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Salomon I, Olivier S, Egide N. Advancing Hepatitis C Elimination in Africa: Insights from Egypt. Hepat Med 2024; 16:37-44. [PMID: 38854483 PMCID: PMC11162246 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s470344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk to global public health and is linked to life-threatening clinical outcomes. According to the WHO, there are an estimated 58 million people worldwide who have a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; there are 1.5 million new cases and more than 350,000 fatalities from HCV-related illnesses each year. Even though there are numerous diagnostic techniques, the lack of funding, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and low public awareness of the Hepatitis C virus can make diagnosis and treatment difficult to obtain throughout the continent. The frequency of hepatitis C virus infection is highest in African nations (1-26%), raising serious concerns about the virus's impact on public health. The world's highest rate of Hepatitis C virus infection was found in Egypt, an African nation. Its nationwide hepatitis C elimination program stands out as a prime example of achievement, having screened, and treated over 60 million people, significantly reducing the disease's incidence and prevalence. Other African nations facing similar difficulties might benefit greatly from Egypt's methods, which provide valuable insights and flexible frameworks. This review aims to shed light on Egypt's successes and challenges while offering strategic recommendations to African nations to quicken their progress in eliminating hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izere Salomon
- Department of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- YP-CDN Rwanda (Rwanda Young Professional Chronic Disease Network), KigaliRwanda
| | - Sibomana Olivier
- Department of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ndayambaje Egide
- Department of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Li C, Zhang M, Karthijekan K, Fu X. How nurses contribute to the elimination of hepatitis B? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 149:104622. [PMID: 37944357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104622] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With approximately one-third of the global population exhibiting serological evidence of exposure, the hepatitis B virus remains a serious public health threat. Elimination of hepatitis B faces enormous challenges, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring. Nurses are pivotal in optimising the hepatitis B care continuum; however, their contributions have been neglected. OBJECTIVE To identify the role of nurses in the elimination of hepatitis B and to synthesise the effectiveness of interventions with nursing roles in approaching the elimination target. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING(S) Thirteen databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE via OvidSP, Ovid Emcare, Ovid Nursing Database, British Nursing Index, APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, China National Knowledge Internet, SinoMed, and Wanfang Data) were searched from their inception to 6 December 2022. METHODS Interventional studies examining the contribution of nursing roles towards elimination targets were included. Content analysis was used to extract and map the nursing roles based on the nursing interventions classification system. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to examine the effectiveness of the intervention in improving hepatitis B screening, detection, and vaccination rates. RESULTS The synthesis from 16 studies identified 13 nursing roles that primarily involved (1) health education and counselling for informed patient decision-making regarding hepatitis B prevention, vaccination, screening, and disease monitoring; (2) case management and health promotion to advocate elimination services at multiple levels and enable equitable access among marginalised communities; and (3) running specialist clinics to lead advanced practices in prescribing and carrying diagnostic tests, formulating evidence-based individualised care plans, and coordinating care throughout the disease process. Interventions with these roles achieved pooled hepatitis B screening and detection rates of 64 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.44, 0.84) and 2 % (95 % CI = 0.00, 0.05), respectively, increased the odds of hepatitis B virus vaccination by 2.61 times (95 % CI = 1.60, 4.28), improved immunity rate, and enhanced patient adherence to antiviral treatment and monitoring of liver comorbidities. However, their effects on hepatitis B virus DNA-negative conversion rates and hepatocellular carcinoma incidence were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Nurses play multifaceted roles in advocating hepatitis B screening and vaccination, initiating outreach efforts in marginalised communities, and leading advanced practices that effectively contribute to the elimination of hepatitis B. Policymakers should consider how nurses may help the achievement of the elimination target. REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42022380719) registered on December 12, 2022. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Nurses raised awareness, initiated outreach efforts, addressed inequalities, and led advanced practices-effectively contributing to eliminating hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Li
- Department of Nursing, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Mengxing Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Karthikesu Karthijekan
- Department of Supplementary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern University Sri Lanka, Vantharumoolai, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.
| | - Xia Fu
- Department of Nursing, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
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Cortesi PA, Fornari C, Conti S, Antonazzo IC, Ferrara P, Ahmed A, Andrei CL, Andrei T, Artamonov AA, Banach M, Baravelli CM, Bärnighausen TW, Bhagavathula AS, Briko NI, Calina D, Carreras G, Chung SC, Dianatinasab M, Dubljanin E, Durojaiye OC, Ezeonwumelu IJ, Fagbamigbe AF, Fischer F, Gallus S, Glushkova EV, Golinelli D, Gorini G, Hassan S, Hay SI, Hostiuc M, Ilic IM, Ilic MD, Jakovljevic M, Jamshidi E, Jozwiak JJ, Kabir Z, Kauppila JH, Khalilov R, Khan MAB, Khatab K, Koyanagi A, La Vecchia C, Lazarus JV, Ledda C, Levi M, Lopukhov PD, Loureiro JA, Matthews PC, Mentis AFA, Mestrovic T, Moazen B, Mohammed S, Monasta L, Mulita F, Murray CJL, Negoi I, Oancea B, Palladino C, Patel J, Petcu IR, Postma MJ, Rawaf DL, Rawaf S, Romero-Rodríguez E, Santric-Milicevic MM, Skryabin VY, Skryabina AA, Tabarés-Seisdedos R, Tampa M, Taveira N, Thiyagarajan A, Tovani-Palone MR, Westerman R, Zastrozhin MS, Mazzaglia G, Mantovani LG. Hepatitis B and C in Europe: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e701-e716. [PMID: 37633679 PMCID: PMC11138131 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016, the World Health Assembly adopted the resolution to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. This study aims to provide an overview of the burdens of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Europe and their changes from 2010 to 2019 using estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. METHODS We used GBD 2019 estimates of the burden associated with HBV-related and HCV-related diseases: acute hepatitis, cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases, and liver cancer. We report total numbers and age-standardised rates per 100 000 for mortality, prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 2010 to 2019. For each HBV-related and HCV-related disease and each measure, we analysed temporal changes and percentage changes for the 2010-19 period. FINDINGS In 2019, across all age groups, there were an estimated 2·08 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1·66 to 2·54) incident cases of acute hepatitis B and 0·49 million (0·42 to 0·57) of hepatitis C in Europe. There were an estimated 8·24 million (7·56 to 8·88) prevalent cases of HBV-related cirrhosis and 11·87 million (9·77 to 14·41) of HCV-related cirrhosis, with 24·92 thousand (19·86 to 31·03) deaths due to HBV-related cirrhosis and 36·89 thousand (29·94 to 45·56) deaths due to HCV-related cirrhosis. Deaths were estimated at 9·00 thousand (6·88 to 11·62) due to HBV-related liver cancer and 23·07 thousand (18·95 to 27·31) due to HCV-related liver cancer. Between 2010 and 2019, the age-standardised incidence rate of acute hepatitis B decreased (-22·14% [95% UI -35·44 to -5·98]) as did its age-standardised mortality rate (-33·27% [-43·03 to -25·49]); the age-standardised prevalence rate (-20·60% [-22·09 to -19·10]) and mortality rate (-33·19% [-37·82 to -28·13]) of HBV-related cirrhosis also decreased in this time period. The age-standardised incidence rate of acute hepatitis C decreased by 3·24% (1·17 to 5·02) and its age-standardised mortality rate decreased by 35·73% (23·48 to 47·75) between 2010 and 2019; the age-standardised prevalence rate (-6·37% [-8·11 to -4·32]), incidence rate (-5·87% [-11·24 to -1·01]), and mortality rate (-11·11% [-16·54 to -5·53]) of HCV-related cirrhosis also decreased. No significant changes were observed in age-standardised rates of HBV-related and HCV-related liver cancer, although we observed a significant increase in numbers of cases of HCV-related liver cancer across all ages between 2010 and 2019 (16·41% [2·81 to 30·91] increase in prevalent cases). Substantial reductions in DALYs since 2010 were estimated for acute hepatitis B (-27·82% [-36·92 to -20·24]), acute hepatitis C (-27·07% [-15·97 to -39·34]), and HBV-related cirrhosis (-30·70% [-35·75 to -25·03]). A moderate reduction in DALYs was estimated for HCV-related cirrhosis (-6·19% [-0·19 to -12·57]). Only HCV-related liver cancer showed a significant increase in DALYs (10·37% [4·81-16·63]). Changes in age-standardised DALY rates closely resembled those observed for overall DALY counts, except for HCV-liver related cancer (-2·84% [-7·75 to 2·63]). INTERPRETATION Although decreases in some HBV-related and HCV-related diseases were estimated between 2010 and 2019, HBV-related and HCV-related diseases are still associated with a high burden, highlighting the need for more intensive and coordinated interventions within European countries to reach the goal of elimination by 2030. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Abu N, Mohd Bakhori N, Shueb RH. Lateral Flow Assay for Hepatitis B Detection: A Review of Current and New Assays. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1239. [PMID: 37374824 DOI: 10.3390/mi14061239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
From acute to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer, hepatitis B infection causes a broad spectrum of liver diseases. Molecular and serological tests have been used to diagnose hepatitis B-related illnesses. Due to technology limitations, it is challenging to identify hepatitis B infection cases at an early stage, particularly in a low- and middle-income country with constrained resources. Generally, the gold-standard methods to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection requires dedicated personnel, bulky, expensive equipment and reagents, and long processing times which delay the diagnosis of HBV. Thus, lateral flow assay (LFA), which is inexpensive, straightforward, portable, and operates reliably, has dominated point-of-care diagnostics. LFA consists of four parts: a sample pad where samples are dropped; a conjugate pad where labeled tags and biomarker components are combined; a nitrocellulose membrane with test and control lines for target DNA-probe DNA hybridization or antigen-antibody interaction; and a wicking pad where waste is stored. By modifying the pre-treatment during the sample preparation process or enhancing the signal of the biomarker probes on the membrane pad, the accuracy of the LFA for qualitative and quantitative analysis can be improved. In this review, we assembled the most recent developments in LFA technologies for the progress of hepatitis B infection detection. Prospects for ongoing development in this area are also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norhidayah Abu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMREC), SIRIM Berhad, Lot 34, Jalan Hi-Tech 2/3, Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kulim 09000, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Noremylia Mohd Bakhori
- Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMREC), SIRIM Berhad, Lot 34, Jalan Hi-Tech 2/3, Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kulim 09000, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Rafidah Hanim Shueb
