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Stroffolini T, Stroffolini G. Prevalence and Modes of Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Historical Worldwide Review. Viruses 2024; 16:1115. [PMID: 39066277 PMCID: PMC11281430 DOI: 10.3390/v16071115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection affects over 58 million individuals and is responsible for 290,000 annual deaths. The infection spread in the past via blood transfusion and iatrogenic transmission due to the use of non-sterilized glass syringes mostly in developing countries (Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Egypt) but even in Italy. High-income countries have achieved successful results in preventing certain modes of transmission, particularly in ensuring the safety of blood and blood products, and to a lesser extent, reducing iatrogenic exposure. Conversely, in low-income countries, unscreened blood transfusions and non-sterile injection practices continue to play major roles, highlighting the stark inequalities between these regions. Currently, injection drug use is a major worldwide risk factor, with a growing trend even in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Emerging high-risk groups include men who have sex with men (MSM), individuals exposed to tattoo practices, and newborns of HCV-infected pregnant women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy as a tool to eliminate infection by interrupting viral transmission from infected to susceptible individuals. However, the feasibility of this ambitious and overly optimistic program generates concern about the need for universal screening, diagnosis, linkage to care, and access to affordable DAA regimens. These goals are very hard to reach, especially in LMICs, due to the cost and availability of drugs, as well as the logistical complexities involved. Globally, only a small proportion of individuals infected with HCV have been tested, and an even smaller fraction of those have initiated DAA therapy. The absence of an effective vaccine is a major barrier to controlling HCV infection. Without a vaccine, the WHO project may remain merely an illusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Stroffolini
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Stroffolini
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni, 5, 37024 Negrar, Verona, Italy
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Chaabna K, Kouyoumjian SP, Abu-Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C Virus Epidemiology in Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016. [PMID: 26900839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149966]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology and assess country-specific population-level HCV prevalence in four countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. METHODS Reports of HCV prevalence were systematically reviewed as per PRISMA guidelines. Pooled HCV prevalence estimates in different risk populations were conducted when the number of measures per risk category was at least five. RESULTS We identified 101 prevalence estimates. Pooled HCV antibody prevalence in the general population in Somalia, Sudan and Yemen was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.3%-1.9%), 1.0% (95%CI: 0.3%-1.9%) and 1.9% (95%CI: 1.4%-2.6%), respectively. The only general population study from Djibouti reported a prevalence of 0.3% (CI: 0.2%-0.4%) in blood donors. In high-risk populations (e.g., haemodialysis and haemophilia patients), pooled HCV prevalence was 17.3% (95%CI: 8.6%-28.2%) in Sudan. In Yemen, three studies of haemodialysis patients reported HCV prevalence between 40.0%-62.7%. In intermediate-risk populations (e.g.. healthcare workers, in patients and men who have sex with men), pooled HCV prevalence was 1.7% (95%CI: 0.0%-4.9%) in Somalia and 0.6% (95%CI: 0.4%-0.8%) in Sudan. CONCLUSION National HCV prevalence in Yemen appears to be higher than in Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan as well as most other MENA countries; but otherwise prevalence levels in this subregion are comparable to global levels. The high HCV prevalence in patients who have undergone clinical care appears to reflect ongoing transmission in clinical settings. HCV prevalence in people who inject drugs remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Chaabna
