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Andani A, Bunge E, Kassianos G, Eeuwijk J, Mellou K, Van Damme P, Mukherjee P, Steffen R. Hepatitis A occurrence and outbreaks in Europe over the past two decades: A systematic review. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:497-511. [PMID: 36825922 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis A (HA) is a vaccine-preventable liver disease with >170 million new cases occurring yearly. In recent outbreaks in the USA, hospitalization and case-fatality ratios were >60% and ~1%, respectively. In Europe, endemicity persists and outbreaks continue to occur. We performed a systematic literature review to understand the changes in HA occurrence in Europe over the past two decades. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 1 January 2001 and 14 April 2021 using terms covering HA, 11 selected European countries, outbreaks, outcomes and HA virus circulation. Here, we focus on HA occurrence and outbreaks in the five countries with the largest population and the most comprehensive vaccination recommendations: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK; 118 reports included data for these five European countries. Notification rates (≤9.7/100,000 population) and percentages of men among cases (≤83.0%) peaked in 2017. The number of person-to-person-transmitted cases and outbreaks decreased in children but increased in other risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). Sexually transmitted outbreaks in MSM clustered around 2017. Travel-related outbreaks were few; the proportion of travel-related cases decreased during the past two decades, while the number of domestic cases increased. Despite the existing risk-based vaccination recommendations, HA transmission shifted in proportions from travelers and children to other risk groups, such as MSM and older age groups. Because a substantial proportion of the European population is susceptible to HA, adherence to existing recommendations should be monitored more closely, and enhanced vaccination strategies should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eveline Bunge
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jennifer Eeuwijk
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Robert Steffen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
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Abstract
The public health response to sporadic hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, hepatitis A, can be complex especially when the index case is a child and no obvious source is identified. Identifying an infection source may avoid mass immunisation within schools when transmission is found to have occurred within the household. Screening of asymptomatic contacts via venepuncture can be challenging and unacceptable, as a result non-invasive methods may facilitate public health intervention. Enzyme-linked immunoassays were developed to detect HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in oral fluid (ORF). A validation panel of ORF samples from 30 confirmed acute HAV infections were all reactive for HAV IgM and IgG when tested. A panel of 40 ORF samples from persons known to have been uninfected were all unreactive. Two hundred and eighty household contacts of 72 index cases were screened by ORF to identify HAV transmission within the family and factors associated with household transmission. Almost half of households (35/72) revealed evidence of recent infection, which was significantly associated with the presence of children ⩽11 years of age (odds ratio 9.84, 95% confidence interval: 2.74-35.37). These HAV IgM and IgG immunoassays are easy to perform, rapid and sensitive and have been integrated into national guidance on the management of hepatitis A cases.
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Michaelis K, Poethko-Müller C, Kuhnert R, Stark K, Faber M. Hepatitis A virus infections, immunisations and demographic determinants in children and adolescents, Germany. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16696. [PMID: 30420608 PMCID: PMC6232152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34927-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease with a global distribution. It predominantly occurs in regions with inadequate living conditions, but also affects populations in industrialised countries. Children are frequently involved in the transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and thus play a central role in the epidemiology of hepatitis A. Here, we investigated HAV infections, immunisations, and associated demographic determinants in a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional survey conducted in Germany from 2003-2006. Out of 17,640 children and adolescents, complete data sets (HAV serology, demographic information and vaccination card) were available for 12,249 (69%), all aged 3-17 years. We found protective antibody levels (>=20 IU/L) in 1,755 (14%) individuals, 1,395 (11%) were vaccinated against hepatitis A, 360 (3%) individuals were HAV seropositive without prior hepatitis A vaccination, thus indicating a previous HAV infection. Antibody prevalence (attributable to vaccination or infection) increased significantly with age. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that predominantly children and adolescents with migration background-even if they were born in Germany-are affected by HAV infections. Our results provide a rationale to emphasise existing vaccination recommendations and, moreover, to consider additional groups with a higher risk of infection for targeted vaccination, especially children with a migration background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Michaelis
