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Vo-Quang E, Pawlotsky JM. 'Unusual' HCV genotype subtypes: origin, distribution, sensitivity to direct-acting antiviral drugs and behaviour on antiviral treatment and retreatment. Gut 2024; 73:1570-1582. [PMID: 38782565 PMCID: PMC11347264 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The high genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has led to the emergence of eight genotypes and a large number of subtypes in limited geographical areas. Currently approved pangenotypic DAA regimens have been designed and developed to be effective against the most common subtypes (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a). However, large populations living in Africa and Asia, or who have migrated from these regions to industrialised countries, are infected with 'unusual', non-epidemic HCV subtypes, including some that are inherently resistant to currently available direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs due to the presence of natural polymorphisms at resistance-associated substitution positions. In this review article, we describe the origin and subsequent global spread of HCV genotypes and subtypes, the current global distribution of common and unusual HCV subtypes, the polymorphisms naturally present in the genome sequences of unusual HCV subtypes that may confer inherently reduced susceptibility to DAA drugs and the available data on the response of unusual HCV subtypes to first-line HCV therapy and retreatment. We conclude that the problem of unusual HCV subtypes that are inherently resistant to DAAs and its threat to the global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis are largely underestimated and warrant vigorous action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Vo-Quang
- National Reference Centre for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Department of Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor (AP-HP), Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
- Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (INSERM U955), Créteil, France
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Henri Mondor (AP-HP), Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- National Reference Centre for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Department of Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor (AP-HP), Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
- Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (INSERM U955), Créteil, France
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2
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Abe H, Ushijima Y, Bikangui R, Ondo GN, Pemba CM, Zadeh VR, Mpingabo PI, Ueda H, Agnandji ST, Lell B, Yasuda J. Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Revealed by Continuous Surveillance from 2015 to 2021 in Gabon, Central Africa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2046. [PMID: 37630606 PMCID: PMC10458803 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis remains one of the largest public health concerns worldwide. Especially in Central Africa, information on hepatitis virus infections has been limited, although the prevalence in this region has been reported to be higher than the global average. To reveal the current status of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections and the genetic diversity of the viruses, we conducted longitudinal surveillance in Gabon. We detected 22 HBV and 9 HCV infections in 2047 patients with febrile illness. Genetic analyses of HBV identified subgenotype A1 for the first time in Gabon and an insertion generating a frameshift to create an X-preC/C fusion protein. We also revealed that most of the detected HCVs belonged to the "Gabon-specific" HCV subtype 4e (HCV-4e), and the entire nucleotide sequence of the HCV-4e polyprotein was determined to establish the first reference sequence. The HCV-4e strains possessed resistance-associated substitutions similar to those of other HCV-4 strains, indicating that the use of direct-acting antiviral therapy may be complex. These results provide a better understanding of the current situation of hepatitis B and C virus infections in Central Africa and will help public health organizations develop effective countermeasures to eliminate chronic viral hepatitis in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Abe
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (H.A.); (C.M.P.); (V.R.Z.); (P.I.M.); (H.U.)
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
- Vietnam Research Station, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yuri Ushijima
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
- Division of Biomedical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Rodrigue Bikangui
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné BP. 242, Gabon; (R.B.); (G.N.O.); (S.T.A.); (B.L.)
| | - Georgelin Nguema Ondo
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné BP. 242, Gabon; (R.B.); (G.N.O.); (S.T.A.); (B.L.)
| | - Christelle M. Pemba
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (H.A.); (C.M.P.); (V.R.Z.); (P.I.M.); (H.U.)
| | - Vahid R. Zadeh
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (H.A.); (C.M.P.); (V.R.Z.); (P.I.M.); (H.U.)
| | - Patrick I. Mpingabo
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (H.A.); (C.M.P.); (V.R.Z.); (P.I.M.); (H.U.)
| | - Hayato Ueda
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (H.A.); (C.M.P.); (V.R.Z.); (P.I.M.); (H.U.)
| | - Selidji T. Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné BP. 242, Gabon; (R.B.); (G.N.O.); (S.T.A.); (B.L.)
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bertrand Lell
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné BP. 242, Gabon; (R.B.); (G.N.O.); (S.T.A.); (B.L.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jiro Yasuda
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (H.A.); (C.M.P.); (V.R.Z.); (P.I.M.); (H.U.)
