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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

Hepatitis C Virus Is Associated With Increased Mortality Among Incarcerated Hospitalized Persons in Massachusetts

Alysse G Wurcel1,2, Rubeen Guardado1, Curt G Beckwith3

  • 1Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|December 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hospitalized incarcerated patients is linked to higher mortality. Improving access to HCV treatment within carceral settings is vital for saving lives and aiding HCV elimination.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern.
  • While curable, access to treatment for HCV is often limited for incarcerated populations.
  • Carceral settings present unique challenges to healthcare delivery and disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Hepatitis C virus infection and mortality in incarcerated hospitalized patients.
  • To highlight the critical need for accessible HCV treatment within correctional facilities.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients within the carceral system in Boston, Massachusetts.
  • Analysis of mortality data in relation to HCV infection status.

Main Results:

  • Hepatitis C virus infection was identified as a significant risk factor for increased mortality among incarcerated hospitalized patients.
  • The study underscores disparities in healthcare access for this population.

Conclusions:

  • HCV infection is associated with increased mortality in incarcerated individuals.
  • Expanding access to curative HCV treatment in carceral settings is essential for reducing preventable deaths.
  • Addressing treatment barriers in prisons is crucial for broader HCV elimination strategies.

Keywords:
hepatitis Cincarceratedjailliver diseaseprison

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