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Lebbie W, Allan-Blitz LT, Nyama ET, Swaray M, Lavalie D, Mhango M, Patiño Rodriguez M, Gupta N, Bitwayiki R. Barriers to longitudinal follow-up for hepatitis B treatment in rural Sierra Leone: A mixed methods study of retention in care. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0225. [PMID: 38831767 PMCID: PMC11146505 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
HBV disproportionately affects resource-limited settings, and retaining patients in longitudinal care remains challenging. We conducted a mixed methods investigation to understand the causes of losses to follow-up within an HBV clinic in rural Sierra Leone. We developed a multivariable logistic regression model of baseline clinical and sociodemographic factors predicting losses to follow-up, defined as failing to present for a follow-up visit within 14 months of enrollment. We included patients enrolled between April 30, 2019 and March 1, 2020, permitting 14 months of follow-up by April 30, 2021. We then developed a survey to solicit patient perspectives on the challenges surrounding retention. We interviewed randomly selected patients absent from HBV care for at least 6 months. Among 271 patients enrolled in the Kono HBV clinic, 176 (64.9%) did not have a follow-up visit within 14 months of the study end point. Incomplete baseline workup (aOR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6-4.8), lack of treatment at baseline (aOR 5.0; 95% CI: 1.7-14.4), and having cirrhosis at baseline (aOR 3.3; 95% CI: 0.99-10.8) were independently associated with being lost to follow-up. For the patient survey, 21 patients completed the interview (median age 34 years [IQR: 25-38]). Travel-related factors were the most frequently reported barrier to retention (57%). Almost 30% suggested improved customer care might support retention in care; 24% requested to be given medication. In our setting, factors that might reduce losses to follow-up included expanded criteria for treatment initiation, overcoming transportation barriers, reducing wait times, ensuring against stockouts, and scaling up point-of-care testing services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Mohamed Swaray
- Partners In Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Britannica, WA
| | - Daniel Lavalie
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Britannica, WA
| | - Michael Mhango
- Partners In Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Britannica, WA
| | | | - Neil Gupta
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Remy Bitwayiki
- Partners In Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Britannica, WA
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Gopinath R, Sundaram ALM, Dhanasezhian A, Arundadhi M, Thangam GS. Seroprevalence of Various Viral Diseases in Tamil Nadu, India. J Glob Infect Dis 2023; 15:144-148. [PMID: 38292695 PMCID: PMC10824225 DOI: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_101_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Virus-borne diseases have recently gained significant public health importance. Viruses infect several hosts, including animal reservoirs, evolve quickly, and recombine emerging and reemerging to pose recurring dangers to humans. The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) located at Government Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, conducts the diagnosis of common virus infections. Methods From January 2018 to December 2022, the VRDL received whole blood sera samples from 84,059 patients suspected of having various viral illnesses. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect viral infections in all of the samples. Results A total of 84,059 individuals suspected for various viral infections have been tested and out of these 4948 (5.88%) cases have been reported to be positive and among them, the dengue virus is predominantly followed by, hepatitis B virus, chikungunya virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and rubella virus. Conclusion The issue of emerging and re-emerging infectious illnesses, particularly those caused by viruses, has grown in importance in public health. Timely action combined with proper information and the ability to diagnose infections may save many lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Gopinath
- Department of Microbiology, Government Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - A. Dhanasezhian
- Department of Microbiology, Government Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M. Arundadhi
- Department of Microbiology, Government Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G. Sucila Thangam
- Department of Microbiology, Government Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
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Totaro V, Patti G, Segala FV, Laforgia R, Raho L, Falanga C, Schiavone M, Frallonardo L, Panico GG, Spada V, De Santis L, Pellegrino C, Papagni R, D’Argenio A, Novara R, Marotta C, Laforgia N, Bavaro DF, Putoto G, Saracino A, Di Gennaro F. HIV-HCV Incidence in Low-Wage Agricultural Migrant Workers Living in Ghettos in Apulia Region, Italy: A Multicenter Cross Sectional Study. Viruses 2023; 15:249. [PMID: 36680288 PMCID: PMC9861079 DOI: 10.3390/v15010249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Migrant populations are more susceptible to viral hepatitis and HIV due to the epidemiology from their country of origin or their social vulnerability when they arrive in Europe. The aims of the study are to explore the incidence of HIV and HCV in low-wage agricultural migrant workers and their knowledge, attitude, and practice with regard to HIV and HCV, as well as their sexual behaviour and risk factors. As part of the mobile clinic services, we performed a screening campaign for HIV-HCV involving migrants living in three Apulian establishments. Results: Between January 2020 and April 2021, 309 migrants (n. 272, 88% male, mean age 28.5 years) were enrolled in the study. Most