1
|
Assefa A, Getie M, Getie B, Yazie T, Enkobahry A. Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Ethiopia: A review article. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 122:105618. [PMID: 38857639 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) belongs to the family Hepadnaviridae and is the smallest human DNA virus, with a genome that is only 3200 nucleotides long. The absence of proofreading function in HBV reverse transcriptase provides a wide range of genetic variants for targeted outgrowth at different stages of infection. A number of sub genotypes and ten HBV genotypes (A through J) have been identified through analyses of the divergence of HBV genomic sequences. Numerous clinical outcomes, including the emergence of chronicity, the course of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment, and the response to vaccination, have been related to differences in genotype between HBV isolates. There are just seven studies that have been done in Ethiopia that examine the molecular epidemiology of HBV. Moreover, these studies haven't been compiled and reviewed yet. In this review, we looked at the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of HBV, the relationship between HBV genotypes and clinical outcomes, the immunopathogenesis of HBV, and finally the molecular epidemiology of HBV in Ethiopia. PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar search engines were used to find relevant articles for the review. By using HBV genotyping, clinicians can better tailor vaccination decisions and antiviral therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B who are more likely to experience the disease's progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayenew Assefa
- Unit of Immunology, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
| | - Molla Getie
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Medical Laboratory Science Department, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Getie
- Unit of Medical Microbiology, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Takilosimeneh Yazie
- College of Health Science, Department of Pharmacy, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Aklesya Enkobahry
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Biomedical Science, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dagnew M, Moges F, Tiruneh M, Million Y, Gelaw A, Adefris M, Belyhun Y, Liebert UG, Maier M. Molecular diversity of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276687. [PMID: 36378635 PMCID: PMC9665361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the availability of effective vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B virus (HBV), it continues to be a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Routine screening for HBV in pregnant women is widely recommended, but there is lack of screening for HBV during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess viral load, and genetic diversity among pregnant women in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Materials and methods Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing was performed on 1846 pregnant women, 85 of who tested positive were included in this study. HBV DNA was isolated from 85 positive sera, and the partial surface/polymerase gene was amplified and sequenced. HBV genotypes, sub-genotypes, serotypes and mutations in surface genes and polymerase were studied. Results Out of 85 pregnant women`s HBsAg positive sera, 59(69.4%) had detectable viral DNA. The median viral load was 3.4 log IU/ml ranging from 2.6 to7.6 and 46 samples were successfully sequenced and genotyped. Genotypes A and D were identified in 39 (84.8%) and 7 (15.2%); respectively. All genotype A isolates were further classified into sub-genotype A1 and serotype adw2 (84.8%) whereas genotype D isolates were further classified into three sub genotypes; 2 (4.3%) D2, 1(2.2%) D4, and 4 (8.7%) D10 with serotypes ayw2 (10.9%), and ayw3 (4.3%). There were 19 (41.3%) surface gene mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR). Six (13.1%) of them were discovered in MHR`s `a’-determinant region. Six polymerase gene mutations (13%) were identified. Conclusion Genotype A was the predominant genotype in the Amhara National Regional State. The surface and polymerase gene mutations identified in this study may lead to immune therapy failure, diagnostics escape and drug resistance. Thus, the data generated in this study will contribute to the planning of HBV diagnosis, vaccination and treatment, and most importantly to the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV in Ethiopia. Therefore, further molecular studies on HBV are warranted and continuous surveillance is important for patient management and for the prevention and control of HBV infection in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mulat Dagnew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Feleke Moges
