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Almajid A, Albarbari H, Bazroon A, Al-Awami H, Aljurayyad R, Albadran R, Alkhamis Z, Alomair H, Aljishi Y. Epidemiological Perspectives: A Four-Year Insight Into Hepatitis C Surveillance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e52646. [PMID: 38249649 PMCID: PMC10800009 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis C is a viral disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. This compact, enveloped RNA virus possesses a positive single-stranded genome and can be transmitted through various means, including blood exposure, sexual contact, and vertical transmission. The disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, imposing substantial costs on the healthcare system. In Saudi Arabia, HCV is a notifiable disease; however, there is a scarcity of recent reports on HCV trends in the country. This study aims to provide updated insights into the infection patterns of HCV across demographics, regions, and genders in Saudi Arabia. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate the epidemiological trends of HCV infection in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH), encompassing the timeframe from 2019 to 2022. A descriptive analysis of HCV infection, organized by year, age group, and gender, was conducted using the data reported to the MOH. Results Between 2019 and 2022, there was a significant decrease of 56.9% in the overall rate of hepatitis C cases in Saudi Arabia. The rate dropped from 9.94 to 4.29 cases per 100,000 people during this period. Males consistently had higher reported cases compared to females, although there was a notable decline in cases for both genders from 2019 to 2022. The highest incidence of HCV was found in individuals aged 45 years and above. However, there was a decline in cases among this age group, with the number dropping from 2,195 cases in 2019 to 946 cases in 2022. In terms of regional variations, Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, Alsharqiya, and Taif had the highest incidence of HCV cases. Some regions experienced an increase in cases between 2021 and 2022, particularly Jeddah, Taif, and Al-Ahsaa. Conclusion This study reveals a significant reduction in reported HCV cases in Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2022. However, gender disparities persist, with males having a higher number of reported cases. There is also a notable decline in HCV cases among children and adolescents, which can be attributed to preventive measures. The findings emphasize the importance of region-specific strategies, as certain areas, such as Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, Alsharqiya, and Taif, continue to have a high number of reported cases. Proactive measures, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns remain crucial in addressing HCV as a significant public health challenge in the Kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Almajid
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Hassan Albarbari
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Ali Bazroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Hashim Al-Awami
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Rahaf Aljurayyad
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Razan Albadran
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | | | - Haider Alomair
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Yamama Aljishi
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
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Mahallawi WH, Ibrahim NA, Mumena WA. Impaired humoral immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103788. [PMID: 37674538 PMCID: PMC10477802 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem. We aimed in this study to investigate the humoral immune response derived to HBV vaccine following completing the vaccine series in Madinah. Two hundred and two Saudi hemodialysis (HD) patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Mean concentration of Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) was significantly higher among patients who received the vaccination twice compared to patients who received the vaccination only after starting hemodialysis (252 ± 489 mIU/mL vs. 144 ± 327 mIU/mL, respectively, p = 0.008). Almost half of the study sample were non-protected and showed anti-HBs concentration < 10 mlU/mL. In contrast, 20.3% (n = 41) were identified as poor responders (10-100 mlU/mL) and only 28.2% (n = 57) were identified as good responders (10-100 mlU/mL). However, the latter two groups were accounted as protected (48.5%, n = 98). Patients sex was associated with anti-HBs concentration (non-responders; poor responders; good responders), where significantly higher proportion of good responders were females compared to males (p = 0.007). In conclusion, HBV vaccine is efficient to elicit humoral immune response in hemodialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed H. Mahallawi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadir A. Ibrahim
- Duke Central Automated Laboratory, Duke University, Hudson Bldg, DCAL, Rm 1520, 2351, Erwin Rd, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Walaa A. Mumena
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
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Badur S, Öztürk S, AbdelGhany M, Khalaf M, Lagoubi Y, Ozudogru O, Hanif K, Saha D. Hepatitis A in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a comprehensive review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2073146. [PMID: 35617508 PMCID: PMC9621081 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2073146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With 583 million inhabitants, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a worldwide hub for travel, migration, and food trade. However, there is a scarcity of data on the epidemiology of the hepatitis A virus (HAV). METHODS The MEDLINE and grey literature were systematically searched for HAV epidemiological data relevant to the EMR region published between 1980 and 2020 in English, French, or Arabic. RESULTS Overall, 123 publications were extracted. The proportion of HAV cases among acute viral hepatitis cases was high. HAV seroprevalence rate ranged from 5.7% to 100.0% and it was decreasing over time while the average age at infection increased. CONCLUSION In the EMR, HAV remains a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis. The observed endemicity shift will likely increase disease burden as the population ages. Vaccinating children and adopting sanitary measures are still essential to disease prevention; vaccinating at-risk groups might reduce disease burden even further.
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AlAteeq MA, AlEnazi LM, AlShammari MS, AlAnazi EE, Al-Hababi FH, Alateeq AM. Long-term Immunity Against Hepatitis B Virus After Routine Immunization Among Adults Visiting Primary Care Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e21266. [PMID: 35178320 PMCID: PMC8842465 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine the persistence of induced immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) among adults routinely vaccinated during their infancy and correlate the level of induced immunity with participant characteristics. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study conducted among visitors to primary care centers of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the period from August 2020 to January 2021. The study population included healthy adults of both genders who had received full doses of the HBV vaccine in infancy. Data related to participant characteristics were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A blood sample was then taken from each participant to measure the serum level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs), and antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (ani-HBc). Results A total of 400 subjects participated in the study; the mean age of the cohort was 25 years. Almost all of them were Saudis (99.30%), and more than half (57.50%) were males. Only 24.30% had an anti-HBs antibodies level of ≥10 IU/L, and all respondents were negative for HBs antigen. No significant association between participant characteristics and anti-HBs antibody levels was found. Conclusion A decline in immunity many years after HBV vaccinations taken in infancy has been well-documented. However, for low-risk populations, the boosting of HBV vaccines is probably unnecessary since the immune memory provides sufficient protection despite low or undetectable anti-HBs antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A AlAteeq
- Family Medicine Department, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Latifa M AlEnazi
- Academy for Postgraduate Studies in Family Medicine, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Modhi S AlShammari
- Family Medicine Residency Training Program, Ministry of Health, AlJouf, SAU
| | - Essa E AlAnazi
- Microbiology Department, Regional Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Fadel H Al-Hababi
- Microbiology Department, Regional Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Abdulrahman M Alateeq
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
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Badur S, Öztürk S, Ozakay A, Khalaf M, Saha D, Van Damme P. A review of the experience of childhood hepatitis A vaccination in Saudi Arabia and Turkey: implications for hepatitis A control and prevention in the Middle East and North African region. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3710-3728. [PMID: 34213403 PMCID: PMC8437515 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1920871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In most countries of the Middle East and Northern African (MENA) region, a high hepatitis A virus (HAV) endemicity has been documented. Few others, such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, are transitioning from high to intermediate endemicity. There is a paucity of recently published HAV disease burden that could be useful to inform or strengthen relevant national hepatitis A vaccination policy and other prevention strategies in the region. This review summarizes information on HAV epidemiology before and after the implementation of a childhood hepatitis A vaccination program in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. In both countries, a clear shift in the age of first HAV exposure has been documented, with more homogeneous trends across regions in Saudi Arabia compared to Turkey. Utilizing the experience of Saudi Arabia and Turkey with hepatitis A vaccination, countries in the region are encouraged to foster discussions on potential vaccination strategies suitable for their own setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim Badur
- Medical & Clinical Emerging Markets, GSK, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdar Öztürk
- Medical & Clinical Emerging Markets, GSK, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alev Ozakay
- Medical & Clinical Emerging Markets, GSK, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Debasish Saha
- Medical & Clinical Emerging Markets, GSK, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Al-Busafi SA, Al-Harthi R, Al-Naamani K, Al-Zuhaibi H, Priest P. Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Transmission