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit of Gastrointestinal Infections, Zoonoses, and Tropical Infections, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christina Poethko-Müller
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), D-12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronny Kuhnert
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), D-12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Stark
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit of Gastrointestinal Infections, Zoonoses, and Tropical Infections, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), D-13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Faber
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit of Gastrointestinal Infections, Zoonoses, and Tropical Infections, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), D-13353, Berlin, Germany
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O'Connor L, McGovern E, O'Meara M, Dean J, Ward M, O'Connor M. Extensive hepatitis A outbreak in an urban childcare facility in Ireland, associated with considerable adult morbidity. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:705-711. [PMID: 29582721 PMCID: PMC9134359 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818000638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis A infection results in a spectrum of illness from asymptomatic disease to severe fulminant hepatitis. Since 2000, <50 cases have been reported annually in Ireland. We report on an outbreak of hepatitis A associated with a childcare facility(CCF) in 2015 in Ireland. Between January and July 2015, 12 outbreak-associated symptomatic hepatitis A cases were identified, including one delayed, retrospective diagnosis. Seven (58%) cases were adults, eight (67%) were male, six of the adults required hospitalisation. All 12 cases were confirmed on serology and the four cases that were genotyped were identical on phylogenetic analysis. Potential environmental exposures and hygiene practices at the CCF were investigated. Outbreak control measures included the provision of: hepatitis A information, infection prevention advice, hepatitis A vaccination to 554 CCF contacts, and voluntary closure of the CCF for deep-cleaning and staff education. From a healthcare perspective1, outbreak control costs were in excess of €45 000. This outbreak illustrates the considerable adult morbidity that can occur in hepatitis A outbreaks, highlights the challenges in controlling a large CCF-associated outbreak and the importance of early recognition by clinicians of hepatitis A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. O'Connor
- Department of Public Health, HSE East, Dr Steevens’ Hospital, Steevens’ Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - E. McGovern
- Department of Public Health, HSE East, Dr Steevens’ Hospital, Steevens’ Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - M. O'Meara
- Department of Public Health, HSE East, Dr Steevens’ Hospital, Steevens’ Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - J. Dean
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - M. Ward
- Department of Public Health, HSE East, Dr Steevens’ Hospital, Steevens’ Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - M. O'Connor
- Department of Public Health, HSE East, Dr Steevens’ Hospital, Steevens’ Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Jablonka A, Solbach P, Happle C, Hampel A, Schmidt RE, Behrens GMN. [Hepatitis A immunity in refugees in Germany during the current exodus]. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2016; 112:347-351. [PMID: 27457821 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-016-0203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germany is facing a huge humanitarian challenge with rapidly rising numbers of refugees entering the country. Data on hepatitis A seroprevalence and infection in refugees and asylum seekers in Europe during the current refugee exodus is scarce. OBJECTIVES To assess hepatitis A (HAV) seroprevalence and immunity in refugees arriving in northern Germany in 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study of 235 refugees seeking shelter in reception centers in Northern Germany in August 2015 was performed, as acute Hepatitis A had been detected in one refugee in this camp. In order to analyze acute HAV infection and overall immunity, serological screening for HAV antibodies (combined IgG and IgM) was performed. The immunity threshold was defined as <20 IU/l. In all positive screening results, separate IgM testing was performed to detect acute infections. RESULTS Males accounted for 84.3 % of HAV screened refugees and the mean age of refugees was 29.1 ± 11.2 years. Children and adolescents below the age of 18 years made up 8.8 % of the migrants. Overall HAV immunity within the cohort was 90 %, and a mild age-dependent increase in HAV immunity was observed, with 81.1 % immunity in children <18 years and a 100 % seropositivity in subjects >50 years. One 20-year-old female refugee had positive IgM results with high HAV antibodies, most likely due to subacute HAV infection. CONCLUSIONS This comparably high rate of HAV protected refugees in our cohort supports the notion that the probability of large HAV outbreaks in current German refugee centers is low. However, depending on their current living situation, HAV vaccination should be considered for each refugee child, and healthcare providers and personnel working in refugee centers should be vaccinated against HAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jablonka
- Klinik für Immunologie und Rheumatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover-Braunschweig, Deutschland.
