Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in Middle-Limburg Belgium, year 2017: Importance of migration

Clinical audit of quality of care among patients with viral hepatitis in primary care in a low endemic region

BACKGROUND

The current hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening practices may fail to detect many infected patients who could benefit from new therapeutic agents to limit progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the test positivity rate and cascade of care of viral hepatitis patients in primary care in a low endemic region as well as the testing policy of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level.

METHODS

This is a retrospective clinical audit among primary health care practices in Flanders, Belgium, assessing patients with an active medical file between 2019 and 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 84/89 (94.4%) primary health care practices participated representing 621,573 patients of which 1069 patients (0.17%) were registered as having viral hepatitis, not further specified. Detailed information was available from 38 practices representing 243,723/621,573 (39.2%) patients of which 169 (0.07%) were HBsAg positive and 99 (0.04%) anti-HCV positive. A total of 96/134(71.6%) chronic HBV-infected and 31/77(40.3%) chronic HCV-infected patients were referred to a hepatologist. A total of 30,573/621,573(4.9%) patients had an abnormal ALT level, and by at random selection, more detailed information was obtained on 211 patients. Information on high-risk groups was missing in up to 60%. In patients with abnormal ALT level, HBsAg and anti-HCV testing were conducted in 37/211(17.5%) and 25/211(11.8%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In a low endemic region, the testing rate and cascade of care of HBV and HCV-infected patients can be improved in primary care, especially in high-risk groups and patients with abnormal ALT levels.

Opportunistic screening using point-of-care testing leads to successful linkage to care of HBV-infected migrant populations in a low endemic country

Background and aims

In low endemic countries, screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in migrants is cost-effective in reducing the disease burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, but linkage to care (LTC) remains a challenge. This study aims to guide future screening initiatives, with 3 objectives: 1. to compare LTC between different ethnic groups screened for HBsAg with point-of-care testing (POCT) in an outreach setting; 2. to estimate the proportion of HBsAg seropositivity for ethnic minorities; and 3. to investigate the association between seropositivity and HBV risk factors.

Methods

Opportunistic outreach screenings using finger prick HBsAg tests were performed at civic integration programmes between 11/2017 and 09/2022. If an individual tested positive, an appointment was given immediately at the outpatient hepatology clinic for follow-up and confirmation of HBsAg positivity in blood. Dedicated personnel contacted these individuals to motivate them for further LTC, which was defined as being assessed by a hepatologist, a blood test and an abdominal ultrasound.

Results

A total of 677 people from different ethnicities (Asian, Middle Eastern and African) were serologically screened using POCT. The observed positivity for HBsAg was 3.4 % (95% CI 2.17-5.05, 23/677). Apart from ethnicity and male sex, none of the surveyed HBV risk factors were associated with HBsAg seropositivity. All HBsAg positive individuals were linked to care and assessed by a hepatologist, despite the COVID-19 pandemic increase in time to follow-up of 82 days (95% CI 51-112 days) vs. 24 days (95% CI 5-43 days, p = 0.008)).Among HBV-infected patients, 31.8% (7/22), 100 % (22/22) and 26.1% (6/23) met the criteria for treatment indication, intrafamilial transmission risk and need for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, respectively.

Conclusion

The proportion of HBsAg seropositivity in ethnic minorities was 3.4%. POCT and commitment of dedicated personnel can overcome previously identified barriers resulting in a 100% LTC.

Global prevalence, cascade of care, and prophylaxis coverage of hepatitis B in 2022: a modelling study

BACKGROUND

The 2016 World Health Assembly endorsed the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a public health threat by 2030; existing therapies and prophylaxis measures make such elimination feasible, even in the absence of a virological cure. We aimed to estimate the national, regional, and global prevalence of HBV in the general population and among children aged 5 years and younger, as well as the rates of diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis, and the future burden globally.