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Assih M, Ouattara AK, Diarra B, Yonli AT, Compaore TR, Obiri-Yeboah D, Djigma FW, Karou S, Simpore J. Genetic diversity of hepatitis viruses in West-African countries from 1996 to 2018. World J Hepatol 2018; 10:807-821. [PMID: 30533182 PMCID: PMC6280160 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v10.i11.807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The severity of hepatic pathology and the response to treatment depend on the hepatitis virus genotype in the infected host. The objective of this review was to determine the distribution of hepatitis virus genotypes in West African countries. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct was performed to identify 52 relevant articles reporting hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G viruses genotypes. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype E with a prevalence of 90.6% (95%CI: 0.891-0.920) found in this review, is characterized by low genetic diversity. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 2 represented 96.4% of HCV infections in West African countries, while hepatitis delta virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis G virus genotypes 1 and HEV genotype 3 were reported in some studies in Ghana and Nigeria. HBV genotype E is characterized by high prevalence, low genetic diversity and wide geographical distribution. Further studies on the clinical implications of HBV genotype E and HCV genotypes 1 and 2 are needed for the development of an effective treatment against this viral hepatitis in West African countries. Surveillance of the distribution of different genotypes is also needed to reduce recombination rates and prevent the emergence of more virulent viral strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maléki Assih
- Biochemistry-Microbiology, CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou 02006, Burkina Faso
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIOGENE) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 00226, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoul Karim Ouattara
- Biochemistry-Microbiology, CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou 02006, Burkina Faso
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIOGENE) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 00226, Burkina Faso
| | - Birama Diarra
- Biochemistry-Microbiology, CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou 02006, Burkina Faso
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIOGENE) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 00226, Burkina Faso
| | - Albert Theophane Yonli
- Biochemistry-Microbiology, CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou 02006, Burkina Faso
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIOGENE) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 00226, Burkina Faso
| | - Tegwindé Rebeca Compaore
- Biochemistry-Microbiology, CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou 02006, Burkina Faso
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIOGENE) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 00226, Burkina Faso
| | - Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 00233, Ghana
| | - Florencia Wendkuuni Djigma
- Biochemistry-Microbiology, CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou 02006, Burkina Faso
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIOGENE) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 00226, Burkina Faso
| | - Simplice Karou
- Ecole Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA-UL), Universite de Lome, Lome 00229, Togo
| | - Jacques Simpore
- Biochemistry-Microbiology, CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou 02006, Burkina Faso
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIOGENE) UFR/SVT, University Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 00226, Burkina Faso
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Low prevalence of HCV infection with predominance of genotype 4 among HIV patients living in Libreville, Gabon. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190529. [PMID: 29385148 PMCID: PMC5791959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gabon is an endemic area for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the risk of co-infection is high. Method Between November 2015 and April 2016, we conducted retrospective study on HCV infection among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). A total of 491 PLHA were included in this study and tested for the presence of HCV infection. HIV viral loads were obtained using the Generic HIV viral Load® assay and the CD4+ T cells count was performed using BD FACSCount™ CD4 reagents. HCV screening was performed using the MP Diagnostics HCV ELISA 4.0 kit. HCV genotypes were determined by sequence analysis of NS5B and Core regions. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the groups. Chi-2 test and Fisher's Exact Test were used to compare prevalence. Results HCV seroprevalence was 2.9% (14/491), (95% confidence interval (CI):1.4–4.3%). The percentage of HCV viremic patients, defined by the detection of HCV RNA in plasma, was 57% (8/14), representing 1.6% of the total population. HCV seroprevalence and replicative infection were not statistically differ with gender. The percentage of co-infection increased with age. No correlation with CD4+ T cells count and HIV viral load level was registered in this study. Identified HCV strains were predominantly of genotype 4 (87.5%) including 4k, 4e, 4g, 4p, 4f and 4c subtypes. Only one strain belonged to genotype 2 (subtype 2q). Analysis of the NS5B region did not reveal the presence of resistance-associated substitutions for sofosbuvir. Conclusion A systematic screening of hepatitis C is therefore strongly recommended as well as genotyping of HCV strains in order to adapt treatments for the specific case of people living with HIV/AIDS in Central Africa.