of the migrants interviewed (n = 297, 96%) reported a stopover in Libya during their trip to Italy. Only 0.9% (n. 3) of migrants reported having been tested for HCV, while 30.7% (n. 95) reported being tested for HIV. Furthermore, screening tests found four migrants (1.3%) to be HIV positive and nine (2.9%) to be HCV positive. The median knowledge score was 1 (IQR 0-3; maximum score: 6 points) for HCV and 3 (IQR 1-4; maximum score: 7 points) for HIV and low use of condoms was 5% (n. 16), while more than 95% show an attitude score of 5 (IQR 5-6; maximum score:6 points) on HIV-HCV education campaigns. In a multivariate analysis, being male (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.28−1.92), being single (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.20−2.03), being of low educational status (OR = 2.09; 95% CI 1.29−2.21), living in shantytowns for >12 months (OR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.25−2.55), and originating from the African continent (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.28−2.01) are significant predictors of poor knowledge on HCV. Our data show low knowledge, especially of HCV, confirming migrants as a population with a higher risk of infection. To develop education programmes, integrated care and screening among migrants could be an effective strategy, considering the high attitude toward these items shown in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Totaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Patti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Vladimiro Segala
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Raho
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, 70123 Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Luísa Frallonardo
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Giorgio Panico
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Spada
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Laura De Santis
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Pellegrino
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Papagni
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo D’Argenio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Novara
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Marotta
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Davide Fiore Bavaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Putoto
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa Saracino
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Gennaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, 35121 Padua, Italy
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Ghazzawi M, Yendewa SA, James PB, Massaquoi SP, Babawo LS, Sahr F, Deen GF, Kabba M, Ocama P, Lakoh S, Salata RA, Yendewa GA. Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020177. [PMID: 36673546 PMCID: PMC9859485 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had good HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Good HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter B. James
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | | | - Lawrence S. Babawo
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo Campus, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Sahr
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F. Deen
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mustapha Kabba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-2168441988
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Biselli R, Nisini R, Lista F, Autore A, Lastilla M, De Lorenzo G, Peragallo MS, Stroffolini T, D’Amelio R. A Historical Review of Military Medical Strategies for Fighting Infectious Diseases: From Battlefields to Global Health. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2050. [PMID: 36009598 PMCID: PMC9405556 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10082050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental conditions generated by war and characterized by poverty, undernutrition, stress, difficult access to safe water and food as well as lack of environmental and personal hygiene favor the spread of many infectious diseases. Epidemic typhus, plague, malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis, tetanus, and smallpox have nearly constantly accompanied wars, frequently deeply conditioning the outcome of battles/wars more than weapons and military strategy. At the end of the nineteenth century, with the birth of bacteriology, military medical researchers in Germany, the United Kingdom, and France were active in discovering the etiological agents of some diseases and in developing preventive vaccines. Emil von Behring, Ronald Ross and Charles Laveran, who were or served as military physicians, won the first, the second, and the seventh Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for discovering passive anti-diphtheria/tetanus immunotherapy and for identifying mosquito Anopheline as a malaria vector and plasmodium as its etiological agent, respectively. Meanwhile, Major Walter Reed in the United States of America discovered the mosquito vector of yellow fever, thus paving the way for its prevention by vector control. In this work, the military relevance of some vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, as well as of biological weapons, and the military contributions to their control will be described. Currently, the civil-military medical collaboration is getting closer and becoming interdependent, from research and development for the prevention of infectious diseases to disasters and emergencies management, as recently demonstrated in Ebola and Zika outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, even with the high biocontainment aeromedical evacuation, in a sort of global health diplomacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biselli
