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Cartwright EJ, Pierret C, Minassian C, Esserman DA, Tate JP, Goetz MB, Bhattacharya D, Fiellin DA, Justice AC, Lo Re V, Rentsch CT. Alcohol Use and Sustained Virologic Response to Hepatitis C Virus Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2335715. [PMID: 37751206 PMCID: PMC10523171 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.35715] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Some payers and clinicians require alcohol abstinence to receive direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Objective To evaluate whether alcohol use at DAA treatment initiation is associated with decreased likelihood of sustained virologic response (SVR). Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the largest integrated national health care system that provides unrestricted access to HCV treatment. Participants included all patients born between 1945 and 1965 who were dispensed DAA therapy between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2018. Data analysis was completed in November 2020 with updated sensitivity analyses performed in 2023. Exposure Alcohol use categories were generated using responses to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) questionnaire and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision diagnoses for alcohol use disorder (AUD): abstinent without history of AUD, abstinent with history of AUD, lower-risk consumption, moderate-risk consumption, and high-risk consumption or AUD. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was SVR, which was defined as undetectable HCV RNA for 12 weeks or longer after completion of DAA therapy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs of SVR associated with alcohol category. Results Among 69 229 patients who initiated DAA therapy (mean [SD] age, 62.6 [4.5] years; 67 150 men [97.0%]; 34 655 non-Hispanic White individuals [50.1%]; 28 094 non-Hispanic Black individuals [40.6%]; 58 477 individuals [84.5%] with HCV genotype 1), 65 355 (94.4%) achieved SVR. A total of 32 290 individuals (46.6%) were abstinent without AUD, 9192 (13.3%) were abstinent with AUD, 13 415 (19.4%) had lower-risk consumption, 3117 (4.5%) had moderate-risk consumption, and 11 215 (16.2%) had high-risk consumption or AUD. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, there was no difference in SVR across alcohol use categories, even for patients with high-risk consumption or AUD (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.85-1.07). There was no evidence of interaction by stage of hepatic fibrosis measured by fibrosis-4 score (P for interaction = .30). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, alcohol use and AUD were not associated with lower odds of SVR. Restricting access to DAA therapy according to alcohol use creates an unnecessary barrier to patients and challenges HCV elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Cartwright
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Chloe Pierret
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Minassian
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Denise A. Esserman
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven
| | - Janet P. Tate
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Matthew B. Goetz
- Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles, California
| | - Debika Bhattacharya
- Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles, California
| | - David A. Fiellin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Amy C. Justice
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Vincent Lo Re
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Christopher T. Rentsch
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Han X, Liu J, Yao L. Development of a droplet digital PCR method for detection of porcine circovirus 4. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:129. [PMID: 37608311 PMCID: PMC10464377 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine circovirus 4 (PCV4), a newly emerging virus that was first discovered in 2019, may pose a potential threat to the pig industry. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is an absolute quantitative method that has high sensitivity and accuracy. In this study, we developed a novel ddPCR assay to detect PCV4. Furthermore, we evaluated the detection limit, sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of the ddPCR and TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and tested 160 clinical samples to compare the detection rate of the two methods. RESULTS The detection limit for ddPCR was 0.54 copies/µL, 10.6 times greater sensitivity than qPCR. Both ddPCR and qPCR assays exhibited good linearity and repeatability, and the established ddPCR method was highly specific for PCV4. The results of clinical sample testing showed that the positivity rate of ddPCR (5.6%) was higher than that of qPCR (4.4%). CONCLUSIONS This study successfully developed a sensitive, specific and repeatable ddPCR assay for PCV4 detection, which can be widely used in clinical diagnosis of PCV4 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangkun Liu
- Henan Provincal Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, China
| | - Xinru Zhang
- Henan Provincal Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, China
| | - Xueying Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Henan Provincal Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, China
| | - Lunguang Yao
- Henan Provincal Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, China.
