Publications by authors named "Anouk T Urbanus"
Background: Since 2000, there is growing evidence that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has emerged as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) among HIV-positive MSM. Here, we present a 15-year overview of the HCV epidemic among MSM visiting a large STI-clinic in the Netherlands.
Methods: During biannual cross-sectional anonymous surveys (1995-2010), participants were interviewed and tested for HIV and HCV-antibodies.
Article Synopsis
- Effective screening programs are necessary to identify and provide treatment for individuals with undiagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the general population, focusing on hidden risk groups.* -
- A systematic review identified 67 screening programs from 1991-2010, which successfully identified around 25,700 HCV-infected individuals, with higher prevalence in specific healthcare settings and among risk-based prescreening participants.* -
- The study emphasizes the need for better evaluation methods, including programs with comparison groups, and calls for thorough reporting of program details like diagnostic tests and clinical outcomes to enhance screening effectiveness.*
Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to severe liver disease. Pregnant women are already routinely screened for several infectious diseases, but not yet for HCV infection. Here we examine whether adding HCV screening to routine screening is cost-effective.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Egypt has high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, infection prevalence among Egyptian migrants is unknown. Considering the asymptomatic onset and development of disease in chronically-infected patients, many may remain undiagnosed.
Aims: To evaluate an HCV- and HBV-screening programme designed to identify undetected infections among first-generation Egyptian migrants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Background: Recreational drug use is associated with high-risk sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We assessed the prevalence of drug use during sex and the associations between such use and STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
Methods: During 3 periods in 2008 and 2009, attendees of an STI clinic in Amsterdam were interviewed about sexual behavior and drug use during sex and tested for STI.
A population-based anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is important for surveillance purposes and it provides an insight into the burden of disease. In The Netherlands, a recent HCV seroprevalence estimate is not available. This national population-based cross-sectional serosurvey (PIENTER-2) resulted in a weighted national HCV seroprevalence of 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Although published results are inconsistent, it has been suggested that tattooing and piercing are risk factors for HBV and HCV infections. To examine whether tattooing and piercing do indeed increase the risk of infection, we conducted a study among people with multiple tattoos and/or piercings in The Netherlands who acquired their tattoos and piercings in The Netherlands and/or abroad.
Methods: Tattoo artists, piercers, and people with multiple tattoos and/or piercings were recruited at tattoo conventions, shops (N = 182), and a biannual survey at our STI-outpatient clinic (N = 252) in Amsterdam.
Background & Aims: Little is known about the HCV prevalence in non-Western migrant populations. To determine whether targeted HCV screening and prevention programs for migrants are needed, we examined HCV prevalence and determinants among non-Western, Western migrants, and the native Dutch population in the Netherlands.
Methods: Data were obtained from four surveys: (1) 3895 heterosexual visitors recruited during biannual surveys at the STI-clinic Amsterdam, 2007-2009; (2) random sample of 4563 pregnant women in Amsterdam, 2003; (3) population-based random sample of 1309 inhabitants of Amsterdam, 2004; (4) population-based random sample of 4428 people living in the Netherlands, 2006-2007.
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly transmitted by exposure to infected blood, and can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Since the onset of HCV and the development of liver cirrhosis usually are asymptomatic, many HCV-infected individuals are still undiagnosed. To identify individuals infected with HCV in the general population, a low threshold, internet-mediated blood testing service was set up.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment has shown to be effective, uptake of treatment among active drug users is still low. The Drug Users Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis-C project aims to offer active drug users in Amsterdam HCV testing and treatment using a multidisciplinary approach.
Methods: The study population comprises drug users participating in the Amsterdam Cohort Studies and drug users referred to the Drug Users Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis-C unit.
Background: Since 2000 outbreaks of sexually transmitted hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections have been reported among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). We studied the prevalence and determinants of HCV-infection among MSM attending a large sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in the Netherlands.
Methods: In 2007-2008, 3125 attendees of the STI clinic Amsterdam, including 689 MSM, participated in an anonymous biannual crosssectional survey.