- Ispettorato Generale della Sanità Militare, Stato Maggiore della Difesa, Via S. Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Nisini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Dipartimento Scientifico, Policlinico Militare, Comando Logistico dell’Esercito, Via S. Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Autore
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico della Difesa, Ispettorato Generale della Sanità Militare, Stato Maggiore della Difesa, Via S. Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Lastilla
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale, Comando Logistico dell’Aeronautica Militare, Viale Piero Gobetti 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Lorenzo
- Comando Generale dell’Arma dei Carabinieri, Dipartimento per l’Organizzazione Sanitaria e Veterinaria, Viale Romania 45, 00197 Roma, Italy
| | - Mario Stefano Peragallo
- Centro Studi e Ricerche di Sanità e Veterinaria, Comando Logistico dell’Esercito, Via S. Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Tommaso Stroffolini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Raffaele D’Amelio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189 Roma, Italy
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Wahome PK, Kiende P, Nakazea RJ, Mwasowa NM, Nyamu GW. Occult hepatitis B virus infections and risk factors among school-going adolescent voluntary blood donors in Kwale County Kenya, January 2020–June 2021: Cross sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263473. [PMID: 35877674 PMCID: PMC9312369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remain a safety concern worldwide. The prevalence in Kenya ranges from 2.6% to 4.4% among secondary school-going voluntary blood donors. This study estimated the prevalence of occult HBV infections among school-going voluntary blood donors through donations made to Kwale Satellite Blood Transfusion Center (KSBTC). Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study on data collected by the KSBTC between January 2020 and June 2021 among secondary school-going voluntary blood donors. Data were collected in MS Excel 2013 and analyzed in Epi Info 7. Descriptive statistics were calculated and we compared donors with positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to those with negative HBsAg. Crude Prevalence Odds Ratios (cPOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with positive HBsAg. Results A total of 613 records were analyzed. The mean age of the donors was 19.1 years (± 1.8 years), there were 457 males (74.5%), 502 individuals were in the age group 18–25 years (82.3%), and the mean hemoglobin level was 14.1 g/dl (±1.6 g/dl). First-time blood donors made up 84.8% of all donors (513/605) and the mean inter-donation period was 20 months (±5.8 months) for repeat donors. The sero-positivity for HBsAg was 8.8% (54/613). Age category 16–17 years with positive HBsAg were 10.2% (11/108), femaleswere10.9% (17/156), and first-time donors were 9.4% (48/513). On bivariate analyses, first-time blood donors were 1.5 times more likely to test positive for HBsAg compared to repeat donors (cPOR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.61–3.57). Females were 1.4 times more likely to test positive for HBsAg compared to male donors (cPOR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.76–2.54). Conclusions The majority of the voluntary blood donors were males and the majority of occult HBV infections came in the first-time blood donor group. We recommend increasing targeted recruitment of repeat donors by encouraging healthy first-timer donors to be regular donors, and suggest this population should be vaccinated against HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kitemi Wahome
- Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
- Department of Health, Kwale County, Kenya
| | - Polly Kiende
- Department of Health, Tharaka Nithi, Chuka, Kenya
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Yendewa GA, Lakoh S, Jiba DF, Yendewa SA, Barrie U, Deen GF, Samai M, Jacobson JM, Sahr F, Salata RA. Hepatitis B Virus and Tuberculosis Are Associated with Increased Noncommunicable Disease Risk among Treatment-Naïve People with HIV: Opportunities for Prevention, Early Detection and Management of Comorbidities in Sierra Leone. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123466. [PMID: 35743539 PMCID: PMC9225550 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing public health concern in low- and middle-income countries and disproportionately affect people living with HIV (PWH). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection are presumed risk factors in endemic settings; however, supporting evidence is conflicting. We analyzed baseline data of newly diagnosed PWH prospectively enrolled in the Sierra Leone HIV Cohort Study in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from March to September 2021. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between NCDs, HBV and TB. A total of 275 PWH aged ≥18 years were studied (55% female, median age 33 years, median CD4 307 cells/mm3, 15.3% HIV/HBV, 8.7% HIV/TB). NCDs were bimodally distributed, with 1 in 4 PWH clustered around liver disease (fibrosis/cirrhosis), diabetes/prediabetes and obesity/preobesity, while 1 in 8 had renal impairment or hypertension (HTN). Overall, 41.5% had ≥1 NCD, while 17.5% were multimorbid (≥2 NCDs). After adjusting for age, sex, sociodemographic factors and CD4 count, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis was strongly associated with HBV (aOR 8.80, 95% CI [2.46−31.45]; p < 0.001) and diabetes/prediabetes (aOR 9.89, 95% CI [1.14−85.67]; p < 0.037). TB independently predicted diabetes/prediabetes (aOR 7.34, 95% CI [1.87−28.74]; p < 0.004), while renal impairment was associated with proteinuria (aOR 9.34, 95% CI [2.01−43.78]; p < 0.004) and HTN (aOR 6.00, 95% CI [1.10−35.39]; p < 0.049). Our findings warrant the implementation of NCD-aware HIV programs for the prevention, early detection and management of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.M.J.); (R.A.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (S.L.); (G.F.D.); (M.S.); (F.S.)
