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Inoue T, Watanabe T, Tanaka Y. Hepatitis B core-related antigen: A novel and promising surrogate biomarker to guide anti-hepatitis B virus therapy. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:851-868. [PMID: 36891607 PMCID: PMC10577333 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The current requirement for biomarkers to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is polarized. One is a fully-automated and highly sensitive measurement system; the other is a simple system for point-of-care testing (POCT) in resource-limited areas. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) reflects intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA and serum HBV DNA. Even in patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA or HBsAg loss, HBcrAg may remain detectable. Decreased HBcrAg levels are associated with reduction of the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B. Recently, a fully-automated, novel high-sensitivity HBcrAg assay (iTACT-HBcrAg, cut-off value: 2.1 logIU/mL) has been developed. This attractive assay has been released in Japan very recently. iTACT-HBcrAg can be useful for monitoring HBV reactivation and prediction of HCC occurrence, as an alternative to HBV DNA. Moreover, monitoring HBcrAg may be suitable for determining the therapeutic effectiveness of approved drugs and novel drugs under development. Presently, international guidelines recommend anti-HBV prophylaxis for pregnant women with high viral loads to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV. However, >95% of HBV-infected individuals live in countries where HBV DNA quantification is not available. Worldwide elimination of HBV needs the scaling-up of examination and medication services in resource-limited areas. Based on this situation, a rapid and easy HBcrAg assay as a POCT is valuable. This review provides the latest information regarding the clinical use of a new surrogate marker, HBcrAg, in HBV management, based on iTACT-HBcrAg or POCT, and introduces novel agents targeting HBV RNA/protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Inoue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Virology & Liver unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Vincent JP, Ndow G, Ogawa S, Ceesay A, Njie R, Sanneh B, Baldeh I, D’Alessandro U, Mendy M, Thursz M, Chemin I, Tanaka Y, Lemoine M, Shimakawa Y. Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) to evaluate liver fibrosis and cancer in HBV-infected patients in West Africa. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04076. [PMID: 36370422 PMCID: PMC9653177 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To reduce mortality associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, timely detection of cirrhosis and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential. In low-income countries, however, HBV-infected people have limited access to liver histopathology, a reference test. Recently, Asian studies have suggested the usefulness of an inexpensive serum biomarker called Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) in staging liver fibrosis and predicting HCC in HBV-infected patients. Methods We systematically searched PubMed for studies examining the performance of M2BPGi in staging liver fibrosis in HBV-infected people, published up to September 21, 2021, to elucidate the knowledge gap. We then conducted a cross-sectional study of 339 HBV-infected patients in The Gambia (cirrhosis = 65, HCC = 73, non-cirrhosis non-HCC = 201). We evaluated the association of M2BPGi with cirrhosis and HCC by computing odds ratios (ORs) derived from logistic regression. We also assessed the performance of M2BPGi to stage liver fibrosis in 49 patients who underwent liver biopsy (derivation set) and 217 patients with transient elastography (validation set). Using the derivation set we drew the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves to identify optimal M2BPGi thresholds to indicate significant fibrosis and cirrhosis using biopsy as a reference. We then applied these cut-offs to the validation set to obtain its sensitivity and specificity for indicating significant fibrosis and cirrhosis using transient elastography as a reference. Results The systematic review identified 13 studies, all of which were conducted in East Asia and none in Africa. In The Gambia, positive M2BPGi was significantly associated with both cirrhosis (adjusted OR = 7.8, 95% CI = 3.1-19.7) and HCC (adjusted OR = 10.1, 2.6-40.2). The areas under the ROC curve (AUROC) in the derivation and validation set were 0.62 and 0.78, respectively, to diagnose significant fibrosis, and 0.80 and 0.89, respectively, to diagnose cirrhosis. By applying the optimal cut-offs, the sensitivity and specificity in the validation set were 61.5% and 93.4%, respectively, to diagnose significant fibrosis, and 72.5% and 92.2%, respectively, for cirrhosis. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of M2BPGi in HBV-infected African population. The findings supported its accuracy in the diagnosis of cirrhosis in HBV-infected patients in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gibril Ndow
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Shintaro Ogawa
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Amie Ceesay
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Ramou Njie
- Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Serekunda, The Gambia
| | - Bakary Sanneh