in Oman. Oman Med J 2021; 36:e287. [PMID: 34405055 PMCID: PMC8358403 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.99] [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: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem worldwide. The prevalence of HBV is dependent on the modes of transmission. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Oman is regarded as an intermediate endemic region and has had a neonatal vaccine against HBV since 1990. However, little research has been conducted regarding risk factors for HBV transmission. Our study aimed to identify the prevalence of major risk factors for acquiring HBV in Oman. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult Omani patients diagnosed with CHB at two tertiary hospitals in Oman, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Armed Forces Hospital, between February 2009 and July 2013. The prevalence of major risk factors was identified by interviewing CHB patients using a standard questionnaire during their follow-up visits to the hepatology clinic at both hospitals. The risk factor frequency was stratified by age, gender, and educational level. Results A total of 274 patients were interviewed; 52.2% of the participants were males. The median age for men was 35.9 years and 35.1 years for women, with 75.5% aged 20–39 years old. The antenatal screening was the most common means of identifying HBV infection in females, and pre-blood donation screening was the most common in males. Intra-familial contact with HBV infected persons and behavioral risks such as body piercing (females) and barber shaving (males) were more common than nosocomial risk factors. Knowledge about HBV infection was scarce among our participants. More than half of the participants had a positive family history of HBV infection. There was a significant association between HBV infection and age groups, and educational levels (p < 0.050 and p < 0.001, respectively). Among those who were infected due to intra-familial contact or behavioral risk, there was a significant difference between the two sexes (p < 0.020) and between the three age groups (< 23, 23–28, >28) of HBV positive mothers (33.3%, 14.3%, and 6.6%, respectively; p < 0.050). There was also a statistically significant difference among different educational levels (p < 0.050). Conclusions Direct contact of infected individuals within a family and exposure to high-risk behaviors such as piercing and barber shaving are the main reported risk factors for HBV infection in Omani patients. Reducing the vertical and horizontal transmission of HBV in Oman could be improved by implementing routine antenatal screening of pregnant women and a greater focus on contact screening, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said A Al-Busafi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Rahma Al-Harthi
- Surgical Residency Program, Oman Medical Speciality Board, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Haifa Al-Zuhaibi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Patricia Priest
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Ayouni K, Chouikha A, Khamessi O, Touzi H, Hammemi W, Triki H. Evidence of Circulation of Several HAV Genetic Variants and Emergence of Potential Antigenic Variants in an Endemo-Epidemic Country before Vaccine Introduction. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061056. [PMID: 34204862 PMCID: PMC8227776 DOI: 10.3390/v13061056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to several other countries in the world, the epidemiology of hepatitis A virus changed from high to intermediate endemicity level in Tunisia, which led to the occurrence of outbreaks. This study aimed to determine the genetic and antigenic variability of HAV strains circulating in Tunisia during the last few years. Genotyping using complete VP1 gene and VP1-2A junction confirmed the predominance of genotype IA, with co-circulation of several genetic and antigenic variants. Phylogenetic analysis including Tunisian and strains from other regions of the world showed the presence of at least two IA-variants within IA subgenotype. Amino-acid analysis showed several mutations in or close to epitope regions in the VP1-region. This study provides a baseline on the genetic and antigenic variability of HAV circulating strains before the introduction of vaccination into the national immunization schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaouther Ayouni
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.T.); (W.H.); (H.T.)
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Campus Universitaire, El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (A.C.); Tel.: +216-26-199-695 (K.A.); +216-98-528-682 (A.C.)
| | - Anissa Chouikha
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.T.); (W.H.); (H.T.)
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (A.C.); Tel.: +216-26-199-695 (K.A.); +216-98-528-682 (A.C.)
| | - Oussema Khamessi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR11IPT08 Venins et Biomolecules Therapeutiques, Tunis 1002, Tunisia;
| | - Henda Touzi
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.T.); (W.H.); (H.T.)
| | - Walid Hammemi
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.T.); (W.H.); (H.T.)
| | - Henda Triki
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.T.); (W.H.); (H.T.)
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 15 Rue Djebel Lakhdhar, La Rabta, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
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Alghamdi M, Alghamdi AS, Aljedai A, Khathlan AA, Masri NA, Qutub A, Quaiz MA, Sanai F, Subahi G, Sulimani S. Revealing Hepatitis B Virus as a Silent Killer: A Call-to-Action for Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e14811. [PMID: 34094765 PMCID: PMC8170052 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was the first country in the Middle East to adopt the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine. Despite an expanded HBV immunization program and significant progress in HBV prevention in the country, HBV infection is a significant public health burden. This review lists coordinated solutions for healthcare stakeholders, patients, and health authorities to curb HBV and its impact in KSA. It further aims to draw policymakers' attention to key priorities to bridge HBV care gaps in the country. METHODS As part of the pre-engagement activity, medical experts across KSA were interviewed to gain a preliminary understanding of the current unmet needs in HBV management in the country. Top-recommended action points derived from the pre-engagement activity were discussed. Key priority action points to curb the impact of HBV in KSA were identified. RESULTS The priority action points together with the challenges and unmet needs in the management and care of HBV in KSA were: (a) establish a national-level registry, (b) implement screening campaigns, (c) improve linkage of care between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, and (d) increase PCP education and awareness. CONCLUSION This work is an endeavor to set the stage for a strategic policy framework aimed at eliminating HBV in KSA. The action points/steps for the identified priorities must run parallelly across various regions in KSA, to successfully manage and further eliminate the threat of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alghamdi
- Department of Gastroenterology, King Fahad Military Medical Complex, Dahran, SAU
| | - Abdullah S Alghamdi
- Medical Department/Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ahmed Aljedai
- Pharmaceutical Care Division, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Abdullah A Khathlan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Nasser A Masri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Adel Qutub
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Mohammed A Quaiz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Faisal Sanai
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ghadi Subahi
- Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
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Hur YJ, Choe SA, Choe YJ, Paek J. Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody positivity among women of childbearing age after three decades of universal vaccination in South Korea. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 104:551-555. [PMID: 33217571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We estimated the impact of universal hepatitis B immunization using 18-year data of women who are of childbearing age in South Korea. METHODS We used hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs) data of 145,993 women aged 20-49 years during 2001-2018 at the Gangnam CHA Medical Center. Annual prevalences of HBsAg and anti-HBs positivity were calculated and tested for linear trend. We conducted age-period-cohort (APC) analysis to obtain period and cohort effect. RESULTS Overall proportion of HBsAg positivity was 3.5% (n = 5050) and anti-HBs positivity was 75.3% (n = 109,907) during the study period. HBsAg positivity percentage decreased from 5.1% in 2001 to 2.5% in 2018 (P < 0.001) while anti-HBs positivity increased from 59.9% to 75.8% (P = 0.002). Average annual percent change of HBsAg positivity was -5.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): -6.9%, -4.8%). The period and cohort RR curve identified a consistent decrease in HBsAg positivity over time and across generations. CONCLUSIONS We observed a concurrent decrease in HBsAg and an increase in anti-HBs seropositivity among Korean women of childbearing age, implicating success in preventing vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jung Hur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, 04637, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ah Choe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, 04637, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young June Choe
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Paek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, 06135, Republic of Korea
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Ayouni K, Naffeti B, Ben Aribi W, Bettaieb J, Hammami W, Ben Salah A, Ammar H, Ben Miled S, Triki H. Hepatitis a virus infection in Central-West Tunisia: an age structured model of transmission and vaccination impact. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:627. [PMID: 32842988 PMCID: PMC7477833 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05318-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiological pattern of hepatitis A infection has shown dynamic changes in many parts of the world due to improved socio-economic conditions and the accumulation of seronegative subjects, which leads to possible outbreaks and increased morbidity rate. In Tunisia, the epidemiological status of hepatits A virus is currently unknown. However, over the past years higher numbers of symptomatic hepatitis A virus infection in school attendants and several outbreaks were reported to the Ministry of Health, especially from regions with the lowest socio-economic levels in the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the current seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies in central-west Tunisia and assess the impact of hepatitis A virus vaccination on hepatitis A epidemiology. METHODS Serum samples from 1379 individuals, aged 5-75 years, were screened for hepatitis A virus antibodies. Adjusted seroprevalence, incidence and force of infection parameters were estimated by a linear age structured SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered) compartmental model. A vaccine model was then constructed to assess the impact on hepatitis A virus epidemiology of 3 scenarios of vaccination strategies: one dose at 12-months of age, one dose at 6-years and one dose at 12-months and another at 6-years of age during 6 years. RESULTS A rapid increase in anti-hepatitis A virus seroprevalence was noted during infancy and adolescence: 47% of subjects under 10-years-old are infected; the prevalence increases to 77% at 15-years and reaches 97% in subjects aged 30-years. The force of infection is highest between 10 and 30-years of age and the incidence declines with increasing age. The vaccine model showed that the 3-scenarios lead to a significant reduction of the fraction of susceptibles. The two doses scenario gives the best results. Single-dose vaccination at 6-years of age provides more rapid decrease of disease burden in school-aged children, as compared to single-dose vaccination at 12-months, but keeps with a non-negligible fraction of susceptibles among children < 6-years. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the epidemiological switch from high to intermediate endemicity of hepatitis A virus in Tunisia and provides models that may help undertake best decisions in terms of vaccinations strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaouther Ayouni