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Baliashvili D, Blumberg HM, Gandhi NR, Averhoff F, Benkeser D, Shadaker S, Gvinjilia L, Turdziladze A, Tukvadze N, Chincharauli M, Butsashvili M, Sharvadze L, Tsertsvadze T, Zarkua J, Kempker RR. Hepatitis C care cascade among patients with and without tuberculosis: Nationwide observational cohort study in the country of Georgia, 2015-2020. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004121. [PMID: 37141386 PMCID: PMC10194957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Eastern European country of Georgia initiated a nationwide hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination program in 2015 to address a high burden of infection. Screening for HCV infection through antibody testing was integrated into multiple existing programs, including the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP). We sought to compare the hepatitis C care cascade among patients with and without tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Georgia between 2015 and 2019 and to identify factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) in hepatitis C care among patients with TB. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using national ID numbers, we merged databases of the HCV elimination program, NTP, and national death registry from January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2020. The study population included 11,985 adults (aged ≥18 years) diagnosed with active TB from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019, and 1,849,820 adults tested for HCV antibodies between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2020, who were not diagnosed with TB during that time. We estimated the proportion of patients with and without TB who were LTFU at each step of the HCV care cascade and explored temporal changes. Among 11,985 patients with active TB, 9,065 (76%) patients without prior hepatitis C treatment were tested for HCV antibodies, of which 1,665 (18%) had a positive result; LTFU from hepatitis C care was common, with 316 of 1,557 (20%) patients with a positive antibody test not undergoing viremia testing and 443 of 1,025 (43%) patients with viremia not starting treatment for hepatitis C. Overall, among persons with confirmed viremic HCV infection, due to LTFU at various stages of the care cascade only 28% of patients with TB had a documented cure from HCV infection, compared to 55% among patients without TB. LTFU after positive antibody testing substantially decreased in the last 3 years, from 32% among patients diagnosed with TB in 2017 to 12% among those diagnosed in 2019. After a positive HCV antibody test, patients without TB had viremia testing sooner than patients with TB (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.46, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [1.39, 1.54], p < 0.001). After a positive viremia test, patients without TB started hepatitis C treatment sooner than patients with TB (HR = 2.05, 95% CI [1.87, 2.25], p < 0.001). In the risk factor analysis adjusted for age, sex, and case definition (new versus previously treated), multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB was associated with an increased risk of LTFU after a positive HCV antibody test (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.41, 95% CI [1.12, 1.76], p = 0.003). The main limitation of this study was that due to the reliance on existing electronic databases, we were unable to account for the impact of all confounding factors in some of the analyses. CONCLUSIONS LTFU from hepatitis C care after a positive antibody or viremia test was high and more common among patients with TB than in those without TB. Better integration of TB and hepatitis C care systems can potentially reduce LTFU and improve patient outcomes both in Georgia and other countries that are initiating or scaling up their nationwide hepatitis C control efforts and striving to provide personalized TB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davit Baliashvili
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Henry M. Blumberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Neel R. Gandhi
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Francisco Averhoff
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David Benkeser
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shaun Shadaker
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lia Gvinjilia
- Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Nestani Tukvadze
- National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Lali Sharvadze
- Clinic “Hepa”, Tbilisi, Georgia
- The University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Tengiz Tsertsvadze
- Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Russell R. Kempker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Hashem MB, Badary HA, Mahfouz NA, Adel S, Alboraie M, AbdAllah M, AlAkel W, Saeed R, Ammar I, Abdel-Razek W, Hassany M, Esmat G. Evaluation of factors affecting patients' refusal of HCV treatment in a cohort of Egyptian patients. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:214-217. [PMID: 34651189 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment refusal, defined as active refusal of a patient to receive treatment despite physician recommendations, has not been extensively evaluated before in hepatitis C virus in the era of direct acting antivirals. OBJECTIVE To investigate the reasons for refusal to receive hepatitis C virus treatment in Egypt. METHODS an observational study conducted between July 2018 and November 2019 in Egypt. Enrollment was done to all patients who refused to get hepatitis C virus treatment during the national screening and treatment campaign. Reasons for their refusal were identified using a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. RESULTS Out of the 220 280 Egyptian hepatitis C virus patients who did not show up to start treatment and were contacted to get therapy, only 84 patients (0.038%) refused to receive treatment. The main reason for their refusal was having concerns about treatment (82.14%) and their main concern was the fear of adverse events (85.5%). Other causes of refusal were non-satisfactory experience at treatment centers (13.09%) and patients preferred to receive complementary and alternative medicines (4.7%). Most patients (65.4%) trusted the efficacy of directly acting antivirals for hepatitis C. None of the study participants was found to suffer from any psychiatric morbidity and the average score of the GHQ-12 was 10.7155. CONCLUSION Proper health education and awareness regarding hepatitis C virus treatment safety and efficacy is needed to increase treatment acceptance rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed B Hashem
- Endemic medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11652, Egypt
| | - Hedy A Badary
- Endemic medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11652, Egypt
| | - Noha A Mahfouz
- Department of psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11652, Egypt
| | - Shaden Adel
- Department of psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11652, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of internal medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Mohamed AbdAllah
- Medical Research Division, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Wafaa AlAkel
- Endemic medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11652, Egypt
| | - Ramy Saeed
- National Committee for control of viral hepatitis, Ministry of Health and Population, 11652, Egypt
| | - Islam Ammar
- Department of hepatology, gastroenterology and infectious diseases, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Wael Abdel-Razek
- Department of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menofyia 32511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hassany
- Department of Hepatology, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo 11652, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- Endemic medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11652, Egypt
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Moharana M, Pattanayak SK, Khan F. Molecular recognition of bio-active triterpenoids from Swertia chirayita towards hepatitis Delta antigen: a mechanism through docking, dynamics simulation, Gibbs free energy landscape. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14651-14664. [PMID: 36856037 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2184173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plants the underpinning of indigenous herbal serve, are the possible source of key compounds for the development of new drugs. Hepatitis D, one of the most widespread infectious diseases associated with global public health issues. Therefore, we aim to screen natural compounds to find out potent inhibitor towards hepatitis delta antigen. Through ADMET investigation, we have screened twenty phytochemicals for this study. Additionally, using molecular docking, these phytochemicals were docked with the HDV protease which signifies the phytochemicals beta-amyrin, chiratenol, episwertenol and swertanone have a significant capability to bind with hepatitis D virus protein. The docking study was further accompanied by analyzes RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, Hbond number, and principal component analysis through 100 ns MD simulations. Based on our principal component analysis, beta-amyrin, chiratenol, episwertenol and swertanone phytochemicals can be a potential drug candidates for inhibition of hepatitis D. The above observation is also supported by our Gibbs free energy landscape study. The potential therapeutic characteristics of the phytochemicals against hepatitis D inhibition offer additional support for the in vitro and in vivo studies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswata Moharana
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India
| | | | - Fahmida Khan
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India
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Chen Y, Lin L, Yang C, Li T, Li Y, Wang J, Wu Y, Zhao Y, Su G. Ginsenoside AD-2 Ameliorating Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Activation in HSC-T6 Cells and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice via Regulation of VD-VDR Axis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3459-3471. [PMID: 36644954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside 25-hydroxy protopanaxadiol (AD-2) isolated from ginseng was proved to have anti-hepatic fibrosis (HF) effect in our previous study. But the mechanism is unknown. The present study investigated the anti-HF effects and mechanisms of AD-2 on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation in HSC-T6 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis (HF) in mice. Results showed that AD-2 significantly inhibited the LPS-induced activated HSC-T6 cells in vitro and markedly reduced the serum transaminase and hydroxyproline levels, pathological changes, and hepatic body ratio in CCl4-induced HF mice, indicating AD-2 ameliorated liver injury and reversed HF notably. Moreover, AD-2 decreased the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and MMP2, and maintained TIMP1/MMP9 in balance with the level of vitamin D (VD) and the expression of VD nuclear receptor (VDR) and Sirt3 increased. In conclusion, the anti-HF mechanism of AD-2 is related to the inhibition of HSC activation, promotion of collagen degradation, and regulation of the VD/VDR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lizhen Lin
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chunhong Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Tao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Basic Medical Teaching and Research Department, Liaoning Vocational College of Medicine, Shenyang 110101, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yuqing Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Guangyue Su
