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Giannini EG, Pasta A, Pieri G, Plaz Torres MC, Marseglia M, Pelizzaro F, Sangiovanni A, Cabibbo G, Ghittoni G, Di Marco M, Foschi FG, Guarino M, Biasini E, Saitta C, Campani C, Svegliati-Baroni G, Gasbarrini A, Brunetto MR, Magalotti D, Azzaroli F, Mega A, Sacco R, Nardone G, Sacerdoti D, Masotto A, Vidili G, Bucci L, Vitale A, Trevisani F. Characteristics and outcome of anti-hepatitis D virus positive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2024; 44:1588-1599. [PMID: 38426262 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) often leads to end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprehensive data pertaining to large populations with HDV and HCC are missing, therefore we sought to assess the characteristics, management, and outcome of these patients, comparing them to patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. METHODS We analysed the Italian Liver Cancer database focusing on patients with positivity for HBV surface antigen and anti-HDV antibodies (HBV/HDV, n = 107) and patients with HBV infection alone (n = 588). Clinical and oncological characteristics, treatment, and survival were compared in the two groups. RESULTS Patients with HBV/HDV had worse liver function [Model for End-stage Liver Disease score: 11 vs. 9, p < .0001; Child-Turcotte-Pugh score: 7 vs. 5, p < .0001] than patients with HBV. HCC was more frequently diagnosed during surveillance (72.9% vs. 52.4%, p = .0002), and the oncological stage was more frequently Milan-in (67.3% vs. 52.7%, p = .005) in patients with HBV/HDV. Liver transplantation was more frequently performed in HBV/HDV than in HBV patients (36.4% vs. 9.5%), while the opposite was observed for resection (8.4% vs. 20.1%, p < .0001), and in a competing risk analysis, HBV/HDV patients had a higher probability of receiving transplantation, independently of liver function and oncological stage. A trend towards longer survival was observed in patients with HBV/HDV (50.4 vs. 44.4 months, p = .106). CONCLUSIONS In patients with HBV/HDV, HCC is diagnosed more frequently during surveillance, resulting in a less advanced cancer stage in patients with more deranged liver function than HBV alone. Patients with HBV/HDV have a heightened benefit from liver transplantation, positively influencing survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo G Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasta
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Pieri
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Corina Plaz Torres
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Marseglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Diseases and Immunoallergology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale maggiore Policlinico and C.R.C. "A.M. & A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease", Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother & Child Care, Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties, PROMISE, Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Guarino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Biasini
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Saitta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical and Molecular Hepatology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Liver Unit, CEMAD - Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Donatella Magalotti
- Division of Internal Medicine, Neurovascular and Hepatometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Azzaroli
- Gastroenterology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Mega
- Gastroenterology Unit, Bolzano Regional Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Foggia University Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nardone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - David Sacerdoti
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Masotto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Vidili
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Clinica Medica Unit, University of Sassari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Laura Bucci
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-related Diseases, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-related Diseases, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Russotto A, Vicentini C, Ferrigno L, Crateri S, Russo R, Tosti ME, Zotti CM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Italian national viral hepatitis surveillance: an interrupted time series analysis, 2006-2022. Public Health 2024; 232:14-20. [PMID: 38728904 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.04.006] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national surveillance of viral hepatitis in Italy. STUDY DESIGN Interrupted time series analysis. METHODS Using an interrupted time series analysis with a customised AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average model on hepatitis cases reported to the Integrated Epidemiological System of Acute Viral Hepatitis from 2006 to 2022, we examined trends in incidence, time to diagnosis and time to epidemiological investigations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. RESULTS The quarterly incidence of hepatitis B (-0.251, P = 0.05) and hepatitis C (-0.243, P = 0.003) significantly decreased with the onset of the pandemic. Surveillance times for hepatitis B (5.496, P < 0.001) and hepatitis C (35.723, P < 0.001), measured as days lost per quarter, significantly increased 12 and 24 months after the pandemic's start. This aligns with a notable rise in quarterly incidence at 36 months for both (0.032, P = 0.030 for hepatitis B; 0.040, P < 0.001 for hepatitis C). CONCLUSIONS The decrease in reported cases could be due to an increase in infection prevention control and containment measures put in place in a pandemic context. However, a delay in the initiation of epidemiological investigations was observed, which could lead to a further increase in incidence in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Russotto
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Torino, Italy.