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology – Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, BP: 74-1002, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center - Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Street 15 Medenine Bardo, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Campus Universitaire 2092-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Bechir Naffeti
- Laboratory of Intelligent Networks and Nanotechnology, LARINA, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Avenue de la République, P. O. Box 77-1054, Tunis, Amilcar Tunisia
| | - Walid Ben Aribi
- Laboratory of Intelligent Networks and Nanotechnology, LARINA, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Avenue de la République, P. O. Box 77-1054, Tunis, Amilcar Tunisia
| | - Jihène Bettaieb
- Clinical Investigation Center - Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Street 15 Medenine Bardo, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology - Clinical Investigation Center - Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, BP: 74-1002, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 15 Rue Djebel Lakhdhar. La Rabta, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Walid Hammami
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology – Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, BP: 74-1002, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center - Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Street 15 Medenine Bardo, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Afif Ben Salah
- Clinical Investigation Center - Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Street 15 Medenine Bardo, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology - Clinical Investigation Center - Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, BP: 74-1002, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 15 Rue Djebel Lakhdhar. La Rabta, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamadi Ammar
- Laboratory of Intelligent Networks and Nanotechnology, LARINA, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management of Nabeul, University of Carthage, Avenue de la République, BP 77-1054, Tunis, Amilcar Tunisia
| | - Slimane Ben Miled
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathématics and Biostatistics, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, BP: 74-1002, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Henda Triki
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology – Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, BP: 74-1002, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center - Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Street 15 Medenine Bardo, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 15 Rue Djebel Lakhdhar. La Rabta, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia
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11
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Al Romaihi HE, Ganesan N, Farag EA, Smatti MK, Nasrallah GK, Himatt SM, Derbala MF, Alshamali M, Mahadoon LK, Khogali HS, Sallam M, Al Thani AA, Al Thani M, Al Kaabi S, Yassine HM. Demographics and Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in the State of Qatar: A Five-Year Surveillance-Based Incidence Study. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020068. [PMID: 31117254 PMCID: PMC6630982 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Expatriates represent >80% of Qatar’s population, mostly arriving from countries in Africa and Asia that are endemic with many diseases. This increases the risk for introducing new pathogens into the country and provides a platform for maintenance of endemic pathogen circulation. Here, we report on the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B in Qatar between 2010 and 2014. Methods: We performed a retrospective epidemiological data analysis using the data available at the surveillance system of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Qatar. Data were collected from distinctive public and private incorporates around the nation. Reported cases of hepatitis B patients represent those who met the stringent case definition as per World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and eventually reported to MOPH. Results: The annual incidence rates of hepatitis B cases were 30.0, 34.2, 30.5, 39.4, and 19.8 per 100,000 population in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. There was no specific trend or seasonality for the reported cases. The incidence rates were higher in females compared to males between 2010 and 2012, but similar in 2013 and 2014. The highest incidence rates were reported among individuals between 25 and 34 years of age. No cases were reported in children younger than five years in 2013 and 2014. Rates of hepatitis B cases declined dramatically in 2014, in both Qataris and non-Qataris, as compared to the previous years. Conclusion: Our results indicate a dramatic decline of hepatitis B cases in Qatar but mandate improved surveillance and vaccination efforts in expatriates in the nation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria K Smatti
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, QU Health, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | | | - Moutaz F Derbala
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.
| | | | | | | | | | - Asmaa A Al Thani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, QU Health, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | | | - Saad Al Kaabi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, QU Health, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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12
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Alharbi IM, Aljarallah BM. Premarital hepatitis screening. Attitude towards screening and the risk factors for transmission. Saudi Med J 2019; 39:1179-1185. [PMID: 30520498 PMCID: PMC6344650 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.12.23495] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore all research articles investigating hepatitis premarital screening programs (PSPs) worldwide, considering all different outcomes of such programs, including efficacy, possible limitations to screening, and participants' knowledge and satisfaction regarding the program. Methods: The present systematic review used the databases of PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar to search for articles related to both PSPs and the hepatitis viruses. Research articles were identified between October and December 2017, and articles were selected and extracted based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria from the year 1957 up to 2017. The review included all full-length original articles related to premarital hepatitis screening in both indexed and non-indexed journals, but reviews, mini-reviews, and letters were excluded. Ultimately, 4 research papers were included. While conducting the search, the project was registered on PROSPERO database. Results: In all these papers, the participants' attitude toward premarital screening was good, but their level of knowledge about the program and the diseases being screened was low. Pre- and post-test counseling were provided to only a limited number of participants in each of the studies. This emphasizes the need for effective counseling sessions, which may help in decreasing the hepatitis burden in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Conclusions: The role of the practicing physician in any screening program is to provide effective pre and post-test counseling and correct any misinformation about the transmission of the hepatitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtehaj M. Alharbi
- From the College of Medicine (Alharbi), Qassim University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Aljarallah), Qassim University Medical City, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Address correspondence and reprint request to: Dr. Badr M. Aljarallah, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Qassim University Medical City, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: ORCID ID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2169-9925
| | - Badr M. Aljarallah
- From the College of Medicine (Alharbi), Qassim University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Aljarallah), Qassim University Medical City, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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13
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Mahallawi W. Persistence of hepatitis B surface antibody and immune memory to hepatitis B vaccine among medical college students in Madinah. Ann Saudi Med 2018; 38:413-419. [PMID: 30531175 PMCID: PMC6302994 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2018.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, about 300 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Among the effective approaches to fight HBV infection is immunization. In 1989, an obligatory hepatitis B vaccine program was launched in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE Assess hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels among the medical students before and after receiving booster doses of HBV vaccine. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Taibah University. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Students born between 1993 and 1995 were recruited in this study from the Occupational Health Clinic. Students were screened for anti-HBs levels using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) before and after booster HBV vaccine doses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anti-HBs levels before and after booster doses. SAMPLE SIZE 335. RESULTS About half of participants (n=164, 49%) had protective anti-HBs levels ( greater than or equal 10 mIU/mL) to the original primary series of HBV vaccine and received no booster doses. The reimaining 171 (51%) participants were at risk of HBV infection since their anti-HBs levels were less than 10 mIU/mL, despite having received the original primary HBV vaccine. The levels of anti-HBs were higher in female than in male students (P less than .001). In addition, female students showed a stronger humoral immune response to the booster vaccine than male students (P less than .001). When participants were given the three boosters, most participants (98.3%) showed anti-HBs levels of greater than or equal 10 mIU/mL. The results also showed a strong correlation between pre-booster and post-booster anti-HBs levels in the greater than or equal 10 mIU/mL group (r2= 0.52, P less than .001) but not in less than 10 mIU/mL group (r2= 0.003, P=.53). CONCLUSION A considerable portion of the participants (about 51%) were at risk of HBV infection since their anti-HBs levels were less than 10 mIU/mL. Booster doses significantly trigger memory immune response and this ensured their protection against the virus. Pre-booster anti-HBs level are a good predictive of post-booster anti-HBs levels in greater than or equal 10 mIU/mL group. LIMITATIONS The sample size was small. Shortage of collaborators. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Mahallawi