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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Zhang C, Zhang D, Wang Y, Zhang L, Qi S, Fang Q, Xu Y, Chen J, Cheng X, Liu P, Wang C, Liu W. Pharmacokinetics and anti-liver fibrosis characteristics of amygdalin: Key role of the deglycosylated metabolite prunasin. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 99:154018. [PMID: 35247668 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amygdalin (Amy) is a cyanoside and is one of the chief active ingredients in Persicae Semen, Armeniacae Semen Amarum, and Pruni Semen. Amy has extensive and remarkable pharmacological activities, including against anti-hepatic fibrosis. However, the pharmacokinetic and anti-liver fibrosis effects of Amy and its enzyme metabolite prunasin (Pru) in vivo have not been studied and compared, and studies on Pru are limited. PURPOSE To investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and anti-liver fibrosis effect of Amy and its metabolite Pru in vivo and in vitro, and elucidate whether the metabolism of Amy in vivo for Pru is activated. METHODS Pru was prepared from Amy via the enzymatic hydrolysis of β-glucosidase, and isolated by silica gel column chromatography. An efficient and sensitive ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-Q exactive hybrid quadrupole orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry was developed and validated to determine simultaneously Amy and Pru in rat plasma after dosing intravenously and orally for pharmacokinetic studies. The affinities of Amy and Pru for β-glucosidase were compared by enzyme kinetic experiments to explain the possible reasons for the differences in pharmacokinetic behavior. In vitro, the inhibitory effects of Amy and Pru on hepatic stellate cell activation and macrophage inflammation on JS1 and RAW 264.7 cells were determined. In vivo, the ameliorative effects of Amy and Pru on liver fibrosis effects were comprehensively evaluated by CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model in mice. RESULTS The standard curves of Amy and Pru in rat plasma showed good linearity within the concentration range of 1.31-5000.00 ng/ml, with acceptable selectivity, carry-over, detection limit and quantification limits, intra- and inter-day precision, accuracy, matrix effect, and stability. The Cmax and AUC(0-∞) of Pru (Cmax = 1835.12 ± 268.09 ng/ml, AUC(0-∞) = 103,913.17 ± 14,202.48 ng•min/ml) were nearly 79.51- and 66.22-fold higher than those of Amy (Cmax = 23.08 ± 5.08 ng/ml, AUC(0-∞) = 1569.22 ± 650.62 ng•min/ml) after the oral administration of Amy. The oral bioavailability of Pru (64.91%) was higher than that of Amy (0.19%). The results of enzyme hydrolysis kinetics assay showed that the Vmax and Km of Pru were lower than those of Amy in commercial β-glucosidase and intestinal bacteria. In vitro cellular assays showed that Amy and Pru were comparable in inhibiting the NO production in the RAW264.7 cell supernatant and the mRNA expression of α-SMA and Col1A1 in JS1 cells. Amy and Pru were also showed comparable activity in ameliorating CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSION The pharmacokinetic characteristics of Amy and Pru in rat plasma were significantly different. After the separate gavage of Amy and Pru, Amy was absorbed predominantly as it's metabolite Pru, whereas Pru was absorbed predominantly as a prototype. The anti-liver fibrosis effects of Amy and its deglycosylated metabolite Pru were comparable in vivo and in vitro. The deglycosylated activated metabolite Pru of Amy plays an important role in anti-liver fibrosis. These findings will facilitate the further exploitation of Amy and Pru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dingqi Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongli Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linzhang Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shenglan Qi
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qinqin Fang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuemei Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
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10
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Park J, Le AK, Tseng TC, Yeh ML, Jun DW, Trinh H, Wong GLH, Chen CH, Peng CY, Kim SE, Oh H, Kwak MS, Cheung KS, Toyoda H, Hsu YC, Jeong JY, Yoon EL, Ungtrakul T, Zhang J, Xie Q, Ahn SB, Enomoto M, Shim JJ, Cunningham C, Jeong SW, Cho YK, Ogawa E, Huang R, Lee DH, Takahashi H, Tsai PC, Huang CF, Dai CY, Tseng CH, Yasuda S, Kozuka R, Li J, Wong C, Wong CC, Zhao C, Hoang J, Eguchi Y, Wu C, Tanaka Y, Gane E, Tanwandee T, Cheung R, Yuen MF, Lee HS, Yu ML, Kao JH, Yang HI, Nguyen MH. Progression Rates by Age, Sex, Treatment, and Disease Activity by AASLD and EASL Criteria: Data for Precision Medicine. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:874-885.e4. [PMID: 34089852 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Antiviral treatment criteria are based on disease progression risk, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance recommendations for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) without cirrhosis is based on an annual incidence threshold of 0.2%. However, accurate and precise disease progression estimate data are limited. Thus, we aimed to determine rates of cirrhosis and HCC development stratified by age, sex, treatment status, and disease activity based on the 2018 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and 2017 European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines. METHODS We analyzed 18,338 patients (8914 treated, 9424 untreated) from 6 centers from the United States and 27 centers from Asia-Pacific countries. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate annual progression rates to cirrhosis or HCC in person-years. RESULTS The cohort was 63% male, with a mean age of 46.19 years, with baseline cirrhosis of 14.3% and median follow up of 9.60 years. By American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases criteria, depending on age, sex, and disease activity, annual incidence rates ranged from 0.07% to 3.94% for cirrhosis, from 0.04% to 2.19% for HCC in patients without cirrhosis, and from 0.40% to 8.83% for HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Several subgroups of patients without cirrhosis including males younger than 40 years of age and females younger than 50 years of age had annual HCC risk near or exceeding 0.2%. Similar results were found using European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria. CONCLUSION There is great variability in CHB disease progression rates even among "lower-risk" populations. Future CHB modeling studies, public health planning, and HCC surveillance recommendation should be based on more precise disease progression rates based on sex, age, and disease activity, plus treatment status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoon Park
- Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Santa Clara, California; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, California
| | - An K Le
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, California
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Huy Trinh
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, California
| | - Grace L H Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sun Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ka Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jae Yoon Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eileen L Yoon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Teerapat Ungtrakul
- Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jian Zhang
- Chinese Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sang Bong Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chris Cunningham
- Research Centre for Maori Health and Development, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Soung Won Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kyun Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eiichi Ogawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong-Hyun Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Good Gang-An Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiayi Li
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Mountain View Division, Mountain View, California
| | | | - Clifford C Wong
- Wong Clinics, San Francisco, California; Department of Cirrhosis, Institute of Liver Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changqing Zhao
- Department of Cirrhosis, Institute of Liver Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Joseph Hoang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, California
| | - Yuichiro Eguchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ed Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, California
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hyo-Suk Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, California; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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Lall M, Sen S, Patrikar S, Karade S, Gupta R. Post vaccination antibody titres of hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in a mixed cohort of health care workers. Med J Armed Forces India 2022; 78:198-203. [PMID: 35463555 PMCID: PMC9023541 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B (HepB) is an important vaccine preventable infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). Vaccination against Hep B virus, remains the foremost preventive approach. This study aims to measure the antibody titres to Hep B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in a mixed cohort of HCWs. It also aims to study the association between time since vaccination and the anti-HBs titres thus evaluating the duration of seroprotection. Methods A total of 200 HCWs, including nursing students (n = 112), nursing staff (n = 49), laboratory technicians (n = 30) and doctors (n = 9) who had received all three doses of the Hep B vaccine and met the inclusion criteria of having taken all three doses of vaccine were included in this study. Anti-HBs titres were estimated by bioMérieux mini VIDAS® automated immunoassay based on the principle of enzyme-linked fluorescence assay. Results Two hundred subjects aged 19 to 52 years were included in the study; mean age was 27.29 ± 0.568 years. Duration since vaccination in the study cohort was ≤ 5 years in 149 (74.5.0%), 6-10 years in 20 (10.0%) and >10 years in 31 (15.5%) subjects. Postvaccination antibody titres were > 100 mIU/ml in 85.0%, 10-100 mIU/ml in 11.0% and ≤ 10 mIU/ml in 3.5%. There was a decline noted in antibody titres as duration after vaccination increased. Increasing age was associated with falling protective titres. Conclusion The study revealed that majority of the HCWs had adequate anti-HBs titres and were protected after vaccination.
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Abere S, Oyan B, Alali DJ, Omunakwe H, Ejikem M. Viral Hepatitis B and C: Knowledge Gaps and Patterns of Preventive Practices Among Medical Doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria. Cureus 2022; 14:e22928. [PMID: 35399450 PMCID: PMC8986324 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22928] [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] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis B and C viruses can result in both acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild acute disease to a serious, lifelong manifestation including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of medical doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria, to hepatitis B and C as well as their practice for prevention and treatment of the same. We also assessed their practice of universal precaution, provision, and use of personal protective tools. Methods One hundred and fifty doctors in both the private and public sectors were interviewed using self-administered questionnaires on viral hepatitis B and C. The questionnaire explored their knowledge and status of vaccination, viral hepatitis treatment, and their practice of universal safety precautions. Their responses were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Data was expressed in means and percentages. Results Out of all participants, 96% were aware that viral hepatitis B is preventable, while 46% erroneously believed that there is vaccination against the hepatitis C virus. Only 50% of the respondents were aware of the availability of a cure for hepatitis C infection, and 16% of the participants knew about drugs used for its treatment. While 76% of the doctors had been vaccinated against hepatitis B virus, only 4% had received treatment after testing positive for hepatitis B. Furthermore, nearly all respondents admit practicing universal precaution, especially during venipuncture; however, protective measures such as disposable gloves were not readily available to 20% of our respondents. There was a statistically significant association between sex and duration of practice with knowledge of hepatitis B and C, as well as between practice type and vaccination status. Conclusion This study shows that knowledge of the treatment of viral hepatitis amongst healthcare practitioners such as doctors is poor, and although universal safety precautions are practiced, personal protective equipment is not readily available for use in our healthcare setting, placing healthcare workers at risk of infections. There is also a need to encourage vaccination amongst healthcare practitioners to protect them against contagious diseases like hepatitis B and C infections.
