1
|
Higher Risk of HEV Transmission and Exposure among Blood Donors in Europe and Asia in Comparison to North America: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030425. [PMID: 36986347 PMCID: PMC10059948 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: The increasing number of diagnosed hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in Europe has led to the implementation of the testing of blood products in various countries. Many nations have not yet implemented such screening. To assess the need for HEV screening in blood products worldwide, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing HEV RNA positivity and anti-HEV seroprevalence in blood donors. Methods: Studies reporting anti-HEV IgG/IgM or HEV RNA positivity rates among blood donors worldwide were identified via predefined search terms in PubMed and Scopus. Estimates were calculated by pooling study data with multivariable linear mixed-effects metaregression analysis. Results: A total of 157 (14%) of 1144 studies were included in the final analysis. The estimated HEV PCR positivity rate ranged from 0.01 to 0.14% worldwide, with strikingly higher rates in Asia (0.14%) and Europe (0.10%) in comparison to North America (0.01%). In line with this, anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in North America (13%) was lower than that in Europe (19%). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate large regional differences regarding the risk of HEV exposure and blood-borne HEV transmission. Considering the cost–benefit ratio, this supports blood product screening in high endemic areas, such as Europe and Asia, in contrast to low endemic regions, such as the U.S.
Collapse
|
2
|
El-Kafrawy SA, El-Daly MM. Hepatitis E virus in Saudi Arabia: more surveillance needed. Future Virol 2022. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small quasi-enveloped ssRNA causing acute hepatitis. HEV is the leading cause of intermittent acute hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure. Risk factors include drinking contaminated water in developing countries and consumption of infected animal products in developed countries. Previous reports on HEV prevalence in Saudi Arabia had small sample sizes. Nationwide systematic seroprevalence studies are needed to investigate risk factors and annual incidence. Camels play a cultural and economic role in the life of Saudi citizens with frequent human contact and potential role in zoonotic transmission. Future research needs to include larger sample-sizes and nationwide studies. Future studies should also focus on raising awareness of HEV infection and the need for wider population testing and screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Mohamed El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cheung CKM, Wong SH, Law AWH, Law MF. Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E: What we know so far? World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:47-75. [PMID: 35125819 PMCID: PMC8793017 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i1.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally. There is growing concern about transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) as an emerging global health problem. HEV can potentially result in chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, leading to a higher risk of liver cirrhosis and even death. Between 0.0013% and 0.281% of asymptomatic blood donors around the world have HEV viremia, and 0.27% to 60.5% have anti-HEV immunoglobulin G. HEV is infectious even at very low blood concentrations of the virus. Immunosuppressed patients who develop persistent hepatitis E infection should have their immunosuppressant regimen reduced; ribavirin may be considered as treatment. Pegylated interferon can be considered in those who are refractory or intolerant to ribavirin. Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analog, showed modest antiviral activity in some clinical studies but sustained viral response was not achieved. Therefore, rescue treatment remains an unmet need. The need for HEV screening of all blood donations remains controversial. Universal screening has been adopted in some countries after consideration of risk and resource availability. Various pathogen reduction methods have also been proposed to reduce the risk of TT-HEV. Future studies are needed to define the incidence of transmission through transfusion, their clinical features, outcomes and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | | | - Man Fai Law
- Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong 852, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ouji M, Taherkhani R, Farshadpour F. High prevalence of hepatitis E among regular hemodialysis patients in South of Iran. Int J Artif Organs 2021; 44:658-663. [PMID: 34308705 DOI: 10.1177/03913988211027177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the prevalent nosocomially transmitted agents among patients on maintenance hemodialysis due to parenteral transmission of HEV and immunocompromised condition of chronic hemodialysis patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate prevalence, risk factors, and genotypic pattern of HEV infection among hemodialysis patients in South of Iran. METHODS All patients on maintenance hemodialysis attending the hemodialysis centers of Bushehr, Borazjan, and Genaveh cities for regular hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-HEV antibodies using ELISA kit. The serum samples were further tested for detection of HEV RNA using nested RT-PCR. RESULTS Of 226 hemodialysis patients, 155 patients (68.6%, 95% CI: 62.3%-74.3%) were positive for anti-HEV IgG antibody, of which 33 patients (14.6%, 95% CI: 10.6%-19.8%) had anti-HEV IgM antibody. