Can network-based testing services have an impact beyond testing for HIV?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Global control of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and STIs requires innovative strategies.
• Network-based testing (NBT) services involve supporting clients to test partners and contacts for infections.
• Existing evidence strongly supports NBT for HIV, but less research exists for viral hepatitis and STIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the optimal utilization of NBT for multiple infections and specific populations.
• To investigate the integration of NBT for testing, treatment, and prevention services.
• To understand how NBT can be expanded for maximal public health impact.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on NBT services.
• Discussion of research needs for NBT in viral hepatitis and STIs.
• Exploration of integrated NBT service delivery models, including dual/multiplex testing and self-testing/sampling.

Main Results:

• NBT effectively identifies, diagnoses, and links HIV-infected individuals' contacts to care.
• Further research is needed to optimize NBT for viral hepatitis, STIs, and partner prevention.
• Integrating NBT for multiple infections and offering prevention options (e.g., PrEP, vaccination) shows promise.

Conclusions:

• NBT is a vital tool for identifying individuals needing interventions for bloodborne infections and STIs.
• Expanding and integrating NBT services can enhance testing, treatment, and prevention efforts.
• Optimizing NBT strategies can contribute to achieving global health goals for multiple infectious diseases.