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Nansseu JR, Mbogning DM, Monamele GC, Tamoh SF, Gonsu HK, Kouanfack C, Yanwou YN, Sando Z. Sero-epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus: a cross-sectional survey in a rural setting of the West region of Cameroon. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 28:201. [PMID: 29610639 PMCID: PMC5878856 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2017.28.201.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the three most common chronic viral infections worldwide, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study aimed to determine the sero-epidemiology of HIV, HBV and HCV infections in a rural setting of the West region of Cameroon, a SSA country. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study from August 2 to 5, 2014 in the three health districts of the Menoua Division, West region of Cameroon. Sixteen villages were randomly selected. Participants were currently living in the Division at the time of the survey, and enrolled after they had provided a signed consent form. HIV screening used the "determine test" followed by Hexagon HIV for positive cases to the first assay. HBV and HCV were detected using DIASpot HBsAg and DIASpot HCV-Ab, respectively. RESULTS On the whole, 612 subjects consented to take part in this study, of whom 71.1% were females. Mean age of the study population was 45.3 ± 17.9 years. The seroprevalences of HIV, HBV and HCV infections were 1.0% (6/582), 4.5% (20/443) and 6.3% (23/365), respectively. The 41-50 years age group was the most represented among HIV-positive subjects. HBV prevalence was higher in the 21-30 years age group (13.4%), followed by the 51-60 years age group (7.8%), with a significant difference of prevalences among age groups (p = 0.002). All HCV-positive cases were above 40 years of age with a higher prevalence in the > 70 years age group (33.3%) followed by the 61-70 years age group (14.5%); there was a significant difference between the age groups (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The seroprevalences of HIV, HBV and HCV infections in the Menoua Division of the West region of Cameroon were 1.0%, 4.5% and 6.3%, respectively. Preventive measures against these health threats need to be reinforced in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jobert Richie Nansseu
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Disease, Epidemics and Pandemics Control, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Hortense Kamga Gonsu
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Yves Nathan Yanwou
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Zacharie Sando
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Pathology, Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetrics and Pediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Hundie GB, Raj VS, GebreMichael D, Pas SD, Haagmans BL. Genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus in Ethiopia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179064. [PMID: 28570623 PMCID: PMC5453619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is genetically highly divergent and classified in seven major genotypes and approximately hundred subtypes. These genotypes/subtypes have different geographic distribution and response to antiviral therapy. In Ethiopia, however, little is known about their molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and genetic diversity of HCV genotypes/subtypes in Ethiopia, using 49 HCV RNA positive samples. HCV genotypes and subtypes were determined based on the sequences of the core and the nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) genomic regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the predominant was genotype 4 (77.6%) followed by 2 (12.2%), 1 (8.2%), and 5 (2.0%). Seven subtypes were identified (1b, 1c, 2c, 4d, 4l, 4r and 4v), with 4d (34.7%), 4r (34.7%) and 2c (12.2%) as the most frequent subtypes. Consistent with the presence of these subtypes was the identification of a potential recombinant virus. One strain was typed as genotype 2c in the NS5B region sequence and genotype 4d in the core region. In conclusion, genotype 4 HCV viruses, subtypes 4d and 4r, are most prevalent in Ethiopia. This genotype is considered to be difficult to treat, thus, our finding has an important impact on the development of treatment strategies and patient management in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V. Stalin Raj
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Suzan D. Pas
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Bourgarel M, Wauquier N, Gonzalez JP. Emerging viral threats in Gabon: health capacities and response to the risk of emerging zoonotic diseases in Central Africa. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v3i0.7099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Bourgarel
- Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), UPR AGIRs, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montpellier cedex 5, France
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Unité de Recherche Ecologie de la Santé, Franceville, Gabon; and
| | - Nadia Wauquier
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Unité des Maladies Virales émergentes, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Jean-Paul Gonzalez
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Unité de Recherche Ecologie de la Santé, Franceville, Gabon; and
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Riou J, Aït Ahmed M, Blake A, Vozlinsky S, Brichler S, Eholié S, Boëlle PY, Fontanet A. Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence in adults in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:244-55. [PMID: 26477881 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