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and anti-IgM antibodies in non-hemodialysis controls were 65.1% and 9.6%, respectively. Although the hemodialysis patients had higher prevalence of HEV than the controls, the difference was not significant. All samples were negative for HEV RNA. HEV seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients was not significantly associated with place of residency, ethnicity, level of education, gender distribution, hemodialysis duration, and levels of liver enzymes. HEV seropositive patients had significantly higher mean age compared to seronegative patients. CONCLUSION This study reports the highest seroprevalence of HEV among hemodialysis patients in Iran. Inapparent HEV infection in the dialysis setting calls for regular screening of hemodialysis patients regardless of the hemodialysis duration, clinical symptoms, and liver function parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahbube Ouji
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Taherkhani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Farshadpour
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Koyuncu A, Mapemba D, Ciglenecki I, Gurley ES, Azman AS. Setting a Course for Preventing Hepatitis E in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Burden and Risk Factors. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab178. [PMID: 34113684 PMCID: PMC8186248 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for outbreaks of acute jaundice in Africa and Asia, many of which occur among displaced people or in crisis settings. Although an efficacious vaccine for HEV has been developed, we lack key epidemiologic data needed to understand how best to use the vaccine for hepatitis E control in endemic countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of articles published on hepatitis E in low-income and lower-middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify articles with data on anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G seroprevalence, outbreaks of HEV, or risk factors for HEV infection, disease, or death, and all relevant data were extracted. Using these data we describe the evidence around temporal and geographical distribution of HEV transmission and burden. We estimated pooled age-specific seroprevalence and assessed the consistency in risk factor estimates. RESULTS We extracted data from 148 studies. Studies assessing anti-HEV IgG antibodies used 18 different commercial assays. Most cases of hepatitis E during outbreaks were not confirmed. Risk factor data suggested an increased likelihood of current or recent HEV infection and disease associated with fecal-oral transmission of HEV, as well as exposures to blood and animals. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity in diagnostic assays used and exposure and outcome assessment methods hinder public health efforts to quantify burden of disease and evaluate interventions over time and space. Prevention tools such as vaccines are available, but they require a unified global strategy for hepatitis E control to justify widespread use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Mapemba
- South African Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Emily S Gurley
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew S Azman
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tavakoli A, Alavian SM, Moghoofei M, Mostafaei S, Abbasi S, Farahmand M. Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Apher Dial 2020; 25:4-15. [PMID: 32348032 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Patients undergoing regular hemodialysis (HD) are at an extreme risk of acquiring bloodstream infections compared to the general population. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an important emerging health issue in these patients. To date, numerous studies have investigated the seroprevalence of HEV among HD patients across the world; however, the data are conflicting. The present study aimed to measure the exposure rate of HD patients to HEV infection by estimating the overall seroprevalence of HEV in this high-risk group. A systematic literature search was carried out using five electronic databases from inception to January 10, 2020, with standard keywords. Pooled seroprevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random intercept logistic regression model. The seroprevalence of HEV increased from 6.6% between the years of 1994 and 2000 to 11.13% from 2016 to 2020. Blood transfusion was associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in the rate of HEV seropositivity (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.50-2.63, P < .0001, I2 = 6.5%). HEV seroprevalence among patients with HD for more than 60 months was significantly higher than those with HD for less than 60 months (27.69%, 95% CI: 20.69%-35.99% vs 15.78%, 95%CI: 8.85%-26.57%, respectively) (P = .06). Our results indicated increased exposure of HD patients with HEV infection over the last decade. We concluded that blood transfusion and duration of HD are considerable risk factors for acquiring HEV infection among HD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Tavakoli
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (BRCGL), Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Middle East Liver Disease (MELD) Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Moghoofei
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Medical Biology Research Center, Institute of Health and Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shayan Mostafaei