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Silva P Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- College of Public Health, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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Chaabna K, Kouyoumjian SP, Abu-Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C Virus Epidemiology in Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149966. [PMID: 26900839 PMCID: PMC4764686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology and assess country-specific population-level HCV prevalence in four countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. METHODS Reports of HCV prevalence were systematically reviewed as per PRISMA guidelines. Pooled HCV prevalence estimates in different risk populations were conducted when the number of measures per risk category was at least five. RESULTS We identified 101 prevalence estimates. Pooled HCV antibody prevalence in the general population in Somalia, Sudan and Yemen was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.3%-1.9%), 1.0% (95%CI: 0.3%-1.9%) and 1.9% (95%CI: 1.4%-2.6%), respectively. The only general population study from Djibouti reported a prevalence of 0.3% (CI: 0.2%-0.4%) in blood donors. In high-risk populations (e.g., haemodialysis and haemophilia patients), pooled HCV prevalence was 17.3% (95%CI: 8.6%-28.2%) in Sudan. In Yemen, three studies of haemodialysis patients reported HCV prevalence between 40.0%-62.7%. In intermediate-risk populations (e.g.. healthcare workers, in patients and men who have sex with men), pooled HCV prevalence was 1.7% (95%CI: 0.0%-4.9%) in Somalia and 0.6% (95%CI: 0.4%-0.8%) in Sudan. CONCLUSION National HCV prevalence in Yemen appears to be higher than in Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan as well as most other MENA countries; but otherwise prevalence levels in this subregion are comparable to global levels. The high HCV prevalence in patients who have undergone clinical care appears to reflect ongoing transmission in clinical settings. HCV prevalence in people who inject drugs remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Chaabna
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- College of Public Health, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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Hepatitis C Virus Epidemiology in Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016. [PMID: 26900839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149966].] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology and assess country-specific population-level HCV prevalence in four countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. METHODS Reports of HCV prevalence were systematically reviewed as per PRISMA guidelines. Pooled HCV prevalence estimates in different risk populations were conducted when the number of measures per risk category was at least five. RESULTS We identified 101 prevalence estimates. Pooled HCV antibody prevalence in the general population in Somalia, Sudan and Yemen was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.3%-1.9%), 1.0% (95%CI: 0.3%-1.9%) and 1.9% (95%CI: 1.4%-2.6%), respectively. The only general population study from Djibouti reported a prevalence of 0.3% (CI: 0.2%-0.4%) in blood donors. In high-risk populations (e.g., haemodialysis and haemophilia patients), pooled HCV prevalence was 17.3% (95%CI: 8.6%-28.2%) in Sudan. In Yemen, three studies of haemodialysis patients reported HCV prevalence between 40.0%-62.7%. In intermediate-risk populations (e.g.. healthcare workers, in patients and men who have sex with men), pooled HCV prevalence was 1.7% (95%CI: 0.0%-4.9%) in Somalia and 0.6% (95%CI: 0.4%-0.8%) in Sudan. CONCLUSION National HCV prevalence in Yemen appears to be higher than in Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan as well as most other MENA countries; but otherwise prevalence levels in this subregion are comparable to global levels. The high HCV prevalence in patients who have undergone clinical care appears to reflect ongoing transmission in clinical settings. HCV prevalence in people who inject drugs remains unknown.
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Machado PRL, Johnson WD, Glesby MJ. The role of human T cell lymphotrophic virus type 1, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus coinfections in leprosy. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107 Suppl 1:43-8. [PMID: 23283452 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000900008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy spectrum and outcome is associated with the host immune response against Mycobacterium leprae. The role of coinfections in leprosy patients may be related to a depression of cellular immunity or amplification of inflammatory responses. Leprosy remains endemic in several regions where human T cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also endemic. We have evaluated the evidence for the possible role of these viruses in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of leprosy. HTLV-1, HBV and HCV are associated with leprosy in some regions and institutionalization is an important risk factor for these viral coinfections. Some studies show a higher prevalence of viral coinfection in lepromatous cases. Although HBV and HCV coinfection were associated with reversal reaction in one study, there is a lack of information about the consequences of viral coinfections in leprosy. It is not known whether clinical outcomes associated with leprosy, such as development of reactions or relapses could be attributed to a specific viral coinfection. Furthermore, whether the leprosy subtype may influence the progression of the viral coinfection is unknown. All of these important and intriguing questions await prospective studies to definitively establish the actual relationship between these entities.