With the introduction of more efficient treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV), improved epidemiological information is required at the country level to allow evidence-based policymaking for elaboration of national strategies and HCV resources planning. We present a systematic review with meta-analysis of HCV seroprevalence data in adults in African countries. We conducted a systematic review of all HCV seroprevalence estimates reported in African countries from 2000 to 2014 in MEDLINE, AJOL and grey literature. We assessed studies performed in the general population and among blood donors, pregnant women and HIV-positive patients. A meta-regression analysis was used to provide adjusted estimates of HCV seroprevalence in the general adult population in each country, accounting for the heterogeneity in sample age structure and population types in the included studies. We identified 775 national-level estimations, among which 184 were included. Estimates of HCV seroprevalence were produced for 38 countries, in addition to the results from nationwide representative surveys available in Egypt and Libya. Next to Egypt, which clearly stands out, the highest levels of seroprevalence were found in Middle Africa (e.g. Cameroon, Gabon and Angola) and some West African countries (e.g. Burkina Faso, Benin), and the largest absolute numbers of infected adults were found in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of Congo. This study exposes the diversity of HCV epidemiology among African countries. Egypt and several countries of West and Middle Africa present a HCV burden that will require strong governmental commitment to promote efficient preventive and curative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Riou
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Epidémiologie des Maladies Emergentes, Paris, France
| | - M Aït Ahmed
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Epidémiologie des Maladies Emergentes, Paris, France
| | - A Blake
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Epidémiologie des Maladies Emergentes, Paris, France
| | - S Vozlinsky
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Epidémiologie des Maladies Emergentes, Paris, France
| | - S Brichler
- Service de Bactériologie, Virologie, Hygiène, laboratoire associé au Centre National de Référence des Hépatites B, C et Delta, Assitance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France.,INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - S Eholié
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CHU de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - P-Y Boëlle
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
| | - A Fontanet
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Epidémiologie des Maladies Emergentes, Paris, France.,Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Chaire Santé et Développement, Paris, France
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Mwangi J, Nganga Z, Mpoke S, Lihana R, Kinyua J, Lagat N, Muriuki J, Lel R, Kageha S, Osman S, Ichimura H. Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Kenya. Arch Virol 2015; 161:95-101. [PMID: 26497178 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-015-2623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus is a great public-health concern worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of the HCV genome has identified six different genotypes that have generally been divided into several subtypes. There is very little information on HCV seroprevalence and genotypes in Kenya. To determine the genotypes of HCV circulating in Kenya, blood donor samples were serologically tested and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive samples were cloned and sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis conducted to determine the HCV genotypes. One hundred Murex-seropositive samples were re-tested using a passive hemagglutination test, and 16 of these were identified as seropositive. Further testing of all of the samples by PCR identified only 10 of the 16 samples as positive. Thus, only 10 % (10/100) of the samples were viremic. Six were from females (60 %), and four were from males (40 %). The mean age of the positive donors was considerably low, at 25 +/- 9 years. Genotypic testing indicated the presence of genotype 1a (10 %) and genotype 2b (90 %). This study reports on HCV genotypes in a blood donor population in Kenya where little had been done to provide information on HCV genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mwangi
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Zipporah Nganga
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Raphael Lihana
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joyceline Kinyua
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Lagat
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Muriuki
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rency Lel
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheila Kageha
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Saida Osman
- Center for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54628, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hiroshi Ichimura
- Department of Viral Infection and International Health, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Characterisation of hepatitis C virus genotype among blood donors at the regional blood transfusion centre of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2014; 12 Suppl 1:s54-7. [PMID: 24599906 DOI: 10.2450/2013.0089-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for about 900 deaths every year in Burkina Faso. In this country, serological screening for hepatitis B and C viruses is only carried out systematically among blood donors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotypes of HCV among blood donors using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum samples were screened for antibodies to HCV using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ARCHITECT-i1000SR-ABBOTT). All the reactive samples for HCV antibodies were re-tested using a second enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Bio-Rad, Marnes la Coquette, France) for confirmation. RNA was detected in all the reactive samples for antibodies to HCV. HCV RNA positive samples were genotyped using the HCV Real-TM Genotype kit (Sacace Biotechnologies, Italy). RESULTS Among 2,200 blood donors, the prevalences of antibodies to HCV and viral RNA were 4.4% (95% confidence interval=3.5-5.3) and 1.5% (95% confidence interval=1.0-2.0), respectively. Among HCV RNA carriers, genotyping showed that HCV genotypes 2 and 3 were the most prevalent as they were detected in 18 (56.3%) and 5 (15.6%) individuals, respectively. HCV genotypes 1a and 4 were the least frequent among the blood donors. HCV mixed genotypes 2/3 and 2/4 were also detected among the blood donors. CONCLUSION The prevalence of HCV found in this study is lower than previously reported prevalences. Large-scale studies are needed to obtain a better picture of the molecular epidemiology of HCV in Burkina Faso.
