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Abdul Majeed N, Zehnder B, Koh C, Heller T, Urban S. Hepatitis delta: Epidemiology to recent advances in therapeutic agents. Hepatology 2023; 78:1306-1321. [PMID: 36738087 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) was first described in 1977 and is dependent on the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for its entry into cells and on the human host for replication. Due to the envelopment with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope, early phases of HDV entry resemble HBV infection. Unlike HBV, HDV activates innate immune responses. The global prevalence of HDV is estimated to be about 5% of HBsAg positive individuals. However, recent studies have described a wide range of prevalence between 12 to 72 million individuals. Infection can occur as super-infection or co-infection. The diagnosis of active HDV infection involves screening with anti HDV antibodies followed by quantitative PCR testing for HDV RNA in those who are HBsAg positive. The diagnostic studies have evolved over the years improving the validity and reliability of the tests performed. HDV infection is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis and the HDV genotype may influence the disease course. There are eight major HDV genotypes with prevalence varying by geographic region. HDV treatment has been challenging as HDV strongly depends on the host cell for replication and provides few, if any viral targets. Better understanding of HDV virology has led to the development of several therapeutic agents currently being studied in different phase II and III clinical trials. There is increasing promise of effective therapies that will ameliorate the course of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehna Abdul Majeed
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benno Zehnder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
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Blaney H, Khalid M, Heller T, Koh C. Epidemiology, presentation, and therapeutic approaches for hepatitis D infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:127-142. [PMID: 36519386 PMCID: PMC9905306 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2159379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection remains an important global public health problem, with a changing epidemiological landscape over the past decade along with widespread implementation of hepatitis B vaccination and human migration. The landscape of HDV treatments has been changing, with therapies that have been under development for the last decade now in late stage clinical trials. The anticipated availability of these new therapies will hopefully replace the current therapies which are minimally effective. AREAS COVERED This narrative review discusses the clinical course, screening and diagnosis, transmission risk factors, epidemiology, current and investigational therapies, and liver transplantation in HDV. Literature review was performed using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov and includes relevant articles from 1977 to 2022. EXPERT OPINION HDV infection is an important global public health issue with a true prevalence that is still unknown. The distribution of HDV infection has changed globally with the availability of HBV vaccination and patterns of human migration. As HDV infection is associated with accelerated disease courses and poor outcomes, the global community needs to agree upon a uniform HDV screening strategy to understand the truth of global prevalence such that new therapies can target appropriate individuals as they become available in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Blaney
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mian Khalid
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Mahdifar M, Akbari-Eidgahi MR, Mosavat A, Pourreza A, Akbarin MM, Valizadeh N, Rezaee SA, Rafatpanah H. Immigrating and vicinity are not risk factors in the prevalence and transmission rate of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1: A Survey in an endemic region of Iran and Afghan refugees. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001484. [PMID: 36962855 PMCID: PMC10021442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus associated with two life-threatening diseases; HAM/TSP and ATLL. Due to the slow-growing HTLV-1 infection worldwide, WHO urged for elimination. A large border with Afghanistan, northeast Iran is an endemic region for HTLV-1 infection. Historically, Afghanistan has common sociocultural similarities to Persian peoples. This study was conducted to evaluate HTLV-1 prevalence in Afghan refugees. Also, the HTLV-1 transmission rate and understanding of whether or not the Silk Road has been the route of HTLV-1 infection to Iran were investigated. This case-control study was conducted in a rural area of Fariman city, with Afghan residents who migrated around 165 years ago, from 1857, the Treaty of Paris at the end of the Anglo-Persian war, and a refugee camp in Torbat-e-Jam city. These populations in HTLV-1 endemic area were compared to a segregated population of Afghan refugees in Semnan, the centre of Iran. Blood samples of 983 volunteers were assessed with the ELISA method for the presence of HTLV-1 antibodies and then confirmed by PCR technique. All samples from Afghan refugee camps, Semnan and Torbat-e-Jam, were negative for HTLV-1 infection. However, the prevalence of HTLV-1 infection in Fariman, a rural population of Afghan origin, was approximately 2.73%. The results showed that HTLV-1 is not endemic in Afghanistan, a war-stricken region with refugees distributed worldwide. The land Silk Road has not been the route of HTLV-1 transmission to Northeastern Iran. Importantly, HTLV-1 endemicity might occur during a long time of living in an endemic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mahdifar
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Arman Mosavat
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Pourreza
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Akbarin