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Serekunda, The Gambia
| | - Ignatius Baldeh
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Serekunda, The Gambia
| | - Umberto D’Alessandro
- Disease Control & Elimination, MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Maimuna Mendy
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Mark Thursz
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Chemin
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Maud Lemoine
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yusuke Shimakawa
- Unité d'Épidémiologie des Maladies Émergentes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Viral Diagnosis of Hepatitis B and Delta: What We Know and What Is Still Required? Specific Focus on Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112096. [PMID: 36363693 PMCID: PMC9694472 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112096] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
To achieve the World Health Organization's (WHO) goals of eradicating viral hepatitis globally by 2030, the regional prevalence and epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfection must be known in order to implement preventiveon and treatment strategies. HBV/HDV coinfection is considered the most severe form of vira l hepatitis due to it's rapid progression towards cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related death. The role of simplified diagnosticsis tools for screening and monitoring HBV/HDV-coinfected patients is crucial. Many sophisticated tools for diagnoses have been developed for detection of HBV alone as well as HBV/HDV coinfection. However, these advanced techniques are not widely available in low-income countries and there is no standardization for HDV detection assays, which are used for monitoring the response to antiviral therapy. More accessible and affordable alternative methods, such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), are being developed and validated for equipment-free and specific detection of HBV and HDV. This review will provide some insight into both existing and diagnosis tools under development, their applicability in developing countries and how they could increase screening, patient monitoring and treatment eligibility.
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Mayran C, Foulongne V, Van de Perre P, Fournier-Wirth C, Molès JP, Cantaloube JF. Rapid Diagnostic Test for Hepatitis B Virus Viral Load Based on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with a Lateral Flow Read-Out. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12030621. [PMID: 35328174 PMCID: PMC8946908 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B (HBV) infection is a major public health concern. Perinatal transmission of HBV from mother to child represents the main mode of transmission. Despite the existence of effective immunoprophylaxis, the preventive strategy is inefficient in neonates born to mothers with HBV viral loads above 2 × 105 IU/mL. To prevent mother-to-child transmission, it is important to identify highly viremic pregnant women and initiate antiviral therapy to decrease their viral load. We developed a simple innovative molecular approach avoiding the use of automatic devices to screen highly viremic pregnant women. This method includes rapid DNA extraction coupled with an isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with direct visual detection on a lateral flow assay (LFA). We applied our RPA-LFA approach to HBV DNA-positive plasma samples with various loads and genotypes. We designed a triage test by adapting the analytical sensitivity to the recommended therapeutic decision threshold of 2 × 105 IU/mL. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.6% (95% CI: 92.7−99.9%) and 88.2% (95% CI: 73.4−95.3%), respectively. This assay performed excellently, with an area under the ROC curve value of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99−1.00, p < 0.001). This simple method will open new perspectives in the development of point-of-care testing to prevent HBV perinatal transmission.
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Sonderup MW, Spearman CW. Global Disparities in Hepatitis B Elimination-A Focus on Africa. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010082. [PMID: 35062286 PMCID: PMC8777803 DOI: 10.3390/v14010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2016, WHO member states at the World Health Assembly adopted a Global Health Sector Strategy that included a policy of eliminating viral hepatitis. Clear targets were established to assist in achieving this by 2030. The strategy, while achievable, has exposed existing global disparities in healthcare systems and their ability to implement such policies. Compounding this, the regions with most disparity are also those where the hepatitis B prevalence and disease burden are the greatest. Foundational to hepatitis B elimination is the identification of both those with chronic infection and crucially pregnant women, and primary prevention through vaccination. Vaccination, including the birth dose and full three-dose coverage, is key, but complete mother-to-child transmission prevention includes reducing the maternal hepatitis B viral load in the third trimester where appropriate. Innovations and simplified tools exist in order to achieve elimination, but what is desperately required is the will to implement these strategies through the support of appropriate investment and funding. Without this, disparities will continue.