- Medical Biology Research Center, Institute of Health and Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Abbasi
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farahmand
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ismail MB, Al Kassaa I, El Safadi D, Al Omari S, Mallat H, Dabboussi F, Hamze M. Prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus IgG antibodies in sera from hemodialysis patients in Tripoli, Lebanon. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233256. [PMID: 32421697 PMCID: PMC7233529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important global public health concern. Several studies reported a higher HEV prevalence in patients undergoing regular hemodialysis (HD). In Lebanon, the epidemiology of HEV among HD patients has never been investigated previously. In this study, we examine the seroprevalence of HEV infection among 171 HD patients recruited from three hospital dialysis units in Tripoli, North Lebanon. Prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was evaluated in participant's sera using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The association of socio-demographic and clinical parameters with HEV infection in patients was also evaluated. Overall, 96 women and 75 men were enrolled in this study. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were found positive in 37/171 HD patients showing a positivity rate of 21.63%. Among all examined variables, only the age of patients was significantly associated with seropositivity (P = 0.001). This first epidemiological study reveals a high seroprevalence of HEV infection among Lebanese HD patients. However, further evaluations that enroll larger samples and include control groups are required to identify exact causative factors of the important seropositivity rate in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Bachar Ismail
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
- Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Imad Al Kassaa
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Dima El Safadi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Al Omari
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Mallat
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Fouad Dabboussi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hepatitis E virus infection in different groups of Estonian patients and people who inject drugs. J Clin Virol 2018; 104:5-10. [PMID: 29702351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously we demonstrated a high prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in domestic pigs and wild boars, the main reservoir and possible source of HEV infections in humans. But so far there are no reports about spread of HEV in Estonian human population. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotyping of HEV in different groups of the Estonian adult population. STUDY DESIGN Totally 1426 human serum samples were tested (763 patients with clinically diagnosed nonA/B/C hepatitis, 176 hemodialysis patients, 282 patients with suspected HEV infection and 205 people who injected drugs (PWID)). Presence of anti-HEVantibodies was assessed by ELISA and confirmed by immunoblotting. All anti-HEV positive sera were analyzed for RNA by qPCR. Amplified ORF2 region was sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Antibody assay revealed 49 samples from 1426 (3.4%) with acute (17) or past (32) HEV infection. HEV RNA was detected in 10 anti-HEV IgM positive samples, including 9 samples from patients with suspected HEV infection and 1 hemodialysis patient. Anti-HEV IgG were found in 7.8% patients with suspected HEV infection, in 4% hemodialysis patients, in 2.4% PWID and in 1.96% patients with nonA/B/C hepatitis. All groups demonstrated a trend to share of anti-HEV seroprevalence increasing with age. Phylogenetic analysis of 9 HEV RNA sequences revealed that 3 sequences belonged to HEV genotype 1; 6 ones to genotype 3 (1 sequence belonged to sub-genotype 3a, two ones - sub-genotype 3e, and three ones - to sub-genotype 3f). CONCLUSIONS Despite the high seroprevalence among domestic pigs, no evidence of HEV transmission from Estonian pigs to humans was found. The results of our study suggest that HEV infections in Estonia are most likely associated with travel or with consumption of imported food products.
Collapse
|
9
|
Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in chronic hepatitis C in Brazil. Braz J Infect Dis 2018; 22:85-91. [PMID: 29494796 PMCID: PMC9428184 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis E virus infection in patients with underlying chronic liver disease is associated with liver decompensation and increased lethality. The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Brazil is unknown. This study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to describe associated risk factors. METHODS A total of 618 patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus from three reference centers of São Paulo, Brazil were included. Presence of anti-HEV IgG was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (WANTAI HEV-IgG ELISA). RESULTS Out of the 618 patients tested, 10.2% turned out positive for anti-HEV IgG (95% CI 8.0-12.8%). Higher seroprevalence was found independently associated with age over 60 years (OR=2.04; p=0.02) and previous contact with pigs (OR=1.99; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Patients with chronic hepatitis C are under risk of hepatitis E virus superinfection in São Paulo. Contact with pigs is a risk factor for the infection, suggesting a possible zoonosis with oral transmission.