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Moges Tiruneh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yihenew Million
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Aschalew Gelaw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulat Adefris
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yeshambel Belyhun
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe G. Liebert
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Maier
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Belyhun Y, Liebert UG, Maier M. Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus among HIV co-infected and mono-infected cohorts in Northwest Ethiopia. Virol J 2022; 19:53. [PMID: 35331278 PMCID: PMC8944073 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01774-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a particular concern in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. In Ethiopia, detailed clinical and virological descriptions of HBV prevailing during HIV co-infection and symptomatic liver disease patients are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate HBV virological characteristics from Ethiopian HBV/HIV co-infected and HBV mono-infected individuals. METHODS A total of 4105 sera from HIV positive individuals, liver disease patients, and blood donors were screened serologically for HBV. The overlapping polymerase/surface genome region of HBV from 180 infected individuals was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for genotypic analysis. RESULTS The HBsAg seroprevalence was detected 43% in liver disease patients, 8.4% in blood donors, and 6.7% in HIV/HBV co-infected individuals. The occult HBV prevalence was 3.7% in HIV/HBV co-infected individuals and 2.8% in blood donors with an overall prevalence rate of 3.4%. A phylogenetic analysis showed three HBV genotypes; A (61.1%), D (38.3%) and E (0.6%). Genotype A belongs to subtypes A1 (99.1%) and A9 (0.9%), but genotype D showed heterogeneous subtypes; D2 (63.8%) followed by D4 (21.7%), D1 (8.7%), D3 (4.3%), and D10 (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS The HIV/HBV co-infected individuals and blood donors showed lower HBsAg seroprevalence compared to liver diseases patients. Occult HBV prevalence showed no difference between HIV/HBV co-infected and blood donor groups. This study demonstrated predominance distribution of HBV subtypes A1 and D2 in northwest Ethiopia. The observed virological characteristics could contribute for evidence-based management of viral hepatitis in Ethiopia where antiretroviral therapy guidelines do not cater for viral hepatitis screening during HIV co-infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeshambel Belyhun
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany. .,School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Uwe Gerd Liebert
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Maier
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Detection of Q129H Immune Escape Mutation in Apparently Healthy Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in Southwestern Nigeria. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071273. [PMID: 34210073 PMCID: PMC8310067 DOI: 10.3390/v13071273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the global effort to eradicate hepatitis B continues, immune escape mutations (IEMs) and drug resistance mutations (DRMs) affecting its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are compromising this goal. However, knowledge about the prevalence and circulation of these mutations in Nigeria is scarce. Serum samples (n = 199) from apparently healthy prospective blood donors, pregnant women, and individuals presenting with fever in southwestern Nigeria were analyzed for the presence of IEMs and DRMs by means of nested PCR in the HBV S (HBs) and HBV polymerase (Pol) genes, followed by phylogenetic and mutational analyses. In total, 25.1% (n = 50/199) of samples were positive for HBV, as measured by PCR. In 41 samples (20.6%), both fragments could be amplified, whereas the HBs gene and the Pol gene fragment alone were detected in 0.5% (n = 1/199) and 4% (n = 8/199) of samples, respectively. Sequences were successfully obtained for all 42 HBs gene fragments but for only 31/49 Pol gene fragments (totaling 73 sequences from 44 individuals). All sequences were identified as HBV genotype E. IEMs were present in 18.2% (n = 8/44) of the sequences of HBV-positive individuals with available sequences. IEM Q129H was detected in eight out of the 44 (18.2%) HBV isolates sequenced in this study; however, no DRMs were observed. This study confirms the circulation of HBV IEMs and reports the presence of Q129H IEM for the first time in Nigeria. Intensified research on the dynamics of IEM is necessary in order to enhance the elimination of HBV.
