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Awiah EA, Aabalekuu S, Dun-Dery F, Dun-Dery E, Bayor F, Adokiya MN, Bessing B. Correlates of Hepatitis B infection in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Wa Municipality, Ghana. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002447. [PMID: 39255265 PMCID: PMC11386425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the availability of an effective vaccine against viral hepatitis B infection, it remains prevalent, highly transmissible especially through mother-to-child, life-threatening, and a major public health challenge. A positive Hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg) mother has a 90% risk of transmitting the virus to the unborn child in the perinatal period. This study sought to determine the prevalence and risk of Hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in the Wa Municipality of Ghana. A cross-sectional study employing systematic random sampling was conducted among 183 consented pregnant women who went for antenatal care in nine health facilities in the Wa Municipality. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, awareness of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) transmission and its prevention. Blood samples (3.0 mls) were collected from each participant to test for HBV serum markers using a Wondfo One Step HBV rapid immunochromatographic assay (Catalog number W003) for the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We conducted descriptive statistics including the prevalence and used multivariable logistic regression to determine the risk of Hepatitis B among study participants. Data was analysed using Stata/SE 15. About 20.2% of the 183 pregnant women screened tested positive for HBsAg. Generally, compared with younger pregnant women, older (> = 25) pregnant women were >9 times less likely to test positive for both chronic Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) and (HBeAg) Hepatitis B infections. However, pregnant women in polygamous relationship were more likely to test positive for both (HBcAb) and (HBsAg and HBeAg) Hepatitis B infections compared with those in monogamous relationship. In a multivariable analysis, pregnant women in a polygamous relationships were about 5 times more likely to test positive for HBsAg (AOR = 4.61, 95% CI: 2.06-9.89) and HBcAb (AOR = 4.89, 95% CI:1.52-6.81) and HBeAg (AOR = 4.62, 95% CI:1.21-6.39) compared with those in a monogamous relationship. This study highlights a high HBsAg prevalence among pregnant women with those in polygamous relationship and younger age more likely to test positive. Facility and community-based health services should emphasize the need for regular screening, education, and vaccination of pregnant women, especially those at high risk, to prevent mother-to-child transmission of viral hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Aabalekuu
- Department of Public Health, Regional Health Directorate, Upper West Region, Wa, Ghana
| | - Frederick Dun-Dery
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elvis Dun-Dery
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Fidelis Bayor
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Lawra Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Wa, Ghana
| | - Martin Nyaaba Adokiya
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
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Wondmeneh TG, Mekonnen AT. Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:921. [PMID: 39237884 PMCID: PMC11375975 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09839-3] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hepatitis B infection is highly endemic in Africa, information on its epidemiology among pregnant women in the region is limited. Therefore, this systematic review provided up-to-date information on the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) infection among pregnant women in Africa. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and African journals online were searched to identify relevant studies published between January 1, 2015, and May 21, 2024, on hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women living in Africa. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used to assess the methodological qualities of the included studies. The random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of HBV infection. I2 assessed the amount of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test and a funnel plot. RESULTS We included 91 studies from 28 African countries. The pooled prevalence of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in Africa was 5.89% (95% CI: 5.26-6.51%), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 97.71%, p < 0.001). Family history of hepatitis B virus infection (AOR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.53-3.9), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.3-3.04), and sharing sharp materials were risk factors for hepatitis B infection. CONCLUSION An intermediate endemic level of hepatitis B virus infection (2-7%) was observed among pregnant women in Africa. To prevent disease transmission, interventions should focus on pregnant women with a family history of hepatitis B infection, multiple sexual partners, and sharing sharp materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayal Tsegaye Mekonnen
- Department of Biomedical, College of Medical and Health Science, Samara University, Semera, Ethiopia
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Andriamandimby SF, Olive MM, Shimakawa Y, Rakotomanana F, Razanajatovo IM, Andrianinarivomanana TM, Ravalohery JP, Andriamamonjy S, Rogier C, Héraud JM. Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and infrastructure for its diagnosis in Madagascar: implication for the WHO's elimination strategy. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:636. [PMID: 28778194 PMCID: PMC5544978 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4630-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background WHO developed a global strategy to eliminate hepatitis B by 2030 and set target to treat 80% of people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection eligible for antiviral treatment. As a first step to achieve this goal, it is essential to conduct a situation analysis that is fundamental to designing national hepatitis plans. We therefore estimated the prevalence of chronic HBV infection, and described the existing infrastructure for HBV diagnosis in Madagascar. Methods We conducted a stratified multi-stage serosurvey of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in adults aged ≥18 years using 28 sentinel surveillance sites located throughout the country. We obtained the list of facilities performing HBV testing from the Ministry of Health, and contacted the person responsible at each facility. Results A total of 1778 adults were recruited from the 28 study areas. The overall weighted seroprevalence of HBsAg was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.6–8.6). Populations with a low socio-economic status and those living in rural areas had a significantly higher seroprevalence of HBsAg. The ratio of facilities equipped to perform HBsAg tests per 100,000 inhabitants was 1.02 in the capital city of Antananarivo and 0.21 outside the capital. There were no facilities with the capacity to perform HBV DNA testing or transient elastography to measure liver fibrosis. There are only five hepatologists in Madagascar. Conclusion Madagascar has a high-intermediate level of endemicity for HBV infection with a severely limited capacity for its diagnosis and treatment. Higher HBsAg prevalence in rural or underprivileged populations underlines the importance of a public health approach to decentralize the management of chronic HBV carriers in Madagascar by using simple and low-cost diagnostic tools. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4630-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Marie Olive