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Smookler D, Beck A, Head B, Quoquat L, Albany C, Farrell T, Gordon J, Thurston N, You L, Capraru C, McKay M, Kim J, Feld JJ, Shah H. A collaborative approach to hepatitis C testing in two First Nations communities of Northwest Ontario. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022; 5:329-338. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2021-0031] [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: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Two remote First Nations communities each collaborated with an urban-based liver clinic to organize wide-spread testing, followed by linkage to care for hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHOD: Involvement of community members was central to planning and conduct of the programs. Samples were obtained using dry blood spot cards (DBS). A week-long pilot study in Community 1 investigated the effectiveness of the program, using DBS. Community 2, being larger, more remote, and known to be endemic for HCV was more challenging. Three-week-long testing drives plus a stand-alone testing day were used to collect samples over 5 months. Public Health Agency (PHAC)’s National Laboratory for HIV Reference Services (NLHRS) received and tested the DBS samples for HCV and other blood-borne infections. Outcomes were measured by number of people tested, the quality of the tests, and community members’ satisfaction with the program and retained knowledge about HCV, based on interviews. RESULTS: In Community 1, 226 people were tested for HCV over 4 days. 85% agreed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing as well. In Community 2, 484 people, one-half of the adult population, were tested. Surveys of participants showed food was the most significant draw, and Facebook the most effective way to inform people of the events. Interviews with staff and participants showed a high level of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The results suggest this is an effective approach to testing for HCV in unusually challenging settings. Lessons from the program include the power of community involvement; and the effectiveness of a highly targeted health initiative when developed through collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Smookler
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (TCLD), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Terri Farrell
- Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet Gordon
- Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lucy You
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (TCLD), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camelia Capraru
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (TCLD), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mike McKay
- Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Kim
- National Laboratory for HIV Reference Services (NLHRS), Canada
| | - Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (TCLD), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hemant Shah
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (TCLD), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Salum GM, el Meguid MA, Abelhafez TH, Medhat E, Abdel Aziz AO, Dawood R. Evaluation of seven gene signature for predicting HCV recurrence post-liver transplantation. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:174. [PMID: 34757522 PMCID: PMC8581076 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00266-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) offers a therapeutic choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The poor outcome of liver transplantation is HCV recurrence. Several genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) have reported many genetic variants to be associated with HCV recurrence. Seven gene polymorphisms formed a cirrhosis risk score (CRS) signature that could be used to distinguish chronic HCV patients at high risk from those at low risk for cirrhosis in non-transplant patients. This study aims to examine the association of CRS score and other clinical parameters with the probability for HCC emergence and/or the rate of HCV recurrence following liver transplantation. RESULTS Seven gene polymorphisms, forming the CRS, were genotyped by real-time PCR using allelic discrimination protocol in 199 end-stage liver disease patients (79 child A, 43 child B, and 77child C), comprising 106 patients who encountered liver transplantation. Recipient CRS scores were correlated with HCV recurrence (HCV-Rec) at the end of the third year after OLT. Around 81% (39) recipients with low steatosis (LS; < 3.5%) donor percentage revealed no HCV recurrence (non-Rec) (p<0.001). CRS score could distinguish between child A, child B, and child C only at the low-risk group. Among the HCV Rec group 27% (8/30), 40% (12/30), and 33% (10/30) fell into the high, moderate, and low CRS risk groups, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression evinced two features more likely to be seen in HCV-Rec patients: abnormal ALT [OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.02-1.2] and donor steatosis >3.5% [OR, 46.07; 95% CI, 1.5-1407.8]. CONCLUSIONS Accordingly, the CRS score seems to be less useful to predict HCV recurrence after OLT. ALT and donor steatosis (exceed 3.5%) can significantly promote the HCV recurrence post-OLT. Moreover, the combination of MMF and CNI positively heightens HCV recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada M. Salum
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai Abd el Meguid
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tawfeek H. Abelhafez
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman Medhat
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepato-gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashraf O. Abdel Aziz
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepato-gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Dawood
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt
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Gagné M, Têtu I, Grégoire JP, Moisan J. Adherence and sustained virologic response among vulnerable people initiating an hepatitis C treatment at a nurse-led clinic: A non-experimental prospective cohort study based on clinical records. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2021.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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16
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Schmidbauer C, Chromy D, Schmidbauer VU, Schwarz M, Jachs M, Bauer DJM, Binter T, Apata M, Nguyen DT, Mandorfer M, Simbrunner B, Rieger A, Mayer F, Breuer M, Strassl R, Schmidt R, Holzmann H, Trauner M, Gschwantler M, Reiberger T. Epidemiological trends of HBV and HDV coinfection among Viennese HIV+ patients. Liver Int 2021; 41:2622-2634. [PMID: 34268869 PMCID: PMC9290933 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Despite vaccination recommendations, hepatitis B (HBV) and D (HDV) coinfections are common in HIV+individuals. METHODS HBV immunization status (anti-HBs) as well as HBV (HBsAg/HBV-DNA) and HDV (anti-HDV) coinfection rates were assessed in 1870 HIV+individuals at HIV diagnosis (baseline, BL) and last follow-up (FU). RESULTS Sixty-eight (3.6%) HIV patients were never tested for HBV. At BL, 89/1802 (4.9%) HIV patients were HBV coinfected. Four hundred and fifteen (23.0%) showed virological HBV clearance [HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+)/anti-HBs(+)] and 210 (11.7%) presented with anti-HBc(+) only. Seven hundred and ten (39.4%) were HBV naïve [HBsAg(-)/anti-HBs(-)/anti-HBc(-)/HBV-DNA(-)], but only 378 (21.0%) received vaccinations with detectable anti-HBs(+) titres. Among the 89 HBV/HIV-coinfected patients, only 52 (58.4%) were tested for HDV: 11/49 (22.4%) had anti-HDV(+) and 3/12 (25.0%) showed HDV-RNA viraemia. During a median FU of 6.5 (IQR 7.2) years, 44 (4.6%) of the 953 retested BL HBV-negative patients acquired new HBV infection (including 15/304, 4.9% of vaccinated patients). Of the 89 patients, 22 (24.7%) patients cleared their HBsAg, resulting in 60/1625 (3.7%) HIV/HBV individuals at FU: 34 (56.7%) showed HBV-DNA suppression and 15 (25.0%) were HBV viraemic, while 12/89 (13.5%) remained without a FU test. Vaccinations induced anti-HBs(+) in 137 of the retested 649 (21.1%) BL HBV-naïve patients. CONCLUSION HBV testing is well established among Viennese HIV+patients with HBV coinfection rates around 4%-5%. HBV vaccinations are insufficiently implemented since anti-HBs titres were detected in only 21.1% of HBV-naive HIV(+) patients and new HBV infections occurred in previously vaccinated patients. HDV testing is not systematically performed despite up to 25% of HIV/HBV patients may show HDV coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Schmidbauer
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Department of Internal Medicine IVKlinik OttakringViennaAustria
| | - David Chromy
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Victor U. Schmidbauer
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image‐guided TherapyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Schwarz
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Department of Internal Medicine IVKlinik OttakringViennaAustria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - David J. M. Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Teresa Binter
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Apata
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Dung T. Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE‐LIVERMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Armin Rieger
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Florian Mayer
- Department of Laboratory MedicineClinical Institute of VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Monika Breuer
- Department of Laboratory MedicineClinical Institute of VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Robert Strassl
- Department of Laboratory MedicineClinical Institute of VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ralf Schmidt
- Department of Laboratory MedicineClinical Institute of VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Michael Trauner
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE‐LIVERMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Gschwantler
- Department of Internal Medicine IVKlinik OttakringViennaAustria,Sigmund Freud UniversityViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE‐LIVERMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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Solitano V, Plaz Torres MC, Pugliese N, Aghemo A. Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C: Are There Still Unsolved Problems and Unique Populations? Viruses 2021; 13:1048. [PMID: 34205966 PMCID: PMC8228389 DOI: 10.3390/v13061048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, possibly leading to HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, some patients belonging to the so-called unique or special populations are referred to as difficult-to-treat due to unreached sustained virological response, potential drug side effects or interactions or co-morbidities. Several years after the DAA introduction and on the basis of excellent findings in terms of efficacy and safety, some doubts arise around the exact meaning of the special population designation and whether this group of patients actually exists. The aim of this review is to discuss and analyze current evidence on the management and treatment of the so-called "unique populations". We placed particular emphasis on patients with decompensated cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), coinfections, rare genotypes, and previous treatment failure, in order to provide physicians with an updated overview of the actual problems and needs in the current scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Solitano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20082 Milan, Italy; (V.S.); (N.P.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Corina Plaz Torres
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Pugliese
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20082 Milan, Italy; (V.S.); (N.P.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20082 Milan, Italy; (V.S.); (N.P.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
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18
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Lee AB, Karumberia S, Gilmore A, Williams E, Bruner N, Overton ET, Saag MS, Franco RA. Hepatitis C Among High-Risk Alabamians: Disease Burden and Screening Effectiveness. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S365-S375. [PMID: 32877566 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of hepatitis C testing and linkage-to-care (LTC) is poorly characterized in low-resource jurisdictions facing gaps in harm reduction, including illegality of syringe exchange services. Effectiveness of a community-based test/LTC program was evaluated in Alabama. METHODS In 2016-2018, shelters, drug treatment centers (DTCs), AIDS organizations, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) engaged in screening/LTC. A coordinator navigated individuals to confirm viremia and link to substance use treatment or primary care with hepatitis C prescribers. RESULTS Point-of-care (POC) tested 4293 individuals (10% [427] antibody-positive, 71% [299/419] RNA performed, 80% [241/299] viremia confirmed) and 93% linked to care (225/241). Electronic medical record (EMR)-based reflex strategy screened 4654 (15% [679] antibody positive, 99% [670/679] RNA performed, 64% [433/679] viremia confirmed) and 85% linked to care (368/433). We observed higher odds of RNA confirmation in EMR-based reflex versus POC (OR, 2.07; P < .0001) and higher odds of LTC in EMR-based reflex versus POC (OR, 1.51; P < .0001). Overall, 53% individuals tested were nonbaby boomers. CONCLUSIONS In Alabama, screening at high-risk settings identified significant hepatitis C burden and reflex testing outperformed point-of-care linkage indicators. Colocating testing in DTCs and treatment in FQHCs provided key LTC venues to at-risk younger groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony B Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sandra Karumberia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ashley Gilmore
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ebony Williams
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nichole Bruner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Edgar Turner Overton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael S Saag
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ricardo A Franco
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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19
