCV co-infection and the risk of death and complications among patients with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).
• To determine if HCV infection is an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in IPD patients.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cohort study was conducted in northern Alberta, Canada, from 2000 to 2014.
• Sociodemographic and serologic data were collected for 3,251 adult patients diagnosed with IPD.
• Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare in-hospital mortality and complication rates between HCV-infected and non-infected IPD patients.

Main Results:

• Out of 3,251 IPD patients, 355 (approximately 11%) were co-infected with HCV.
• HCV-infected IPD patients exhibited a higher in-hospital mortality rate compared to those without HCV.
• The prevalence of IPD-related complications, including cellulitis, acute kidney injury, and need for mechanical ventilation, was significantly higher in the HCV co-infected group.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequently observed in patients with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).
• HCV is independently associated with an increased risk of severe illness and mortality in the context of IPD.
• Clinical awareness and management strategies for IPD should consider the impact of concurrent HCV infection.