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Meta-analysis: influence of host and viral factors in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 26:1189-201. [PMID: 25171028 PMCID: PMC4180769 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The burden of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV-4) is high in Africa and East Mediterranean countries. Previous reports estimate sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in HCV-4 to be ∼20-70%. However, many of these studies are limited by different study designs and small sample sizes. Our aim was to evaluate treatment outcome and host/viral factors on SVR in HCV-4 patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG IFN+RBV) in a systematic and quantitative manner. A comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE for 'genotype 4' was conducted in November 2013. Abstracts from American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, Asian Pacific Study of the Liver, Digestive Disease Week, and European Association for the Study of the Liver in 2012/2013 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were original studies with at least 25 treatment-naive HCV-4 patients treated with PEG IFN+RBV. Exclusion criteria were coinfection with HIV, hepatitis B virus, or other genotypes. Effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was determined by Cochrane Q-test (P<0.05) and I statistic (>50%). We included 51 studies (11 102 HCV-4 patients) in the primary analysis. Pooled SVR was 53% [95% confidence interval (CI): 50-55%] (Q-statistic=269.20, P<0.05; I=81.43). On subgroup analyses, SVR was significantly associated with lower viral load, odds ratio (OR) 3.05 (CI: 1.80-5.17, P<0.001); mild fibrosis, OR 3.17 (CI: 2.19-4.59, P<0.001); and favorable IL28B polymorphisms, rs12979860 CC versus CT/TT, OR 4.70 (CI: 2.87-7.69, P<0.001), and rs8099917 TT versus GT/GG, OR 5.21 (CI: 2.31-11.73, P<0.001). HCV-4 patients treated with PEG IFN+RBV may expect SVR rates of ∼50%. Lower viral load, mild fibrosis, and favorable IL28B (rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT) are positively associated with SVR.
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Rivas P, Herrero MD, Poveda E, Madejón A, Treviño A, Gutiérrez M, Ladrón de Guevara C, Lago M, de Mendoza C, Soriano V, Puente S. Hepatitis B, C, and D and HIV infections among immigrants from Equatorial Guinea living in Spain. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013; 88:789-94. [PMID: 23339201 PMCID: PMC3617871 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 1,220 subjects from Equatorial Guinea living in Spain (median age = 41 years; 453 male and 767 female) was examined for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV), and D (HDV) viruses. Extracted RNA and DNA from the positive samples were used to quantify viral load. The prevalence of HIV antibodies, HCV RNA, and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) was 10.8% (N = 132), 11.6% (N = 141), and 7.9% (N = 96), respectively. The most prevalent HIV variant was CRF02_AG (38.5%; N = 40). HCV genotype 4 (60%; N = 36) and HBV genotype A3 (32%; N = 8) were the hepatitis variants most frequently found. Superinfection with HDV was seen in 20.9% (N = 24) of HBsAg carriers. A control group of 276 immigrants from other sub-Saharan countries showed similar rates of HIV and HBsAg, although no HCV cases were found. Immigrants constitute a major source of HIV and hepatitis viruses in Spain; therefore, it is important that control measures are intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Rivas
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Ciccozzi M, Equestre M, Costantino A, Marascio N, Quirino A, Lo Presti A, Cella E, Bruni R, Liberto MC, Focà A, Pisani G, Zehender G, Ciccaglione AR. Hepatitis C virus genotype 4d in Southern Italy: reconstruction of its origin and spread by a phylodynamic analysis. J Med Virol 2013; 84:1613-9. [PMID: 22930510 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotype 4 predominates in Middle East and Central Africa countries. Recently, it has become also prevalent in Southern European countries where it is thought to have been introduced through immigration and the movement of intravenous drug users. In Italy, the prevalence of genotype 4 is particularly high (4.5%) in Southern regions, such as Calabria, and reaches values of 8.4% in specific areas where there appears to be endemic circulation of this genotype. In the present study, the phylogeny of HCV subtype 4d isolated from 19 Italian patients in Calabria was investigated by analysing a fragment of the NS5B viral genomic region. A Bayesian coalescent-based framework was used to estimate origin and spread of the HCV 4d in this area. The mean evolutionary rate HCV 4d NS5B sequences was estimated using a dataset of sequences sampled at known times and a relaxed clock constant model that best fitted the data. By using a Bayesian coalescent method, the Italian 4d isolates collected in Calabria were found to share a common ancestor with reference 4d isolates whose origin was traced back to 1940s. The genotype 4d epidemic in Southern Italy was maintained in a steady non-expanding phase until the late 1970s after that it grew exponentially up to 1990s probably sustained by the vast increase of unsafe blood transfusions and the spread of illicit intravenous drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ciccozzi
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