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (D.F.J.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Darlinda F. Jiba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (D.F.J.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Sahr A. Yendewa
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (D.F.J.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Umu Barrie
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone;
| | - Gibrilla F. Deen
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (S.L.); (G.F.D.); (M.S.); (F.S.)
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (D.F.J.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Mohamed Samai
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (S.L.); (G.F.D.); (M.S.); (F.S.)
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (D.F.J.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Jeffrey M. Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.M.J.); (R.A.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Foday Sahr
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (S.L.); (G.F.D.); (M.S.); (F.S.)
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (D.F.J.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.M.J.); (R.A.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Alzubiery TKA, Alhazari T, Alcantara JC, Majed SA, Bazaid AS, Aldarhami A. Updated Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Anti-Hepatitis Core Antibody Among Blood Donors in Yemen. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:2787-2796. [PMID: 35668852 PMCID: PMC9166908 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s357819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common infectious pathogens worldwide. Various studies found a prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors ranging from 2% to 18%. Hence, this study aimed to provide an updated prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb among blood donors. Patients and Methods This was a cross-sectional study to investigate the donation records of blood donors in Sana’a, Yemen, over one year (January to December 2019). Eligible blood donors were included in the study. The serum samples of blood donors were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBcAb (IgG & IgM) using the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) techniques. Results A total of 16,367 blood donors were recruited in this study, of whom 14,300 (87.4%) donated only once during this study (single, non-duplicated blood donors), while 2067 (12.6%) were repeated or duplicated. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb was 2.4% and 10.8%, respectively. Among single non-duplicated blood donors, HBsAg and Anti-HBcAb were 2.3% and 10.6% and 3.0% and 12.5% for repeated blood donors, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between HBsAg and Anti-HBcAb in terms of donor type and testing techniques. Conclusion The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb among the blood donors was 2.0% and 10.3%, respectively. The ECL technique is more sensitive, has a lower error rate, and shows an advantage over the manual EIA technique. Duplicated blood donors influence the accuracy of the seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawfique K A Alzubiery
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Taiz University Al-Turbah Branch, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Talal Alhazari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Jerold C Alcantara
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Majed
- National Blood Transfusion and Research Center, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Abdulrahman S Bazaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdu Aldarhami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Qunfudah Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Mahmud S, Chemaitelly H, Alaama AS, Hermez JG, Abu-Raddad L. Hepatitis C virus among blood donors and general population in Middle East and North Africa: Meta-analyses and meta-regressions. World J Meta-Anal 2022; 10:12-24. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v10.i1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region reported to have the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally, HCV infection levels in the majority of MENA countries remain inadequately characterized. Blood donor data have been previously used as a proxy to assess levels and trends of HCV in the general population, however, it is unclear how comparable these populations are in MENA and whether blood donors provide an appropriate proxy.
AIM To delineate HCV epidemiology among blood donors and the general population in the MENA.