Collapse
|
5
|
Woldemedihn GM, Rueegg CS, Desalegn H, Aberra H, Berhe N, Johannessen A. Validity of a point-of-care viral load test for hepatitis B in a low-income setting. J Virol Methods 2020; 289:114057. [PMID: 33359613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2020.114057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The recent launch of the first point-of-care Xpert® hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load kit from Cepheid could help to scale up treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to assess the performance of the Xpert kit under field conditions in Ethiopia. One-hundred-and-thirty CHB patients with viral loads ranging from <1 log10 to>7 log10 IU/mL were randomly sampled. The viral load was assessed with both the Xpert and the gold standard Abbott RealTime HBV Viral Load assay in each patient. There was a high correlation between the viral loads assessed by Xpert and Abbott (r = 0.948, p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot showed a small bias between the two assays, with an on average 0.23 log10 IU/mL higher viral load result of the Xpert kit; 4 samples differed by>1 log10 IU/mL. Using the treatment threshold of 2000 IU/mL in both tests, Xpert had a sensitivity of 94 %, specificity of 71 %, positive predictive value of 70 %, and negative predictive value of 95 %. In conclusion, the Xpert kit demonstrated good validity for the measurement of HBV viral load in a real-life setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Corina Silvia Rueegg
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4950, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hailemichael Desalegn
- Medical Department, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, PO Box 1271, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Hanna Aberra
- Medical Department, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, PO Box 1271, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Nega Berhe
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Regional Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, PO Box 4956, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Asgeir Johannessen
- Regional Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, PO Box 4956, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway; Department of Infectious Diseases, Vestfold Hospital Trust, PO Box 2168, 3103, Tønsberg, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Patel NH, Meier-Stephenson V, Genetu M, Damtie D, Abate E, Alemu S, Aleka Y, Van Marle G, Fonseca K, Coffin CS, Deressa T. Prevalence and genetic variability of occult hepatitis B virus in a human immunodeficiency virus positive patient cohort in Gondar, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242577. [PMID: 33211768 PMCID: PMC7704059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B (OHB) is a major concern in HIV infected patients as it associates with a high risk of HBV reactivation and disease progression. However, data on the prevalence of OHB among HIV positive patients in Ethiopia is lacking. This study aims to determine the prevalence of OHB in HBV/HIV co-infected patients from Gondar, Ethiopia. METHODS A total of 308 consented HIV positive patients were recruited from the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia. Clinical and demographic data of the participants were recorded. Plasma was tested for HBsAg and anti-HBc using commercial assays (Abbott Architect). In HBsAg negative anti-HBc positive patient samples, total DNA was isolated and amplified using nested PCR with primers specific to HBV polymerase, surface and pre-core/core regions, followed by Sanger sequencing and HBV mutational analysis using MEGA 7.0. RESULTS Of the total study subjects, 62.7% were female, median age 38.4 years, interquartile range (IQR): 18-68, and 208 (67.5%) had lifestyle risk factors for HBV acquisition. Two hundred and ninety-one study subjects were HIV+/HBsAg-, out of which 115 (39.5%) were positive for anti-HBc. Occult hepatitis B was detected in 19.1% (22/115) of anti-HBc positive HIV patients. HBV genotype D was the predominant genotype (81%) among OHB positive patients. Mutations associated with HBV drug resistance, HBV reactivation, and HCC risk were detected in 23% (5/22), 14% (3/22) and 45.5% (10/22) of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION This study found a high rate of occult hepatitis B in HIV patients. Further, high rates of mutations associated with HBV reactivation, drug resistance, and HCC risk were detected in these patients. These data highlighted the need for integrating OHB screening for proper management of liver diseases in HIV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nishi H. Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming
School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Vanessa Meier-Stephenson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming
School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Meaza Genetu
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and
Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of
Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Debasu Damtie
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and
Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of
Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Food Animal Health Research Program, CFAES, Ohio Agricultural Research
and Development Center, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio
State University, Wooster, OH, United States of America
- Global One Health LLC, Eastern African Regional Office, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
| | - Ebba Abate
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and
Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of
Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
| | - Shitaye Alemu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University
of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yetework Aleka
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and
Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of
Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Guido Van Marle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming
School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Kevin Fonseca
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming
School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Alberta Health Services,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carla S. Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming
School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine,
Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Tekalign Deressa
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and
Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of
Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ostankova YV, Semenov AV, Zueva EB, Gabdrakhmanov IA, Kozlov KV, Zhdanov KV, Totolian AA. Variety of the hepatitis B virus genovariants in the military. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.22625/2072-6732-2019-11-3-46-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Aim. To estimate the distribution of genotypes and subgenotypes of the hepatitis B virus among military personnel with chronic viral hepatitis B. Materials and methods. The work used samples of blood plasma and biopsy material obtained from 90 active or retired military personnel with chronic viral hepatitis B with various degrees of fibrosis undergoing treatment in St. Petersburg. Primary detection of HBV was carried out by isolating nucleic acids (NK) from the blood plasma using the «AmplePrime Ribo-prep» commercial kit (FBIS CRIE, Moscow). Specific primers were used for the amplification and sequencing reaction. Overlapping primer pairs were used, jointly flanking 1475 base pairs (bp) fragment, including the recommended for HBV genotyping the 1169 bp Pre-S1/Pre-S2/S. Results. Among 90 samples from patients with chronic viral hepatitis B from different regions of the Russian Federation, HBV subgenotypes are represented in the following ratios: D2 = 45.6% (n=41), D1 = 32.2% (n=29), D3 = 13.3% (n=12), A2 = 6.7% (n=6), D4 and A1 by 1.1%, respectively. The distribution of HBV subgenotypes from the North Caucasian federal district (D1 – 63.6%, D2, D3, D4, A2 – by 9.1%) was significantly different from the distribution among patients from the Central and North-Western federal districts (D1-20, 9%, D2 – 58%, D3 – 16.3%, A2 – 4.8%) (χ2=11,9приp=0,0076, df=3). Uncharacteristic for the Russian Federation subgenotypes D4 and A1, representing single imported cases. The tendency to shift the distribution of genovariants due to imports of the corresponding HBV subgenotypes from other countries, including the Central Asian countries, is discussed. Conclusion. A systematic study of the HBV isolates phylogeny provides new information about the HBV subgenotypes distribution among certain population groups, including military personnel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - A. V. Semenov
- Saint-Petersburg Science Research Institute named after Pasteur; First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University named after academician I.P. Pavlov; North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov
| | - E. B. Zueva
- Saint-Petersburg Science Research Institute named after Pasteur
| | | | | | | | - A. A. Totolian
- Saint-Petersburg Science Research Institute named after Pasteur; First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University named after academician I.P. Pavlov
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cruz-Santos MD, Gomes-Gouvêa MS, Costa-Nunes JD, Malta-Romano C, Teles-Sousa M, Fonseca-Barros LM, Carrilho FJ, Paiva-Ferreira ADS, Rebello-Pinho JR. High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Subgenotype D4 in Northeast Brazil: an Ancient Relic from African Continent? Ann Hepatol 2018; 17:54-63. [PMID: 29311410 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.7535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to a chronic liver disease that is distributed worldwide. The characterization of HBV into genotypes/subgenotypes is not only a mere procedure for distinguishing different HBV strains around the world because determining their geographic distribution is crucial to understanding their spread across the world. MATERIAL AND METHODS We characterized different HBV genotypes and subgenotypes in five municipalities located in northeastern Maranhão, in the Brazilian north Atlantic coast. 92 HBsAg-positive individuals were submitted to PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Fifty samples were sequenced using automated Sanger sequencing and classified by phylogenetic methods. RESULTS Subgenotypes D4 and A1 were found in 42 (84%) and eight (16%) samples, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe a high frequency of subgenotype D4 in any population. Subgenotype A1 is frequently found across Brazil, but D4 has been rarely detected and only in a few Brazilian states. This study shows the characterization of HBV subgenotypes from a population based study in the state of Maranhão, particularly in populations that do not have frequent contact with populations from other regions of the world. CONCLUSION Our findings showed a HBV subgenotype profile that probably reflect the viruses that were brought with the slave trade from Africa to Maranhão. This study also reinforces the need to evaluate the status of HBV dispersion not only in large urban centers, but also in the hinterland, to enable the implementation of effective control and treatment measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max D Cruz-Santos