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Kamali I, Barnhart DA, Nyirahabihirwe F, de la Paix Gakuru J, Uwase M, Nizeyumuremyi E, Walker S, Mazimpaka C, de Dieu Gatete J, Makuza JD, Serumondo J, Kateera F, d'Amour Ndahimana J. Initiation of hepatitis C treatment in two rural Rwandan districts: a mobile clinic approach. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:220. [PMID: 33632165 PMCID: PMC7908655 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05920-3] [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] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To eliminate hepatitis C, Rwanda is conducting national mass screenings and providing to people with chronic hepatitis C free access to Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Until 2020, prescribers trained and authorized to initiate DAA treatment were based at district hospitals, and access to DAAs remains expensive and geographically difficult for rural patients. We implemented a mobile clinic to provide DAA treatment initiation at primary-level health facilities among people with chronic hepatitis C identified through mass screening campaigns in rural Kirehe and Kayonza districts. Methods The mobile clinic team was composed of one clinician authorized to manage hepatitis, one lab technician, and one driver. Eligible patients received same-day clinical consultations, counselling, laboratory tests and DAA initiation. Using clinical databases, registers, and program records, we compared the number of patients who initiated DAA treatment before and during the mobile clinic campaign. We assessed linkage to care during the mobile clinical campaign and assessed predictors of linkage to care. We also estimated the cost per patient of providing mobile services and the reduction in out-of-pocket costs associated with accessing DAA treatment through the mobile clinic rather than the standard of care. Results Prior to the mobile clinic, only 408 patients in Kirehe and Kayonza had been initiated on DAAs over a 25-month period. Between November 2019 and January 2020, out of 661 eligible patients with hepatitis C, 429 (64.9%) were linked to care through the mobile clinic. Having a telephone number and complete address recorded at screening were strongly associated with linkage to care. The cost per patient of the mobile clinic program was 29.36 USD, excluding government-provided DAAs. Providing patients with same-day laboratory tests and clinical consultation at primary-level health facilities reduced out-of-pocket expenses by 9.88 USD. Conclusion The mobile clinic was a feasible strategy for providing rapid treatment initiation among people chronically infected by hepatitis C, identified through a mass screening campaign. Compared to the standard of care, mobile clinics reached more patients in a much shorter time. This low-cost strategy also reduced out-of-pocket expenditures among patients. However, long-term, sustainable care would require decentralization to the primary health-centre level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dale A Barnhart
- Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | | | - Mariam Uwase
- Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean Damascene Makuza
- Rwanda Biomedical Centre, IHDPC, Kigali, Rwanda.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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20
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Dawood RM, Salum GM, El-Meguid MA, Elsayed A, Yosry A, Abdelaziz A, Shousha HI, Nabeel MM, El Awady MK. Development of a gene signature for predicting cirrhosis risk score of chronic liver disease associated with HCV infection in Egyptians. Microb Pathog 2021; 153:104805. [PMID: 33609649 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex diseases such as fibrosis are likely polygenic. Lately, cirrhosis risk score (CRS) clearly discriminated Chronic HCV patients with high-risk versus those with low-risk for cirrhosis better than clinical factors. METHODS Herein, the CRS was assessed via genotyping by allelic discrimination assays in 243 HCV Egyptian patients categorized into 164 patients didn't develop HCC (93 mild, 71 advanced fibrosis); and 79 patients developed HCC. APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated, compared with CRS and correlated with degree of fibrosis progression. RESULTS Median of the three CRS, APRI and FIB-4 scores were significantly elevated in late fibrotic and HCC patients (p < 0.001); however CRS displayed proper discrimination (mild fibrosis (0.59; 0.4-0.75), advanced fibrosis (0.75; 0.7-0.86) and HCC (0.73; 0.57-0.77); (p < 0.001)). The ROC analysis of CRS score displayed modest accuracy to discriminate between mild and advanced fibrotic patient; AUC was 0.73; p < 0.0001), while AUC was only 0.57 (p = 0.05) for the discrimination between HCC and no HCC. Moreover, the combination of CRS, APRI and FIB4 lessened the power of correlation (AUC, 0.63 (p < 0.0001)) in fibrosis prognosis. In HCC prognosis, the combination of CRS, APRI and FIB4 in HCC patients showed modest accuracy with AUC, 0.59 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION The diagnostic accuracy of FIB-4 for predicting liver fibrosis was nearly identical to that of CRS, however the strength of CRS score stemmed from that it is built on 7 SNPs host genetic factor. Our study validates non invasive algorithms for fibrosis prognosis purposes which may aid in decision making for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham M Dawood
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, 33 EL Bohouth Street Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Ghada M Salum
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, 33 EL Bohouth Street Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Mai Abd El-Meguid
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, 33 EL Bohouth Street Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsayed
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Ayman Yosry
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Abdelaziz
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Hend Ibrahim Shousha
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mahmoud Nabeel
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K El Awady
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Centre, 33 EL Bohouth Street Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
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21
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Udompap P, Tanwandee T, Gani R. Affordability of Antiviral Therapy in Asia-Pacific Countries and Its Impact on Public Health Outcomes. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2021; 16:249-253. [PMID: 33489097 PMCID: PMC7805294 DOI: 10.1002/cld.977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Prowpanga Udompap
- Department of MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMN,Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineFaculty of Medicine Siriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineFaculty of Medicine Siriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Rino Gani
- Hepatobiliary DivisionDepartment of Internal MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of IndonesiaCipto Mangunkusumo HospitalJakartaIndonesia
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22
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Health Communication and Behavioural Practice towards Ending Hepatitis B Virus in Southwest Nigeria. ScientificWorldJournal 2021; 2020:4969687. [PMID: 33424487 PMCID: PMC7773454 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4969687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Responding to the international call for strategic information to understand viral hepatitis, this study investigated the health communication practice on hepatitis B virus in Southwest Nigeria. Existing studies on HBV in Nigeria have primarily concentrated on health practitioners and their patients while neglecting detailed empirical data on semiurban and urban demographic information. This study examines health communication channels as predictors of knowledge, attitude, and behavioural practices with an emphasis on three Southwest states (Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun) in Nigeria that have the highest prevalence rate of HBV. Data were gathered through a survey from a total of 600 respondents of Southwest Nigeria randomly selected through the multistage sampling technique. The hypotheses were tested with the use of multiple regression. The result reveals that health communication channels for hepatitis B virus management had a significant influence on knowledge (F = 12.708, Df = 581, P < 0.05, Sig. at 0.000), attitude (F = 3.430, Df = 581, P < 0.05, Sig. at 0.000), and preventive practices (F = 11.075, Df = 581, P < 0.05, Sig. at 0.000) of residents of Southwest Nigeria, respectively. The study concludes that health communication channels such as the television, Internet, radio, newspaper, and health workers positively influence the behavioural practices of residents of Southwest Nigeria. The study recommends the development of a nationwide communication system on HBV targeted at putting an end to the disease in line with the 2030 global elimination objective of Sustainable Development Goal 3.
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23
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Liu M, Tseng TC, Jun DW, Yeh ML, Trinh H, Wong GLH, Chen CH, Peng CY, Kim SE, Oh H, Kwak MS, Cheung M, Toyoda H, Hsu YC, Jeong JY, Yoon EL, Ungtrakul T, Zhang J, Xie Q, Ahn SB, Enomoto M, Shim JJ, Cunningham C, Jeong SW, Cho YK, Ogawa E, Huang R, Lee DH, Takahashi H, Tsai PC, Huang CF, Dai CY, Tseng CH, Yasuda S, Kozuka R, Li J, Wong C, Wong CC, Zhao C, Hoang J, Eguchi Y, Wu C, Tanaka Y, Gane E, Tanwandee T, Cheung R, Yuen MF, Lee HS, Yu ML, Kao JH, Yang HI, Nguyen MH. Transition rates to cirrhosis and liver cancer by age, gender, disease and treatment status in Asian chronic hepatitis B patients. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:71-81. [PMID: 33394321 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing hepatitis-related mortality has reignited interest to fulfill the World Health Organization's goal of viral hepatitis elimination by 2030. However, economic barriers have enabled only 28% of countries to implement countermeasures. Given the high disease burden among Asians, we aimed to present age, sex, disease activity and treatment-specific annual progression rates among Asian chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients to inform health economic modeling efforts and cost-effective public health interventions. METHODS We analyzed 18,056 CHB patients from 36 centers across the U.S. and seven countries/regions of Asia Pacific (9530 treated; 8526 untreated). We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate annual incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Active disease was defined by meeting the APASL treatment guideline criteria. RESULTS Over a median follow-up of 8.55 years, there were 1178 incidences of cirrhosis and 1212 incidences of HCC (297 without cirrhosis, 915 with cirrhosis). Among the 8526 untreated patients (7977 inactive, 549 active), the annual cirrhosis and HCC incidence ranged from 0.26% to 1.30% and 0.04% to 3.80% in inactive patients, and 0.55 to 4.05% and 0.19 to 6.03% in active patients, respectively. Of the 9530 treated patients, the annual HCC rates ranged 0.03-1.57% among noncirrhotic males and 2.57-6.93% among cirrhotic males, with lower rates for females. Generally, transition rates increased with age, male sex, the presence of fibrosis/cirrhosis, and active disease and/or antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION Using data from a large and diverse real-world cohort of Asian CHB patients, the study provided detailed annual transition rates to inform practice, research and public health planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, 780 Welch Road, CJ250K, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Huy Trinh
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Grace L H Wong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sun Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jae Yoon Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eileen L Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Teerapat Ungtrakul
- Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jian Zhang
- Chinese Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sang Bong Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chris Cunningham
- Research Centre for Maori Health and Development, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Soung Won Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kyun Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eiichi Ogawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Hyun Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Good Gang-An Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiayi Li
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Mountain View Division, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Changqing Zhao
- Department of Cirrhosis, Institute of Liver Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of T.C.M., Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Joseph Hoang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, 780 Welch Road, CJ250K, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | | | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ed Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, 780 Welch Road, CJ250K, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hyo-Suk Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, 780 Welch Road, CJ250K, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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Hannula R, Söderholm J, Svendsen T, Skaland M, Nordbø SA, Steinum H, Damås JK. Hepatitis C outreach project and cross-sectional epidemiology in high-risk populations in Trondheim, Norway. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211053929. [PMID: 34733508 PMCID: PMC8558792 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211053929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C is highly prevalent among people who use drugs (PWUD), and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic is less characterised in Norway. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence and treatment willingness in high-risk populations by reaching out to frequently visited sites for high-risk populations. METHODS Individuals from high-risk populations were included from September 2015 to March 2017. Two dedicated study nurses frequently visited the local opioid substitution clinic, outpatient clinics, PWUD day centres, local prison, and refugee centre in Trondheim, Norway. Demographic data, risk behaviour, and clinical symptoms were obtained by study questionnaire. Subjects with anti-HCV+ rapid test were subsequently tested for HCV RNA and genotyped. Viraemic patients were offered referral for HCV treatment evaluation. RESULTS A total of 381 participants were included in the study: 52 immigrants, 62 prisoners, and 267 PWUD. The anti-HCV prevalence rates were 0% (n = 0) in immigrants, 40% (n = 25) in prisoners, and 61% (n = 164) in PWUD, with 24% (n = 15) of prisoners and 42% (n = 108) of PWUD being viraemic. Of those qualifying for treatment (n = 31), 30 wished to be evaluated. CONCLUSION This study showed high HCV prevalence in prisoners and PWUD and that infected high-risk patients were interested in treatment evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa Hannula
