HIV and HCV screening among trauma patients

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pose significant public health challenges.
• Trauma patients represent a vulnerable population with potential for undiagnosed infections.
• Integrating screening into trauma services can identify infections and facilitate care linkage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a screening program for HCV and HIV within a trauma surgery service.
• To assess the prevalence of HCV and HIV among trauma patients.
• To determine the effectiveness of linking diagnosed patients to care and treatment.

Main Methods:

• A screening program was implemented for trauma patients, offering HCV antibody and HIV testing.
• Demographic data, including intravenous drug use history, were collected.
• A dedicated navigator facilitated linkage to care and treatment services.

Main Results:

• 1160 trauma patients were screened; 162 (14%) tested positive for HCV antibodies, with 39.5% reporting a history of intravenous drug use.
• 46 (68.7%) HCV-positive patients were linked to care, and 55 (34%) engaged in treatment.
• 155 patients were screened for HIV, revealing 21 (13.5%) living with HIV (PLWH) and 2 (1.3%) new infections.
• All newly diagnosed PLWH were linked to care, with 73.7% on antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates the feasibility and high yield of HCV and HIV screening in trauma patients.
• The integrated program achieved high rates of linkage to care for HCV and HIV positive individuals.
• Trauma surgery presents a critical opportunity to diagnose and manage viral infections in a high-risk population.