- Laboratory of Tropical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine and Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Michele S Gomes-Gouvêa
- Laboratory of Tropical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine and Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jomar D Costa-Nunes
- Center of Clinical Research, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta-Romano
- Laboratory of Virology, LIM-52, São Paulo Institute of Tropical Medicine and Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marinilde Teles-Sousa
- Center of Clinical Research, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Lena M Fonseca-Barros
- Center of Clinical Research, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Flair J Carrilho
- Laboratory of Tropical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine and Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - João R Rebello-Pinho
- Laboratory of Tropical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine and Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mokaya J, McNaughton AL, Hadley MJ, Beloukas A, Geretti AM, Goedhals D, Matthews PC. A systematic review of hepatitis B virus (HBV) drug and vaccine escape mutations in Africa: A call for urgent action. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006629. [PMID: 30080852 PMCID: PMC6095632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
International sustainable development goals for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030 highlight the pressing need to optimize strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Selected or transmitted resistance associated mutations (RAMs) and vaccine escape mutations (VEMs) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) may reduce the success of existing treatment and prevention strategies. These issues are particularly pertinent for many settings in Africa where there is high HBV prevalence and co-endemic HIV infection, but lack of robust epidemiological data and limited education, diagnostics and clinical care. The prevalence, distribution and impact of RAMs and VEMs in these populations are neglected in the current literature. We therefore set out to assimilate data for sub-Saharan Africa through a systematic literature review and analysis of published sequence data, and present these in an on-line database (https://livedataoxford.shinyapps.io/1510659619-3Xkoe2NKkKJ7Drg/). The majority of the data were from HIV/HBV coinfected cohorts. The commonest RAM was rtM204I/V, either alone or in combination with associated mutations, and identified in both reportedly treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced adults. We also identified the suite of mutations rtM204V/I + rtL180M + rtV173L, that has been associated with vaccine escape, in over 1/3 of cohorts. Although tenofovir has a high genetic barrier to resistance, it is of concern that emerging data suggest polymorphisms that may be associated with resistance, although the precise clinical impact of these is unknown. Overall, there is an urgent need for improved diagnostic screening, enhanced laboratory assessment of HBV before and during therapy, and sustained roll out of tenofovir in preference to lamivudine alone. Further data are needed in order to inform population and individual approaches to HBV diagnosis, monitoring and therapy in these highly vulnerable settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolynne Mokaya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. McNaughton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Hadley
- Oxford University Academic IT Department, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anna-Maria Geretti
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dominique Goedhals
- Division of Virology, University of the Free State/National Health Laboratory Service, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Philippa C. Matthews
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gencay M, Vermeulen M, Neofytos D, Westergaard G, Pabinger S, Kriegner A, Seffner A, Gohl P, Huebner K, Nauck M, Kaminski WE. Substantial variation in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive patients from South Africa: Reliable detection of HBV by the Elecsys HBsAg II assay. J Clin Virol 2018; 101:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
11
|
Ambachew H, Zheng M, Pappoe F, Shen J, Xu Y. Genotyping and sero-virological characterization of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in blood donors, Southern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193177. [PMID: 29462187 PMCID: PMC5819820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. HBV genotypes have distinct geographic distributions and play a role in course of infection and treatment management. However, in Ethiopia there is paucity of information about distribution of HBV genotypes. This study was done to determine genotype, mutation and sero-virological profiles of HBV isolates in Southern Ethiopia. Cross-sectional, laboratory based study was conducted on 103HBsAg sero-positive samples from a total of 2,237 screened blood donors. HBV serological markers and biochemical assays were done. Serum viral load was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Partial HBV S-gene was amplified with nested PCR and sequenced. Bioinformatics tools were utilized to determine genotypes, serotypes and mutations. Of 103 HBsAg reactive serum samples, 14.6% and 70.9% were sero-positive for HBeAg and HBeAb, respectively. Ninety-eight samples gave detectable viral load with a median of 3.46(2.62-4.82) log IU/ml. HBeAg sero-positive donors carried elevated levels of viral load. Eighty five isolates were successfully amplified, sequenced and genotyped into 58 (68.2%) genotype A (HBV/A) and 27 (31.8%) genotype D (HBV/D). HBV serotypes found were adw2 (74.1%), ayw2 (24.7%), and ayw3 (1.2%). In twenty-four (28.2%) samples mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) were observed. Donors infected with HBV/A had higher viral load and more frequent MHR mutation than HBV/D infected donors. This study illustrated distribution of HBV genotype A and D among blood donors in southern Ethiopia. It also demonstrated occurrence HBV variants that may influence clinical aspects of HBV infection. The study contributes in narrowing the existing gap of HBV molecular study in Ethiopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henock Ambachew