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Silva E, Marques S, Leal B, Canhão B, Madaleno J, Simão A, Carvalho A. Occult hepatitis C infection identified in injection drug users with direct antiviral agents therapy and spontaneous resolution of hepatitis C virus infection. Virus Res 2023; 329:199104. [PMID: 37003528 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) is characterized by the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in hepatocytes and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) without detection in serum. We aimed to evaluate OCI in drug and no drug users who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) after therapy with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and with HCV spontaneous resolution. METHODS Twenty-four patients in the AVP group (who achieved a SVR after DAAs therapy), 13 in the NAVP group (with HCV spontaneous resolution) and 7 HCV-RNA positive patients (CPP, control positive group) were included in the study. HCV/OCI-RNA was screened in serum and PBMCs samples of the patients by ddPCR for OCI patients' identification. Plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) samples of the patients were also evaluated for HCV/OCI-RNA detection by ddPCR. RESULTS OCI was presented in injection drug users (IDUs) in the AVP (20.8%) and NAVP (23.1%) groups by ddPCR with a higher statistically significant percentage detected in RBCs samples of the patients in the AVP group comparatively to NAVP (p<0.01) and CPP (p < 0.05) groups. CONCLUSION OCI was identified in IDUs patients of the AVP and NAVP groups by ddPCR. These results suggest that OCI patients in the AVP group might not be entirely cured, and that OCI patients in the NAVP group were not identified at clinical evaluation time when just serum samples were analysed. A higher percentage of HCV/OCI-RNA was detected in RBCs samples. Overall results recommends that HCV/OCI identification in patients with DAAs therapy and spontaneous resolution of HCV infection should be studied more accurately in future and in larger patient groups if possible. Additionally, suggest also PBMCs and RBCs samples as predictors for HCV/OCI diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Silva
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO/InBIO), University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Marques
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO/InBIO), University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Leal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB) at 2School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Bernardo Canhão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Madaleno
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adélia Simão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armando Carvalho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
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Liu Y, Han X, Zhang X, Liu J, Yao L. Development of a droplet digital PCR assay for detection of group A porcine rotavirus. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1113537. [PMID: 36950538 PMCID: PMC10025470 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1113537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A porcine rotavirus (PoRVA) is an important pathogen of acute enteritis in piglets, which has caused severe economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. A convenient, sensitive and specific diagnosis method is an urgent requirement for the surveillance of the PoRVA circulating in clinical samples. In this study, a novel and convenient droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for the detection of PoRVA was developed using the conserved region of the VP6 gene. The detection limit of ddPCR was 1.81 ± 0.14 copies/rection, ~10 times greater sensitivity than TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Both ddPCR and qPCR assays exhibited good linearity and repeatability, and the established ddPCR method was highly specific for PoRVA. The results of clinical sample testing showed that the positivity rate of ddPCR (5.6%) was higher than that of qPCR (4.4%). Therefore, the newly developed ddPCR assay could be widely used in clinical diagnosis of PoRVA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangkun Liu
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - Xueying Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinru Zhang
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - Lunguang Yao
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
- *Correspondence: Lunguang Yao
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Mbaga DS, Kenmoe S, Njiki Bikoï J, Takuissu GR, Amougou-Atsama M, Atenguena Okobalemba E, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Bowo-Ngandji A, Oyono MG, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Kame-Ngasse GI, Nka AD, Feudjio AF, Zemnou-Tepap C, Adamou Velhima E, Ndzie Ondigui JL, Nayang-Mundo RA, Touangnou-Chamda SA, Kamtchueng Takeu Y, Taya-Fokou JB, Mbongue Mikangue CA, Kenfack-Momo R, Kengne-Ndé C, Sake CS, Esemu SN, Njouom R, Ndip L, Riwom Essama SH. Global prevalence of occult hepatitis C virus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Methodol 2022; 12:179-190. [PMID: 35721241 PMCID: PMC9157636 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v12.i3.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) is characterized by the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the liver, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and/or ultracentrifuged serum in the absence of detectable HCV-RNA in serum. OCI has been described in several categories of populations including hemodialysis patients, patients with a sustained virological response, immunocompromised individuals, patients with abnormal hepatic function, and apparently healthy subjects.
