1
|
The Burden of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses in Ovarian Cancer Patients in Nairobi, Kenya. Infect Dis Rep 2022; 14:433-445. [PMID: 35735757 PMCID: PMC9222280 DOI: 10.3390/idr14030047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological malignancy characterized by high morbidity and mortalities due to late-stage diagnosis because accurate early diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. Testing of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in OC patients is pertinent in light of the emerging evidence of their contribution to poor prognosis. We, for the first time, investigated the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections in a Kenyan cohort of OC to inform optimal management. We recruited a cohort of women above 18 years of age, comprising 86 OC patients and 50 healthy controls. Participants’ blood samples were serologically screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV. We found seroprevalence rates of 29.1%, 26.7%, and 1.2% for HBV, HIV, and HCV, respectively, in OC patients. The healthy control group had HBV and HIV seroprevalence rates of 3.9% for each with no positive HCV case. HBV/HIV coinfection was noted only in the OC group with a positivity rate of 17.4%. In summary, we found higher HBV and HIV seroprevalence in Kenyan OC patients compared to the healthy control group, whereas HCV prevalence was reflective of the general population. Hence, we recommend screening for HBV and HIV among OC patients destined for anticancer treatment.
Collapse
|
2
|
Amponsah-Dacosta E. Hepatitis B virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma in sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030? World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6025-6038. [PMID: 34629817 PMCID: PMC8476331 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i36.6025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Elimination of viral hepatitis in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 is an ambitious feat. However, as stated by the World Health Organization, there are unprecedented opportunities to act and make significant contributions to the elimination target. With 60 million people chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) of whom 38800 are at risk of developing highly fatal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) every year, sub-Saharan Africa faces one of the greatest battles towards elimination of viral hepatitis. There is a need to examine progress in controlling the disproportionate burden of HBV-associated HCC in sub-Saharan Africa within the context of this elimination target. By scaling-up coverage of hepatitis B birth dose and early childhood vaccination, we can significantly reduce new cases of HCC by as much as 50% within the next three to five decades. Given the substantial reservoir of chronic HBV carriers however, projections show that HCC incidence and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa will double by 2040. This warrants urgent public health attention. The trends in the burden of HCC over the next two decades, will be determined to a large extent by progress in achieving early diagnosis and appropriate linkage to care for high-risk chronic HBV infected persons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edina Amponsah-Dacosta
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, Western Cape, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Oyaro M, Wylie J, Chen CY, Ondondo RO, Kramvis A. Human immunodeficiency virus infection predictors and genetic diversity of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus co-infections among drug users in three major Kenyan cities. South Afr J HIV Med 2018; 19:737. [PMID: 29707384 PMCID: PMC5913779 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v19i1.737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug users act as reservoirs and transmission channels for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections to the general population worldwide. Periodic epidemiological studies to monitor the prevalence and genetic diversity of these infections to inform on interventions are limited. Objective of the study The objective of this study was to determine the predictors of HIV infection and genetic diversity of HBV and HCV among drug users in Kenya. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study on previous drug use history among drug users was conducted in three Kenyan cities using a respondent-driven sampling method between January 2011 and September 2012. Blood samples were collected and analysed for the presence of HBV, HCV and HIV serological markers and to determine the genotypes of HBV and HCV. Results The overall prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV among drug users was 4.3%, 6.5% and 11.1%, respectively, with evidence of HBV/HIV, HCV/HIV and HBV/HCV/HIV co-infections. The HBV circulating genotypes were A1 (69%) and D6 (19%), whereas HCV genotypes were 1a (72%) and 4a (22%). Injection drug use was a significant predictor of HIV/HCV infections. Younger age (30 years; aOR (adjusted odds ratio) = 0.50, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.33–0.76; p < 0.001) and early sexual debut (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.40–0.82; p < 0.05) were negatively associated with detection of any of the three infections. Injecting drug use was positively associated with HCV infection (aOR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.61–11.06; p < 0.001). Conclusion This high level of genetic diversity exhibited by HBV and HCV isolates requires urgent implementation of harm reduction strategies and continuous monitoring for effective management of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micah Oyaro
- Immunology Unit, Department of Human Pathology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Wylie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Chien-Yu Chen