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Njouom R, Caron M, Besson G, Ndong-Atome GR, Makuwa M, Pouillot R, Nkoghé D, Leroy E, Kazanji M. Phylogeography, risk factors and genetic history of hepatitis C virus in Gabon, central Africa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42002. [PMID: 22870274 PMCID: PMC3411564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiological and molecular characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the general population have been poorly investigated in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genotype distribution and epidemic history of HCV in the Gabonese general population. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 4042 sera collected from adults in 220 villages in all nine administrative areas of the country were screened for antibodies to HCV. HCV NS5B region sequencing was performed for molecular characterization and population genetic analyses. Of 4042 tested sera, 455 (11.2%) were positive. The seroprevalence of HCV varied significantly by administrative area, with the highest rate in Ogooué-Lolo province (20.4%) and the lowest in Ogooué-Maritine province (3.7%). History of parenteral injections, past hospital admission and age over 55 years were independent risk factors for HCV infection (p<0.0001). Phylogenetic analyses showed that 91.9% of the strains were genotype 4 (HCV-4), 5.7% genotype 1 and 2.2% genotype 2. HCV-4 strains were highly heterogeneous, with more than eight subtypes; subtype 4e predominated (57.3%). Coalescence analyses indicated that subtype 4e was the oldest, with an estimated most recent common ancestor of 1702 [95% CI, 1418-1884]. The epidemic profile indicated that it spread exponentially during the first part of the 20th century, probably by iatrogenic transmission. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results confirm the endemicity of HCV subtype 4e in Gabon and show that its spread is due to a cohort effect, with previous, possibly iatrogenic events. More extensive epidemiological studies are needed to better characterize the route of transmission and the dissemination of HCV in Gabon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Njouom
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
- Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Mélanie Caron
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Guillaume Besson
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Maria Makuwa
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Régis Pouillot
- Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Dieudonné Nkoghé
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
- Ministère de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Eric Leroy
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Mirdad Kazanji
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
- Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur, Bangui, Central African Republic
- * E-mail:
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Shi S, Lu F, Yan L, Zhuang H. Intrafamilial viral transmission is not the main cause of the high prevalence of hepatic C virus infection in a village, Putian county, China. J Clin Virol 2011; 51:110-4. [PMID: 21511522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2011.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of anti-HCV in the population of a village, which is located in China's Putian County, was 28.9%. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether intrafamilial transmission is the main cause of the high prevalence of HCV infection in the village. STUDY DESIGN This study surveyed the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA and analyzed the risk factors for infection. Twenty-seven families consisting of 2 or more cases who were HCV RNA-positive were selected. Genotyping of HCV isolates was performed using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 5'-NCR. The identity of the nucleotide sequence, the Kimura distance, and the phylogenetic trees between HCV 1b isolates from the same family were compared with that from different families using BioEdit and MEGA4.0 software. RESULTS Of 303 anti-HCV-positive subjects, 113 subjects were HCV RNA-positive. The frequency of some risk factors was significantly different between HCV RNA-positive and anti-HCV-negative subjects. Twenty-two pairs had subjects who were both infected with genotype 1b strains. The sequence identities between the 2 isolates from the family pairs ranged from 78.9% to 98.5% for HVR1 and from 92.4% to 97.6% for NS5B, which were not higher than the pairs from different families. The Kimura distances for family pairs ranged from 0.014 to 0.357 for HVR1 and from 0.024 to 0.081 for NS5B. They were not shorter than that from non-family pairs. Only 2 family pairs clustered in the same branch in the dendrogram obtained with NS5B sequences. CONCLUSIONS Intrafamilial HCV transmission is not the main cause of the high prevalence of HCV infection in the village.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Shi
- Department of Microbiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
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Eriksen MB, Jørgensen LB, Krarup H, Laursen AL, Christensen PB, Møller A, Schlichting P, Kuiken C, Bukh J, Weis N. Molecular and epidemiological profiles of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 in Denmark. J Med Virol 2011; 82:1869-77. [PMID: 20872713 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 has increased throughout Europe. This is an epidemiological study of patients infected chronically with HCV genotype 4 in Denmark. The HCV strains analyzed originated from patient samples collected between 1999 and 2007 as part of the national Danish hepatitis B and C network, DANHEP. Sequence analyses were based on the envelope 1 region of HCV. Results from a total of 72 patients indicated a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. Fifty-six patients (78%) were infected with one of the three dominating subtypes: 4d, 4a, or 4r. The remaining 16 patients (22%) were infected with subtypes 4h, 4k, 4l, 4n, 4o, or 4Unclassified. Three epidemiological profiles were identified: (1) patients infected with HCV by intravenous drug use were infected solely with subtype 4d. They were all of European origin, and 15 of the 16 patients were ethnic Danes. No single transmission event could be confirmed, but the pairwise nucleotide identity within the patients of Danish origin was relatively high (∼95%), suggesting a recent introduction into Denmark. (2) The 21 patients infected with subtype 4a all came from Northern Africa, Egypt, Pakistan, or the Middle East. (3) Patients from Southern Africa dominated among patients infected with subtype 4r (10 of 12 patients). This study demonstrates that HCV genotype 4d has been introduced in and spread among Danish intravenous drug users. The remaining subtypes show restricted distribution, infecting almost exclusively patients from geographical areas with a relatively high prevalence of HCV genotype 4 infections.