Collapse
|
10
|
Haffar S, Bazerbachi F, Leise MD, Dillon JJ, Albright RC, Murad MH, Kamath PS, Watt KD. Systematic review with meta-analysis: the association between hepatitis E seroprevalence and haemodialysis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:790-799. [PMID: 28869287 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection appears to be more common than previously thought. HEV seroprevalence in patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) is unclear with a range from 0% to 44%. In addition, risk factors of transmission of HEV in patients on haemodialysis are unknown. AIM To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of HEV seroprevalence in HD patients compared with controls. METHODS A systematic search of several databases identified all observational studies with comparative arms. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed the methodological quality. A random-effects model was used for pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of positive anti-HEV IgG in both groups. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed with appropriate tests. RESULTS We identified 31 studies from 17 countries between 1994 and 2016. Sixteen studies were judged to have adequate quality and 15 to have moderate limitations. HEV infection was more prevalent in patients on haemodialysis compared with controls (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.79-3.40, I2 = 75.2%, P < .01). We conducted several subgroup analyses without difference in results. Egger regression test did not suggest publication bias (P = .83). Specific risk factors of HEV transmission in patients on haemodialysis were not clearly identified. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis E virus infection is more prevalent in patients on haemodialysis compared with non-haemodialysis control groups. Further studies are needed to determine risk factors of acquisition, impact on health, and risk for chronic HEV especially among those patients going to receive organ transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Haffar
- Digestive Center for Diagnosis & Treatment, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - F Bazerbachi
- Digestive Center for Diagnosis & Treatment, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - M D Leise
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - J J Dillon
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - R C Albright
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M H Murad
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - P S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - K D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Neffatti H, Lebraud P, Hottelet C, Gharbi J, Challouf T, Roque-Afonso AM. Southern Tunisia: A still high endemicity area for hepatitis A. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175887. [PMID: 28426700 PMCID: PMC5398567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses are responsible for enterically transmitted hepatitis. Tunisia is reported to be of intermediate endemicity for HAV and of low seroprevalence for HEV; however, data from rural areas of South Tunisia are lacking. Methods Sera from 216 asymptomatic pregnant women and from 92 patients with acute hepatitis were collected between October 2014 and November 2015. Total and IgM anti-HAV immunoglobulins and anti-HEV IgG and IgM were investigated. Anti-HAV IgM-positive samples were subjected to RT-PCR targeting the VP1/2A region and sequenced. HEV IgM positive samples and all samples from acute hepatitis patients were assessed for HEV RNA. Results Among pregnant women (mean age 32+/-8), HAV seroprevalence was 98.6%, none presented anti-HAV IgM; HEV seroprevalence was 5.1% and three presented weakly reactive anti-HEV IgM without detectable RNA. Among acute hepatitis patients (mean age 18.5 +/- 14), HEV seroprevalence was 19,5%, none presented anti-HEV IgM, nor HEV RNA. HAV seroprevalence exceeded 90% by age 5 and acute HAV infection was detected in 20 patients (21,7%), younger than patients with other hepatitis causes (9,8 years vs. 20,4 years, p = 0,004); 65% were male. Most acute HAV infections were observed in a coastal area where HAV infections represented 52% of hepatitis etiology. Phylogenetic analysis identified genotype IA strains, clustering close to previously published Tunisian sequences. Conclusion The present study confirmed a low HEV endemicity and evidenced a still high level of HAV circulation in Southern Tunisia, suggesting distinct dissemination patterns for these viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Houcine Neffatti
- AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Virologie, Villejuif, France
- Université de Monastir, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | | | - Jawher Gharbi
- Université de Monastir, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Taieb Challouf
- Hôpital de Médenine, Médecine interne, Medenine, Tunisia
| | - Anne-Marie Roque-Afonso
- AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Virologie, Villejuif, France
- INSERM U1193, Villejuif, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Antibodies Among Blood Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.42875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
|
13
|
Freitas NRD, Santana EBRD, Silva ÁMDCE, Silva SMD, Teles SA, Gardinali NR, Pinto MA, Martins RMB. Hepatitis E virus infection in patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Central Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 111:692-696. [PMID: 27759769 PMCID: PMC5125053 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has a worldwide distribution and represents an
important cause of acute hepatitis. This study aims to investigate the occurrence of
HEV infection and factors associated with this infection in patients with acute
non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Central Brazil. From April 2012 to October 2014, a
cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C
hepatitis in the City of Goiania, Central Brazil. Serum samples of all patients were
tested for serological markers of HEV infection (anti-HEV IgM and IgG) by ELISA.
Positive samples were confirmed using immunoblot test. Anti-HEV IgM and IgG positive
samples were tested for HEV RNA. Of the 379 serum samples, one (0.3%) and 20 (5.3%)
were positive for anti-HEV IgM and IgG, respectively. HEV RNA was not found in any
sample positive for IgM and/or IgG anti-HEV. After multivariate analysis, low
education level was independently associated with HEV seropositivity (p = 0.005), as
well as living in rural area, with a borderline p-value (p = 0.056). In conclusion,
HEV may be responsible for sporadic self-limited cases of acute hepatitis in Central
Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nara Rubia de Freitas
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | | | | | - Sueli Meira da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|