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Shiogama K, Teramoto H, Morita Y, Mizutani Y, Shimomura R, Inada KI, Kamahora T, Makino M, Tsutsumi Y. Hepatitis C virus infection in a Japanese leprosy sanatorium for the past 67 years. J Med Virol 2010; 82:556-61. [PMID: 20166169 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Oku-Komyo-En is one of the national leprosy sanatoria, located on a small island in Setouchi city, Okayama prefecture of Japan since 1938. Since autopsies were carried out routinely on almost all patients who had died in the sanatorium up to 1980, approximately 1,000 formalin-fixed autopsy tissue samples were available for analysis. When these samples were reviewed, the pathological data indicated a sharp rise in the death rate caused by cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) since 1960 and 1970, respectively. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common cause of HCC in Japan. The presence of HCV RNA was demonstrated in paraffin sections prepared from the autopsied liver tissue fixed in formalin for a prolonged period of time, by employing nested RT-PCR using type-specific primers. The data showed that HCV RNA was detectable in samples of the liver archived as early as 1940, representing the liver tissues kept in formalin for up to 67 years. HCV genotypes 1b and 2a were found by RT-PCR at 85.7% and 14.3%, respectively, in patients with leprosy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Shiogama
- Department of Pathology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
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Pépin J, Labbé AC. Noble goals, unforeseen consequences: control of tropical diseases in colonial Central Africa and the iatrogenic transmission of blood-borne viruses. Trop Med Int Health 2008; 13:744-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Rego VP, Machado PR, Martins I, Trindade R, Paraná R. Características da reação tipo 1 e associação com vírus B e C da hepatite na hanseníase. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2007; 40:546-9. [DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822007000500011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2004] [Accepted: 07/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
O episódio reacional tipo 1 ou reação reversa é ocorrência inflamatória aguda que atinge a pele e nervos periféricos, encontrada em até 30% dos pacientes com hanseníase, sendo causa comum de incapacidade física. Fatores de risco associados incluem uso de poliquimioterapia e infecções virais. Neste estudo, foram avaliados 620 pacientes com hanseníase. Reação reversa foi diagnosticada em 121 (19,5%) casos, sendo mais freqüente nos indivíduos borderlines (48%). Início da poliquimioterapia foi considerado fator de risco para reação reversa, com 52% dos casos apresentando o primeiro episódio neste momento. Neurite foi documentada em 73% dos casos. A presença de vírus B ou C da hepatite foi documentada em 9% de 55 pacientes com reação reversa e em nenhum dos 57 pacientes sem reação (p = 0, 026; teste exato de Fisher), sugerindo possível papel destes agentes como fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de reação reversa na hanseníase.
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Plamondon M, Labbé AC, Frost E, Deslandes S, Alves AC, Bastien N, Pepin J. Hepatitis C virus infection in Guinea-Bissau: a sexually transmitted genotype 2 with parenteral amplification? PLoS One 2007; 2:e372. [PMID: 17440608 PMCID: PMC1847532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2007] [Accepted: 03/22/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa is the continent with the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Genotype 2 HCV is thought to have originated from West Africa several hundred years ago. Mechanisms of transmission remain poorly understood. Methodology/Principal Findings To delineate mechanisms for HCV transmission in West Africa, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals aged ≥50 years in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Dried blood spots were obtained for HCV serology and PCR amplification. Prevalence of HCV was 4.4% (47/1066) among women and 5.0% (27/544) among men. In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for HCV infection were age (baseline: 50–59 y; 60–69 y, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.91–3.06; ≥70 y, AOR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.89–6.39), belonging to the Papel, Mancanha, Balanta or Mandjako ethnic groups (AOR: 2.45, 95% CI:1.32–4.53), originating from the Biombo, Cacheu or Oio regions north of Bissau (AOR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.18–14.73) and having bought or sold sexual services (AOR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.88–6.89). Of 57 isolates that could be genotyped, 56 were genotype 2. Conclusions Our results suggest that transmission of HCV genotype 2 in West Africa occurs through sexual intercourse. In specific locations and subpopulations, medical interventions may have amplified transmission parenterally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Plamondon
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Centre for International Health, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Eric Frost
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Centre for International Health, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Deslandes
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Centre for International Health, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Jacques Pepin
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Centre for International Health, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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de Moraes Braga AC, Reason IJM, Maluf ECP, Vieira ER. Leprosy and confinement due to leprosy show high association with hepatitis C in Southern Brazil. Acta Trop 2006; 97:88-93. [PMID: 16263074 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2005] [Revised: 09/08/2005] [Accepted: 09/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leprosy is a disease, which is accompanied by cellular immunity defects, which may increase the susceptibility of patients in developing co-infections. The association of leprosy with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV 1+2) infection and human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV I+II) infection have previously been described in different populations. In this study, the prevalence of these infections was determined in 199 Southern Brazilian leprosy patients and in 681 matched controls. Antibodies to HCV were positive in 3.52% of the patients (7/199) and in 0.15% of the controls (1/681; odds ratio (OR)=24.79; 95% CI=3.03-202.74; p=0.0002). An increased risk of HCV infection was observed in institutionalized patients (OR=14.95; 95% CI=1.76-127.03; p=0.004) and in the lepromatous form of the disease (OR=7.67; 95% CI=0.43-136.62; p=ns). Anti-HIV 1+2 antibodies were positive in only one out-patient (1/199; 0.50%) and in none of the controls (0/681; OR=3.43; 95% CI=0.21-55.16; p>0.05). No leprosy patient was positive for anti-HTLV I+II antibodies. These results demonstrate an increased prevalence of HCV infection in leprosy patients from South Brazil and that both institutionalization and lepromatous form of the disease confer higher risk to HCV infection. These data emphasizes the importance of monitoring hepatitis C and leprosy interactions and the need of special care to institutionalized and lepromatous patients in preventing HCV co-infection.