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jonas Söderholm
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese Svendsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Maja Skaland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Svein A. Nordbø
- Department of Medical Microbiology, St. Olavs Hospital HF, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Harald Steinum
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan K. Damås
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Steininger L, Chromy D, Bauer D, Simbrunner B, Binter T, Schwabl P, Schmidbauer C, Trauner M, Gschwantler M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. Direct patient-physician communication via a hepatitis C hotline facilitates treatment initiation in patients with poor adherence. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2020; 133:452-460. [PMID: 33351152 PMCID: PMC8116284 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-020-01790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite the availability of effective and well-tolerated direct acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a substantial number of HCV patients remain untreated. Novel strategies targeting HCV patients with poor adherence are urgently needed to enable HCV elimination. Methods We implemented a physician-operated HCV hotline (HCV-Phone) that was promoted within the patient community and referral networks. Previously diagnosed HCV patients were contacted via the HCV-Phone and offered low-barrier access to DAA therapy. Patients/referring physicians could directly call or send messages to the HCV-Phone. The HCV-Phone related and unrelated visits as well as DAA treatment initiations throughout 2019 were documented. Patients were followed until October 2020. This study analyzed treatment initiation, adherence to scheduled visits and outcomes in patients in whom management was assisted by the HCV-Phone. Results Out of 98 patient contacts via the HCV-Phone 74 attended treatment assessment at our clinic. While 15 (20%) patients were HCV-RNA negative and 1 (1%) patient did not initiate therapy, 58 patients were recruited for DAA therapy via the HCV-Phone. A total of 21 additional patients who started DAAs without HCV-Phone assistance required the use of the HCV-Phone infrastructure later on during treatment, resulting in a total of 79 HCV-Phone related DAA therapies. The poor adherence of patients previously diagnosed with HCV at our clinic is underlined by the long duration from HCV diagnosis to DAA therapy of median 37.0 months (IQR 2.7–181.1 months). A total of 55 (70%) HCV patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR), 5 (6%) discontinued therapy, 1 (1%) had a reinfection, while 10 (13%) and 8 (10%) patients were lost during DAA therapy or follow-up, respectively. Conclusion The implementation of a physician-operated phone hotline for patients with HCV infection facilitated treatment initiation in an HCV population with poor adherence. Mainly due to losses to follow-up, the SVR rate remained suboptimal with 70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Steininger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Chromy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - Teresa Binter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Schmidbauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wilhelminenspital, Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund (KAV) der Stadt Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Gschwantler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wilhelminenspital, Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund (KAV) der Stadt Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group, Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Folch C, Saludes V, Reyes-Ureña J, Antuori A, Ibáñez N, Majó X, Colom J, Matas L, Casabona J, Martró E. The hepatitis C care cascade among people who inject drugs accessing harm reduction services in Catalonia: Major gaps for migrants. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 90:103057. [PMID: 33310634 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to describe the HCV cascade of care among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Catalonia, as well as to compare the observed gaps in care between Spanish-born and migrant PWID. METHODS A cross-sectional study of PWID (N = 410) attending four harm reduction services (HRS) was performed in 2016-17 (HepCdetect II Study). Participants were tested for both HCV antibodies (rapid testing) and RNA (from dried blood spot samples). The HCV care cascade was estimated from HCV testing results combined with self-reported data on previous testing, diagnosis and treatment collected through a questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used to test for an association between migration status and the proportions observed in each step of the HCV care cascade adjusting for age, sex, years of injection, homelessness, and treatment for drug dependence. RESULTS Overall, 85.4% were men and 28.0% were migrants. Among Spanish-born (n = 295) and migrant (n = 115) PWID participants in the study, 96.6% vs. 88.6% had previously been HCV screened (AOR=3.11; 95% CI: 1.11-8.65), 79.3% vs. 80.9% were antibody positive, and 70.7% vs. 67.6% were HCV-RNA positive or cured with treatment; among the latter, 36.6% vs. 18.2% had started treatment (AOR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.09-5.34), and 20.6% vs. 9.1% had been cured by treatment, respectively. Unawareness of having hepatitis C was more common among migrants than Spanish-born PWID (46.0% and 31.5%, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study estimates the HCV care cascade among Spanish-born and migrant PWID in Catalonia for the very first time, and highlights a higher attrition of migrant PWID in all HCV care cascade stages. The observed limited linkage to care and treatment by PWID that attend the HRS network warrants future implementation of decentralized diagnosis and antiviral treatment. Strategies focusing on migrants by increasing HCV screening coverage and treatment access will be especially relevant in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinta Folch
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia Public Health Agency (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain; Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Saludes
- Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Juliana Reyes-Ureña
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia Public Health Agency (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain; Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Antuori
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Nuria Ibáñez
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis. ASPCAT, Badalona, Spain
| | - Xavier Majó
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis. ASPCAT, Badalona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis. ASPCAT, Badalona, Spain
| | - Lurdes Matas
- Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia Public Health Agency (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain; Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Martró
- Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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27
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Nakitanda AO, Montanari L, Tavoschi L, Mozalevskis A, Duffell E. Hepatitis C virus infection in EU/EEA and United Kingdom prisons: opportunities and challenges for action. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1670. [PMID: 33167912 PMCID: PMC7650151 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the European Union, European Economic Area and United Kingdom is driven by injecting drug use (IDU), which contributes to the high burden of chronic infection among people in prisons. This study aimed to describe the context, epidemiology and response targeting HCV in prisons across the region. METHODS We retrieved and collated HCV-related data from the World Health Organization's Health in Prisons European Database and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's hepatitis C prevalence database. Prisons population data were obtained from the Council of Europe Annual Penal Statistics on prison populations (SPACE I). RESULTS There were 12 to 93,266 people in prisons, with rates of 31·5 to 234·9 per 100,000 population. Median age was between 31 and 40 years, with up to 72% foreign nationals. Average detention time ranged from one to 31 months. Ministries of Health had sole authority over prisons health, budget administration and funding in 27, 31 and 8% of 26 reporting countries, respectively. Seroprevalence of HCV antibodies ranged from 2·3% to 82·6% while viraemic infections ranged from 5·7% to 8·2%, where reported. Up to 25·8 and 44% reported current and ever IDU, respectively. Eight countries routinely offered HCV screening on an opt-out basis. Needle and syringe programmes were available in three countries. Among the nine countries with data, the annual number of those who had completed HCV treatment ranged between one and 1215 people in prisons. CONCLUSIONS HCV burden in prisons remains high, amidst suboptimal levels of interventions. Systematic monitoring at both local and regional levels is warranted, to advance progress towards the elimination of HCV in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Olivia Nakitanda
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Present address: Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.418914.10000 0004 1791 8889European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Montanari
- grid.418926.00000 0004 0631 3155European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lara Tavoschi
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Department of translational research and new technologies in medicine and surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antons Mozalevskis
- grid.420226.00000 0004 0639 2949World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erika Duffell
- grid.418914.10000 0004 1791 8889European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
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28
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Pawlotsky JM, Ramers CB, Dillon JF, Feld JJ, Lazarus JV. Simplification of Care for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Semin Liver Dis 2020; 40:392-402. [PMID: 32725611 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) set a target for eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030. However, while today's highly effective and well-tolerated pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral regimens have maximized simplification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, there remain a plethora of barriers to HCV screening, diagnosis, and linkage to care. As of 2017, only 19% of the estimated 71 million individuals living with chronic HCV worldwide were diagnosed and in 2015 to 2016, only 21% of diagnosed individuals had accessed treatment. Simplification and decentralization of the HCV care cascade would bolster patient engagement and support the considerable scale-up needed to achieve WHO targets. Recent developments in HCV screening and diagnosis, together with reduced pretreatment assessment and on-treatment monitoring requirements, can further streamline the care continuum, ensuring patients are linked to care quickly and earlier in the disease course, and minimize clinic visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est-INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Christian B Ramers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Cruchet R, Dezanet LNC, Maylin S, Gabassi A, Rougier H, Miailhes P, Lascoux-Combe C, Chas J, Girard PM, Delaugerre C, Lacombe K, Boyd A. Association of Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen and Antihepatitis B Core Antibody With Liver Fibrosis Evolution in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Hepatitis B Virus Coinfected Patients During Treatment With Tenofovir. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa215. [PMID: 33123612 PMCID: PMC7580158 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quantitative hepatitis B core-related antigen (qHBcrAg) or antihepatitis B core antibody (qAnti-HBc) could be useful in monitoring liver fibrosis evolution during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, yet it has not been assessed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-HBV-coinfected patients undergoing treatment with tenofovir (TDF). Methods One hundred fifty-four HIV-HBV-infected patients initiating a TDF-containing antiretroviral regimen were prospectively followed. The qHBcrAg and qAnti-HBc and liver fibrosis assessment were collected every 6–12 months during TDF. Hazard ratios (HRs) assessing the association between qHBcrAg/qAnti-HBc and transitions from none/mild/significant fibrosis to advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis (progression) and from advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis to none/mild/significant fibrosis (regression) were estimated using a time-homogeneous Markov model. Results At baseline, advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis was observed in 40 (26%) patients. During a median follow-up of 48 months (interquartile range, 31–90), 38 transitions of progression (IR = 7/100 person-years) and 34 transitions of regression (IR = 6/100 person-years) were observed. Baseline levels of qHBcrAg and qAnti-HBc were not associated with liver fibrosis progression (adjusted-HR per log10 U/mL = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93–1.24; adjusted-HR per log10 Paul-Ehrlich-Institute [PEI] U/mL = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.70–1.04, respectively) or regression (adjusted-HR per log10 U/mL = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.95–1.46; adjusted-HR per log10 PEI U/mL = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.78–1.22, respectively) after adjusting for age, gender, duration of antiretroviral therapy, protease inhibitor-containing antiretroviral therapy, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Nevertheless, changes from the previous visit of qAnti-HBc levels were associated with liver fibrosis regression (adjusted-HR per log10 PEIU/mL change = 5.46, 95% CI = 1.56–19.16). Conclusions Baseline qHBcrAg and qAnti-HBc levels are not associated with liver fibrosis evolution in TDF-treated HIV-HBV coinfected patients. The link between changes in qAnti-HBc levels during follow-up and liver fibrosis regression merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Cruchet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France
