Related Experiment Videos
Hepatitis C among people experiencing homelessness in Chile: prevalence and associated factors
Francisco Idalsoaga1, Luis Antonio Diaz2, Hanna Blaney3
1Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Fundacion Salud Calle, Santiago, Chile.
Objective:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important public health concern among people experiencing homelessness (PEH), yet data from Latin America are limited. We aimed to estimate HCV prevalence and describe associated risk factors and linkage to care in this population.
Materials And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of 800 PEH in Santiago, Chile. Participants underwent rapid HCV antibody screening followed by confirmatory RNA testing. Standardized data on sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected.
Results:
Four participants tested positive for HCV, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.5%. Reported exposures among HCV-positive individuals included tattoos, high-risk sexual behaviors, previous blood transfusion, and cocaine use; none reported intravenous drug use. Linkage to care was limited, with only one individual (25%) initiating direct-acting antiviral therapy. Barriers included lack of health insurance coverage, administrative obstacles, unstable living conditions, and loss to follow-up.
Conclusions:
HCV prevalence in this cohort was low. However, distinct risk profiles and important gaps in treatment access were identified. These findings support the need for targeted microelimination strategies and strengthened linkage-to-care pathways for PEH in Latin America.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatitis
Amebiasis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...