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Meijuan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Faustina Pappoe
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Deressa T, Damtie D, Fonseca K, Gao S, Abate E, Alemu S, Aleka Y, Swain MG, van Marle G, Coffin CS. The burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, genotypes and drug resistance mutations in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients in Northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0190149. [PMID: 29281718 PMCID: PMC5744989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In sub-Saharan Africa, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are endemic. Although there has been great progress in HIV care, universal HBV vaccination and care is lacking. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV, HBV genotypes, and drug resistance mutations in dual infected cases in a cohort of HIV patients in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A total of 308 HIV-1 positive patients were enrolled into the study and tested for HBsAg in plasma. In HBsAg positive samples, HBV DNA was analyzed for HBV genotype using in-house nested PCR with HBV-specific pre-core / core or surface primers, and for HBV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in polymerase region. Odds ratio at 95% confidence interval was calculated. Results Of the 308 HIV-positive subjects, 62.7% were female, median age 38 years (range 18–68, IQR: 27–49), and the median CD4 count 405 cells/μl (IQR: 75–734). Overall, 94.2% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) frequently with combinations of Zidovudine (AZT)- Lamivudine (3TC)—Nevirapine (NVP). HBsAg was detected in 5.5% (95%CI 2.95–8.08%) of the study participants, of which the majority were infected with HBV genotype A (7A, 2E, 2D, 1C, 1 G). All HIV/HBV positive cases were on ART with anti-HBV activity (i.e., 3TC) and 3TC associated HBV DRMs (i.e., rtV173L, rtL180M, and rtM204V) were detected in 7/13 (53.8%) subjects. Conclusion In this cross-sectional study of HIV-infected individuals, we found 5.5% HBV/HIV co-infected cases. Most were receiving the first generation anti-HBV therapy with a low genetic barrier to resistance, and several carried mutations associated with anti-HBV (3TC) drug resistance. These data underscore the importance of integrating HBV screening to the HIV treatment guidelines for better management and prevention of HBV-related liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tekalign Deressa
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Debasu Damtie
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kevin Fonseca
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shan Gao
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ebba Abate
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Shitaye Alemu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yetemwork Aleka
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mark G. Swain
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Guido van Marle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carla S. Coffin
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Belyhun Y, Liebert UG, Maier M. Clade homogeneity and low rate of delta virus despite hyperendemicity of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia. Virol J 2017; 14:176. [PMID: 28899424 PMCID: PMC5596854 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) is hyperendemic and heterogeneous in its genetic diversity in Ethiopia, little is known about hepatitis D virus (HDV) circulating genotypes and molecular diversity. Methods A total of 321 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positives (125 HIV co-infected, 102 liver disease patients and 94 blood donors) were screened for anti-HDV antibody. The anti-HDV positive sera were subjected to Real time PCR for HDV-RNA confirmation. The non coding genome region (spanning from 467 to 834 nucleotides) commonly used for HDV genotyping as well as complete HDV genome were sequenced for genotyping and molecular analysis. Results The anti-HDV antibody was found to be 3.2% (3) in blood donors, 8.0% (10) in HIV co-infected individuals and 12.7% (13) in liver disease patients. None of the HIV co-infected patients who revealed HBV lamivudine (3TC) resistance at tyrosine-methionine/isoleucine-aspartate-aspartate (YM(I)DD) reverse transcriptase (RT) motif with concomitant vaccine escape gene mutants was positive for anti-HDV antibody. The HDV viremia rate was 33.3%, 30.0% and 23.1% in respect to the above study groups. All the six isolates sequenced were phylogenetically classified as HDV genotype 1 (HDV-1) and grouped into two monophyletic clusters. Amino acid (aa) residues analysis of clathrin heavy chain (CHC) domain and the isoprenylation signal site (Py) at 19 carboxyl (C)-terminal amino acids (aa 196–214) and the HDV RNA binding domain (aa 79–107) were highly conserved and showed a very little nucleotide variations. All the sequenced isolates showed serine at amino acid position 202. The RNA editing targets of the anti-genomic HDV RNA (nt1012) and its corresponding genomic RNA (nt 580) showed nucleotides A and C, respectively. Conclusions The low seroprevalence and viraemic rates of HDV in particular during HIV-confection might be highly affected by HBV drug resistance selected HBsAg mutant variants in this setting, although HDV-1 sequences analysis revealed clade homogeneity and highly conserved structural and functional domains. Thus, the potential role of HBV drug resistance associated polymerase mutations and concomitant HBsAg protein variability on HDV viral assembly, secretion and infectivity needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeshambel Belyhun