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit (HVDRU), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Raphael O Ondondo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya.,Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Microbiology Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit (HVDRU), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers at national hospital in Tanzania: how much, who and why? BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:786. [PMID: 29262783 PMCID: PMC5738811 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B vaccination for healthcare workers (HCWs) is a key component of the WHO Hepatitis B Elimination Strategy 2016–2021. Data on current hepatitis B vaccine coverage among health care workers in Sub-Saharan Africa are scarce, but these data are vital for effective programming. We assessed the proportion of HCWs vaccinated for hepatitis B and the factors associated with adequate vaccination coverage at a national hospital in Tanzania. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among consenting healthcare workers between 30th July and 30th September 2015. Vaccination histories were obtained through self-administered questionnaires. Means and proportions were used to summarize the data. Student’s t and chi-squared tests were used as appropriate. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with vaccination. Results A total of 348 HCWs were interviewed, of whom 198 (56.9%) had received at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccination, while only 117 (33.6%) were fully vaccinated. About half of the 81 HCWs with partial vaccination (49.4%) had missed their subsequent vaccination appointments. Among unvaccinated HCWs, 14 (9.3%) had either HBV infection or antibodies against HBV infection upon pre-vaccination screening. However, the remaining participants were not vaccinated and did not know their immune status against HBV. Nearly all respondents (347, 99.3%) had heard about the hepatitis B viral vaccine. The following reasons for non-vaccination were given: 98 (65.3%) reported that they had not been offered the vaccine; 70 (46.7%) observed standard precautions to ensure infection prevention and 60 (41.3%) blamed a low level of awareness regarding the availability of the hepatitis B vaccine. Conclusion The current vaccination coverage among practicing healthcare workers at Muhimbili National Hospital is low, despite a high level of awareness and the acceptance of the vaccine. Expedited and concerted efforts to scale vaccine uptake should include improved access to the vaccine, especially for newly recruited HCWs. The extension of the study to private healthcare settings and lower-level facilities would be useful.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hassan MA, Kim WR, Li R, Smith CI, Fried MW, Sterling RK, Ghany MG, Wahed AS, Ganova-Raeva LM, Roberts LR, Lok ASF. Characteristics of US-Born Versus Foreign-Born Americans of African Descent With Chronic Hepatitis B. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 186:356-366. [PMID: 28525625 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is more common in African Americans than in white Americans. We compared the epidemiologic, clinical, and virological characteristics of US-born African Americans (USAAs) to those of foreign-born African Americans (FBAAs) with chronic hepatitis B. The adult cohort study of the Hepatitis B Research Network enrolls patients with HBV infection from 21 clinical sites in the United States and Canada. A total of 237 (15%) of the adult participants with chronic HBV infection that were enrolled from January 20, 2011, to October 2, 2013, were of African descent, including 57 USAAs and 180 FBAAs (76%). Compared with FBAAs, USAAs were older and more likely to have acquired HBV through sexual exposure, to be HBeAg-positive, to have higher HBV DNA levels, and to be infected with HBV genotype A2. FBAAs from West Africa were more likely to have elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (72% vs. 50%; P < 0.01) and higher HBV DNA levels (median, 3.2 log10 IU/mL vs. 2.8 log10 IU/mL; P = 0.03) compared with East African FBAAs. The predominant HBV genotype among West African FBAAs was E (67%), whereas genotypes A (78%) and D (16%) were common in East African FBAAs. Significant differences were found between USAAs and FBAAs, highlighting the need for tailored strategies for prevention and management of chronic HBV infection for African Americans.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kimani D, Kamau R, Gadde R, Selenic D, Maina S, Marum L, Hongjiang G, Mwalili S, Marfin A, Mwangi J. Findings of Phlebotomy Practices in Kenya in 2010: Need for Action. J Infect Dis 2016; 213 Suppl 2:S53-8. [PMID: 27025699 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomy, a commonly performed medical procedure in healthcare, is essential for disease diagnosis and patient management. However, poorly performed phlebotomy can compromise patient safety, healthcare worker (HCW) safety, and specimen quality. We carried out a study between June and July 2010 to assess knowledge, quality and safety of phlebotomy before implementation of a public-private partnership between Becton, Dickinson and Company and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study in 8 healthcare facilities within 4 regions of Kenya. HCWs were observed conducting venous and capillary blood collections, and pre- and posttests were offered during HCW training. RESULTS Of 283 blood samples obtained, 194 were venous draws conducted by 72 HCWs and 89 were capillary draws performed by 33 HCWs. Based on 12 preset quality-associated criteria, none of the 194 observed phlebotomies met the standard. In total, 91 HCWs were trained in phlebotomy. The mean knowledge increase between pre- and posttraining test was 41%, ranging from 39% to 45% (95% confidence interval, 29.3%-53.5%;P< .001). CONCLUSIONS Inadequate knowledge and imperfect phlebotomy procedures were noted. This formed the basis for the safe phlebotomy partnership to address these deficiencies. To ensure sustainability, safe phlebotomy practices were integrated into preservice training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kimani