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Loarec A, Nguyen A, Molfino L, Chissano M, Madeira N, Rusch B, Staderini N, Couto A, Ciglenecki I, Antabak NT. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in antenatal care and maternity services, Mozambique. Bull World Health Organ 2022; 100:60-69. [PMID: 35017758 PMCID: PMC8722623 DOI: 10.2471/blt.20.281311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To pilot an intervention on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in an antenatal care and maternity unit in Maputo, Mozambique, during 2017–2019. Methods We included HBV in the existing screening programme (for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis) for pregnant women at their first consultation, and followed mother–child dyads until 9 months after delivery. We referred women who tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for further tests, including hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV viral load. According to the results, we proposed tenofovir for their own health or for PMTCT. We administered birth-dose HBV vaccine and assessed infant HBV status at 9 months. Findings Of 6775 screened women, 270 (4.0%) were HBsAg positive; in those for whom data were available, 24/265 (9.1%) were HBeAg positive and 14/267 (5.2%) had a viral load of > 200 000 IU/mL. Ninety-eight (36.3%) HBsAg-positive women were HIV coinfected, 97 of whom were receiving antiretroviral treatment with tenofovir. Among HIV-negative women, four had an indication for tenofovir treatment and four for tenofovir PMTCT. Of 217 exposed liveborn babies, 181 (83.4%) received birth-dose HBV vaccine, 160 (88.4%) of these < 24 hours after birth. At the 9-month follow-up, only one out of the 134 tested infants was HBV positive. Conclusion Our nurse-led intervention highlights the feasibility of integrating PMTCT of HBV into existing antenatal care departments, essential for the implementation of the triple elimination initiative. Universal birth-dose vaccination is key to achieving HBV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Loarec
- Médecins Sans Frontières - Mozambique, Av. Tomas Nduda 1489, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aude Nguyen
- Operational Centre, Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Molfino
- Médecins Sans Frontières - Mozambique, Av. Tomas Nduda 1489, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mafalda Chissano
- Médecins Sans Frontières - Mozambique, Av. Tomas Nduda 1489, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Natercia Madeira
- Médecins Sans Frontières - Mozambique, Av. Tomas Nduda 1489, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Barbara Rusch
- Operational Centre, Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nelly Staderini
- Operational Centre, Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aleny Couto
- Ministry of Health of Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Operational Centre, Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
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Chi XM, Wang XM, Wang ZF, Wu RH, Gao XZ, Xu HQ, Ding YH, Niu JQ. Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen as a surrogate marker of hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6927-6938. [PMID: 34790015 PMCID: PMC8567480 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i40.6927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative hepatitis B core-related antigen (qHBcrAg) has a better correlation with intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) than HBV DNA or hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), but data are still lacking for its clinical application.
AIM The aim was to investigate serum qHBcrAg levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B and assess the correlation of serum qHBcrAg with pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), cccDNA, and HBeAg seroconversion.
METHODS This study was a secondary analysis of patients who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy between July 2014 and June 2019 in two multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials of peginterferon vs nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC)-based therapy (NCT03509688 and NCT03546530). Serum qHBcrAg, pgRNA, HBV DNA, hepatitis B core antigen, HBeAg, liver cccDNA, and HBV DNA were measured. The correlations of serum qHBcrAg with other biomarkers were analyzed.
RESULTS A total of 139 patients were included. The mean qHBcrAg levels were 5.32 ± 1.18 log10 U/mL at baseline and decreased during treatment (all P < 0.0001). Serum qHBcrAg levels were positively correlated with pgRNA (r = 0.597, P < 0.0001) and cccDNA (r = 0.527, P < 0.0001) levels. The correlation of serum qHBcrAg level and intrahepatic HBV DNA levels at baseline was weak but significant (r = 0.399, P < 0.0001). HBcrAg predicted HBeAg seroconversion, with areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.788 at 24 wk and 0.825 at 48 wk. Log HBcrAg at wk 24 and 48 was independently associated with HBeAg seroconversion [odds ratio (OR) = 2.402, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.314-4.391, P = 0.004; OR = 3.587, 95%CI: 1.315-9.784, P = 0.013].