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Ayele W, Nokes DJ, Abebe A, Messele T, Dejene A, Enquselassie F, Rinke de Wit TF, Fontanet AL. Higher prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative inhabitants of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Med Virol 2002; 68:12-7. [PMID: 12210425 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.10164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Serum samples (n = 4,593) collected in 1994 as part of a representative household community survey of the population of Addis Ababa who were 0-49 years old were tested for hepatitis C (HCV) antibodies. A third generation ELISA was used for primary screening and a line immunoblot assay for confirmation. HCV antibody prevalence was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.6-1.2%) and higher among HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative individuals (4.5% vs. 0.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). Similar higher prevalence of HCV antibodies was seen among HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative antenatal care attenders (2.9% vs. 0.8%, respectively, P = 0.003, n = 1,725), and sex workers (5.3% vs. 1.3%, respectively, P = 0.02, n = 383). Such association between HCV and HIV infection has not been described previously in Africa. After stratification by HIV status, HCV prevalence among women of the general population was identical to that of sex workers, suggesting that HCV sexual transmission is not common in this population and that HIV infection does not enhance susceptibility to HCV sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Workenesh Ayele
- Department of Virology and Rickettsiology, Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Ndjomou J, Kupfer B, Kochan B, Zekeng L, Kaptue L, Matz B. Hepatitis C virus infection and genotypes among human immunodeficiency virus high-risk groups in Cameroon. J Med Virol 2002; 66:179-86. [PMID: 11782926 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.2128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Parenteral transmission of HCV is well established but other possible routes such as heterosexual transmission are still questioned. The Central African region is characterised by a high HCV endemicity without any evidence on the route of transmission. The information on HCV genotypes that circulate in this area is also limited and controversial. HIV infection is very frequent in this region and mostly acquired via the heterosexual route. The aim of this work was to investigate the trend of HCV infection and genotypes among HIV high-risk groups from Cameroon. Four hundred eighty-two patients including 229 tuberculosis clinic attendants, 184 sexually transmitted disease clinic attendants, and 69 HIV clinical suspects from another clinic were enrolled. All plasma samples were screened for antibodies to HCV and HCV RNA. Genotypes were assigned by sequencing a 5'UTR amplified fragment. The overall prevalence of HCV markers was 11.6% and a significant increasing trend with respect to age was observed. A proportion of 64.1% (34/53) of HCV antibody positive samples was viraemic. HCV RNA was found in 3 samples that were indeterminate in RIBA 3.0. One was negative in the antibody screening test and the two others were weakly positive. The data on HCV genotypes revealed that genotype 1 was involved in 57% of viraemias, genotype 2 in 24%, while genotypes 4 and 5a accounted for 16 and 3%, respectively. In contrary to the predominance of genotype 4 reported in some African countries and even the neighbouring countries, these data demonstrate clearly that HCV infection in Cameroon is dominated by genotypes 1 and 2. No association was found between the HCV markers and the presence of HIV infection. It is concluded, therefore, that the heterosexual route plays a minor role in HCV transmission in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Ndjomou
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Prévalence et risque de transmission du VHC après dépistage des VIH et VHB chez les donneurs de sang. Med Mal Infect 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0399-077x(02)00374-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Klioze
- Department of Medicine and Division of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL , USA
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Jeannel D, Fretz C, Traore Y, Kohdjo N, Bigot A, Gamy EP, Jourdan G, Kourouma K, Maertens G, Fumoux F, Fournel JJ, Stuyver L. Evidence for high genetic diversity and long-term endemicity of hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 2 in West Africa. J Med Virol 1998. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199806)55:2<92::aid-jmv2>3.0.co;2-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Egawa K, Yukawa T, Arakawa S, Nakao H, Inoue T, Tanaka T, Tsuda F, Okamoto H, Miyakawa Y, Mayumi M. Infection with GB virus C in leprous patients in Japan. J Med Virol 1996; 49:110-4. [PMID: 8991933 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199606)49:2<110::aid-jmv7>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors and patients with acute and chronic hepatitis has brought to the fore another virus or viruses which can be transmitted parenterally and induce liver disease. The RNA of a candidate virus designated GB virus C (GBV-C) was determined by the polymerase chain reaction with primers deduced from a helicase-like region in 229 leprous patients in Japan. GBV-C RNA was detected in 12 (5.2%) patients, and HCV RNA in 41 (18%). Three patients were coinfected with GBV-C and HCV. The nine patients infected with GBV-C alone had aminotransferase levels lower than the three patients with the mixed infection or the 38 patients infected with HCV only (P < 0.001). Sequence comparison within 100 base pairs in the helicase-like region suggested that two, three and three patients, respectively, would have been infected with three distinct strains of GBV-C. These results indicate that patients with leprosy are at increased risk for infection not only with HCV, but also with GBV-C, and that the infection with GBV-C alone would not induce hepatic injuries as severe as HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Egawa