| | - C Vicentini
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - L Ferrigno
- National Center for Global Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - S Crateri
- National Center for Global Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - R Russo
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - M E Tosti
- National Center for Global Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - C M Zotti
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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3
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Mironova M, Ghany MG. Hepatitis B Vaccine: Four Decades on. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:439. [PMID: 38675820 PMCID: PMC11053833 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040439] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus is a substantial contributor to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. Vaccination is the most effective method for prevention of hepatitis B and its associated morbidity and mortality, and the only method to prevent infection with hepatitis D virus. The hepatitis B vaccine has been used worldwide for more than four decades; it is available in a single- or triple-antigen form and in combination with vaccines against other infections. Introduction of the vaccine and administration at birth led to sustained decline in mother-to-child transmission, chronic hepatitis B, and HCC, however, global birth dose coverage remains suboptimal. In this review we will discuss different hepatitis B vaccine formulations and schedules, vaccination guidelines, durability of the response, and vaccine escape mutants, as well as the clinical and economic benefits of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc G. Ghany
- Clinical Hepatology Research Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1800, USA;
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Cossiga V, Brusa S, Montalti R, De Conte A, Jannuzzi G, Ranieri L, Sorrentino R, Vallefuoco L, Pignata L, Guarino M, Portella G, Morisco F. Anti-HDV reflex testing in HBsAg-positive subjects: An efficacious strategy to identify HDV infection. Liver Int 2024; 44:148-154. [PMID: 37789576 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The prevalence of HDV infection in HBsAg carriers is about 9.9% in Italy. However, the real prevalence is underestimated because the anti-HDV test is not performed routinely in all HBsAg carriers. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and the absolute number of HDV infection identified in HBsAg-positive subjects tested at University Hospital Federico II before and after the introduction of anti-HDV reflex testing. METHODS From January to December 2022, reflex test for the detection of total HDV antibodies was performed in all HBsAg-positive subjects tested at University Hospital Federico II. The control group consisted of all the HBsAg-positive subjects tested at the same laboratory in 2019, before the implementation of anti-HDV reflex testing. Sera were evaluated with ADVIA Centaur HBsAgII Qualitative, Liaison Murex HBsAg Quantitative and Liaison Murex Total Anti-HDV Qualitative. RESULTS Before reflex testing, anti-HDV had been tested in 16.4% (84/512) of HBsAg-positive subjects, while after its implementation, 100% (484/484) of HBsAg-positive patients was tested for anti-HDV. The anti-HDV positive prevalence was lower than before the introduction of reflex test (10.7% vs. 16.6%) but the absolute number of anti-HDV positive patients increased (14 vs. 52 subjects). HDV-RNA was detectable in 26 (53%) of 49 tested subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that the implementation of anti-HDV reflex testing increased the diagnoses of HDV infection. In this setting, due to the approval of specific anti-HDV drugs, a reflex test for anti-HDV should be implemented to early identify patients with HBV/HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cossiga
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Brusa
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Montalti
- Department of Public Health, Division of Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annachiara De Conte
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Jannuzzi
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Ranieri
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Sorrentino
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Vallefuoco
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Pignata
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Guarino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Portella
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Morisco