- Dr. Waleed Mahallawi, Clinical Laboratory Sciences,, Taibah University,, Prince Naif St. Madinah 42362,, Saudi Arabia, T: +966-14-8618888 ext: 3666, , ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001.6977-9006
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14
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Bawazir A, AlGusheri F, Jradi H, AlBalwi M, Abdel-Gader AG. Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Saudi Arabia: a future prediction and laboratory profile. Virol J 2017; 14:208. [PMID: 29096662 PMCID: PMC5667522 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0873-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes are considered an important tool for epidemiological and clinical studies and valuable markers for disease progression and response to antiviral therapy. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of HCV genotypes and their relation to socio-demographic factors particularly age and sex, various biochemical profiles and viral load. METHODS The records (630) of Saudi patients positive for HCV (2007-2011) reported in the system of the Molecular Pathology Laboratory at a tertiary reference hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were analyzed. Socio-demographic characteristics, liver biochemical profile, viral load and co-infection with HBV and HIV were retrieved from the hospital database. The associations of continuous and categorical variables with genotypes were analyzed. RESULT The overall mean age of the surveyed patients was 59 years ±0.5 years (21% were <50 years (p = 0.02). The rate of infection is lower in males than in females (47.6% vs. 52.4%). HCV genotype 4 was the most prevalent (60.7%), followed by genotype 1 (24.8%). However, genotype 1 and 3 were found more in males (29.7% vs. 20.3% and 6% vs. 2.1%, respectively, p = 0.001), while genotype 2 and 4 were more among females (4.8% vs. 2% and 68.5% vs. 52.3%, respectively). In addition, genotype 1 was found dominant in younger males (33.8%). Biochemical parameters across gender showed significant variation in particular for the ALT (p = 0.007). The mean viral load was significantly higher in genotype 1 than genotype 4 (4,757,532 vs. 1,435,012, p = <001). There is a very low overall percentage of co-infection of HBV or HIV in this study (around 2% for each). CONCLUSION Although HCV genotype 4 shows an overall high prevalence in this study, a clear decline in the rate of this genotype was also demonstrated in particular among the younger age group who displayed increasing trends toward the global trend of genotype 1, rather than genotype 4. This finding would be of clinical interest in relation to future planning of the therapy for HCV infected patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amen Bawazir
- The King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Community and environmental Health,College of Public Health & Health Informatics. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, 11481 Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad AlGusheri
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Genetics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hoda Jradi
- The King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Community and environmental Health,College of Public Health & Health Informatics. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, 11481 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed AlBalwi
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, 3660, Riyadh, 11481 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdel-Galil Abdel-Gader
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Al-Jubran KM, Al-Dossary MA, Elsafi SH. The declining rates of hepatitis B carriage among adolescents and young people in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J 2017; 37:864-70. [PMID: 27464863 PMCID: PMC5018703 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.8.14494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To study age specific rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriage in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia following a 24 year immunization program. Methods: Hepatitis B surveillance data between January 2004 and December 2013 were analyzed in a retrospective study, which included 24,504,914 patients. Seropositive cases of hepatitis B were reported by laboratory personnel as part of various investigations. Hepatitis B cases including acute and chronic carriers were identified upon serological positivity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Results: The study shows that the overall prevalence rate decreased from 18.8 to 9.9/100,000 population between 2004 and 2013 (p=0.01). It was also found that the prevalence rate increased with age. For instance, the highest prevalence of hepatitis B was seen among patients >15 years of age and the lowest was seen among children <15 years of age. Over the period, the prevalence rate decreased in all age groups with the greatest decline among the age groups <4 years old. However, this was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Another significant reduction in the prevalence rate occurred among age groups 5-14 years old (p=0.00). An insignificant decrease in the rate by 43% was also seen among older patients of 15-44 years old and 35% in >45 years old. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B is significantly higher in men than in women (p=0.00). Conclusion: There is a particular decreased trend in the prevalence of HBV infection in different age groups over a decade of surveillance following more than 20 years of the universal HBV vaccination program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid M Al-Jubran
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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16
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Tanadi MR, Lusida MI, Joewono HT. PROPORTION OF HBsAg AND HBeAg POSITIVE IN MATERNAL PATIENTS AND THEIR HBsAg POSITIVES BABIES WITH IMMUNOPROPHYLAXIS OF HBV IMMUNIZATION IN Dr. SOETOMO GENERAL HOSPITAL, SURABAYA. INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE 2017. [DOI: 10.20473/ijtid.v6i4.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) can be transmitted vertically from mother to her baby. Mothers with HBsAg and HBeAg positives have more risk of transmitting HBV to her baby rather than HBsAg positives only. The aim of this study is to determine the proportion of maternal patient with HBsAg and HBeAg positives and their HBsAg positives babies with immunoprophylaxis of HBV immunization. This study was performed by analytical observation using medical records in 2013-2014 at Obstetric and Gyn ecology Department, Dr. Soetomo Hospital. The samples were all maternal patients (3796) during that period and also their babies from HBsAg positives mothers. Unfortunately, several original medical records were not available. Thirty two (0,85%) out of 3781 maternal patients were found to be HBsAg positives, and three (9,37%) of 32 patients with HBsAg positives were HBeAg positives. From 32 mothers who were positive HBsAg, 22 complete medical records of their babies were found and all of them (100%) had been given Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine less than twelve hours after birth. In three cases of the babies from HBeAg positives mothers which had been given prophylaxis properly, two cases each of which was with caesarean and spontaneous delivery were HBsAg negatives. Interestingly, the other one which born with spontaneous delivery was found to be HBsAg positives. Further study in this HBsAg positives baby, especially in analyzing its HBV DNA is needed. The epidemiology of hepatitis B in maternal patients, especially that with complete and neat data needs further research.
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17
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Albadran A, Hibshi A, Saeed B, Coskun S, Awartani KA. Hepatitis B and C virus prevalence in couples attending an in vitro fertilization clinic in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia: comparison with ten years earlier. Ann Saudi Med 2017; 37:272-275. [PMID: 28761024 PMCID: PMC6150590 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2017.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are a major public health problem in Saudi Arabia. Recent data has indicated a major reduction in viral hepatitis prevalence in Saudi population. However, there is limited data for infertile Saudi couples. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of HCV and HBV attending an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic in Saudi Arabia between 2012 and 2015 to compare with the prevalence 10 years earlier in the same center. DESIGN Retrospective prevalence study. SETTING Tertiary care center in Riyadh. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV was collected on all couples seen at the IVF unit between 2002-2005 and 2012-2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Prevalence of HBV and HCV. RESULTS In 4442 patients during 2002-2005 and 5747 patients during 2012-2015, the prevalence of HBV was significantly less in 2012-2015 compared with 2002-2005 (1.67% [97 patients] vs 4.7% [210 patients], P < .0001), respectively, but HCV prevalence was similar for the two periods (0.7% for both periods) (P=.887). The hepatitis B seroprevalence rate was higher in males compared to females during 2002-2005 (6.3% vs 3.1%) (P < .0001) and 2012-2015 (2.4% vs 1.1% ) (P < .0001), respectively. CONCLUSION The significant drop in HBV prevalence was most likely due to the introduction of the vaccination program in 1989, while reasons for HCV prevalence remaining unchanged are unclear. LIMITATION No data on confounding factors that may have affected the prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Albadran
- Dr. Asma Albadran, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box 3354, Riyadh 11211,, Saudi Arabia, T: +966-11-442-7392, F: +966-11-442-7393, , ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4160-409X
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18
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EL Hadad S, Al-Hamdan H, Linjawi S. Partial sequencing analysis of the NS5B region confirmed the predominance of hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178225. [PMID: 28552946 PMCID: PMC5446157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its progression are major health problems that many countries including Saudi Arabia are facing. Determination of HCV genotypes and subgenotypes is critical for epidemiological and clinical analysis and aids in the determination of the ideal treatment strategy that needs to be followed and the expected therapy response. Although HCV infection has been identified as the second most predominant type of hepatitis in Saudi Arabia, little is known about the molecular epidemiology and genetic variability of HCV circulating in the Jeddah province of Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to determine the dominance of various HCV genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in Jeddah using partial sequencing of the NS5B region. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in Saudi Arabia. To characterize HCV genotypes and subgenotypes, serum samples from 56 patients with chronic HCV infection were collected and subjected to partial NS5B gene amplification and sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the NS5B partial sequences revealed that HCV/1 was the predominant genotype (73%), followed by HCV/4 (24.49%) and HCV/3 (2.04%). Moreover, pairwise analysis also confirmed these results based on the average specific nucleotide distance identity: ±0.112, ±0.112, and ±0.179 for HCV/1, HCV/4, and HCV/3, respectively, without any interference between genotypes. Notably, the phylogenetic tree of the HCV/1 subgenotypes revealed that all the isolates (100%) from the present study belonged to the HCV/1a subgenotype. Our findings also revealed similarities in the nucleotide sequences between HCV circulating in Saudi Arabia and those circulating in countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Canada, India, Pakistan, and France. These results indicated that determination of HCV genotypes and subgenotypes based on partial sequence analysis of the NS5B region is accurate and reliable for HCV subtype determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar EL Hadad