CONCLUSION Serum HBcrAg levels were correlated with HBV virological markers and could be used to predict HBeAg seroconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Mei Chi
- Department of Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhong-Feng Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rui-Hong Wu
- Department of Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiu-Zhu Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hong-Qin Xu
- Department of Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yan-Hua Ding
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jun-Qi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
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Impact of Introducing Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccines into the Infant Immunization Program in Burkina Faso: Study Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial (NéoVac Study). Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060583. [PMID: 34206058 PMCID: PMC8227098 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To achieve global hepatitis elimination by 2030, it is critical to prevent the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Since 2009, the WHO has recommended administering hepatitis B vaccine to all neonates within 24 h of birth to prevent MTCT. However, many countries in sub-Saharan Africa only provide hepatitis B immunization at the age of 6, 10, and 14 weeks or 8, 12, and 16 weeks using a combined vaccine. To accelerate the introduction of the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine (HepB-BD) into sub-Saharan Africa, it is critical to establish to what extent the addition of HepB-BD can further reduce HBV transmission in areas where three-dose infant vaccination has been implemented. We therefore designed a study to evaluate the impact, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of incorporating the HepB-BD into the routine immunization program in a real-life field condition in Burkina Faso, where the hepatitis B vaccination is currently scheduled at 8-12-16 weeks. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining epidemiology, anthropology, and health economics, the Neonatal Vaccination against Hepatitis B in Africa (NéoVac) study conducts a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in rural areas of the Hauts-Bassins Region. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04029454). A health center is designated as a cluster, and the introduction of HepB-BD will be rolled out sequentially in 24 centers. Following an initial period in which no health center administers HepB-BD, one center will be randomly allocated to incorporate HepB-BD. Then, at a regular interval, another center will be randomized to cross from the control to the intervention period, until all 24 centers integrate HepB-BD. Pregnant women attending antenatal care will be systematically invited to participate. Infants born during the control period will follow the conventional immunization schedule (8-12-16 weeks), while those born in the interventional period will receive HepB-BD in addition to the routine vaccines (0-8-12-16 weeks). The primary outcome, the proportion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity in infants aged at 9 months, will be compared between children born before and after HepB-BD introduction. The study will generate data that may assist governments and stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to make evidence-based decisions about whether to add HepB-BD into the national immunization programs.
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Shimakawa Y, Vernoux L, Gabassi A, Mercier‐Delarue S, Vincent JP, Simon F, Maylin S. Analytical validation of hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) using dried blood spots (DBS). J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:837-843. [PMID: 33599049 PMCID: PMC8247985 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13489] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Limited access to nucleic acid testing (NAT) to quantify HBV DNA levels, an essential tool to determine anti-HBV treatment eligibility, represents a significant barrier to scale up HBV diagnostic services in resource-limited countries. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) has the potential to become an affordable alternative because of its low cost (US$ <15/assay) and strong correlation with HBV DNA levels in treatment-naïve patients. However, the current assay requires plasma or serum. To further facilitate its application to decentralized settings, we developed and evaluated a standardized procedure to quantify HBcrAg using dried blood spots as a tool to diagnose HBV-infected people with high viraemia. We evaluated the following elution method optimized to quantify HBcrAg: suspension of a punched blood-soaked disc (11 mm) of Whatman 903 Protein Saver Card in 450 µL of PBS 0.05% Tween 20, followed by an incubation for 4 h at room temperature and a centrifugation at 10,000 g for 10 minutes. 150 µL of DBS eluate was used to quantify HBcrAg using chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (LUMIPULSE® G600II, Fujirebio). The limit of detection of dried blood spot HBcrAg in relation with HBV DNA levels was 19,115 IU/mL across the five major HBV genotypes (A/B/C/D/E). A strong linear correlation was confirmed between dried blood spot HBcrAg and HBV DNA levels (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001) in samples with high viral loads (range: 3.7-7.0 log IU/mL). The coefficient of variation ranged between 4.0-11.2% for repeatability and 3.9-12.2% for reproducibility. Analytical specificity was 100% (95% CI: 83.9-100%) in HBV-negative samples. Using our elution method, it may be possible to identify HBV-infected patients with high viraemia who need antiviral therapy using dried blood spot and HBcrAg. A large-scale clinical validation is warranted in resource-limited countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Shimakawa