METHODS

In this modelling study, we used a Delphi process with data from literature reviews and interviews with country experts to quantify the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures for HBV infection. The PRoGReSs Model, a dynamic Markov model, was used to estimate the country, regional, and global prevalence of HBV infection in 2022, and the effects of treatment and prevention on disease burden. The future incidence of morbidity and mortality in the absence of additional interventions was also estimated at the global level.

FINDINGS

We developed models for 170 countries which resulted in an estimated global prevalence of HBV infection in 2022 of 3·2% (95% uncertainty interval 2·7-4·0), corresponding to 257·5 million (216·6-316·4) individuals positive for HBsAg. Of these individuals, 36·0 million were diagnosed, and only 6·8 million of the estimated 83·3 million eligible for treatment were on treatment. The prevalence among children aged 5 years or younger was estimated to be 0·7% (0·6-1·0), corresponding to 5·6 million (4·5-7·8) children with HBV infection. Based on the most recent data, 85% of infants received three-dose HBV vaccination before 1 year of age, 46% had received a timely birth dose of vaccine, and 14% received hepatitis B immunoglobulin along with the full vaccination regimen. 3% of mothers with a high HBV viral load received antiviral treatment to reduce mother-to-child transmission.

INTERPRETATION

As 2030 approaches, the elimination targets remain out of reach for many countries under the current frameworks. Although prevention measures have had the most success, there is a need to increase these efforts and to increase diagnosis and treatment to work towards the elimination goals.

FUNDING

John C Martin Foundation, Gilead Sciences, and EndHep2030.

The impact of immigration on hepatitis B burden in the United States: a modelling study

Background

The 2016 World Health Assembly endorsed the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections by 2030. However, the HBV prevalence in Western countries, where the historical prevalence is low and highly impacted by immigration trends, remains uncertain making planning difficult. We aimed to develop a more accurate estimate of HBV prevalence and identify key immigrant populations that need to be screened, vaccinated, and treated to achieve the elimination targets.

Methods

US immigration data from 1900 forward and country-specific modeled prevalence by age and sex were used to estimate immigrated HBV infections entering the US, new infections in the US, mortality (all-cause and liver-related), and disease burden through 2030.

Findings

Using a dynamic Markov model, we estimated 1.8 million (95% uncertainty interval: 1.3-2.6 million) HBV infections in 2020 in all ages, higher than the NHANES national serosurvey. Infections between ages 30-74 accounted for 82% of all cases. Furthermore, HBV infections were concentrated among immigrants. New decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver related deaths are expected to increase by 20%, 31% and 25% respectively from 2019 to 2030 at current diagnosis and treatment rate.

Interpretation

National serosurveys can underestimate total infections due to under-sampling in immigrant populations. To meet the WHO elimination targets, culturally appropriate screening and linkage to care programs in the immigrant populations are needed in the US. In their absence, there will be significant increases in the burden of HBV and the US will fail to meet the elimination targets by 2030.

Funding

This analysis was funded by a research grant from Gilead Sciences (IN-US-988-5786) and made possible by grants from John C Martin Foundation (2019-G024), ZeShan Foundation (2021-0101-1-CDA-HEP-10), and EndHep2030 who supported country analyses.

Viral hepatitis: A narrative review of hepatitis A–E

Viral hepatitis continues to be a major health concern leading to hepatic decompensation ranging from acute hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations are not only debilitating but also associated with a significant economic burden. Over the last two decades, the field of virology has made significant breakthroughs leading to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of viral hepatitis, which in turn has led to new therapeutic options. The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, and new drugs are in the pipeline for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment. There has also been a significant emphasis on screening and surveillance programs, widespread availability of vaccines, and linkage of care. Despite these efforts, significant gaps persist in care, and there is a pressing need for increased collaboration and teamwork across the globe to achieve a reduction of disease burden and elimination of HBV and HCV.