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center of Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics, VACSERA, Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail:
| | - Hesa Al-Hamdan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabah Linjawi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Alshayea AI, Eid GE, El-Hazmi MM, Alhetheel AF. Prevalence and characterization of occult hepatitis B infection among blood donors in central Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J 2017; 37:1114-9. [PMID: 27652363 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.10.14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of occult hepatitis B viral infections (OBIs) among blood donors considering the clinical and epidemiological importance of identifying OBIs. METHODS A cross-sectional study conducted at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 2011 and January 2012. Blood donors (n=8501) were screened for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibodies (HBcAb). All HBsAg-negative and HBcAb-positive samples were tested further for hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAb), hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA, and HBV genotyping. RESULTS Of the 8501 serum samples tested, 56 (0.7%) were positive and 8445 (99.3%) were negative for HBsAg. Among the HBsAg-negative samples, 198 (2.3%) were positive for HBcAb and these patients were suspected to have OBIs. Among the HBcAb-positive samples, 119 (60.1%) were positive while 79 (39.9%) were negative for HBsAb. Analysis of HBV-DNA for the suspected OBIs showed that 17 out of 198 samples (8.6%) yielded positive results, and all of them were HBsAb-negative. The viral load was low (less than 20-186 IU/mL) in all OBIs. Hepatitis B virus genotyping showed that 15 out of 17 samples (88.2%) were genotype D, and the other 2 samples (11.8%) were genotype E. CONCLUSION The prevalence of OBIs among blood donors in Riyadh was 0.2%. Therefore, it is recommended that HBV molecular testing should be incorporated with serological assays for screening of blood donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej I Alshayea
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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20
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Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Islamic Republic of Iran. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(16)61166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Al Humayed SM, El-Mekki AA, Mahfouz AA. Hepatitis C virus infection in southwestern Saudi Arabia: Are we still in the plateau phase? J Med Virol 2016; 89:867-871. [PMID: 27735998 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to study the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and related risk factors in Aseer region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, the region known to be of the highest endemicity of viral hepatitis. In a cross-sectional study, all participants were interviewed using structured questionnaire. HCV infection was diagnosed using fourth-generation ELISA. All positive and equivocal HCV serology results were further confirmed by using a qualitative confirmatory RT-PCR. The study enrolled 10,234 participants. A seroprevalence of 2.2% (95%CI: 1.9-2.5%) was found. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the study showed that males had significantly more risk to become seropositive for HCV (aOR = 1.437, 95%CI: 1.071-1.927) compared to females. Similarly, participants having history of blood transfusion had more than two times the risk of becoming seropositive for HCV (aOR = 2.079, 95%CI: 1.037-4.149). HCV infection in the study area is still high in the plateau phase. It is recommended to have an active educational and media campaign about the risks of HCV infections. Workshops and training of qualified laboratory staff related to blood banking seem mandatory. J. Med. Virol. 89:867-871, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suliman M Al Humayed
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awad A El-Mekki
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A Mahfouz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Balkhy HH, El-Saed A, Sanai FM, Alqahtani M, Alonaizi M, Niazy N, Aljumah A. Magnitude and causes of loss to follow-up among patients with viral hepatitis at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. J Infect Public Health 2016; 10:379-387. [PMID: 27720641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-adherence with recommended follow-up visits is a major barrier for completing treatment of viral hepatitis and is consequently associated with unfavorable outcomes of health services. OBJECTIVES To estimate the magnitude and identify perceived reasons and patient characteristics associated with loss to follow-up in a tertiary care setting. METHODS A two-step cross-sectional study design was used, including a chart review (2011) followed by phone survey (2012). Loss to follow-up was recorded among those who were diagnosed with hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) during 2009-2010 but never returned for recommended/scheduled follow-up appointment(s). RESULTS A total of 328 patients (202 HBV and 126 HCV) were included in the current analysis. The average age was 49.6±17.9years, and 57% were males. Out of 328, 131 (40%) were not advised to do follow-up, and 98 (30%) were not doing follow-up. Perceived reasons for loss to follow-up were as follows: unaware that a follow-up appointment was scheduled (69%), never informed of need for follow-up by healthcare provider (15%), personal belief that follow-up was not necessary (9%), logistical reasons (3%) and other reasons (5%). Loss to follow-up was higher among those who had been diagnosed with HBV, referred by non-liver-related specialty, never advised to follow-up, unaware of their diagnosis, incorrectly identified their type of hepatitis, lacking hepatitis complications, having full medical coverage, pregnant, and those with low knowledge or negative attitude towards hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS Loss to follow-up is a significant problem among patients with hepatitis in a tertiary care center, with several patient and system failures being implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H Balkhy
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States and WHO Collaborating Center for Infection Prevention & Control, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Aiman El-Saed
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States and WHO Collaborating Center for Infection Prevention & Control, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Faisal M Sanai
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Hepatology Division, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alqahtani
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Alonaizi
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nermeen Niazy
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman Aljumah
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Hepatology Division, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Clinical Presentation, Risk Factors, and Treatment Modalities of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single Tertiary Care Center Experience. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2016; 2016:1989045. [PMID: 27525001 PMCID: PMC4976192 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1989045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes in Saudi patients with HCC and propose points for early detection of the disease. Methods. Patients were stratified according to underlying risk factors for the development of HCC. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) was used for cancer staging. Treatment was classified into surgical resection/liver transplantation; locoregional ablation therapy; transarterial embolization; systemic chemotherapy; and best supportive care. Results. A total of 235 patients were included. Males had higher tumor size and incidence of portal vein thrombosis. Viral hepatitis was a risk factor in 75.7%. The most common BCLC stages were B (34.5%) and A (33.6%), and the most common radiological presentation was a single nodule of less than 5 cm. Metastases were present in 13.2%. Overall, 77 patients (32.8%) underwent a potentially curative treatment as the initial therapy. The most commonly utilized treatment modality was chemoembolization with 113 sessions in 71 patients. The overall median survival was 15.97 ± 27.18 months. Conclusion. HCC in Saudi Arabia is associated with high prevalence of HCV. Potentially curative therapies were underutilized in our patients. Cancer stage BCLC-B was the most frequent (34.5%) followed by BCLC-A (33.6%). The overall median survival was shorter than other studies.
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Al Humayed SM. Seroprevalence of HBsAg among adolescents and adults in the Muhayil Aseer region of KSA: 25 years after the introduction of national vaccination. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Mohammadi Z, Keshtkar A, Eghtesad S, Jeddian A, Pourfatholah AA, Maghsudlu M, Zadsar M, Mahmoudi Z, Shayanrad A, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. Epidemiological Profile of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Iran in the Past 25 years; A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of General Population Studies. Middle East J Dig Dis 2016; 8:5-18. [PMID: 26933476 PMCID: PMC4773083 DOI: 10.15171/mejdd.2016.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most important health problems worldwide with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is a major risk factor for cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, Iran is located in the intermediate HBV zone; however, recent studies have provided some evidence indicating an epidemiological change in the country. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HBV in Iran.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the studies performed in the past 25 years that have reported the prevalence of HBV infection and its associated factors in the Iranian general population (1990-2014). Any study assessing and reporting serum Hbs Ag levels was included in this review.
RESULTS
After excluding all impertinent studies, 19 eligible studies were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of HBV was 3% (95% CI 2% to 3%). Its distribution showed that the prevalence of HBV varies in different provinces from 0.87% to 8.86%. The HBV rate was highest in the Golestan (8.86%) and lowest in the Kurdistan (0.87%) provinces.