| | - Lorenza N C Dezanet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Maylin
- APHP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Gabassi
- APHP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, INSERM U944, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Hayette Rougier
- IMEA, Institut de Médecine et d'Epidémiologie Appliquée, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Miailhes
- Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Lyon, France
| | | | - Julie Chas
- APHP, Hôpital Tenon, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Girard
- APHP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Paris, France
| | - Constance Delaugerre
- APHP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, INSERM U944, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France.,APHP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Paris, France
| | - Anders Boyd
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France.,APHP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Paris, France
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30
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Md Said R, Mohd Zain R, Chan HK, Soelar SA, Rusli N, Nasir NH, Zakaria R, Hassan MRA. Find the Missing Millions: Malaysia's experience with nationwide hepatitis C screening campaign in the general population. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:638-643. [PMID: 31997563 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 2.5% of the Malaysian population is currently living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Yet, the public awareness of the disease is limited and under-screening remains a major challenge. With the support of international non-for-profit organizations, the Ministry of Health in Malaysia recently launched a one-week nationwide hepatitis C screening campaign in conjunction with the World Hepatitis Day. For the first time, the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for HCV screening was introduced in public health institutions. This campaign involved 49 hospitals and 38 health clinics across the country, targeting the adult general population with unknown HCV infection status. Of the 11 382 participants undergoing the RDT, 1.9% were found to be positive for hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) and were referred to on-site medical departments or nearby hospitals for confirmatory testing and treatment. Men, the Malay ethnic group, intranasal and injection drug users and ex-prisoners were shown to have higher odds of being positive for anti-HCV. In addition to serving as a model to educate the general population about the disease, this campaign demonstrates the feasibility of decentralizing HCV screening, particularly by promoting the use of RDT, and linking the HCV-infected patients to care in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rozainanee Mohd Zain
- Virology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Huan-Keat Chan
- Clinical Research Center, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Malaysia
| | | | - Norhayati Rusli
- Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
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31
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Abstract
Enhancing host immunity by vaccination to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the most important strategy for global control of hepatitis B. Currently, 187 countries have in place infant hepatitis B vaccination programs. Hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence has decreased to less than 1% in children after successful implementation of universal HBV vaccination in newborns. The incidence of primary liver cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults has drastically decreased to near zero in birth cohorts receiving hepatitis B vaccination. Elimination of chronic hepatitis B by 2030 is not a mission impossible.
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32
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Averhoff F, Shadaker S, Gamkrelidze A, Kuchuloria T, Gvinjilia L, Sergeenko D, Butsashvili M, Tsertsvadze T, Sharvadze L, Zarkua J, Skaggs B, Nasrullah M, Nasrullah M. Progress and challenges of a pioneering hepatitis C elimination program in the country of Georgia. J Hepatol 2020; 72:680-687. [PMID: 31811882 PMCID: PMC7418146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Georgia, with a high prevalence of HCV infection, launched the world's first national hepatitis C elimination program in April 2015. A key strategy is the identification, treatment, and cure of the estimated 150,000 HCV-infected people living in the country. We report on progress and key challenges from Georgia's experience. METHODS We constructed a care cascade by analyzing linked data from the national hepatitis C screening registry and treatment databases during 2015-2018. We assessed the impact of reflex hepatitis C core antigen (HCVcAg) testing on rates of viremia testing and treatment initiation (i.e. linkage to care). RESULTS As of December 31, 2018, 1,101,530 adults (39.6% of the adult population) were screened for HCV antibody, of whom 98,430 (8.9%) tested positive. Of the individuals who tested positive, 78,484 (79.7%) received viremia testing, of whom 66,916 (85.3%) tested positive for active HCV infection. A total of 52,576 people with active HCV infection initiated treatment and 48,879 completed their course of treatment. Of the 35,035 who were tested for cure (i.e., sustained virologic response [SVR]), 34,513 (98.5%) achieved SVR. Reflex HCVcAg testing, implemented in March 2018, increased rates of monthly viremia testing by 97.5% among those who screened positive for anti-HCV, however, rates of treatment initiation decreased by 60.7% among diagnosed viremic patients. CONCLUSIONS Over one-third of people living with HCV in Georgia have been detected and linked to care and treatment, however, identification and linkage to care of the remaining individuals with HCV infection is challenging. Novel interventions, such as reflex testing with HCVcAg, can improve rates of viremia testing, but may result in unintended consequences, such as decreased rates of treatment initiation. Linked data systems allow for regular review of the care cascade, allowing for identification of deficiencies and development of corrective actions. LAY SUMMARY This report describes progress in Georgia's hepatitis C elimination program and highlights efforts to promote hepatitis C virus screening and treatment initiation on a national scale. Georgia has made progress towards eliminating hepatitis C, treating over 50,000 people, approximately one-third of the number infected, and achieving cure for 98.5% of those tested. However, identifying infected individuals and linking them to care remains challenging. Novel approaches to increase diagnostic testing can have unintended consequences further down the care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Averhoff
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD & TB Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Shaun Shadaker
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD & TB Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Tatia Kuchuloria
- TEPHINET independent contractor for Georgia Hepatitis C Elimination Program
| | - Lia Gvinjilia
- TEPHINET independent contractor for Georgia Hepatitis C Elimination Program
| | - David Sergeenko
- Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Tengiz Tsertsvadze
- Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Jaba Zarkua
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, Medical Center Mrcheveli, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Beth Skaggs
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, South Caucasus Regional Office, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Muazzam Nasrullah
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD & TB Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Muazzam Nasrullah
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD & TB Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Schmidbauer C, Chromy D, Schmidbauer V, Bauer D, Apata M, Nguyen D, Mandorfer M, Simbrunner B, Rieger A, Mayer F, Schmidt R, Holzmann H, Trauner M, Gschwantler M, Reiberger T. Epidemiological trends in HCV transmission and prevalence in the Viennese HIV+ population. Liver Int 2020; 40:787-796. [PMID: 32017359 PMCID: PMC7187177 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is common in people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Recently, 'high-risk' behaviour among men who have sex with men (MSM) has emerged as another main route of HCV transmission. We analysed temporal trends in HCV epidemiology in a cohort of Viennese HIV+ patients. METHODS Hepatitis C virus parameters were recorded at HIV diagnosis (baseline [BL]) and last visit (follow-up [FU]) for all HIV+ patients attending our HIV clinic between January 2014 and December 2016. Proportions of HIV+ patients with anti-HCV(+) and HCV viraemia (HCV-RNA(+)) at BL/FU were assessed and stratified by route of transmission. RESULTS In all, 1806/1874 (96.4%) HIV+ patients were tested for HCV at BL. Anti-HCV(+) was detected in 93.2% (276/296) of PWIDs and in 3.7% (31/839) of MSM. After a median FU of 6.9 years, 1644 (91.0%) patients underwent FU HCV-testing: 167 (90.3%) of PWIDs and 49 (6.7%) of MSM showed anti-HCV(+). Among 208 viraemic HCV-RNA(+) patients at BL, 30 (14.4%) had spontaneously cleared HCV, 76 (36.5%) achieved treatment-induced eradication and 89 (42.8%) remained HCV-RNA(+) at last FU. Among 1433 initially HCV-naive patients, 45 (3.5%) acquired de-novo HCV infection (11.1% PWIDs/80.0% MSM; incidence rate (IR) 0.004%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0%-0.022%) and 14 had HCV reinfections (85.7% PWIDs/14.3% other; IR 0.001%; 95% CI 0.0%-0.018%) during a median FU of 6.7 years (interquartile range 7.4). CONCLUSION Hepatitis C virus testing was successfully implemented in the Viennese HIV(+) patients. Anti-HCV(+) prevalence remained stable in HIV+ PWIDs but almost doubled in HIV+ MSM. De-novo HCV infection occurred mostly in MSM, while HCV reinfections were mainly observed in PWIDs. HCV treatment uptake was suboptimal with 42.8% remaining HCV-RNA(+) at FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Schmidbauer
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Department of Internal Medicine IVWilhelminenspitalViennaAustria
| | - David Chromy
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria,Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Victor Schmidbauer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image‐guided TherapyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - David Bauer
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Apata
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Dung Nguyen
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Armin Rieger
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Florian Mayer
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ralf Schmidt
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Thomas Reiberger
- Vienna HIV & Liver Study GroupViennaAustria,Division of Gastroenterology & HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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Setoyama H, Korenaga M, Kitayama Y, Oza N, Masaki N, Kanto T. Nationwide survey on activities of regional core centers for the management of liver disease in Japan: Cumulative analyses by the Hepatitis Information Center 2009-2017. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:165-173. [PMID: 31747717 PMCID: PMC7027808 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM Regional core centers for the management of liver disease, which are located in every prefecture in Japan, not only take the lead in hepatitis care in their respective regions, but also serve a wide range of other functions, such as education, promotion of hepatitis testing, treatment, and research. METHOD Since fiscal year 2010, the Hepatitis Information Center has conducted surveys of regional core centers throughout Japan regarding information about their facilities, programs for patient support, training, and education of medical personnel. RESULTS By compiling and analyzing the results of these surveys, we have elucidated the status of regional core centers and the issues they currently have. We found that regional core centers have come to play widely varied roles in hepatitis treatment and have expanded their programs. These surveys also suggest that uniform accessibility of hepatitis treatment has been implemented throughout Japan. CONCLUSION To continue serving their diverse roles, regional core centers require further development of hepatitis care networks that include specialized institutions, primary care physicians, and local and central governments; as well as collaboration with other professions and groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Setoyama
- Hepatitis Information Center, Research Center for Hepatitis and ImmunologyNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyKumamoto Rosai HospitalYatsushiroJapan,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Masaaki Korenaga
- Hepatitis Information Center, Research Center for Hepatitis and ImmunologyNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan
| | - Yuko Kitayama
- Hepatitis Information Center, Research Center for Hepatitis and ImmunologyNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan
| | - Noriko Oza
- Hepatitis Information Center, Research Center for Hepatitis and ImmunologyNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan,Department of Hepatobiliary and PancreatologySaga‐Ken Medical Center KoseikanSagaJapan
| | - Naohiko Masaki
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryNational Center for Global Health and MedicineShinjyukuJapan
| | - Tatsuya Kanto
- Hepatitis Information Center, Research Center for Hepatitis and ImmunologyNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan
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Pawlotsky JM. DAA failures in African patients with "unusual" HCV subtypes: Hey! Didn't you know there was another world? J Hepatol 2019; 71:1070-1072. [PMID: 31648816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Department of Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France; INSERM U955, Créteil, France.