- National Suruga Leprosarium, Shizuoka-Ken, Japan
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Egawa K, Yukawa T, Arakawa S, Tanaka T, Tsuda F, Okamoto H, Miyakawa Y, Mayumi M. Hepatitis C virus antibody, viral RNA and genotypes in leprous patients in Japan. J Hepatol 1996; 24:397-402. [PMID: 8738725 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(96)80159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/METHODS Markers of hepatitis C virus infection were tested for in 229 patients with leprosy (male 154, female 75) in Japan. RESULTS Antibody to hepatitis C virus by a second-generation enzyme immunoassay was detected in 68 patients (30%), and RNA of hepatitis C virus in 41 (18%), in prevalence rates much higher (p < 0.001) than those in matched controls (11/923 or 1.2% and 9/923 or 1.0%, respectively). Hepatitis C virus genotypes were II/1b in 37 (90%), III/2a in three (7%) and IV/2b in one (2%), in which II/1b was more frequently (p < 0.003) represented than in hepatitis C virus carriers without leprosy in Japan (520/767 or 68%). The 41 patients with hepatitis C virus viremia had serum transaminase levels significantly higher than those in the other 188 patients without viremia (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that leprous patients confined in institutions are at high risk of hepatitis C virus infection, and that patients infected with hepatitis C virus should be monitored for liver function and placed on interferon therapy whenever required.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Egawa
- National Suruga Leprosarium, Shizuoka-Ken, Japan
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Pawlotsky JM, Bélec L, Grésenguet G, Deforges L, Bouvier M, Duval J, Dhumeaux D. High prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and E markers in young sexually active adults from the Central African Republic. J Med Virol 1995; 46:269-72. [PMID: 7561802 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.1890460318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The Central African Republic is located in tropical Africa, where both the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are highly endemic. The exact prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) markers in this country is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine, according to HIV and HBV serostatus, the prevalence of these markers in young sexually active adults in the Central African Republic. One hundred and fifty-seven consecutive patients attending the National Centre for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Bangui were included. The following serological markers were examined: (i) anti-HIV1 and anti-HIV2 antibodies; (ii) markers of HBV infection; (iii) anti-HCV antibodies; (iv) anti-HEV antibodies. Anti-HIV1 antibodies were found in 31 of the 157 patients (20%). The prevalence of anti-HBc antibodies, reflecting exposure to HBV, was 140/157 (89%) and 45 had detectable anti-HBs antibodies. Twenty-two patients (14%) were chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), but only one was HBe antigen-positive. Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 8 persons (5%) and anti-HEV antibodies in 38 (24%). No difference was found in the prevalence of these markers according to the presence or absence of anti-HIV antibodies. This study confirms the high rate of HIV infection, HBV exposure and chronic carriage of HBsAg in sexually active young adults in the Central African Republic. A high prevalence of HCV markers was found in this population, similar to that reported in neighbouring countries, together with a high rate of HEV markers, suggesting that HEV is endemic in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Pawlotsky
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris XII, Créteil, France
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Coursaget P, Leboulleux D, Gharbi Y, Enogat N, Ndao MA, Coll-Seck AM, Kastally R. Etiology of acute sporadic hepatitis in adults in Senegal and Tunisia. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1995; 27:9-11. [PMID: 7784826 DOI: 10.3109/00365549509018964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Markers for acute hepatitis A, B, C and E virus infections were examined in the sera of 72 patients suffering from acute hepatitis in Senegal and Tunisia. Hepatitis B was responsible for 36% and hepatitis C for 21% of the cases. Acute hepatitis A was not diagnosed. HEV infection was not observed in Senegal and represents only 4% of the acute hepatitis cases in Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Coursaget
- Institut de Virologie de Tours, Faculté de Pharmacie, France
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