AIM To highlight the global prevalence of OCI.
METHODS We performed a systematic and comprehensive literature search in the following 4 electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Global Index Medicus, and Web of Science up to 6th May 2021 to retrieve relevant studies published in the field. Included studies were unrestricted population categories with known RNA status in serum, PBMC, liver tissue and/or ultracentrifuged serum. Data were extracted independently by each author and the Hoy et al tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. We used the random-effect meta-analysis model to estimate the proportions of OCI and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The Cochran's Q-test and the I2 test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between studies. Funnel plot and Egger test were used to examine publication bias. R software version 4.1.0 was used for all analyses.
RESULTS The electronic search resulted in 3950 articles. We obtained 102 prevalence data from 85 included studies. The pooled prevalence of seronegative OCI was estimated to be 9.61% (95%CI: 6.84-12.73) with substantial heterogeneity [I² = 94.7% (95%CI: 93.8%-95.4%), P < 0.0001]. Seropositive OCI prevalence was estimated to be 13.39% (95%CI: 7.85-19.99) with substantial heterogeneity [I2 = 93.0% (90.8%-94.7%)]. Higher seronegative OCI prevalence was found in Southern Europe and Northern Africa, and in patients with abnormal liver function, hematological disorders, and kidney diseases. Higher seropositive OCI prevalence was found in Southern Europe, Northern America, and Northern Africa.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, in the present study, it appears that the burden of OCI is high and variable across the different regions and population categories. Further studies on OCI are needed to assess the transmissibility, clinical significance, long-term outcome, and need for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
- Department of Virology, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Jacky Njiki Bikoï
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Guy Roussel Takuissu
- Centre of Research in Food, Food Security and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Marie Amougou-Atsama
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Emergentes et Re-Emergentes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Martin Gael Oyono
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Ecology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Alex Durand Nka
- Virology Laboratory, Chantal Biya International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Cromwel Zemnou-Tepap
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Elie Adamou Velhima
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Yrene Kamtchueng Takeu
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National Aids Control Committee, Douala 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Seraphine Nkie Esemu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Department of Virology, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
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Zhu X, Liu P, Lu L, Zhong H, Xu M, Jia R, Su L, Cao L, Sun Y, Guo M, Sun J, Xu J. Development of a multiplex droplet digital PCR assay for detection of enterovirus, parechovirus, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 simultaneously for diagnosis of viral CNS infections. Virol J 2022; 19:70. [PMID: 35443688 PMCID: PMC9020426 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01798-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enterovirus (EV), parechovirus (HPeV), herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV1/2) are common viruses leading to viral central nervous system (CNS) infections which are increasingly predominant but exhibit deficiency in definite pathogen diagnosis with gold-standard quantitative PCR method. Previous studies have shown that droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has great potential in pathogen detection and quantification, especially in low concentration samples. Methods Targeting four common viruses of EV, HPeV, HSV1, and HSV2 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), we developed a multiplex ddPCR assay using probe ratio-based multiplexing strategy, analyzed the performance, and evaluated it in 97 CSF samples collected from patients with suspected viral CNS infections on a two-channel ddPCR detection system. Results The four viruses were clearly distinguished by their corresponding fluorescence amplitude. The limits of detection for EV, HPeV, HSV1, and HSV2 were 5, 10, 5, and 10 copies per reaction, respectively. The dynamic range was at least four orders of magnitude spanning from 2000 to 2 copies per reaction. The results of 97 tested clinical CSF specimens were identical to those deduced from qPCR/qRT-PCR assays using commercial kits. Conclusion The multiplex ddPCR assay was demonstrated to be an accurate and robust method which could detect EV, HPeV, HSV1, and HSV2 simultaneously. It provides a useful tool for clinical diagnosis and disease monitoring of viral CNS infections. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-022-01798-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunhua Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaqing Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghua Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Jia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyun Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfeng Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yameng Sun
- Shanghai Bio-Chain Biological Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Meijun Guo