METHODS The data source was the systematically gathered MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project Database. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted. For comparison, analyses were conducted for Europe, utilizing the Hepatitis C Prevalence Database of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
RESULTS One thousand two hundred and thirteen HCV antibody prevalence measures and 84 viremic rate measures were analyzed for MENA. Three hundred and seventy-seven antibody prevalence measures were analyzed for Europe. In MENA, pooled mean prevalence was 1.58% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48%–1.69%] among blood donors and 4.49% (95%CI: 4.10%–4.90%) in the general population. In Europe, pooled prevalence was 0.11% (95%CI: 0.10%–0.13%) among blood donors and 1.59% (95%CI: 1.25%–1.97%) in the general population. Prevalence in the general population was 1.72-fold (95%CI: 1.50–1.97) higher than that in blood donors in MENA, but it was 15.10-fold (95%CI: 11.48–19.86) higher in Europe. Prevalence was declining at a rate of 4% per year in both MENA and Europe [adjusted risk ratio: 0.96 (95%CI: 0.95–0.97) in MENA and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.92–0.99) in Europe]. Pooled mean viremic rate in MENA was 76.29% (95%CI: 67.64%–84.02%) among blood donors and 65.73% (95%CI: 61.03%–70.29%) in the general population.
CONCLUSION Blood donor data provide a useful proxy for HCV infection in the wider population in MENA, but not Europe, and could improve HCV burden estimations and assess progress toward HCV elimination by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Ahmed S Alaama
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/ STIs Unit, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo 11371, Egypt
| | - Joumana G Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/ STIs Unit, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo 11371, Egypt
| | - Laith Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
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10
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Ghazzawi M, James PB, Massaquoi SP, Yendewa SA, Salata RA, Yendewa GA. Factors Associated with HBsAg Seropositivity among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care at 10 Community Health Centers in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020243. [PMID: 35215186 PMCID: PMC8874792 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major public health threat in Sierra Leone. Pregnant women are disproportionately impacted, yet little is known about the epidemiology of HBV in this group. We conducted a cross-sectional study of pregnant women aged ≥16 years receiving antenatal care across 10 community health centers in Freetown from July to September 2021 to assess the prevalence and associated factors of HBsAg seropositivity. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of HBsAg seropositivity. In total, 394 pregnant women were screened. The mean age was 24.4 ± 4.9 years, 78.2% were married, and 47.2% were in the second trimester. Only 1% had received the HBV vaccine. The prevalence of HBsAg was 7.9%, while HIV was 5.8% and HIV/HBV co-infection was 0.3%. Regarding high-risk practices, 76.6% reported female genital circumcision, 41.9% ear piercing, 29.0% endorsed multiple sexual partners, and 23.6% reported sexually transmitted infections. In the logistic regression analysis, having a husband/partner with HBV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 6.54; 95% CI: [1.72–24.86]; p = 0.006) and residing in Central Freetown (aOR: 4.00; 95% CI: [1.46–11.00]; p = 0.007) were independently associated with HBsAg seropositivity. Our findings support the scaling up of HBV services to target pregnant women and their partners for screening and vaccination to help reduce mother-to-child transmission rates in Sierra Leone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter B. James
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia;
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Samuel P. Massaquoi
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (S.P.M.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Sahr A. Yendewa
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; (S.P.M.); (S.A.Y.)