A multicentre interventional study to assess blood-borne viral infections in Belgian prisons

BACKGROUND

Prevalence data on viral hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV infection in prison are often scarce or outdated. There is currently no systematic screening for these blood-borne viral infections (BBV) in Belgian prisons. There is an urgency to assess the prevalence of these BBV to inform policymakers and public healthcare.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, interventional study to assess the prevalence of BBV using opt-in screening in prisons across Belgium, April 2019 - March 2020. Prisoners were tested using a finger prick and BBV risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. A generalized linear mixed model was used to investigate the association between the various risk factors and HCV.

RESULTS

In total, 886 prisoners from 11 Belgian prisons were screened. Study uptake ranged from 16.9 to 35.4% in long-term facilities. The prevalence of HCV antibodies (Ab), hepatitis B surface antigen (Ag) and HIV Ab/Ag was 5.0% (44/886), 0.8% (7/886), and 0.2% (2/886). The adjusted odds for HCV Ab were highest in prisoners who ever injected (p < 0.001; AOR 24.6 CI 95% (5.5-215.2). The prevalence of detectable HCV RNA in the total cohort was 2.1% (19/886). Thirteen (68.4%) prisoners were redirected for follow-up of their HCV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Opt-in testing for viral hepatitis B, C and HIV was relatively well-accepted in prisons. Compared with the general population, prisoners have a higher prevalence of infection with BBV, especially for HCV. Systematic screening for these BBV should be recommended in all prisons, preferably using opt-out to optimize screening uptake.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered at clinical trials NCT04366492 April 29, 2020.

Hepatitis B virus prevalence in first-time blood donors in Flanders, Belgium: Impact of universal vaccination and migration

BACKGROUND

Transfusion-transmissible infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) remain a major concern for the safety of blood transfusion. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the trend of HBV prevalence and associated risk factors among a first-time donor population in a low endemic country.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Between 2010 and 2018, blood samples were collected from first-time donors presented at donor collection sites of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. They were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc), and HBV DNA, HIV and hepatitis virus C (HCV) antibodies and RNA, and syphilis antibodies.

RESULTS

A total of 211,331 first-time blood donors (43.7% males, median age 25 years) were analyzed. HBsAg prevalence decreased from 0.06% in 2010 to 0.05% in 2018 (p = .004) and this declining trend was accompanied by an increased number of donors in the HBV vaccinated birth cohort (p < .001). HBsAg prevalence was 0.33% in foreign-born donors and 0.02% in Belgian natives (p < .001). Multivariate risk profiling showed that anti-HBc positivity was significantly associated with mainly foreign-born donors (odds ratio [OR] = 9.24) but also with older age (OR = 1.06), male gender (OR = 1.32), year of blood donation (OR = 0.94), and co-infections with HCV (OR = 4.31) or syphilis (OR = 4.91).

DISCUSSION

The decreasing trend in HBV prevalence could mainly be explained by the introduction of the universal HBV vaccination. Being born in endemic areas was the most important predictor for HBV infection while the co-infections with syphilis suggest unreported sexual risk contacts.

The effect of universal infant vaccination on the prevalence of hepatitis B immunity in adult solid organ transplant candidates

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunity is recommended to optimize outcomes after solid organ transplantation (SOT). This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of HBV immunity at the time patients were placed on transplant waiting list over a period from 1997 to 2019 in a low HBV endemic region.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the University Hospitals Leuven transplant database. Minors and patients with past/current HBV infection were excluded. From 1986, Belgian patients are covered by the universal infant vaccination; therefore, birth cohort was stratified in those born ≥1986 vs <1986.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 3297 SOT candidates. HBV immunity rate was superior in renal transplant candidates (55.3%), and this number was 21.5%, 15.4% and 16.8% for liver, cardiac and pulmonary transplant candidates, respectively, P < .001. Among liver transplant candidates, HBV immunity rate was 14.8% in decompensated cirrhotic patients and 27.9% in those without advanced cirrhosis (P < .001). The overall immunity rate increased from 19.3% in period 1997-2008 to 32.8% in 2009-2019, P < .001. In multivariable analyses, younger age (odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97-0.98, P < .001) and birth cohort ≥ 1986 (OR 95% CI: 1.18-2.66, P = .006) were associated with increased HBV immunity.