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Ouwe-Missi-Oukem-Boyer O, Ndouo FST, Ollomo B, Mezui-Me-Ndong J, Noulin F, Lachard I, Ndong-Atome GR, Makuwa M, Roques P, Branger M, Preux PM, Mazier D, Bisser S. Hepatitis C virus infection may lead to slower emergence of P. falciparum in blood. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16034. [PMID: 21249226 PMCID: PMC3018426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Areas endemic for Plasmodium falciparum, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) overlap in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. HBV and HCV infections develop in the liver, where takes place the first development stage of P. falciparum before its further spread in blood. The complex mechanisms involved in the development of hepatitis may potentially influence the development of the liver stage of malaria parasites. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of these interactions could provide new pathophysiological insights for treatment strategies in Malaria. Methodology We studied a cohort of 319 individuals living in a village where the three infections are prevalent. The patients were initially given a curative antimalarial treatment and were then monitored for the emergence of asexual P. falciparum forms in blood, fortnightly for one year, by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Principal Findings At inclusion, 65 (20.4%) subjects had detectable malaria parasites in blood, 36 (11.3%) were HBV chronic carriers, and 61 (18.9%) were HCV chronic carriers. During follow-up, asexual P. falciparum forms were detected in the blood of 203 patients. The median time to P. falciparum emergence in blood was respectively 140 and 120 days in HBV- and HBV+ individuals, and 135 and 224 days in HCV- and HCV+ individuals. HCV carriage was associated with delayed emergence of asexual P. falciparum forms in blood relative to patients without HCV infection. Conclusions This pilot study represents first tentative evidence of a potential epidemiological interaction between HBV, HCV and P. falciparum infections. Age is an important confounding factor in this setting however multivariate analysis points to an interaction between P. falciparum and HCV at the hepatic level with a slower emergence of P. falciparum in HCV chronic carriers. More in depth analysis are necessary to unravel the basis of hepatic interactions between these two pathogens, which could help in identifying new therapeutic approaches against malaria.
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Mujtaba G, Jahan S, Khaliq S, Mahmood N, Javed F, Choudhry N, Aslam A, Bashir T, Faiz M. Current Status of Transmission Risk Factors and Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus, In Punjabi Population of Pakistan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.5455/ijavms.20110526102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Bourgarel M, Wauquier N, Gonzalez JP. Emerging viral threats in Gabon: health capacities and response to the risk of emerging zoonotic diseases in Central Africa. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2010; 3:e7. [PMID: 22460397 PMCID: PMC3167654 DOI: 10.3134/ehtj.10.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EID) are currently the major threat to public health worldwide and most EID events have involved zoonotic infectious agents. Central Africa in general and Gabon in particular are privileged areas for the emergence of zoonotic EIDs. Indeed, human incursions in Gabonese forests for exploitation purposes lead to intensified contacts between humans and wildlife thus generating an increased risk of emergence of zoonotic diseases. In Gabon, 51 endemic or potential endemic viral infectious diseases have been reported. Among them, 22 are of zoonotic origin and involve 12 families of viruses. The most notorious are dengue, yellow fever, ebola, marburg, Rift Valley fever and chikungunya viruses. Potential EID due to wildlife in Gabon are thereby plentiful and need to be inventoried. The Gabonese Public Health system covers geographically most of the country allowing a good access to sanitary information and efficient monitoring of emerging diseases. However, access to treatment and prevention is better in urban areas where medical structures are more developed and financial means are concentrated even though the population is equally distributed between urban and rural areas. In spite of this, Gabon could be a good field for investigating the emergence or re-emergence of zoonotic EID. Indeed Gabonese health research structures such as CIRMF, advantageously located, offer high quality researchers and facilities that study pathogens and wildlife ecology, aiming toward a better understanding of the contact and transmission mechanisms of new pathogens from wildlife to human, the emergence of zoonotic EID and the breaking of species barriers by pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bourgarel
- Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), UPR AGIRs, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montpellier cedex 5, France