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Uwe Gerd Liebert
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Maier
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hundie GB, Stalin Raj V, Gebre Michael D, Pas SD, Koopmans MP, Osterhaus ADME, Smits SL, Haagmans BL. A novel hepatitis B virus subgenotype D10 circulating in Ethiopia. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:163-173. [PMID: 27808472 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is genetically highly divergent and classified in ten genotypes and forty subgenotypes in distinct ethno-geographic populations worldwide. Ethiopia is a country with high HBV prevalence; however, little is known about the genetic variability of HBV strains that circulate. Here, we characterize the complete genome of 29 HBV strains originating from five Ethiopian regions, by 454 deep sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetically, ten strains were classified as genotype A1 and nineteen as genotype D. Fifteen genotype D strains, provisionally named subgenotype D10, showed a novel distinct cluster supported by high bootstrap value and >4% nucleotide divergence from other known subgenotypes. In addition, the novel D10 strains harboured nine unique amino acid signatures in the surface, polymerase and X genes. Seventy-two per cent of the genotype D strains had the precore premature stop codon G1896A. In addition, 63% genotype A and 33% genotype D strains had the basal core promoter mutations, A1762T/G1764A. Furthermore, four pre-S deletion variants and two recombinants were identified in this study. In conclusion, we identified a novel HBV subgenotype D10 circulating in Ethiopia, underlining the high genetic variability of HBV strains in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G B Hundie
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - V Stalin Raj
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D Gebre Michael
- National blood bank services, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - S D Pas
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M P Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A D M E Osterhaus
- Artemis One health, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center for Infection Medicine and Zoonoses Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - S L Smits
- ViroClinics BioScience BV, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Belyhun Y, Maier M, Liebert UG. HIV therapy with unknown HBV status is responsible for higher rate of HBV genome variability in Ethiopia. Antivir Ther 2016; 22:97-111. [PMID: 27354181 DOI: 10.3851/imp3060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ethiopia, HBV and HIV are co-circulating. Since patients are not routinely tested for HBV, the use of antiretroviral drugs could contribute to unintended HBV drug resistance and surface gene variability during HIV coinfection. METHODS A total of 161 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive sera from 58 HIV-coinfected and 103 drug-naive HBV-monoinfected individuals were characterized for HBV drug resistance and immune escape HBsAg variants. HBV polymerase/surface gene fragment of 716 bp was analysed by direct sequencing. RESULTS In 34 out of 161 study subjects (21.1%) HBV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were detected with a frequency of 3.1% rtL80F/I, 0.6% rtA181V, 1.2% rtT184S, 6.2% rtV173L, 10.6% rtL180M, 10.6% rtM204V/I and 8.1% rtI233V. The prevalence of the major DRMs in HBV-HIV-coinfected individuals was significantly higher than monoinfected individuals (41.4% versus 10.7%). Lamivudine selected DRMs, that is, rtL180M (29.3%) and rtM204V/I (29.3%) and rtV173L (15.5%) were more prevalent in HBV-HIV-coinfected individuals but absent in HBV-monoinfected individuals. Despite the finding that rtL180M and rtM204V/I were higher among ART-experienced individuals, the overall prevalence of DRMs (48.0% versus 36.4%) showed no significance difference among antiretroviral therapy (ART) status. The study also revealed higher frequency and heterogeneity of putative and known immune escape HBsAg mutations both in the major hydrophilic region (MHR; 68.3%) and outside the MHR (82.5%) of the surface gene. In particular, the 'a' determinant surface gene mutations (sT125S, sA128V, sQ129H/R, sT131I, sC137S, sT143M, sD144D/E, sG145R, sT148P) and the majority of clustered/multiple as well as drug selected immune escape HBsAg mutations were more prevalent in HBV-HIV-coinfected individuals. CONCLUSIONS HIV therapy without HBV co-management in Ethiopia fosters emergence and circulation of HBV variants of public health importance. It is highly recommended to include HBV testing and co-management as part of routine HIV care programmes for a better ART selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeshambel Belyhun
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melanie Maier
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Gerd Liebert
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|