- Shanghai Bio-Chain Biological Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianyue Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
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Clinical Application of Droplet Digital PCR for Hepatitis Delta Virus Quantification. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040792. [PMID: 35453541 PMCID: PMC9029565 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a novel developed PCR technology providing the absolute quantification of target nucleic acid molecules without the need for a standard curve and regardless PCR amplification efficiency. Our aim was to develop a ddPCR assay for Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV)-RNA viremia quantification and then evaluate its performance in relation to real-time PCR methods. Primers and probe were designed from conserved regions of HDV genome to detect all the 8 HDV genotypes; the World Health Organization (WHO)-HDV international standard was used to calculate the conversion factor transforming results from copies/mL to IU/mL. To evaluate the clinical performance of ddPCR assay, plasma specimens of HDV-infected patients were tested and results were compared with data obtained with two real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays (i.e., in-house assay and commercial RoboGene assay). Analyzing by linear regression a series of 10-fold dilutions of the WHO-HDV International Standard, ddPCR assay showed good linearity with a slope coefficient of 0.966 and R2 value of 0.980. The conversion factor from copies to international units was 0.97 and the quantitative linear dynamic range was from 10 to 1 × 106 IU/mL. Probit analysis estimated at 95% an LOD of 9.2 IU/mL. Data from the evaluation of HDV-RNA in routine clinical specimen of HDV patients exhibited strong agreement with results obtained by RT-qPCR showing a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.95. Overall ddPCR and RT-qPCR showed highly comparable technical performance. Moreover, ddPCR providing an absolute quantification method may allow the standardization of HDV-RNA measurement thus improving the clinical and diagnostic management of delta hepatitis.
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miRNA Expression Profiling in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Monozygotic Twins Discordant for HIV Infection: Validation of Differentially Expressed miRNA and Bioinformatic Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073486. [PMID: 35408847 PMCID: PMC8998861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined AntiRetroviral Treatments (cARTs) used for HIV infection may result in varied metabolic complications, which in some cases, may be related to patient genetic factors, particularly microRNAs. The use of monozygotic twins, differing only for HIV infection, presents a unique and powerful model for the controlled analysis of potential alterations of miRNAs regulation consequent to cART treatment. Profiling of 2578 mature miRNA in the subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue and plasma of monozygotic twins was investigated by the GeneChip® miRNA 4.1 array. Real-time PCR and ddPCR experiments were performed in order to validate differentially expressed miRNAs. Target genes of deregulated miRNAs were predicted by the miRDB database (prediction score > 70) and enrichment analysis was carried out with g:Profiler. Processes in SC adipose tissue most greatly affected by miRNA up-regulation included (i) macromolecular metabolic processes, (ii) regulation of neurogenesis, and (iii) protein phosphorylation. Furthermore, KEGG analysis revealed miRNA up-regulation involvement in (i) insulin signaling pathways, (ii) neurotrophin signaling pathways, and (iii) pancreatic cancer. By contrast, miRNA up-regulation in plasma was involved in (i) melanoma, (ii) p53 signaling pathways, and (iii) focal adhesion. Our findings suggest a mechanism that may increase the predisposition of HIV+ patients to insulin resistance and cancer.
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Occult Infection with Hepatitis C Virus: Looking for Clear-Cut Boundaries and Methodological Consensus. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245874. [PMID: 34945170 PMCID: PMC8707082 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245874] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sustained virologic response and elimination of HCV is widely viewed as a true cure of chronic hepatitis C as it associates with amelioration of histological liver damage and improved clinical outcomes. Therefore, the existence and clinical burden of occult HCV infection (OCI) has been a controversial issue for many years. In this review, we summarize recently published data that adds new information on the molecular and clinical background of OCI and its epidemiological significance. We also identify and discuss the most important methodological pitfalls, which can be a source of inconsistency between studies. Data that have accumulated so far, strongly support the existence of extrahepatic HCV replication in individuals negative for serum HCV-RNA by conventional clinical tests. OCI emerges as a condition where the immune system is unable to fully resolve infection but it is continuously stimulated by low levels of HCV antigens, leading to progression of liver pathology and extrahepatic HCV-related complications. Moreover, the development of monitoring strategies or management guidelines for OCI is still hampered by the lack of clear definition and the confusion regarding its clinical significance. Careful study design and the introduction of uniform protocols for the detection of low-level HCV-RNA are crucial for obtaining reliable data on OCI.
