The Acute UFO Study: Acute HCV Infection in Young Injectors

Young injection drug users (IDU) constitute a distinctive high risk and understudied group with high rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The Acute UFO study has identified 135 incident HCV infections, 95 of which are being followed prospectively. In this study we are: Studying the epidemiology of acute HCV infection. Assessing immunological responses to acute HCV (the spectrum of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and evolution within CTL targets (“epitopes”) to identify early correlates of viral resolution. Examining HCV transmission and risk behavior among injecting partnerships using epidemiological and molecular virology methods. Assessing candidacy and factors to facilitate access to early antiviral treatment for acute HCV