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Cantaloube JF, Gallian P, Bokilo A, Jordier F, Biagini P, Attoui H, Chiaroni J, de Micco P. Analysis of hepatitis C virus strains circulating in Republic of the Congo. J Med Virol 2010; 82:562-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Njouom R, Frost E, Deslandes S, Mamadou-Yaya F, Labbé AC, Pouillot R, Mbélesso P, Mbadingai S, Rousset D, Pépin J. Predominance of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection and rapid transmission between 1935 and 1965 in the Central African Republic. J Gen Virol 2009; 90:2452-2456. [PMID: 19535500 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.011981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Central African Republic (CAR) is poorly documented. Thus, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of NS5B gene sequences from 58 HCV-infected inhabitants of a remote area of south-west CAR, which indicated that 48 (82.8%) were infected with genotype 4 (HCV-4), five (8.6%) with genotype 2 and five (8.6%) with genotype 1. HCV-4 strains were highly heterogeneous, containing previously described subtypes 4k (48%), 4c (27%), 4r (4%), 4f (4%) and unclassified subtypes (17%). To estimate the epidemic history of these HCV-4 strains, an evolutionary analysis using the coalescent approach was used. The estimated date of the most recent common ancestor of the CAR HCV-4 strains was 1539 (95% confidence intervals, 1317-1697). They exhibited a rapid, exponential spread from 1935 to 1965, simultaneously with what was recently reported in neighbouring Cameroon and Gabon. The hypothesis of a massive iatrogenic transmission during interventions for the control of endemic tropical diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Njouom
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Eric Frost
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Sylvie Deslandes
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | | | - Annie-Claude Labbé
- Department of Microbiology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Canada
| | - Régis Pouillot
- Laboratoire d'Épidémiologie, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Dominique Rousset
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jacques Pépin
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
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Ndong-Atome GR, Njouom R, Padilla C, Bisvigou U, Makuwa M, Kazanji M. Absence of intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus and low risk for sexual transmission in rural central Africa indicate a cohort effect. J Clin Virol 2009; 45:349-53. [PMID: 19473878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2009] [Revised: 04/18/2009] [Accepted: 04/26/2009] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrafamilial and sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are still being debated, and little is known about such transmission in central Africa. OBJECTIVE To examine the rate of intrafamilial transmission of HCV between patients and their household members. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dienga, a remote village in Gabon, involving 195 household members of 14 index cases of HCV infection. After a questionnaire on the risk factors for parenteral exposure, blood samples were obtained and tested for antibody to HCV by an enzyme immunoassay (Monolisa anti-HCV plus version 2). Positive samples were tested for HCV RNA and genotyped by amplification and phylogenetic analysis of a fragment of the NS5B gene. RESULTS HCV antibody was found in 13/195 (6.7%) household contacts, comprising 5/14 (35.7%) sexual partners and 8/114 (7%) relatives. None of the children of index patients tested positive. HCV RNA was detected in only five household members with HCV antibody. The same genotypes were found in only two of five couples, both couples being sexual partners. Parenteral risk factors were not more likely to be reported by people positive for HCV antibody than by those who were negative. Age over 50 years was the only independent predictor of positivity for HCV antibody. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates, as previously suggested, that the spread of HCV in central Africa is due to a cohort effect, with previous, possibly iatrogenic, transmission rather than intrafamilial or sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy-Roger Ndong-Atome
- Département de Virologie, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP 769, Franceville, Gabon
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Li C, Lu L, Wu X, Wang C, Bennett P, Lu T, Murphy D. Complete genomic sequences for hepatitis C virus subtypes 4b, 4c, 4d, 4g, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4n, 4o, 4p, 4q, 4r and 4t. J Gen Virol 2009; 90:1820-1826. [PMID: 19357224 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.010330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we characterized the full-length genomic sequences of 13 distinct hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 isolates/subtypes: QC264/4b, QC381/4c, QC382/4d, QC193/4g, QC383/4k, QC274/4l, QC249/4m, QC97/4n, QC93/4o, QC139/4p, QC262/4q, QC384/4r and QC155/4t. These were amplified, using RT-PCR, from the sera of patients now residing in Canada, 11 of which were African immigrants. The resulting genomes varied between 9421 and 9475 nt in length and each contains a single ORF of 9018-9069 nt. The sequences showed nucleotide similarities of 77.3-84.3 % in comparison with subtypes 4a (GenBank accession no. Y11604) and 4f (EF589160) and 70.6-72.8 % in comparison with genotype 1 (M62321/1a, M58335/1b, D14853/1c, and 1?/AJ851228) reference sequences. These similarities were often higher than those currently defined by HCV classification criteria for subtype (75.0-80.0 %) and genotype (67.0-70.0 %) division, respectively. Further analyses of the complete and partial E1 and partial NS5B sequences confirmed these 13 'provisionally assigned subtypes'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Li
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 30N 1900E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Ling Lu
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 30N 1900E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Xianghong Wu
- Department of Biology, Kunming Teacher's College, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China
| | - Chuanxi Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.,Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, 30N 1900E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Phil Bennett
- Micropathology Ltd, University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry, UK
| | - Teng Lu
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Donald Murphy
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
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