- Unité d'Épidémiologie des Maladies ÉmergentesInstitut PasteurParisFrance
| | | | - Audrey Gabassi
- Laboratoire de VirologieHôpital Saint‐LouisAP‐HPParisFrance
| | | | | | - François Simon
- Laboratoire de VirologieHôpital Saint‐LouisAP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Sarah Maylin
- Laboratoire de VirologieHôpital Saint‐LouisAP‐HPParisFrance
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Kumar S, Nehra M, Khurana S, Dilbaghi N, Kumar V, Kaushik A, Kim KH. Aspects of Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Personalized Health Wellness. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:383-402. [PMID: 33488077 PMCID: PMC7814661 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s267212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in analytical diagnostic systems for point-of-care (POC) application have gained considerable attention because of their rapid operation at the site required to manage severe diseases, even in a personalized manner. The POC diagnostic devices offer easy operation, fast analytical outcome, and affordable cost, which promote their advanced research and versatile adoptability. Keeping advantages in view, considerable efforts are being made to design and develop smart sensing components such as miniaturized transduction, interdigitated electrodes-based sensing chips, selective detection at low level, portable packaging, and sustainable durability to promote POC diagnostics according to the needs of patient care. Such effective diagnostics systems are in demand, which creates the challenge to make them more efficient in every aspect to generate a desired bio-informatic needed for better health access and management. Keeping advantages and scope in view, this mini review focuses on practical scenarios associated with miniaturized analytical diagnostic devices at POC application for targeted disease diagnostics smartly and efficiently. Moreover, advancements in technologies, such as smartphone-based operation, paper-based sensing assays, and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) which made POC more sensitive, informative, and suitable for major infectious disease diagnosis, are the main focus here. Besides, POC diagnostics based on automated patient sample integration with a sensing platform is continuously improving therapeutics interventions against specific infectious disease. This review also discussed challenges associated with state-of-the-art technology along with future research opportunities to design and develop next generation POC diagnostic systems needed to manage infectious diseases in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana 125001, India
| | - Monika Nehra
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana 125001, India
| | - Sakina Khurana
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana 125001, India
| | - Neeraj Dilbaghi
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana 125001, India
| | - Vanish Kumar
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Natural Sciences, Division of Sciences, Art, & Mathematics, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL, 33805-8531, USA
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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Chan HLY, Yasuda S, Wong GLH, Tada T, Chan CKM, Kumada T, Tse YK, Wong VWS, Toyoda H. Use of hepatitis B virus core-related antigen to evaluate natural history of chronic hepatitis B. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:2202-2209. [PMID: 32293740 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) has been shown to correlate with various viral markers in chronic hepatitis B, but its role in defining natural history is not well studied. We aimed to investigate the use of HBcrAg to define different phases of chronic hepatitis B. METHODS Stored residual serum samples from longitudinal cohorts of chronic hepatitis B patients in Hong Kong and Japan were studied. Viral markers were measured in three serial serum samples for each patient. Patients were divided into six groups for analysis: hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic infection (EPI), HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis (EPH), HBeAg seroconversion (ES), HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis (ENH), HBeAg-negative chronic infection (ENI), and HBsAg seroclearance (SS). RESULTS In total, 166 patients followed up for 100 (76-113) months were included. HBcrAg was correlated with hepatitis B virus DNA and HBsAg levels in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients. HBcrAg cut-off of ≥ 6.0 log U/mL could best differentiate HBeAg-positive from HBeAg-negative patients (area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.99, P < 0.001). HBcrAg could not differentiate patients in EPI and EPH phases, but HBcrAg declined dramatically at HBeAg seroconversion. In HBeAg-negative patients, HBcrAg ≥ 4.0 log U/mL could best differentiate ENH from ENI (area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81; P < 0.001), with high specificity (81.6%) but only moderate sensitivity (65.7%) at baseline. Undetectable HBcrAg was found in 17%, 63%, and 89% patients in ENH, ENI, and SS groups at the last visit, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HBcrAg provides useful information to stage the natural history of chronic hepatitis B, particularly identifying HBeAg-positive patients and HBeAg-negative patients with active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lik Yuen Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Grace Lai Hung Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Carmen Ka Man Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yee Kit Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent Wai Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