CONCLUSION
This study provides some evidence about the prevalence of HBV in Iran. However, the collected data was very heterogenic, even within a single province, which made it hard to estimate a single-point prevalence. High quality studies are needed to find reliable information about HBV prevalence and to decrease the heterogeneity of results in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mohammadi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbasali Keshtkar
- Department of Health Sciences Education Development, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sareh Eghtesad
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Jeddian
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Pourfatholah
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Maghsudlu
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zadsar
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mahmoudi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amaneh Shayanrad
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zampino R, Boemio A, Sagnelli C, Alessio L, Adinolfi LE, Sagnelli E, Coppola N. Hepatitis B virus burden in developing countries. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:11941-11953. [PMID: 26576083 PMCID: PMC4641116 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i42.11941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has shown an intermediate or high endemicity level in low-income countries over the last five decades. In recent years, however, the incidence of acute hepatitis B and the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen chronic carriers have decreased in several countries because of the HBV universal vaccination programs started in the nineties. Some countries, however, are still unable to implement these programs, particularly in their hyperendemic rural areas. The diffusion of HBV infection is still wide in several low-income countries where the prevention, management and treatment of HBV infection are a heavy burden for the governments and healthcare authorities. Of note, the information on the HBV epidemiology is scanty in numerous eastern European and Latin-American countries. The studies on molecular epidemiology performed in some countries provide an important contribution for a more comprehensive knowledge of HBV epidemiology, and phylogenetic studies provide information on the impact of recent and older migratory flows.
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Infectious disease screening among stem cell transplant donors: An Institutional experience in Saudi Arabia. Ann Neurosci 2015; 22:81-6. [PMID: 26130912 PMCID: PMC4480260 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.220206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the infusion of hematopoietic stem cells from a suitable donor to a patient who has undergone chemotherapy. Stem Cell transplantation is used for the treatment for a wide variety of diseases, including leukemia and lymphoma. Purpose This study highlights prevention strategies of infectious diseases among HSCT donors and recipients in our institute as guided by International guidelines. We aim to highlight the strategy for extensive screening of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, CMV infection and syphilis cases in all the stem cell units stored in our facility Methods We searched the institutional database to identify cases of infectious diseases among HSC transplants. Extensive donor evaluation was conducted through screening and laboratory infectious disease testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, CMV infection and syphilis. Results Between 1996 and 2014, 263 consecutive adult HSCT were performed. An approximate equal number of autologous and allogeneic HSC collections were undertaken. The median age for autologous donors was 35 years, whereas that of allogeneic donors is 25 years. Of the 263 stem cell donors, we found 18 patients (autologous) and 2 donors (allogeneic) to be infected. We did not find any of the donors infected with HIV by the serology as well as the NAT testing protocol Conclusion Donor screening and testing is the most critical parameter in stem cell transplantation in order to ensure the safety of the product to be transplanted. Modifications in the regulations related to donor screening are aimed at providing safe transplantation and negate the risk of accidental infection of the donor.
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Hayajneh WA, Balbeesi A, Faouri S. Hepatitis A virus age-specific sero-prevalence and risk factors among Jordanian children. J Med Virol 2015; 87:569-74. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wail A. Hayajneh
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics; Jordan University of Science and Technology; Irbid Jordan
| | - Adel Balbeesi
- Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET); Amman Jordan
| | - Samir Faouri
- Department of Pediatrics; Al Bashir Hospital, Ministry of Health; Amman Jordan
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Itani T, Jacobsen KH, Nguyen T, Wiktor SZ. A new method for imputing country-level estimates of hepatitis A virus endemicity levels in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Vaccine 2014; 32:6067-74. [PMID: 25236586 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few country-level estimates for hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevlance are available for the 23 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMRO) of the World Health Organization. METHODS We used a three-stage approach to assign an HAV endemicity level to each country in North Africa and the Middle East based on the age at midpoint of population immunity. First, we conducted a systematic review to identify all age-seroprevalence studies conducted within the past 10 years. Second, for countries without first-stage evidence we searched for incidence data and older seroprevalence data. Third, for countries with no hepatitis A data, we estimated HAV endemicity based on socioeconomic and water indicators. RESULTS This three-stage method allowed us to estimate country-specific endemicity levels for every country in EMRO even though first-stage evidence was only available for nine countries and for three countries only third-stage evidence was available. The region has a heterogeneous hepatitis A risk profile, with 13 countries having very high endemicity (an age at midpoint of population immunity in early childhood), three having high endemicity (late childhood), and seven having intermediate endemicity (early adulthood). CONCLUSIONS The three-stage estimation approach enables the creation of a complete country-level map of HAV risk in EMRO. Given the heterogeneity of HAV endemicity levels in the region and the likelihood of transitions to lower incidence rates and greater adult susceptibility in the near future, enhanced surveillance for hepatitis A would strengthen decisions about vaccination policy in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Itani
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV/AIDS Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kathryn H Jacobsen
- Department of Global & Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.
| | - Tim Nguyen
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV/AIDS Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Evidence and Information for Policy, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Z Wiktor
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV/AIDS Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Melhem NM, Talhouk R, Rachidi H, Ramia S. Hepatitis A virus in the Middle East and North Africa region: a new challenge. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21:605-15. [PMID: 25040644 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
During the past three decades, a gradual shift in the age of infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) from early childhood to adulthood has been observed. There is a general lack of updated data on HAV burden of disease, incidence and age-specific seroprevalence in countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The aim of this article is to review the published data on anti-HAV seroprevalence, an important tool to monitor infections rates, in countries of the MENA region and associated risk factors including water and socioeconomic data when available. Data on anti-HAV seroprevalence were found for 12 of 25 MENA countries. We show that MENA countries, similar to other areas in the world, have a clear shift in HAV incidence with a decline among young age groups and an increase among adults and older individuals. This would likely be associated with increased morbidity and increased risks of outbreaks among younger age groups. Consequently, the continuous surveillance of hepatitis A cases and the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccine in the expanded immunization programmes are needed in countries of the MENA.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Melhem
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Burgess C, Peace A, Everett R, Allegri B, Garman P. Computational modeling of interventions and protective thresholds to prevent disease transmission in deploying populations. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2014; 2014:785752. [PMID: 25009579 PMCID: PMC4070471 DOI: 10.1155/2014/785752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Military personnel are deployed abroad for missions ranging from humanitarian relief efforts to combat actions; delay or interruption in these activities due to disease transmission can cause operational disruptions, significant economic loss, and stressed or exceeded military medical resources. Deployed troops function in environments favorable to the rapid and efficient transmission of many viruses particularly when levels of protection are suboptimal. When immunity among deployed military populations is low, the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks increases, impacting troop readiness and achievement of mission objectives. However, targeted vaccination and the optimization of preexisting immunity among deployed populations can decrease the threat of outbreaks among deployed troops. Here we describe methods for the computational modeling of disease transmission to explore how preexisting immunity compares with vaccination at the time of deployment as a means of preventing outbreaks and protecting troops and mission objectives during extended military deployment actions. These methods are illustrated with five modeling case studies for separate diseases common in many parts of the world, to show different approaches required in varying epidemiological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Patrick Garman
- Military Vaccine Agency (MILVAX), Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA
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32
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Accuracy of rapid oral HCV diagnostic test among a Saudi sample. Clin Oral Investig 2014; 19:475-80. [PMID: 24846644 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-014-1261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gasim GI. Hepatitis B virus in the Arab world: where do we stand? Arab J Gastroenterol 2013; 14:35-43. [PMID: 23820498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of viral hepatitis is of great importance for planning and managing health provision for all the countries in the Arab world. However, data on viral hepatitis are not readily available in a large percentage of Arab countries. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is considered to be one of the most important causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A systematic electronic search of published literature was conducted to extract data on epidemiology and risk factors for the analysis of HBV infection among the countries in the Arab world. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection was found to be decreasing in some Arab countries although it was still unacceptably high. This was particularly evident in the Arabian Gulf region, in Lebanon, Egypt and Libya. The age-specific prevalence varied from country to country with decline in prevalence being noted among children in the Gulf States and among Libyan women. These declines in prevalence are most likely to be related to the Expanded Immunization Programme. The alarmingly high prevalence of chronically infected patients in some areas and the widespread differences in HBV prevalence between Arab nations may be explained by the variation in risk factors involved. This situation calls for targeted approaches to tackle HBV-related mortality and morbidity. Precise HBV infection prevalence data are needed at the national and the sub-national level to estimate the disease burden, guide health intervention programmes and evaluate vaccine efficiency.