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Narges Valizadeh
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Houshang Rafatpanah
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Updates on the Epidemiology of the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Infection in the Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization with Special Emphasis on the Situation in Iran. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040664. [PMID: 35458394 PMCID: PMC9029775 DOI: 10.3390/v14040664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The epidemiology and prevalence of the Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection represent a recommended priority by global health agencies. An in-depth revision to update the status of this infection in countries including those of the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) of the World Health Organization is hence required. Methods: Ninety-seven studies evaluating the HTLV-1 infection in low- and high-risk populations in EMRO countries were retrieved from the international electronic databases and were used to assess the epidemiological status of the infection in these countries. Results: Most epidemiologic reports were published from Iran, with more than 50% of Iranian prisoners and around 4% of healthy individuals reported to have the infection. In Egypt, a considerable prevalence of the virus spans around 1.11% of blood donors. Foci of HTLV-1 infection are also present in some countries and require a careful epidemiological evaluation. In the other EMRO countries, a lower prevalence that does not exceed 1% was reported. Conclusion: The epidemiology and prevalence of HTLV-1 in the EMRO countries require a tight revision and update. Published studies reveal a scarce distribution of the virus in the African countries of EMRO, while a lower prevalence is denoted in the Asian countries of EMRO, except in Iran, where the prevalence is high.
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Hashemi E, Waheed U, Saba N, Wazeer A. First Report from Afghanistan on the Prevalence of Blood-Borne Infections: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Multicentre Study for an Epidemiological Assessment. J Blood Med 2022; 13:45-50. [PMID: 35027857 PMCID: PMC8752068 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s344180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transfusion of blood and blood components has a significant role in healthcare services. However, it remains a possible risk factor for blood-borne infections. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of serological markers of common blood-borne infections among the blood donor population of Afghanistan. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study based on retrospectively collected data over a period of six years from 284 blood centres across 34 provinces of Afghanistan. Every blood donor’s sample was tested by rapid immunoassays for the serological markers of blood-borne infections namely hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), anti-human immunodeficiency virus 1/2 (anti-HIV1/2), and anti-Treponema pallidum (anti-TP). Results All blood donors during the study period were males. The majority of blood donations were from the family replacement category 56.93% (n = 544,568). The overall pooled prevalence of blood-borne infections was 4.36% with a comparatively higher percentage in family replacement donors 4.88%. The seropositivity for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV1/2, and anti-TP was 2.95%, 0.81%, 0.04%, and 0.54%, respectively. Conclusion Complete reliance on voluntary blood donors and screening with quality assured highly sensitive assay is recommended to ensure blood safety in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enayatullah Hashemi
- Afghan National Blood Safety and Transfusion Service, General Directorate of Curative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Usman Waheed
- Afghan National Blood Safety and Transfusion Service, General Directorate of Curative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Noore Saba
- Peshawar Regional Blood Centre, Provincial Ministry of Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Akhlaaq Wazeer
- Mirpur Regional Blood Centre, State Ministry of Health, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
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Rizzetto M, Hamid S, Negro F. The changing context of hepatitis D. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1200-1211. [PMID: 33484770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The global epidemiology of hepatitis D is changing with the widespread implementation of vaccination against hepatitis B. In high-income countries that achieved optimal control of HBV, the epidemiology of hepatitis D is dual, consisting of an ageing cohort of domestic patients with advanced liver fibrosis who represent the end stage of the natural history of HDV, and of a younger generation of immigrants from endemic countries who account for the majority of new infections. As observed in Europe in the 1980s, the distinctive clinical characteristic of chronic hepatitis D in endemic countries is the accelerated progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite some recent progress, the therapeutic management of HDV remains unsatisfactory, as most patients are not cured of HDV with currently available medicines. This review article describes the current epidemiology and clinical features of chronic hepatitis D, based on the literature published in the last 10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rizzetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Saeed Hamid
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Franco Negro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Negro F. The heavy burden of hepatitis D in Uzbekistan. Liver Int 2019; 39:2034-2035. [PMID: 31680451 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Negro
- Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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