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Xiao Y, Thompson AJ, Howell J. Point-of-Care Tests for Hepatitis B: An Overview. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102233. [PMID: 33023265 PMCID: PMC7650625 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the heavy disease burden posed by hepatitis B, around 90% of people living with hepatitis B are not diagnosed globally. Many of the affected populations still have limited or no access to essential blood tests for hepatitis B. Compared to conventional blood tests which heavily rely on centralised laboratory facilities, point-of-care testing for hepatitis B has the potential to broaden testing access in low-resource settings and to engage hard-to-reach populations. Few hepatitis B point-of-care tests have been ratified for clinical use by international and regional regulatory bodies, and countries have been slow to adopt point-of-care testing into hepatitis B programs. This review presents currently available point-of-care tests for hepatitis B and their roles in the care cascade, reviewing evidence for testing performance, utility, acceptability, costs and cost-effectiveness when integrated into hepatitis B diagnosis and monitoring programs. We further discuss challenges and future directions in aspects of technology, implementation, and regulation when adopting point-of-care testing in hepatitis B programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinzong Xiao
- Burnet Institute, 3004 Melbourne, VIC, Australia;
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, 3065 Fitzroy, VIC, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, 3065 Fitzroy, VIC, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet Institute, 3004 Melbourne, VIC, Australia;
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, 3065 Fitzroy, VIC, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 3004 Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Inoue T, Tanaka Y. Novel biomarkers for the management of chronic hepatitis B. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 26:261-279. [PMID: 32536045 PMCID: PMC7364351 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be eliminated completely from infected hepatocytes because of the presence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). As chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is important to manage CHB to prevent HCC development in high-risk patients with high viral replicative activity or advanced fibrosis. Serum biomarkers are noninvasive and valuable for the management of CHB. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In CHB patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA or loss of HBsAg, HBcrAg still can be detected and the decrease in HBcrAg levels is significantly associated with hopeful outcomes. Therefore, HBcrAg can predict HCC occurrence or recurrence. Measurement of the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been introduced for the evaluation of liver fibrosis. Because elevated M2BPGi in CHB is related to liver fibrosis and the prediction of HCC development, monitoring its progression is essential. Because alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has insufficient sensitivity and specificity for early-stage HCC, a combination of AFP plus protein induced by vitamin K absence factor II, or AFP plus Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of alpha-fetoprotein might improve the diagnosis of HCC development. Additionally, Dickkopf-1 and circulating immunoglobulin G antibodies are the novel markers to diagnose HCC or assess HCC prognosis. This review provides an overview of novel HBV biomarkers used for the management of intrahepatic viral replicative activity, liver fibrosis, and HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Inoue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Nayagam S, Shimakawa Y, Lemoine M. Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B: What more needs to be done to eliminate it around the world? J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:342-349. [PMID: 31698534 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a key component of the hepatitis B burden worldwide. Despite its efficacy to prevent HBV transmission, infant vaccination is not enough to control HBV MTCT. Additional efforts are urgently needed to evaluate and scale-up preventive strategies especially in endemic countries, which are most affected. This review highlights the efficacy and barriers of the currently validated measures for the prevention of HBV MTCT and proposes alternatives adapted to resource-limited settings to eventually achieve HBV elimination worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shevanthi Nayagam
- Section of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, St Mary's hospital, Imperial College London, UK.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Yusuke Shimakawa