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Salpini R, Piermatteo L, Torre G, D'Anna S, Khan S, Duca L, Bertoli A, La Frazia S, Malagnino V, Teti E, Iannetta M, Paba P, Ciotti M, Lenci I, Francioso S, Paquazzi C, Lichtner M, Mastroianni C, Santopaolo F, De Sanctis G, Pellicelli A, Galati G, Moretti A, Casinelli K, Caterini L, Iapadre N, Parruti G, Vecchiet I, Paoloni M, Marignani M, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Baiocchi L, Grelli S, Sarmati L, Svicher V. Prevalence of hepatitis D virus infection in Central Italy has remained stable across the last 2 decades with dominance of subgenotypes 1 and characterized by elevated viral replication. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 138:1-9. [PMID: 37944585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.11.005] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Here we investigate Hepatitis D virus (HDV)-prevalence in Italy and its fluctuations over time and we provide an extensive characterization of HDV-infected patients. METHODS The rate of HDV seroprevalence and HDV chronicity was assessed in 1579 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)+ patients collected from 2005 to 2022 in Central Italy. RESULTS In total, 45.3% of HBsAg+ patients received HDV screening with an increasing temporal trend: 15.6% (2005-2010), 45.0% (2011-2014), 49.4% (2015-2018), 71.8% (2019-2022). By multivariable model, factors correlated with the lack of HDV screening were alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) less than two times of upper limit of normality (<2ULN) and previous time windows (P <0.002). Furthermore, 13.4% of HDV-screened patients resulted anti-HDV+ with a stable temporal trend. Among them, 80.8% had detectable HDV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) (median [IQR]:4.6 [3.6-5.6] log copies/ml) with altered ALT in 89.3% (median [IQR]:92 [62-177] U/L). Anti-HDV+ patients from Eastern/South-eastern Europe were younger than Italians (44 [37-54] vs 53 [47-62] years, P <0.0001), less frequently nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUC)-treated (58.5% vs 80%, P = 0.026) with higher HDV-RNA (4.8 [3.6-5.8] vs 3.9 [1.4-4.9] log copies/ml, P = 0.016) and HBsAg (9461 [4159-24,532] vs 4447 [737-13,336] IU/ml, P = 0.032). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of HDV subgenotype 1e (47.4%) and -1c (52.6%). Notably, subgenotype 1e correlated with higher ALT than 1c (168 [89-190] vs 58 [54-88] U/l, P = 0.015) despite comparable HDV-RNA. CONCLUSIONS HDV-screening awareness is increasing over time even if some gaps persist to achieve HDV screening in all HBsAg+ patients. HDV prevalence in tertiary care centers tend to scarcely decline in native/non-native patients. Detection of subgenotypes, triggering variable inflammatory stimuli, supports the need to expand HDV molecular characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Salpini
- Tor Vergata University, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Torre
- Tor Vergata University, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Anna
- Tor Vergata University, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Sohaib Khan
- Tor Vergata University, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Duca
- Tor Vergata University, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Ada Bertoli
- Tor Vergata University, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy; Tor Vergata University Hospital, Virology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Teti
- Tor Vergata University Hospital, Infectious Diseases Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Tor Vergata University Hospital, Infectious Diseases Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Paba
- Tor Vergata University Hospital, Virology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Tor Vergata University Hospital, Virology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Tor Vergata University Hospital, Hepatology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Miriam Lichtner
- La Sapienza University, Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Mastroianni
- La Sapienza University, Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanni Galati
- University Campus Bio-Medico, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Katia Casinelli
- Spaziani Hospital, Infectious Disease Unit, Frosinone, Italy
| | | | - Nerio Iapadre
- San Salvatore Hospital, Infectious Diseases Unit, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giustino Parruti
- Pescara General Hospital, Infectious Disesases Unit, Pescara, Italy
| | - Iacopo Vecchiet
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Paoloni
- Avezzano General Hospital, Infectious Diseases Unit, Avezzano, Italy
| | - Massimo Marignani
- Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Albano Laziale, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandro Grelli
- Tor Vergata University Hospital, Virology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Tor Vergata University Hospital, Infectious Diseases Unit, Rome, Italy
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Stroffolini T, Stroffolini G. Vaccination Campaign against Hepatitis B Virus in Italy: A History of Successful Achievements. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1531. [PMID: 37896935 PMCID: PMC10610604 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101531] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Italy, the vaccination campaign against hepatitis B virus has been characterized by two phases. In the first phase (1984-1991), vaccination with plasma-derived vaccines was first recommended for the high-risk group. In the second phase (1991-nowadays), recombinant vaccine targeted, by law, infants 2 months old and teenagers 12 years old (limited to the first 12 years of campaign); screening for HBsAg became compulsory for all pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Successful achievements have been attained: No acute HBV case has been observed in the age group targeted by vaccination, the pool of chronic HBsAg carriers is strongly reduced, perinatal HBV transmission is under control, and acute delta virus hepatitis cases are nearly eliminated. The key point of this success has been the peculiar vaccination policy adopted. The combined vaccination of teenagers has generated an early immune cohort of youths, who are no longer at risk of acquiring HBV infection by sources of exposure (i.e., drug use and unsafe sex practices) typical of the young adults. Vaccination of household contacts with HBsAg-positive subjects represents an area of improvement; providing migrants and refugees access to healthcare services is also a focal point. In 2020, Italy became the first country in Europe to achieve the WHO's regional hepatitis targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Stroffolini
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Stroffolini
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni, 5, Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy
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Thiyagarajah K, Basic M, Hildt E. Cellular Factors Involved in the Hepatitis D Virus Life Cycle. Viruses 2023; 15:1687. [PMID: 37632029 PMCID: PMC10459925 DOI: 10.3390/v15081687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus with a negative-strand RNA genome encompassing less than 1700 nucleotides. The HDV genome encodes only for one protein, the hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), which exists in two forms acting as nucleoproteins. HDV depends on the envelope proteins of the hepatitis B virus as a helper virus for packaging its ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). HDV is considered the causative agent for the most severe form of viral hepatitis leading to liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Many steps of the life cycle of HDV are still enigmatic. This review gives an overview of the complete life cycle of HDV and identifies gaps in knowledge. The focus is on the description of cellular factors being involved in the life cycle of HDV and the deregulation of cellular pathways by HDV with respect to their relevance for viral replication, morphogenesis and HDV-associated pathogenesis. Moreover, recent progress in antiviral strategies targeting cellular structures is summarized in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eberhard Hildt
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Department of Virology, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (K.T.); (M.B.)
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8
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Mangia A, Squillante MM, Fraticelli F, Cavorsi MC, Paroni G, Zaffarano L, Piazzolla AV. HDV RNA Levels and Progression of Hepatitis Delta Infection: A 14 Year Follow Up Experience in Italy. Cells 2023; 12:1413. [PMID: 37408247 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101413] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of outcome predictors is one of the unmet needs in chronic HDV infection. Until recently, no reliable quantitative assays for HDV RNA were available. AIMS To evaluate the impact of baseline viremia on natural history of HDV infection in a cohort of patients whose serum samples were stored at their first visit 15 years ago. METHODS Quantitative HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBV DNA, HDV RNA, genotypes, and liver disease severity were assessed at baseline. Patients who were no longer on active follow-up were recalled and re-evaluated in August 2022. RESULTS The majority of patients were male (64.9%); the median age was 50.1 years; and all patients were Italian, with only three born in Romania. All were HBeAg negative with HBV genotype D infection. Patients were subdivided three groups: 23 were in active follow-up (Group 1), 21 were recalled due to no longer being in follow-up (Group 2), and 11 died (Group 3). Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed in 28 subjects at the first visit; 39.3% of diagnosed patients were in Group 3, 32.1% were in Group 1 and 28.6% were in Group 2 (p = 0.001). Baseline HBV DNA IU/mL Log10 were 1.6 (1.0-5.9) in Group 1, 1.3 (1.0-4.5) in Group 2, and 4.1 (1.5-4.5) in Group 3; median baseline HDV RNA Log10 levels were 4.1 (0.7-6.7) in Group 1, 3.2 (0.7-6.2) in Group 2, and 5.2 (0.7-6.7) in Group 3, resulting significantly higher rates among patients in Group 3 compared to the other groups (p = 0.038). Eighteen patients in Group 2, as compared to 7 in Group 1, had undetectable HDV RNA at the follow-up evaluation (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS HDV chronic infection is a heterogeneous disease. It may not only progress but also improve over time in patients, who eventually become HDV RNA-undetectable. HDV RNA levels may help identify the subgroup of patients with less progressive liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mangia
- Liver Unit, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Fraticelli
- Liver Unit, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Cavorsi
- Liver Unit, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Giulia Paroni
- Blood Bank, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Lucia Zaffarano