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Rachel Kamau
- Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, National AIDS and STI Control Program
| | - Renuka Gadde
- Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
| | - Dejana Selenic
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Lawrence Marum
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Gao Hongjiang
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Samuel Mwalili
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Anthony Marfin
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jane Mwangi
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ly KN, Kim AA, Umuro M, Drobenuic J, Williamson JM, Montgomery JM, Fields BS, Teshale EH. Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Kenya, 2007. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:348-53. [PMID: 27273644 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current estimates put the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Kenya at 5-8%. We determined the HBV infection prevalence in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative Kenyan adult and adolescent population based on samples collected from a national survey. We analyzed data from HIV-negative participants in the 2007 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey to estimate the HBV infection prevalence. We defined past or present HBV infection as presence of total hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and chronic HBV infection (CHBI) as presence of both total HBcAb and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We calculated crude and adjusted odds of HBV infection by demographic characteristics and risk factors using logistic regression analyses. Of 1,091 participants aged 15-64 years, approximately 31.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 28.0-35.3%) had exposure to HBV, corresponding to approximately 6.1 million (CI = 5.4-6.8 million) with past or present HBV infection. The estimated prevalence of CHBI was 2.1% (95% CI = 1.4-3.1%), corresponding to approximately 398,000 (CI = 261,000-602,000) with CHBI. CHBI is a major public health problem in Kenya, affecting approximately 400,000 persons. Knowing the HBV infection prevalence at baseline is important for planning and public health policy decision making and for monitoring the impact of viral hepatitis prevention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen N Ly
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Andrea A Kim
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mamo Umuro
- National Public Health Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jan Drobenuic
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John M Williamson
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barry S Fields
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eyasu H Teshale
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Webale MK, Kilongosi MW, Budambula V, Lihana R, Musumba FO, Nyamache AK, Budambula NLM, Ahmed AA, Ouma C, Were T. Hepatitis B virus sero-profiles and genotypes in HIV-1 infected and uninfected injection and Non-injection drug users from coastal Kenya. BMC Infect Dis 2015. [PMID: 26223795 PMCID: PMC4520198 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Information about HBV sero-markers, infection stages and genotypes in HIV-1 infected and uninfected injection and non-injection drug users (IDUs) in Kenya remains elusive. Methods A cross-sectional study examining HBV sero-marker, infection stages and genotypes was conducted among HIV-1 infected and uninfected, respectively, IDUs (n = 157 and n = 214) and non-IDUs (n = 139 and n = 48), and HIV-1 uninfected non-drug using controls (n = 194) from coastal, Kenya. HBV sero-marker and infection stages were based on HBV 5-panel rapid test plasma sero-reactivity. DNA was extracted from acute and chronic plasma samples and genotypes established by nested-PCR and direct sequencing. Results HBsAg positivity was higher in HIV-1 infected IDUs (9.6 %) relative to HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (2.3 %), HIV-1 infected non-IDUs (3.6 %), HIV-1 uninfected non-IDUs (0.0 %) and non-drug users (2.6 %; P = 0.002). Contrastingly, HBsAb positivity was higher in HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (14.6 %) and non-IDUs (16.8) in comparison to HIV-1 infected IDUs (8.3 %), and non-IDUs (8.6 %), and non-drug users (8.2 %; P = 0.023). HBcAb positivity was higher in HIV-1 infected IDUs (10.2 %) compared to HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (3.3 %), HIV-1 infected non-IDUs (6.5 %), HIV-1 uninfected non-IDUs (2.1 %) and non-drug users (4.6 %; P = 0.038). Acute (5.7 %, 1.4 %, 0.0 %, 0.0 % and 1.5 %) and chronic (5.1 %, 0.9 %, 3.6 %, 0.0 % and 1.5 %) stages were higher in HIV-1 infected IDUs, compared to HIV-1 uninfected IDUs, HIV-1 infected and uninfected non-IDUs and non-drug users, respectively. However, vaccine type response stage was higher in HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (15.4 %) relative to HIV-1 infected IDUs (6.4 %), and HIV-1 infected (6.5 %), and uninfected (10.4 %) non-IDUs, and non-drug users (5.7 %; P = 0.003). Higher resolved infection rates were also recorded in HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (11.2 %) compared to HIV-1 infected IDUs (8.3 %), and HIV-1 infected (7.2 %), uninfected (6.3 %) non-IDUs, and non-drug users (6.7 %; P = 0.479), respectively. Only A1 genotype showing minimal diversity was detected among the study participants. Conclusion HBV sero-markers and infection staging are valuable in diagnosis and genotyping of HBV infections. Among IDUs, higher HBsAg and HBcAb positivity in HIV-1 infected and higher HBsAb positivity in HIV-1 negative IDUs suggests frequent exposure. Additionally, HBV genotype A is the dominant circulating genotype in both high and low risk populations of Kenya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark W Kilongosi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya.