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36
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Schröeder SE, Pedrana A, Scott N, Wilson D, Kuschel C, Aufegger L, Atun R, Baptista‐Leite R, Butsashvili M, El‐Sayed M, Getahun A, Hamid S, Hammad R, ‘t Hoen E, Hutchinson SJ, Lazarus JV, Lesi O, Li W, Binti Mohamed R, Olafsson S, Peck R, Sohn AH, Sonderup M, Spearman CW, Swan T, Thursz M, Walker T, Hellard M, Howell J. Innovative strategies for the elimination of viral hepatitis at a national level: A country case series. Liver Int 2019; 39:1818-1836. [PMID: 31433902 PMCID: PMC6790606 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but has long been neglected by national and international policymakers. Recent modelling studies suggest that investing in the global elimination of viral hepatitis is feasible and cost-effective. In 2016, all 194 member states of the World Health Organization endorsed the goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, but complex systemic and social realities hamper implementation efforts. This paper presents eight case studies from a diverse range of countries that have invested in responses to viral hepatitis and adopted innovative approaches to tackle their respective epidemics. Based on an investment framework developed to build a global investment case for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030, national activities and key enablers are highlighted that showcase the feasibility and impact of concerted hepatitis responses across a range of settings, with different levels of available resources and infrastructural development. These case studies demonstrate the utility of taking a multipronged, public health approach to: (a) evidence-gathering and planning; (b) implementation; and (c) integration of viral hepatitis services into the Agenda for Sustainable Development. They provide models for planning, investment and implementation strategies for other countries facing similar challenges and resource constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia E. Schröeder
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | | | - David Wilson
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | | | - Lisa Aufegger
- Centre for Health PolicyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public HealthHarvard UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | - Ricardo Baptista‐Leite
- Universidade Catolica PortuguesaLisbonPortugal,Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Manal El‐Sayed
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Research CenterAin Shams UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Aneley Getahun
- School of Public Health and Primary CareFiji National UniversitySuvaFiji
| | | | | | - Ellen ‘t Hoen
- Global Health UnitUniversity Medical CentreGroningenthe Netherlands,Medicines Law & PolicyAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Sharon J. Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK,Health Protection ScotlandMeridian CourtGlasgowUK
| | - Jeffrey V. Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)Hospital ClinicUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | | | | | - Sigurdur Olafsson
- Gastroenterology and HepatologyLandspitali University HospitalReykjavikIceland
| | | | | | - Mark Sonderup
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Catherine W. Spearman
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Mark Thursz
- Department of HepatologyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tim Walker
- Department of Gastroenterology and General MedicineCalvary MaterNewcastleNSWAustralia,School of Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleNSWAustralia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia,Hepatitis ServicesDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia,Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,Department of GastroenterologySt Vincent's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia,Department of MedicineUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
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37
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Averhoff F, Lazarus JV, Sergeenko D, Colombo M, Gamkrelidze A, Tsertsvadze T, Butsashvili M, Metreveli D, Sharvadze L, Hellard M, Gnes S, Gabunia T, Nasrullah M. Excellence in viral hepatitis elimination - Lessons from Georgia. J Hepatol 2019; 71:645-647. [PMID: 31356831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Averhoff
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) International Liver Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David Sergeenko
- Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Massimo Colombo
- European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) International Liver Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amiran Gamkrelidze
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Tengiz Tsertsvadze
- Infection Diseases, AIDS, and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Lali Sharvadze
- Joint Georgian-French Hepatology Clinic Hepa, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Stefano Gnes
- European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) International Liver Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tamar Gabunia
- Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Muazzam Nasrullah
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
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38
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Popping S, Nichols B, Rijnders B, van Kampen J, Verbon A, Boucher C, van de Vijver D. Targeted HCV core antigen monitoring among HIV-positive men who have sex with men is cost-saving. J Virus Erad 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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39
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Al Awaidy ST, Ezzikouri S. Moving towards hepatitis B elimination in Gulf Health Council states: From commitment to action. J Infect Public Health 2019; 13:221-227. [PMID: 31445879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2016, the World Health Assembly adopted the hepatitis B (HB) elimination strategy that aims at ending HB by 2030. In this descriptive review we provide the progress made and challenges to achieving hepatitis B elimination by 2030 in Gulf Health Cooperated (GHC) states. METHODS Data record from relevant online databases and reliable resources were reviewed until the end of 2017. The analysis was based on the core indicators of the WHO monitoring and evaluation framework for viral hepatitis B and the targets of the global health sector strategy by 2016‒2021. RESULTS The states introduced HB vaccination, including birth-dose for those under 5 years old, with global coverage of more than 95%, in order to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV. The prevalence of HB antigens declined in children under age 5 to less than 1%. However, the rate of vaccination among the most-at-risk populations remains suboptimal. All states have implemented safe blood transfusions and injection safety policies as well as universal laboratory-based surveillance for acute HB. However, surveillance for chronic HB and sequelae as well as estimation methods of morbidity and mortality to evaluate impact are not established. Similarly, harm reduction for people who inject drugs and testing and treatment policies and protocols for people with chronic HB are suboptimal. CONCLUSIONS Additional steps are required to strengthen immunisation among the most-at-risk populations, maintain high quality surveillance, use antiviral therapy to treat chronic HBV and stop unsafe injection practices for drug users. Establishing country-specific national hepatitis responses based on country priorities as well as the capacity of the home health sectors to address these needs are paramount. Achieving elimination targets will require a radical alteration in the current hepatitis response and this goal should be elevated to a higher priority in the public health arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah T Al Awaidy
- Office of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 393, PC 100, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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40
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Umutesi J, Liu CY, Penkunas MJ, Makuza JD, Ntihabose CK, Umuraza S, Niyikora J, Serumondo J, Gupta N, Nsanzimana S. Screening a nation for hepatitis C virus elimination: a cross-sectional study on prevalence of hepatitis C and associated risk factors in the Rwandan general population. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029743. [PMID: 31272986 PMCID: PMC6615840 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We analysed data collected during programmatic screening activities conducted in 2017 to describe hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence in the general population and identify associated factors. DESIGN We analysed data collected between June and September 2017. For both seroprevalence and viraemia, variations across demographic and geographic factors were assessed and multivariate regression models were fit to identify factors independently associated with each marker. Geospatial data were examined for visualisation. SETTING HCV screening was organised within each of the 30 districts in Rwanda. One designated location in each district was selected as the screening site and screening took place for 1 week at each site. PARTICIPANTS This study included 124 223 male and female volunteers. Anti-HCV-positive individuals were followed up with HCV RNA viral load (VL) testing for infection confirmation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Two markers were examined: the presence of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA VL. RESULTS Among 124 223 individuals screened, 11 003 (8.86%, 95% CIs: 8.70% to 9.02%) were positive for anti-HCV. Anti-HCV prevalence varied by age with the oldest age group (>55 year olds) having a prevalence of 16.46% (95% CIs: 16.14% to 16.80%) and the youngest age group (<25 year olds) having a prevalence of 2.20% (95% CIs: 1.93% to 2.50%) (crude OR=8.78). After adjustment for covariates, an association remained between anti-HCV prevalence and age (p<0.001), province (p<0.001) and socioeconomic status (p<0.001). Of the 3771 anti-HCV-positive individuals who had an available HCV RNA VL result, 2099 (55.66%, 95% CI: 54.06% to 57.25%) had a detectable HCV RNA VL. Age was also associated with HCV viraemia (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Results suggest that over 55% of individuals who screened positive for HCV-antibodies were chronically infected. Targeted screening for HCV among older individuals is recommended, given the association between age and infection. Further geographical hotspots of HCV infection can also inform targeted screening as Rwanda moves towards HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Umutesi
- Institute of HIV, Diseases Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Carol Yingkai Liu
- Hepatitis Unit, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Michael J Penkunas
- Hepatitis Unit, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jean Damascene Makuza
- Institute of HIV, Diseases Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Corneille K Ntihabose
- Institute of HIV, Diseases Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Sabine Umuraza
- Hepatitis Unit, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Julienne Niyikora
- Hepatitis Unit, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Neil Gupta
- Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Partners in Health/ Inshuti mu buzima, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Sabin Nsanzimana
- Institute of HIV, Diseases Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
- Rwanda Biomedical Center, Institute for HIV, Diseases Prevention and Control, Kigali, Rwanda
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