- Unité d'Épidémiologie des Maladies Émergentes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Maud Lemoine
- Section of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, St Mary's hospital, Imperial College London, UK
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Peculiarities in the designations of hepatitis B virus genes, their products, and their antigenic specificities: a potential source of misunderstandings. Virus Genes 2020; 56:109-119. [PMID: 32026198 PMCID: PMC7093336 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01733-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The nomenclature of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genes and their products has developed stepwise, occasionally in an erratic way, creating many misunderstandings, especially among those who do not know the structure of HBV and its genome in detail. One of the most frequent misunderstandings, even presented in leading journals, is the designation of HBV “e”-antigen as envelope or early antigen. Another problem area are the so-called “pre” regions in the HBV genome present upstream of both the core and the surface genes of HBV, inadvertently suggesting that they may be a part of corresponding precursor proteins. Misnomers and misclassifications are frequent in defining the subgenotypes and serological subtypes of HBV. Even the well-established terminology for HBV surface (HBs) or HBV core (HBc) antigen deviates from the conventional virological nomenclature for viral envelopes or capsid proteins/antigens, respectively. Another matter of undesirable variability between publications is the numbering of the nucleotides and the graphical representation of genomic maps. This editorial briefly explains how the nomenclature evolved, what it really means, and suggests how it could be adapted to today’s knowledge.
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Novel Biomarkers of Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Significance of HBcrAg and M2BPGi. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030949. [PMID: 32023902 PMCID: PMC7037346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be removed completely from infected hepatocytes, owing to the presence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). As chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), predicting HCC development in high-risk patients with high viral replicative activity or advanced fibrosis is important. Novel serological biomarkers reflect intrahepatic viral replicative activity or the progression of liver fibrosis, indicating non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy: (1) Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In CHB patients, a decrease in HBcrAg is associated with favorable outcomes. HBcrAg can predict HCC occurrence or recurrence. (2) Measurement of the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been introduced for the evaluation of liver fibrosis. An increase in M2BPGi in CHB patients is related to the progression of liver fibrosis and high potential (risk) of HCC development. Here, we describe the clinical applications of HBcrAg and M2BPGi in CHB patients. Additionally, because new potential therapeutic agents that eliminate intrahepatic cccDNA are being developed, monitoring of HBcrAg or M2BPGi might be suitable for evaluating therapeutic effects and the clinical outcomes. In conclusion, these would be appropriate surrogate markers for predicting disease progression.
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Novel Biomarkers of Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Significance of HBcrAg and M2BPGi. Int J Mol Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030949
expr 921756688 + 899694353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be removed completely from infected hepatocytes, owing to the presence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). As chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), predicting HCC development in high-risk patients with high viral replicative activity or advanced fibrosis is important. Novel serological biomarkers reflect intrahepatic viral replicative activity or the progression of liver fibrosis, indicating non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy: (1) Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In CHB patients, a decrease in HBcrAg is associated with favorable outcomes. HBcrAg can predict HCC occurrence or recurrence. (2) Measurement of the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been introduced for the evaluation of liver fibrosis. An increase in M2BPGi in CHB patients is related to the progression of liver fibrosis and high potential (risk) of HCC development. Here, we describe the clinical applications of HBcrAg and M2BPGi in CHB patients. Additionally, because new potential therapeutic agents that eliminate intrahepatic cccDNA are being developed, monitoring of HBcrAg or M2BPGi might be suitable for evaluating therapeutic effects and the clinical outcomes. In conclusion, these would be appropriate surrogate markers for predicting disease progression.
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18
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Performance of two simplified HBV treatment criteria (TREAT-B score and WHO guidelines) in Burkina Faso, West Africa. J Hepatol 2019; 71:842-844. [PMID: 31331666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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19
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