| | - Valentine Budambula
- Department of Environment and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya.
| | - Raphael Lihana
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Francis O Musumba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya.
| | | | | | - Aabid A Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Embu University College, Embu, Kenya.
| | - Collins Ouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya. .,African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Tom Were
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kerubo G, Khamadi S, Okoth V, Madise N, Ezeh A, Abdalla Z, Mwau M. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV-1 Coinfection in Two Informal Urban Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129247. [PMID: 26068212 PMCID: PMC4466314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 and Hepatitis B and C viruses coinfection is common in Sub-Saharan Africa due to similar routes of transmission and high levels of poverty. Most studies on HIV-1 and Hepatitis B and C viruses have occurred in hospital settings and blood transfusion units. Data on Hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV-1 coinfection in informal urban settlements in Kenya are scanty, yet they could partly explain the disproportionately high morbidity and mortality associated with HIV-1 infections in these slums. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B and C dual infection in urban slums in Nairobi. METHODS Blood samples were collected from residents of Viwandani and Korogocho between 2006 and 2007. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data from participants. Samples were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV-1. Statistical analysis was done using STATA. RESULTS Samples were successfully collected from 418 (32%) men and 890 (68%) females. The HIV-1, HBV and HCV prevalence was 20.4%, 13.3% and 0.76% respectively at the time of the study. Of the 268 (20.4%) HIV-1 positive participants, 56 (4.26%) had HBV while 6 (0.46%) had HCV. Of the 1041 HIV-1 negative participants, 117 (8.9%) had HBV while 4 (0.31%) had HCV. Only two people (0.15%) were co-infected with all the three viruses together. DISCUSSION The odds of getting hepatitis infection were higher in HIV-1 participants (for HBV OR 2.08,p<0.005 and for HCV OR 5.93, p<0.005). HIV prevalence rates were similar in both informal settlements. HIV infection was highest in age group 35-39 years and among the divorced/separated or widowed. Prevalence of all viruses was highest in those who did not have any formal education. CONCLUSION The HIV prevalence in these informal settlements suggests a higher rate than what is observed nationally. The prevalence rates of HBV are significantly higher in the HIV-1 positive and negative populations. HCV as well as triple HIV-1, HBV and HCV coinfection are uncommon in Korogocho and Viwandani. This clearly indicates the need for HIV-1 control programmes and hepatitis B virus vaccination to be promoted through public awareness as preventive strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glennah Kerubo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and infectious Diseases, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samoel Khamadi
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vincent Okoth
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nyovani Madise
- African Population Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alex Ezeh
- African Population Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ziraba Abdalla
- African Population Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Matilu Mwau
- Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Disease Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Busia, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
De Paschale M, Ceriani C, Cerulli T, Cagnin D, Cavallari S, Ndayaké J, Zaongo D, Priuli G, Viganò P, Clerici P. Prevalence of HBV, HDV, HCV, and HIV infection during pregnancy in northern Benin. J Med Virol 2014; 86:1281-7. [PMID: 24777580 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women are not screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies in many African countries. As there are few data concerning the prevalence of HBV, HDV, and HCV serological markers in Benin, the aim of this study was to evaluate their 2011 prevalence in pregnant women undergoing HIV screening in a rural area of north Benin, and compare the data with those reported for the same area in 1986. The sera of 283 women were examined for HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV 1/2 antibodies. In the case of HBsAg positivity, a search was made for the HBeAg, anti-HDV, and HBV genotypes; in the case of anti-HCV positivity, a search was made for the HCV genotypes. HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV 1/2 were positive in respectively 44 (15.5%), 82 (29.0%), 234 (82.7%), 21 (7.4%), and nine samples (3.2%). Of the HBsAg-positive samples, five (11.4%) were positive for HBeAg, five (11.4%) for anti-HDV, and 19 for HBV genotype E. Of the anti-HCV-positive samples, five were positive for genotype 2a/2c and one for genotype 1a. The prevalence of anti-HBc alone (HBsAg and anti-HBs negative) was very high (41.3%). In comparison with the 1986 data, the prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc remained unchanged, that of HBeAg and anti-HDV had decreased, and that of anti-HIV 1/2 had increased. As these data confirm that HBV and HCV are highly endemic in the study area, it may be appropriate to introduce HBsAg and anti-HCV screening for pregnant women. J. Med. Virol. 