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Alswat KA, Sanai FM, Altuwaijri M, Albenmousa A, Almadi M, Al-Hamoudi WK, Abdo AA. Clinical characteristics of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in a middle eastern population. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e7612. [PMID: 23922558 PMCID: PMC3732662 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.7612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death in Saudi male patients. Local clinical and demographic data of this disease are scarce. OBJECTIVES We sought to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients from two tertiary care centers in Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were collected for all patients diagnosed to have hepatocellular carcinoma between June 2003 and July 2008 who had been registered in a special research database (the Saudi Observatory Liver Disease Registry (SOLID)). Data were extracted from SOLID for clinical, biochemical, radiologic parameters and outcome. RESULTS Data was available for 363 patients, the mean age of diagnosis was 66 years, 74% of patients were males, and Hepatitis C was the underlying cause of liver disease in 48%, while Hepatitis B in 29%. Most of the patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage, 53 % of patients had a CLIP score of 4 to 6 (advanced stage), 55% had large multi-nodular tumors and 16% had vascular invasion or extra-hepatic spread at the time of diagnosis. Most of the patients had decompensated cirrhosis; with child-pogh score B in 44% and C in 26% with presence of portal hypertension in 55%. Forty eight percent died during the study period. Predictors of poor survival in the univariate analysis were; presence of portal vein thrombosis (P = 0.03), portal hypertension (P < 0.0001), presence of ascites (P = 0.022), hepatic encephalopathy (P < 0.0001), advanced child-pough score (P < 0.0001), bilirubin > 22 (P < 0.0001) and INR > 1.2 (P = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, only the presence of portal hypertension, bilirubin > 22 and severe hepatic encephalopathy were significant with adjusted hazard ratio of 1.6 (95% CI; 1.04-2.47), 1.76 (95% CI; 1.12-2.8), and 3.18 (95% CI; 1.42-7.14) respectively. CONCLUSIONS The data from this cohort indicates that most of patients diagnosed with HCC present at late tumor and liver disease stages, when prognosis is usually dismal. Regular cancer surveillance in cirrhotic patients might change the outcomes. Further studies with results of treatment outcomes in this community are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A. Alswat
- Department of Medicine, Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author: Khalid A. Alswat, Department of Medicine, Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tel: +966-14679167, Fax: +966-14671217, E-mail:
| | - Faisal M. Sanai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Science and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour Altuwaijri
- Department of Medicine, Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Albenmousa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Almadi
- Department of Medicine, Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed K. Al-Hamoudi
- Department of Medicine, Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman A. Abdo
- Department of Medicine, Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Thaqafy MS, Balkhy HH, Memish Z, Makhdom YM, Ibrahim A, Al-Amri A, Al-Thaqafi A. Hepatitis B virus among Saudi National Guard personnel: seroprevalence and risk of exposure. J Infect Public Health 2013; 6:237-45. [PMID: 23806697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2012.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on HBV prevalence among active military personnel in Saudi Arabia (SA) are lacking. In addition, the work-related risk of exposure is unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of HBV and the risk of HBV exposure among SA National Guard (SANG) soldiers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed and included 400 male SANG soldiers working in Jeddah during January 2009. All soldiers completed a questionnaire to assess their risk of exposure and gave a blood sample to test for hepatitis serology markers. RESULTS A total of 16 (4.0%) soldiers were positive for HbsAg, 53 (13.2%) were positive for anti-HBc, and 230 (57.5%) were positive for anti-HBs. None of the soldiers had acute HBV infection, but 15 (3.8%) were chronic HBV carriers. A total of 152 (38.0%) soldiers were susceptible to HBV infection, and 230 (57.5%) were immune to HBV infection, primarily (84.3%) due to HBV vaccination. Compared with those who were negative for anti-HBc (never exposed), soldiers who were positive for anti-HBc were more likely to be older, have a lower education level, have a higher income, have a longer service duration, have a household member with HBV disease, have undergone surgery, or have undergone endoscopy. In the multivariate logistic regression model, older age, presence of a household member with HBV disease and previous endoscopy were independent predictors of HBV exposure. CONCLUSION We report a 4% prevalence of HBsAg in the Saudi military population. This HBV prevalence was higher than those in the general Saudi population and military populations from Western countries. Both work-related and community-related risk factors for exposure are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid S Al-Thaqafy
- Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Thaqafy MS, Balkhy HH, Memish Z, Makhdom YM, Ibrahim A, Al-Amri A, Al-Thaqafi A. Improvement of the low knowledge, attitude and practice of hepatitis B virus infection among Saudi national guard personnel after educational intervention. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:597. [PMID: 23111118 PMCID: PMC3532195 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was reported to be higher in military personnel than the general population in Saudi Arabia (SA), there is lack of studies assessing HBV awareness among them. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of HBV infection among military personnel. Methods An intervention design with pre- and post-education KAP questionnaire was completed among National Guard soldiers working in Jeddah during January 2009. Educational intervention was provided through educational leaflets, group and individual discussions, visual show, and a lecture. A score was created from the correct answers to 58 questions. Results A total of 400 male soldiers with mean age 30.7 ± 6.1 years completed both questionnaires. The majority had school education (96.8%) and in the lower military ranks (66.0%). Only 19.5% of soldiers reported HBV vaccine intake. The low median and inter-quartile range of the pre-intervention score (16, 6–26) markedly increased after education (to 53, 50–55, p<0.001). The overall improvement of mean KAP score (204%) was also observed in all its component scores; disease nature (272%), methods of transmission (206%), prevention and control (109%), attitude (155%), and practice (192%). The improvement was evident irrespective of socio-demographic characteristics and history of HBV vaccine. KAP scores were significantly associated with higher educational levels, higher monthly income, administrative jobs, and higher job ranks. Conclusion We are reporting a low level of HBV awareness among Saudi military population. The study confirms the need and effectiveness of focused multifaceted educational campaigns among the military population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid S Al-Thaqafy
- Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Alghamdi AS, Sanai FM, Ismail M, Alghamdi H, Alswat K, Alqutub A, Altraif I, Shah H, Alfaleh FZ. SASLT practice guidelines: management of hepatitis C virus infection. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2012; 18 Suppl:S1-32. [PMID: 23006491 PMCID: PMC3713589 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S. Alghamdi
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Abdullah Saeed Alghamdi, Department of Medicine, King Fahad General Hospital, PO BOX 50505 (450), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
| | - Faisal M. Sanai
- Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs,Liver Disease Research Center, National Plan for Science and Technology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Ismail
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Fahad Hospital of the University, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Alghamdi
- Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs
| | - Khalid Alswat
- Liver Disease Research Center, National Plan for Science and Technology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Alqutub
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Altraif
- Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs
| | - Hemant Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faleh Z. Alfaleh
- Liver Disease Research Center, National Plan for Science and Technology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Identifying newly acquired cases of hepatitis C using surveillance: a literature review. Epidemiol Infect 2012; 140:1925-34. [PMID: 22651915 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812001033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of newly acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of HCV and informing public health practice. However, monitoring such infections via surveillance systems is challenging because they are commonly asymptomatic. A literature review was conducted to identify methodologies used by HCV surveillance systems to identify newly acquired infections; relevant surveillance systems in 15 countries were identified. Surveillance systems used three main strategies to identify newly acquired infections: (1) asking physicians to classify cases; (2) identifying symptomatic cases or cases with elevated alanine aminotransferases; and (3) identifying cases with documented evidence of anti-HCV antibody seroconversion within a specific time-frame. Case-ascertainment methods varied with greater completeness of data in enhanced compared to passive surveillance systems. Automated systems that extract and link testing data from multiple laboratory and clinic databases may provide an opportunity for collecting testing histories for individuals that is less resource intensive than enhanced surveillance.
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Daw MA, Dau AA. Hepatitis C virus in Arab world: a state of concern. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:719494. [PMID: 22629189 PMCID: PMC3354686 DOI: 10.1100/2012/719494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus has been considered to be one of the most important devastating causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic cellular carcinoma. The prevalence of such virus varies greatly over the world. Arab world has a unique geography and consists over nineteen countries who share the same heritage and customs and do speak the same language. In this area, the epidemiology of hepatitis C is not well understandable. Hepatitis C virus was found to be endemic in Arabia. The serostatus of such virus was found to be variable among these countries with uniform patterns of genotypes. Such prevalence varies tremendously according to the risk factors involved. Blood and blood products, haemodialysis, intravenous, and percutaneous drug users, and occupational, habitual, and social behavior were found to be the important factors involved. Hepatitis C will have major social, economic, and even political burdens on such young and dynamic societies. Thus, strategies and clear policy of intervention are urgently needed to combat the consequences of HCV both regionally and at state level of each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine Tripoli, PO Box 82668, Tripoli, Libya.