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Umutesi J, Klett-Tammen C, Nsanzimana S, Krause G, Ott JJ. Cross-sectional study of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Rwandan high-risk groups: unexpected findings on prevalence and its determinants. BMJ Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8719204 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesUsing secondary data from 208 079 Rwandans, we determined the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among high-risk groups and its demographic, geographical and health-related determinants.DesignIn this cross-sectional study, we obtained and analysed data from a national hepatitis B vaccination and screening campaign conducted in Rwanda in 2017. We performed logistic regression to examine associations between chronic HBV infection and related factors such as risk status and geographical characteristics.SettingIndividuals were sampled nationally in all 30 districts across 4 provinces and the city of Kigali and all prisons in Rwanda.ParticipantsThe study involves 208 079 individuals at high risk including prisoners and other high-risk groups (oHRG).Main outcomeThe primary outcome for our study was hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) prevalence.FindingsFrom 208 079 adults participants, 206 517 (99.2%) had valid HBsAg results, 4.3% of 64 944 prisoners and 4.0% of 140 985 oHRG were HBV positive. The prevalence was higher in Northern Province 5.1%, (95% CI 4.8 to 5.4). In multivariate analysis, the odds of infection decreased with increasing age, and hepatitis C antibody positivity reduced the odds for chronic HBV (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.66 and OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.89 among oHRG and prisoners, respectively). In addition, being female was associated with lower odds of HBV (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.74 and OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.98 among oHRG and prisoners, respectively).ConclusionWe found that individuals below 55 years of age and individuals who belong to high-risk groups (ie, sex workers, injection drug users, men who have sex with men, etc) have a higher probability of chronic HBV infection. Infection with chronic hepatitis C virus was not correlated with chronic HBV infection in our study population. Potential explanations include differential routes of transmission, specific immunological and pathophysiological factors or different effects of health prevention and control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Umutesi
- Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- IHDPC, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Sabin Nsanzimana
- Office of the Director General, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - G Krause
- Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Epidemiology, DZIF, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - J J Ott
- Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- MHH, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
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12
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Mudji J, Malala J, Horsmans Y. Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in two populations: blood donors and patients with suspected hepatic cirrhosis in Kwilu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 110:222-225. [PMID: 34274508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.07.032] [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: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The global mortality caused by viral hepatitis is higher than that caused by HIV infection. Screening of two different populations - blood donors and patients with suspected hepatic cirrhosis - can help to estimate the seroprevalence in the population and what the burden of the infection is on liver disease. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study performed in Vanga, a rural region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were used from 2016 to 2018 for blood donors, and patients with ascites and abnormal liver ultrasound. RESULTS A total of 3,497 blood donors were recruited, among whom 92.5% were male; 3% were positive for HCV antibodies; 3.4% were positive for HBsAg; and 0.4% for HBsAg and HCV, respectively. There were 190 patients with suspected cirrhosis on ultrasound: 71 (37.4%) were female and 119 (62.4%) male; 32.6% and 10.6% were positive for HBV and HCV, respectively; 2.6% were co-infected with HBV and HCV. CONCLUSION Blood donors and patients with ascites and liver abnormalities were frequently infected by HBV, HCV, and/or HIV in a rural region of the DRC. Detection is essential for limiting the risk of transmission and treating those infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junior Mudji
- Protestant University of Congo, Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, B.P. 4745, Kinshasa 2, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Hôpital Evangélique de Vanga, Vanga Mission, B.P. 4728, Kinshasa 2, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Justice Malala
- Hôpital Evangélique de Vanga, Vanga Mission, B.P. 4728, Kinshasa 2, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Institute of nurse school (ISTM)-Miriam Fountain, Vanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Yves Horsmans
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, U.C.L., Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and serological markers of other endemic infections in HIV-infected children, adolescents and pregnant women in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional study. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 102:45-52. [PMID: 33002619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.1459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of serological markers of HBV and endemic acute and chronic infections (HAV, HCV, CMV, HTLV-1/2 and syphilis) in HIV-infected children, adolescents and pregnant women in Sierra Leone. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study at the national children's and women's hospitals in Freetown. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of HBsAg positivity. RESULTS 183 HIV-infected participants were enrolled, comprising children (n = 88), adolescents (n = 47) and pregnant women (n = 48). All participants (100%) were CMV IgG-positive, while 56.8%, 93.6% and 100% of children, adolescents and pregnant women, respectively, were HAV IgG-positive. The prevalence of HCV, HTLV-1/2 and syphilis were <4%. HBV markers were distributed as follows-children: HBsAg (2.3%), HBeAg (0%), anti-HBc (5.7%); adolescents: HBsAg (17.0%), HBeAg (6.4%), anti-HBc (27.7%); and pregnant women: HBsAg (18.8%), HBeAg (4.2%), anti-HBc (77.1%). Age >10 years, i.e., being born pre-2009 before implementation of routine hepatitis B immunization (aOR 5.05 [1.18-21.28]; p = 0.029) and CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 (aOR 3.97 [1.07-14.71]; p = 0.039) predicted HBsAg positivity. CONCLUSION A high burden of chronic HBV and other endemic infections was observed among HIV-infected patients born pre-2009 before implementation of routine HBV immunization in Sierra Leone, warranting targeted screening and immunization of this high-risk population.
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