86:1281-1287, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ochwoto M, Chauhan R, Gopalakrishnan D, Chen CY, Ng'ang'a Z, Okoth F, Kioko H, Kimotho J, Kaiguri P, Kramvis A. Genotyping and molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus in liver disease patients in Kenya. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 20:103-10. [PMID: 23978387 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes are important in both the clinical manifestation of disease and treatment response. Although Kenya belongs to the African Region (AFR-E) characterized by high mortality and hyperendemicity of HBV, there is a paucity of HBV genotyping data. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the basic core promoter/precore (BCP/PC) and complete surface (S) regions of HBV isolated from 61 HBsAg-positive liver disease patients attending Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. HBsAg, HBeAg and viral loads were determined. HBV DNA was amplified and sequenced from 58/61 patients. In addition to the complete genome of two isolates, the BCP/PC and the complete S regions of 43 and 38 isolates, respectively were sequenced. Following phylogenetic analysis of the S region, 38 isolates clustered with subgenotype A1, whereas two isolates clustered with genotype D, one with subgenotype D1 and another as an outlier of the clade containing subgenotype D6 and the D/E recombinant. When the complete genome of the latter isolate was sequenced it clustered with D6. The majority of isolates belonged to serological subtype adw2 and only four to ayw2. Three distinct groups of subgenotype A1, distinguished by different amino acid motifs, circulate in Kenya: two in the African cluster and a monophyletic clade in the "Asian" cluster. HBeAg-negativity was a result of G1896A in genotype D isolates, whereas in subgenotype A1, the HBeAg-negativity was a result of mutations in the Kozak region (1809-1812) or precore start codon (1814-1816). Mutations at positions 1762 and 1764 occurred more frequently in HCC patients (p<0.05). In conclusion, subgenotypes A1, D1 and D6 circulate in liver disease patients in Kenya, with A1 predominating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Missiani Ochwoto
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Programme (HVDRP), Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hassall OW, Thitiri J, Fegan G, Pole L, Mwarumba S, Denje D, Wambua K, Lowe B, Parry CM, Mandaliya K, Maitland K, Bates I. The microbiologic safety of umbilical cord blood transfusion for children with severe anemia in Mombasa, Kenya. Transfusion 2011; 52:1542-51. [PMID: 22221267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03487.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe anemia requiring blood transfusion is common in hospitalized young children in sub-Saharan Africa but blood is often in short supply. Umbilical cord blood may be a useful source of blood if microbiologic safety concerns can be addressed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Cord blood, donated on the labor ward at the provincial hospital in Mombasa, was cultured soon after collection (screening culture) and after a period of storage (poststorage culture). Conventional blood transfused to children at the hospital was cultured only at the time of issue (poststorage culture). Maternal sera (cord blood) and conventional blood donations were also screened for transfusion-transmitted infection. RESULTS At poststorage culture, the overall contamination rate of cord blood was one-third that of conventional blood (13/449 vs. 38/434; odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.61) and for bacteria of high pathogenic potential it was half that of conventional blood (4/449 vs. 7/434; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.12-2.18). Screening cultures were positive in 50% (2/4) of cord blood packs where an organism of high pathogenic potential was isolated at poststorage culture. Cord blood donors had a lower seroreactivity than conventional donors for human immunodeficiency virus (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.29-1.18), hepatitis B virus (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.59), and hepatitis C virus (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.24-0.76). For syphilis, initial seroreactivity in cord blood donors was 3.8% compared to 1.8% in conventional blood donors (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.15-3.60) but was 0.5% after retesting. CONCLUSION With respect to bacterial contamination and seroreactivity for transfusion-transmitted infection, the safety of cord blood in Mombasa compares favorably with conventional blood. Clinical trials of cord blood transfusion are justified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W Hassall