CONCLUSION

An increase in HBV immunity was observed over a 20-year period related to the introduction of universal infant HBV vaccination. Nevertheless, this study highlights the low overall HBV immunity at the time of listing for organ transplantation and points out the need of an increased awareness and vaccination strategy at an early disease stage.

Early detection of chronic hepatitis B and risk factor assessment in Turkish migrants, Middle Limburg, Belgium

Background

Turkey is an intermediate hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemic country. However, prevalence among Turkish migrants in Belgium is unknown, especially in those born in Belgium with a foreign-born parent, i.e. second-generation migrants (SGM).

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors in Turkish first-generation migrants (FGM), i.e. foreign-born, and SGM.

Methods

Between September 2017 and May 2019, free outreach testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc), and antibodies against HBsAg was offered to Turkish migrants in Middle-Limburg, Belgium. Face-to-face questionnaire assessed HBV risk factors. HBsAg positive patients were referred and followed up. Turkish SGM were stratified into birth cohort born before and after 1987, since those born after 1987 should be covered by the universal infant vaccination program.

Results

A total of 1,081/1,113 (97.1%) Turkish did go for HBV testing. Twenty-six (2.4%) were HBsAg positive; 11/26 were unaware of their status and 10/11 were successfully referred. HBsAg prevalence was 3.0% in FGM and 1.5% in SGM, p = .070. Only one out of seven HBsAg positive SGM was born after 1987. In the multiple generalized estimating equations model, the most important risk factors for anti-HBc positivity were male gender (p = .021), older age (p < .001), FGM (p < .001), low educational level of the mother (p = .003), HBV infected mother (p = .008), HBV infected siblings (p = .002), HBV infected other family member (p = .004), gynaecological examination in Turkey or unsafe male circumcision (p = .032) and dental treatment in Turkey (p = .049).

Conclusion

Outreach testing was well-accepted and referral to specialist care was generally successful. National HBV screening should be implemented in the Turkish FGM population and might be considered in SGM not covered by primary prevention strategies.

Acute hepatitis B notification rates in Flanders, Belgium, 2009 to 2017

Background

Belgium is a low-endemic country for hepatitis B. Universal hepatitis B vaccination in infants with catch-up in the age cohort of 10–13 year-olds began in 1999.

Aims

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of prevention and control strategies on acute hepatitis B notification rates in Flanders (Belgium) from 2009 to 2017.

Methods

This observational study collected demographic data and risk factors for acute hepatitis B from mandatory notifications to the Agency for Care and Health.

Results

In Flanders, acute hepatitis B notification rates per 100,000 population decreased from 1.6 in 2009 to 0.7 in 2017. These rates declined in all age groups: 0–4-year-olds: 0.6 to 0.0, 5–14-year-olds: 0.2 to 0.0, 15–24-year-olds: 0.8 to 0.7, 25–34-year-olds: 3.4 to 1.1 and ≥ 35-year-olds: 1.59 to 0.7. There was also a downward trend in acute hepatitis B notification rates in native Belgians and first-generation migrants. Among 15–24-year-olds and 25–34-year-olds, a possible reversal of the decreasing trend was observed in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Among 548 acute hepatitis B cases, the main route of transmission was sexual activity (30.7%), and the pattern of transmission routes over time showed an increasing proportion of sexual transmission in men who have sex with men (MSM) after 2014. During the period from 2009 to 2017, five mother-to-child transmissions were reported.

Conclusions

Prevention and control strategies were effective in reducing the acute hepatitis B notification rate. However, stronger prevention and control measures are needed in adult risk groups, particularly MSM.