| | - P Solbach
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover-Braunschweig, Deutschland
| | - C Happle
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Allergologie und Neonatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung (DZL), Standort Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - A Hampel
- Klinik für Anästhesie, Notfallmedizin, Operative Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Klinikum Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg, Deutschland
| | - R E Schmidt
- Klinik für Immunologie und Rheumatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover-Braunschweig, Deutschland
| | - G M N Behrens
- Klinik für Immunologie und Rheumatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover-Braunschweig, Deutschland
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Jarchow-Macdonald AA, Halley S, Chandler D, Gunson R, Shepherd SJ, Parcell BJ. First report of an astrovirus type 5 gastroenteritis outbreak in a residential elderly care home identified by sequencing. J Clin Virol 2015; 73:115-119. [PMID: 26590691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the report of an outbreak of human astrovirus type 5 gastroenteritis that occurred in a residential care home for older people in June 2013 in Tayside, Scotland, and which involved seven staff members and thirteen residents. This type of astrovirus has not been found in Scotland before and is rarely described in the literature. OBJECTIVES Using molecular methods such as PCR and sequencing to detect the cause of this gastroenteritis outbreak and to contain the outbreak using Public Health measures. STUDY DESIGN Following an epidemiological investigation, stool samples were sent for routine virology and microbiology testing at the local microbiology and virology laboratory and were found to be negative. Further testing with real-time PCR and gene sequencing at the West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre was performed. Data on the epidemiology and the response to the outbreak was collected. RESULTS All samples had a 99% match to human astrovirus type 5. The use of standard infection control precautions with the addition of transmission-based precautions most likely contained the spread of the virus in this situation. CONCLUSIONS This report illustrates the importance of using PCR and sequencing to identify pathogens such as astrovirus in outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea in older people particularly if routine virology and microbiology tests are negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Jarchow-Macdonald
- Medical Microbiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, DD1 9SY Scotland, UK.
| | - Shona Halley
- NHS Tayside, Directorate of Public Health, Clepington Road, Dundee, DD3 8EA Scotland, UK
| | - Daniel Chandler
- NHS Tayside, Directorate of Public Health, Clepington Road, Dundee, DD3 8EA Scotland, UK
| | - Rory Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Level 5, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
| | - Samantha J Shepherd
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Level 5, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
| | - Benjamin J Parcell
- Medical Microbiology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK
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Kanda T, Sasaki R, Nakamoto S, Haga Y, Nakamura M, Shirasawa H, Okamoto H, Yokosuka O. The sirtuin inhibitor sirtinol inhibits hepatitis A virus (HAV) replication by inhibiting HAV internal ribosomal entry site activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 466:567-71. [PMID: 26388050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics plays a role in the regulation of gene expression. Epigenetic changes control gene expression at the transcriptional level. Our previous study suggested that the La protein, which is mainly localized in the nucleus, was associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-mediated translation and HAV replication. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epigenetic compounds have effects on HAV IRES-mediated translation and HAV replication. Sirtinol, a sirtuin inhibitor, inhibited HAV IRES-mediated translation in COS7-HAV-IRES cells. Treatment with 10 μM sirtinol resulted in a significant reduction in the intracellular RNA levels of HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA in Huh7 cells. Epigenetic treatment with a sirtuin inhibitor may represent a new treatment option for HAV infection. In conclusion, epigenetic control was involved in HAV IRES-dependent translation and HAV replication. Special attention should also be paid to underlying viral diseases in the clinical use of epigenetic treatments for malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Reina Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yuki Haga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Masato Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shirasawa
- Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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Park S, Jeong H, Jung J, Kim K, Park S, Kim M, Kim Y, Oh Y, Jung K. Monitoring the Hepatitis A Virus in Oyster from Korea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2015.513087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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