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
M'ikanatha NM, Imunya SG, Fisman DN, Julian KG. Sharp-device injuries and perceived risk of infection with bloodborne pathogens among healthcare workers in rural Kenya. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2007; 28:761-3. [PMID: 17520560 DOI: 10.1086/517955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
14
|
Miller WC, Shao JF, Weaver DJ, Shimokura GH, Paul DA, Lallinger GJ. Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in Tanzanian adults. Trop Med Int Health 1998; 3:757-63. [PMID: 9754673 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3156.1998.00289.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In a cross-sectional study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, we determined the seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B, C and E viruses and examined associated risk markers. Among 403 healthy adults, the seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus was 99.0% (95% confidence interval: 97.5-99.7). Prior exposure to hepatitis C and E viruses was rare (hepatitis C: 0.7% (0.2-2.1); hepatitis E: 0.2% (< 0.1-1.4)). The prevalence of all markers of hepatitis B was 70.7% (66.0-75.1). Hepatitis B surface antigen was identified in 6.0% (3.9-8.7) of subjects. Independent predictors of hepatitis B infection identified by logistic regression included older age, male gender, Muslim religion and type of abode. Given the high prevalence of hepatitis B and the low prevalence of hepatitis C, the majority of chronic viral hepatitis is likely to be associated with hepatitis B. Control efforts should focus primarily on hepatitis B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-7400, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kiire CF. The epidemiology and prophylaxis of hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa: a view from tropical and subtropical Africa. Gut 1996; 38 Suppl 2:S5-12. [PMID: 8786055 PMCID: PMC1398049 DOI: 10.1136/gut.38.suppl_2.s5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
There are approximately 50 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Africa, with a 25% mortality risk. In sub-Saharan Africa, carrier rates range from 9-20%. Many studies have suggested that HBV transmission in Africa occurs predominantly in childhood, by the horizontal rather than the perinatal route. The exact mode of transmission is uncertain but probably involves percutaneous infection through saliva or traces of blood, as well through unsterile needles, tribal scarification, and other possible vehicles. Compared with adult HBsAg carriers in the Far East, those in Africa have a low rate of HBeAg positivity, which may account for the relatively low rates of perinatal infection. It is also possible that African infants are less susceptible to perinatal HBV infection compared with their Asian counterparts. Alternatively, it may be that African infants are indeed infected with HBV at birth but, for genetically determined reasons, have persistently negative tests for a number of years until the virus is reactivated. In view of the high HBV carrier rates in the general population, universal immunisation of all infants is recommended. Ways of incorporating the hepatitis B vaccine into the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in each country are being evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Kiire
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Harare
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chiaramonte M, Stroffolini T, Ngatchu T, Rapicetta M, Lantum D, Kaptue L, Chionne P, Conti S, Sarrecchia B, Naccarato R. Hepatitis B virus infection in Cameroon: a seroepidemiological survey in city school children. J Med Virol 1991; 33:95-9. [PMID: 2051143 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.1890330206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A pilot survey conducted in Cameroon comprising 702 children of primary school age revealed that 58.5% of the children were positive for at least one HBV marker. An overall HBsAg prevalence of 19.9% was observed. Both any HBV marker and HBsAg prevalences increased with age (P less than 0.01). Of the HBsAg-positive subjects, 28.4% were positive for HBV-DNA; none was positive for anti-HDV. There was no significant difference among sexes for either any HBV marker or for HBsAg prevalence. However, a significant difference by sex was found in the percentage ratio HBsAg+/and any marker + (41.0% in males against 28.2% in females; P less than 0.05). No significant difference with respect to the father's occupation and family size was observed. When the zone of location of school was taken into consideration it was observed that suburban school children had a higher prevalence of any HBV marker as compared to central town school children (73.9% vs. 56.6%; P less than 0.001). These results place Cameroon among countries of high endemicity for HBV. The results also indicate an early acquisition of infection, a high infectivity, and probably continuous infection even in the primary school ages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Chiaramonte
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|