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Kojabad AA, Farzanehpour M, Galeh HEG, Dorostkar R, Jafarpour A, Bolandian M, Nodooshan MM. Droplet digital PCR of viral DNA/RNA, current progress, challenges, and future perspectives. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4182-4197. [PMID: 33538349 PMCID: PMC8013307 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput droplet-based digital PCR (ddPCR) is a refinement of the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. In ddPCR, DNA/RNA is encapsulated stochastically inside the microdroplets as reaction chambers. A small percentage of the reaction chamber contains one or fewer copies of the DNA or RNA. After PCR amplification, concentrations are determined based on the proportion of nonfluorescent partitions through the Poisson distribution. Some of the main features of ddPCR include high sensitivity and specificity, absolute quantification without a standard curve, high reproducibility, good tolerance to PCR inhibitor, and high efficacy compared to conventional molecular methods. These advantages make ddPCR a valuable addition to the virologist's toolbox. The following review outlines the recent technological advances in ddPCR methods and their applications in viral identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Asri Kojabad
- Applied Virology Research CenterBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mahdieh Farzanehpour
- Applied Virology Research CenterBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Ruhollah Dorostkar
- Applied Virology Research CenterBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ali Jafarpour
- Research Center for Clinical VirologyTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Masoumeh Bolandian
- Applied Virology Research CenterBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Onorato L, Pisaturo M, Starace M, Minichini C, Di Fraia A, Astorri R, Coppola N. Virological Factors Associated with Failure to the Latest Generation of Direct Acting Agents (DAA) and Re-Treatment Strategy: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2021; 13:432. [PMID: 33800289 PMCID: PMC8000640 DOI: 10.3390/v13030432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The availability of all oral direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has revolutionized the management of HCV infections in recent years, allowing to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) in more than 95% of cases, irrespective of hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotype or staging of liver disease. Although rare, the failure to the latest-generation regimens (grazoprevir/elbasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, pibrentasvir/glecaprevir) represents a serious clinical problem, since the data available in the literature on the virological characteristics and management of these patients are few. The aim of the present narrative review was to provide an overview of the impact of baseline RASs in patients treated with the latest-generation DAAs and to analyze the efficacy of the available retreatment strategies in those who have failed these regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nicola Coppola
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.O.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (A.D.F.); (R.A.)
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Development of a droplet digital PCR method for detection of Streptococcus agalactiae. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:179. [PMID: 32576134 PMCID: PMC7310480 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01857-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is the causative pathogen of puerperal sepsis in pregnant women and pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis in infants. Infection of GBS is responsible for the increased morbidity in pregnant women and the elderly, and bring challenges to clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, culture-based approaches to detect S.agalactiae is time-consuming with limited sensitivity. Besides, real-time quantitative PCR demands expensive instruments with tedious steps. Thus, we aim to establish a new detection method for more accurate and rapid detection of S.agalactiae. Results The ddPCR primer targeted the CpsE gene showed better amplified efficiency in the reaction. The limit of detection for GBS DNA with ddPCR was able to reach 5 pg/μL. Moreover, no positive amplified signals could be detected in the reactions which served 11 non-GBS strains DNA as templates. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation of this method was 4.5%, indicating excellent repeatability of ddPCR assay. Conclusions In our study, ddPCR was performed as a rapid detection of S.agalactiae with high sensitivity and specificity. This technique can promote the accuracy of the diagnosis of GBS infection and provide a scientific basis for clinical treatment.
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