Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: a Tool for Engagement with People Who Inject Drugs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

Background: Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) faces the interrelated challenges of poverty, homelessness, mental health, addiction, and medical issues such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study evaluates a new model of engagement with people who inject drugs (PWID) in the DTES.

Methods: Our centre has developed the community pop-up clinic (CPC) to engage vulnerable populations such as PWID. Rapid HCV testing is offered using the OraQuick saliva assay. If a test is positive, immediate medical consultation and an incentivized clinic appointment are offered. At this appointment, an HCV treatment plan is developed, along with a plan for engagement in multidisciplinary care.

Results: In 12 months, 1,283 OraQuick tests were performed at 44 CPCs; 21% of individuals were found to be positive for HCV (68% of whom were PWID). Of individuals positive for HCV antibodies who consulted with the on-site doctor, 50% engaged in care in our clinic-61% of whom have initiated interferon-free directly acting antiviral (DAA) HCV therapy with 100% cured of HCV (per protocol). Individuals who did not engage in care were significantly more likely to be homeless ( < .0001).

Conclusion: CPCs paired with a multidisciplinary model of care address the needs of vulnerable populations such as PWID, particularly in the management of HCV with interferon-free DAA therapies.