- Blood Bank, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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Béguelin C, Atkinson A, Boyd A, Falconer K, Kirkby N, Suter-Riniker F, Günthard HF, Rockstroh JK, Mocroft A, Rauch A, Peters L, Wandeler G. Hepatitis delta infection among persons living with HIV in Europe. Liver Int 2023; 43:819-828. [PMID: 36625770 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A high prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection, the most severe form of viral hepatitis, has been reported among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Europe. We analysed data from a large HIV cohort collaboration to characterize HDV epidemiological trends across Europe, as well as its impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS All PLWH with a positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and EuroSIDA between 1988 and 2019 were tested for anti-HDV antibodies and, if positive, for HDV RNA. Demographic and clinical characteristics at initiation of antiretroviral therapy were compared between HDV-positive and HDV-negative individuals using descriptive statistics. The associations between HDV infection and overall mortality, liver-related mortality as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were assessed using cumulative incidence plots and cause-specific multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS Of 2793 HBsAg-positive participants, 1556 (56%) had stored serum available and were included. The prevalence of HDV coinfection was 15.2% (237/1556, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.5%-17.1%) and 66% (132/200) of HDV-positive individuals had active HDV replication. Among persons who inject drugs (PWID), the prevalence of HDV coinfection was 50.5% (182/360, 95% CI: 45.3%-55.7%), with similar estimates across Europe, compared to 4.7% (52/1109, 95% CI: 3.5%-5.9%) among other participants. During a median follow-up of 10.8 years (interquartile range 5.6-17.8), 82 (34.6%) HDV-positive and 265 (20.1%) HDV-negative individuals died. 41.5% (34/82) of deaths were liver-related in HDV-positive individuals compared to 17.7% (47/265) in HDV-negative individuals. HDV infection was associated with overall mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.1), liver-related death (2.9, 1.6-5.0) and HCC (6.3, 2.5-16.0). CONCLUSION We found a very high prevalence of hepatitis delta among PWID across Europe. Among PLWH who do not inject drugs, the prevalence was similar to that reported from populations without HIV. HDV coinfection was associated with liver-related mortality and HCC incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Béguelin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Atkinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anders Boyd
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karolin Falconer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikolai Kirkby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franziska Suter-Riniker
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F Günthard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Amanda Mocroft
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
- Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lars Peters
- Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Isaeva OV, Kyuregyan KK, Karlsen AA, Kuzmin OV, Potemkin IA, Kichatova VS, Asadi Mobarkhan FA, Mullin EV, Kozhanova TV, Manuylov VA, Pochtovyy AA, Gushchin VA, Saryglar AA, Ilchenko LY, Mikhailov MI. Silent HDV epidemics culminates in high levels of liver cirrhosis in endemic region despite 20 years of HBV vaccination. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:182-194. [PMID: 36478630 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is believed to be a vanishing infection in countries with successful hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination programs. We assessed the current status of HDV infection in Tuva, a region of the Russia that has been highly endemic for HBV. The proportion of HDV-infected patients among HBsAg-positive patients in the regional registry in 2020 was 32.7% (786/2401). An analysis of the medical records of 514 HDV patients demonstrated that 37.5% (193/514) had liver cirrhosis at the first doctor's visit, and 7.4% of patients lived in families where another family member had HDV. All HDV patients were infected with genotype HDV-1, 94.5% had HBV genotype D, and 5.5% had genotype A. A serosurvey conducted among 1170 healthy volunteers showed that the average detection rate of HBsAg with anti-HDV was 1.0% (95% CI: 0.57-1.81%). No anti-HDV positive samples were detected in participants aged under 30 years. The HBsAg/anti-HDV positivity rate peaked at 7.4% in patients aged 50-59 years, which was significantly higher than in a similar age cohort surveyed in 2008 (1.6%, p < .0001). A Bayesian analysis showed that HDV circulation in Tuva resulted from two waves of introduction, the first in the 1810s (95% HPD: 1741-1834) from Central Asia, and the second in the 1960s (95% HPD: 1953-1979) from Russia. HBV has a much longer history of circulation in Tuva with the MRCA for the predominant genotype HBV-D dated to 972 (95% HPD: 535-1253) for subtype D1, 1274 (95% HPD: 936-1384) for D2, and 1173 (95% HPD: 1005-1618) for D3. A SkyGrid reconstruction of population dynamics showed an increase in the intensity of HDV spread in recent decades. This situation shows the need for HDV screening and prevention measures among people living with HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Isaeva