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Abstract
Some 400 million people worldwide are currently infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the infection is common in the Middle East. Another 170 million people around the globe presently live with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Both HBV and HCV represent a worldwide epidemic. Despite significant decline in the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in Saudi Arabia, these viral diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality, and impose a great burden on the country's healthcare system. On the other hand, Saudi epidemiology studies have shown that the hepatitis A virus seroprevalence in the country has reduced considerably over the past two decades. The progress in mapping the epidemiological pattern of viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia has not only aided our understanding of the disease, but has also exposed the small but relevant gaps in our identification of the intricate details concerning the disease's clinical expression. In this review, we aim to document the timeline of viral hepatitis epidemiology in Saudi Arabia, while summarizing the relevant published literature on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A. Abdo
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Ayman A. Abdo, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925 (59), Riyadh - 11461, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
| | - Faisal M. Sanai
- Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faleh Z. Al-Faleh
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Hepatitis C Virus infections trends in Italy, 1996-2006. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2011. [DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1735143x.3751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Balkhy HH, El Beltagy KE, El-Saed A, Sallah M, Jagger J. Benchmarking of percutaneous injuries at a teaching tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia relative to United States hospitals participating in the Exposure Prevention Information Network. Am J Infect Control 2011; 39:560-5. [PMID: 21636172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2010.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent improvements in policies, practices, and device design, percutaneous injuries (PIs) from needles and sharp instruments continue to expose health care workers to the risk of bloodborne pathogens. METHODS Prospective surveillance was instituted to study the epidemiologic characteristics of PIs at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (KAMC-R) from 2004 through 2008 and to benchmark these characteristics relative to those of a network of US hospitals participating in the Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) research group (2004-2007). RESULTS The mean PIs rate per 100 daily occupied beds in KAMC-R was significantly lower than that reported by teaching and nonteaching US EPINet hospitals. Similar to US EPINet hospitals, nurses at KAMC-R reported more PIs than physicians. Compared with US EPINet hospitals, nurses at KAMC-R experienced more PIs (52.8% vs 38.1%, respectively), whereas physicians experienced fewer PIs (18.4% vs 28.6%, respectively). The majority of PIs happened in patient wards (50.6%) in KAMC-R and operating rooms (34.1%) in US EPINet hospitals. Suturing, which was involved in only 10% of PIs at KAMC-R, was the most frequent PIs mechanism in US EPINet hospitals (23.3%). In both KAMC-R and US EPINet hospitals, disposable syringes were the most frequent devices involved, the left hand was the most common site of injury, and the source patient was largely identifiable. CONCLUSION We have lower rates of PIs at KAMC-R relative to US EPINet hospitals. Whereas it is difficult to fully explain such differences, this could be due to variations in health care systems, underreporting, or the impact of the PIs prevention activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H Balkhy
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Sievert W, Altraif I, Razavi HA, Abdo A, Ahmed EA, Alomair A, Amarapurkar D, Chen CH, Dou X, El Khayat H, Elshazly M, Esmat G, Guan R, Han KH, Koike K, Largen A, McCaughan G, Mogawer S, Monis A, Nawaz A, Piratvisuth T, Sanai FM, Sharara AI, Sibbel S, Sood A, Suh DJ, Wallace C, Young K, Negro F. A systematic review of hepatitis C virus epidemiology in Asia, Australia and Egypt. Liver Int 2011; 31 Suppl 2:61-80. [PMID: 21651703 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02540.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis C pandemic has been systematically studied and characterized in North America and Europe, but this important public health problem has not received equivalent attention in other regions. AIM The objective of this systematic review was to characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in selected countries of Asia, Australia and Egypt, i.e. in a geographical area inhabited by over 40% of the global population. METHODOLOGY Data references were identified through indexed journals and non-indexed sources. In this work, 7770 articles were reviewed and 690 were selected based on their relevance. RESULTS We estimated that 49.3-64.0 million adults in Asia, Australia and Egypt are anti-HCV positive. China alone has more HCV infections than all of Europe or the Americas. While most countries had prevalence rates from 1 to 2% we documented several with relatively high prevalence rates, including Egypt (15%), Pakistan (4.7%) and Taiwan (4.4%). Nosocomial infection, blood transfusion (before screening) and injection drug use were identified as common risk factors in the region. Genotype 1 was common in Australia, China, Taiwan and other countries in North Asia, while genotype 6 was found in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. In India and Pakistan genotype 3 was predominant, while genotype 4 was found in Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria. CONCLUSION We recommend implementation of surveillance systems to guide effective public health policy that may lead to the eventual curtailment of the spread of this pandemic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Sievert
- Monash Medical Centre and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Alsultan MA, Alrshed RS, Aljumah AA, Baharoon SA, Arabi YM, Aldawood AS. In-hospital mortality among a cohort of cirrhotic patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:387-90. [PMID: 22064336 PMCID: PMC3221112 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.87179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM To determine the mortality rate in a cohort of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and examine their resuscitation status at admission. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with cirrhosis who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009. RESULTS We reviewed 226 cirrhotic patients during the study period. The hospital mortality rate was 35%. A univariate analysis revealed that worse outcomes were seen in patients with advanced age or who had worse child-turcotte-pugh (CPT) scores, worse model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, low albumin and high serum creatinine. Using a multivariate analysis, we found that advanced age (P=0.004) and high MELD (P=0.001) scores were independent risk factors for the mortality of cirrhotic patients. The end-of-life decision were made in 34% of cirrhotic patients, and the majority of deceased patients were "no resuscitation" status (90% vs. 4%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The relatively high mortality in cirrhotic patients admitted for care in a tertiary hospital, Saudi Arabia was comparable to that reported in the literature. Furthermore, end-of-life discussions should be addressed early in the hospitalization of cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A. Alsultan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashed S. Alrshed
- Vice-president of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Salim A. Baharoon
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaseen M. Arabi
- Department of Intensive Care, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences,, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz S. Aldawood
- Department of Intensive Care, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences,, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Abdulaziz S. Aldawood, Department of Intensive Care, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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Issa H. Safety of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C in patients with sickle cell anemia. World J Hepatol 2010; 2:180-4. [PMID: 21160993 PMCID: PMC2998964 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v2.i5.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2010] [Revised: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). METHODS Fifty-two patients with SCA and HCV were treated over a period of 7 years from June 2002 to July 2009. Their medical records were reviewed for: age at treatment, sex, body mass index, Hb level at the start of therapy and on follow-up, hemoglobin electrophoresis, liver function tests, G6PD level, LDH, bilirubin, HCV-RNA viral load, HCV genotype, liver biopsy, duration of treatment, and side effects. All were treated with pegylated interferon and a standard dose of ribavirin. The treatment was continued for 24 wk for those with genotype 2 and 3 and for 48 wk for those with genotype 1 and 4. RESULTS Fifty-two patients (30 females and 22 males) were treated. Their mean age was 29.5 years (range 15-54 years). HCV genotype was determined in 48 and 15 had liver biopsy. Their mean pre-treatment HCV-RNA viral load was 986330 IU/mL (range 12762-3329282 IU/mL). The liver biopsy showed grade I in 6 and grade II in 9 and stage I in 13 and stage II in 2. Only 8 were receiving hydroxyurea at the time of treatment. All tolerated the treatment well and none experienced a decrease in their Hb which required blood transfusion pre, during or after therapy. There were no hematological side effects attributable to ribavirin at the usual recommended dose. Thirty-seven (71.2%) achieved SVR at 6 mo after the end of treatment. The remaining 15 were non-responders. Two of them showed an ETR but had a relapse. The remaining 13 had a relatively significant HCV-RNA viral load with a mean HCV-RNA viral load of 1829741.2 IU/mL (900000-3329282 IU/mL) and eight of them had HCV genotype 1, four had HCV genotype 4, and one had HCV genotype 5. CONCLUSION Patients with SCA and HCV can be treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin at the usual recommended dose. This is even so in those who are not receiving hydroxyurea. The treatment is safe and effective and the response rate is comparable to those without SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Issa
- Hussain Issa, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Sayhat 7312-32437, Saudi Arabia
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