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,UPR AGIRs, CIRAD Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yusuke Shimakawa
- Unité d'Epidémiologie des Maladie Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christophe Rogier
- Direction centrale du service de santé des armées Parcelle, Paris, France
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Breakwell L, Tevi-Benissan C, Childs L, Mihigo R, Tohme R. The status of hepatitis B control in the African region. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 27:17. [PMID: 29296152 PMCID: PMC5745934 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2017.27.3.11981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region has approximately 100 million people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This review describes the status of hepatitis B control in the Region. We present hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) coverage data and from available data in the published literature, the impact of HepB vaccination on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence, a marker of chronic infection, among children, HBsAg prevalence in pregnant women, and risk of perinatal transmission. Lastly, we describe challenges with HepB birth dose (HepB-BD) introduction reported in the Region, and propose strategies to increase coverage. In 2015, regional three dose HepB coverage was 76%, and 16(34%) of 47 countries reported ≥ 90% coverage. Overall, 11 countries introduced HepB-BD; only nine provide universal HepB-BD, and of these, five reported ≥ 80% coverage. From non-nationally representative serosurveys among children, HBsAg prevalence was lower among children born after HepB introduction compared to those born before HepB introduction. However, some studies still found HBsAg prevalence to be above 2%. From limited surveys among pregnant women, the median HBsAg prevalence varied by country, ranging from 1.9% (Madagascar) to 16.1% (Niger); hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) prevalence among HBsAg-positive women ranged from 3.3% (Zimbabwe) to 28.5% (Nigeria). Studies in three countries indicated that the risk of perinatal HBV transmission was associated with HBeAg expression or high HBV DNA viral load. Major challenges for timely HepB-BD administration were poor knowledge of or lack of national HepB-BD vaccination guidelines, high prevalence of home births, and unreliable vaccine supply. Overall, substantial progress has been made in the region. However, countries need to improve HepB3 coverage and some countries might need to consider introducing the HepB-BD to help achieve the regional hepatitis B control goal of < 2% HBsAg prevalence among children < 5 years old by 2020. To facilitate HepB-BD introduction and improve timely coverage, strategies are needed to reach both facility-based and home births. Strong political commitment, clear policy recommendations and staff training on HepB-BD administration are also required. Furthermore, high quality nationally representative serosurveys among children are needed to inform decision makers about progress towards the regional control goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Breakwell
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carol Tevi-Benissan
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Lana Childs
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard Mihigo
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Rania Tohme
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Andriamandimby SF, Lo Presti A, Lai A, Olive MM, Angeletti S, De Florio L, Cella E, Razafindramparany M, Ravalohery JP, Andriamamonjy S, Gioffrè S, Zehender G, Mottini G, Ciccozzi M, Heraud JM. Genetic diversity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Madagascar. J Med Virol 2016; 88:2138-2144. [PMID: 27183503 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus belonging to Hepadnaviridae family. Chronic infection with HBV is one major risk factor of hepatic disease. In Madagascar, former studies classified the country as part of high endemic area, as HBV prevalence can reach 23% in general population. However, this prevalence differs largely between urban and rural areas and is estimated to be, respectively, 5% and 26%. The aims of the present study were to describe the genetic diversity of HBV strains from different regions of Madagascar, and to describe the viral gene flow throughout the country by using phylogenetic analysis. This is the first large-scale molecular and phylogenetic study analyzing HBV sequences from 28 different Malagasy areas, never sampled in the past. In this study, the most prevalent genotype/sub-genotypes was E. Migration analysis showed a gene flow from zone 3 (rural) to zone 2 (suburban), and a greater gene flow from the middle part of Madagascar to the north than to the south. It is important to study the HBV infections in Madagascar and to monitor the potential spread of this viral strain inside this country. J. Med. Virol. 88:2138-2144, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Lo Presti
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immunomediated Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Lai
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie-Marie Olive
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Laboratory, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia De Florio
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Laboratory, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immunomediated Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.,Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sonia Gioffrè
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianguglielmo Zehender
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immunomediated Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy. .,University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.
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