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Karen K Kyuregyan
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Scientific and Educational Resource Center for High-Performance Methods of Genomic Analysis, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A Karlsen
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Scientific and Educational Resource Center for High-Performance Methods of Genomic Analysis, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg V Kuzmin
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya A Potemkin
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera S Kichatova
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Fedor A Asadi Mobarkhan
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugeniy V Mullin
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana V Kozhanova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor A Manuylov
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Pochtovyy
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Gushchin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Lyudmila Yu Ilchenko
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail I Mikhailov
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Kayesh MEH, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Acute Viral Hepatitis in Bangladesh: An Overview. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2266. [PMID: 36422336 PMCID: PMC9695917 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections by hepatotropic viruses can cause both acute and chronic infections in the liver, resulting in morbidity and mortality in humans. Hepatotropic viruses, including hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV), are the major pathogens that cause acute and chronic infections in humans. Although all of these viruses can cause acute hepatitis in humans, HAV and HEV are the predominant causative agents in Bangladesh, where the occurrence is sporadic throughout the year. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of hepatotropic viruses that are responsible for acute hepatitis in Bangladesh. Additionally, we focus on the transmission modes of these viruses and the control and prevention of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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12
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A Review of HDV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081749. [PMID: 36016371 PMCID: PMC9414459 DOI: 10.3390/v14081749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis D is the most severe viral hepatitis. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) has a very small RNA genome with unique biological properties. It requires for infection the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is transmitted parenterally, mainly by superinfection of HBsAg carriers who then develop chronic hepatitis D. HDV has been brought under control in high-income countries by the implementation of HBV vaccination, and the clinical pattern has changed to a chronic hepatitis D seen in ageing patients with advanced fibrotic disease; the disease remains a major health concern in developing countries of Africa and Asia. Every HBsAg-positive subject should be tested for HDV serum markers by reflex testing, independently of clinical status. Vaccination against HBV provides the best prophylaxis against hepatitis D. The only therapy available so far has been the poorly performing Interferon alfa; however, several new and promising therapeutic approaches are under study.
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13
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Romano’ L, Zanetti AR. Hepatitis B Vaccination: A Historical Overview with a Focus on the Italian Achievements. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071515. [PMID: 35891495 PMCID: PMC9320049 DOI: 10.3390/v14071515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective way to control and prevent acute and chronic hepatitis B, including cirrhosis and HCC, on a global scale. According to WHO recommendations, 190 countries in the world have introduced hepatitis B vaccination into their national childhood immunization programs with an excellent profile of safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness. Following vaccination, seroprotection rates are close to 100% in healthy children and over 95% in healthy adults. Persistence of anti-HBs is related to the antibody peak achieved after vaccination. The peak is higher the longer the antibody duration is. Loss of anti-HBs does not necessarily mean loss of immunity since most vaccinated individuals retain immune memory for HBsAg and rapidly develop strong anamnestic responses when boosted. Evidence indicates that the duration of protection can persist for at least 35 years after priming. Hence, booster doses of vaccines are currently not recommended to sustain long-term immunity in healthy vaccinated individuals. In Italy, vaccination against hepatitis B is met with success. In 2020, Italy became one of the first countries in Europe to be validated for achieving the WHO regional hepatitis B control targets.
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