HCV iatrogenic and intrafamilial transmission in Greater Cairo, Egypt

Cytokine profile and viral diversity in the early seronegative stage of community-acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection

Most Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected subjects develop chronic infection, whereas a minority clear the virus in the early phase of infection. We analyzed factors associated with outcome (chronicity vs clearance) during the preclinical seronegative phase of community-acquired HCV infection. Among 17.5 million blood donations in the years 2000-2016, 124 blood donors were found to be HCV RNA-positive/anti-HCV-negative. All were contacted after 0.5-12.7 years and 40 responded and provided blood sample. Hypervariable region 1 was analyzed by ultradeep pyrosequencing and cytokines in serum were quantified by Luminex (R&D Systems) multiplex immunoassay. Twenty-one (52.5%) donors were found to be HCV-RNA-positive, while 19 (47.5%) were HCV RNA negative (none received antiviral treatment). All but one seroconverted to anti-HCV. Donors with resolving hepatitis did not differ significantly from donors with chronic infection with respect to age, genotypes, IL28B polymorphisms, number of viral variants, nucleotide diversity per site or the overall number of nucleotide substitutions. However, the former group had significantly higher levels of IL-1beta, IL-1RA, IL-6, IFN-gamma and FGF-2 in serum. In our study of community-acquired acute hepatitis C approximately half of all subjects eliminated the virus spontaneously, and this clearance was associated with marked cytokine response in the early seronegative stage of infection.

Acute hepatitis C virus infection: clinical update and remaining challenges

Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern with substantial geographical variation in the incidence rate. People who have received unsafe medical procedures, used injection drugs, and lived with human immunodeficiency virus are reported to be most susceptible to acute HCV infection. The diagnosis of acute HCV infection is particularly challenging in immunocompromised, reinfected, and superinfected patients due to difficulty in detecting anti-HCV antibody seroconversion and HCV ribonucleic acid from a previously negative antibody response. With an excellent treatment effect on chronic HCV infection, recently, clinical trials investigating the benefit of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment for acute HCV infection have been conducted. Based on the results of cost-effectiveness analysis, DAAs should be initiated early in acute HCV infection prior to spontaneous viral clearance. Compared to the standard 8-12 week-course of DAAs for chronic HCV infection, DAAs treatment duration may be shortened to 6-8 weeks in acute HCV infection without compromising the efficacy. Standard DAA regimens provide comparable efficacy in treating HCV-reinfected patients and DAA-naïve ones. For cases contracting acute HCV infection from HCV-viremic liver transplant, a 12-week course of pangenotypic DAAs is suggested. While for cases contracting acute HCV infection from HCV-viremic non-liver solid organ transplants, a short course of prophylactic or pre-emptive DAAs is suggested. Currently, prophylactic HCV vaccines are unavailable. In addition to treatment scale-up for acute HCV infection, practice of universal precaution, harm reduction, safe sex, and vigilant surveillance after viral clearance remain critical in reducing HCV transmission.

Meta-analysis: risk of hepatitis C virus infection associated with hospital-based invasive procedures

BACKGROUND

Healthcare settings, where invasive procedures are frequently performed, may play an important role in the transmission dynamics of blood-borne pathogens when compliance with infection control precautions is suboptimal.

AIMS

To understand and quantify the role of hospital-based invasive procedures on hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify recent studies reporting association measures of HCV infection risk that are linked to iatrogenic procedures. Based on expert opinion, invasive procedures were categorised into 10 groups for which pooled measures were calculated. Finally, the relationship between pooled measures and the country-level HCV prevalence or the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) index was assessed by meta-regression.

RESULTS

We included 71 studies in the analysis. The most frequently evaluated procedures were blood transfusion (66 measures) and surgery (43 measures). The pooled odds ratio (OR) of HCV infection varied widely, ranging from 1.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.88) for dental procedures to 3.22 (1.7-6.11) for transplantation. The OR for blood transfusion was higher for transfusions performed before 1998 (3.77, 2.42-5.88) than for those without a specified/recent date (2.20, 1.77-2.75). In procedure-specific analyses, the HCV infection risk was significantly negatively associated with the HAQ for endoscopy and positively associated with HCV prevalence for endoscopy and surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Various invasive procedures were significantly associated with HCV infection. Our results provide a ranking of procedures in terms of HCV risk that may be used for prioritisation of infection control interventions, especially in high HCV prevalence settings.

Egypt's Ambitious Strategy to Eliminate Hepatitis C Virus: A Case Study

A national hepatitis C virus elimination strategy rooted in mass screening and treatment can be effective in many middle-income countries. A strong public health infrastructure, political commitment, and technological advances are essential to such initiatives.

Introduction:

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, Egypt's HCV infection prevalence of 7% among adults was among the highest in the world and accounted for 7.6% of the country's mortality. In 2014, Egypt embarked on an aggressive screening and treatment program that evolved into a national strategy to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2021.

Methods:

In this qualitative case study, we analyzed Egypt's HCV control strategy using the Kingdon framework to understand how the problem, policy, and political streams merged to create an opportunity to achieve an ambitious elimination goal. We describe key aspects of the implementation, identify lessons learned, and provide recommendations for other low- and middle-income countries aiming to eliminate HCV.

Results:

Between 2014 and 2020, Egypt screened more than 50 million and treated more than 4 million residents for HCV. Five key elements contributed to Egypt's successful HCV elimination program: (1) sufficient and reliable epidemiologic data to quantify and monitor public health threats; (2) a robust public health care infrastructure; (3) inclusive care that reached all sectors of society; (4) political commitment to public health through increased health care spending and a comprehensive long-term national control strategy; and (5) innovative scientific research and use of information technology.

Conclusion:

Egypt conducted a successful HCV screening program that covered more than 50 million residents and treated more than 4 million. It is poised to be the first country in the world to eliminate HCV within its borders. The lessons learned from this experience can inform the elimination plans of other low- and middle-income countries with high HCV burden.

A cross sectional study of the risk factors of hepatitis C infection in North Egypt

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that has been declared as a global health problem by the World Health Organization. Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) which results in a high morbidity and mortality from chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Cities have lower rates of infection than rural areas. Studies about the abnormally high prevalence of HCV in Egypt ascribed that to the governmental campaign to treat Schistosoma. However, these treatment campaigns have stopped more than 35 years ago, which means that some other modes of transmission must have been involved. The objective of this work is to study the main reasons of HCV prevalence in the Egyptian Delta valley. A questionnaire-based study was conducted by members of the HCV Fighters project. Responses were collected from 949 volunteers (451 HCV patients and 498 healthy volunteers as control). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.0. The two-sample proportion test was used for statistical comparison between groups. The most probable risk factors of HCV transmission in Egypt included regular visits to dental clinics (55.2%), previous surgical operations (54.4%), former blood transfusion (52%), intrafamilial HCV infection (45.9%) and history of bilharzial infection (44.3%). Increasing public awareness about modes of transmission and risk factors of HCV infection is a must, especially within family members of HCV patients. Strict commitment to proper medical care precautions by health care practitioners is required.

Nocturnal Surface Urban Heat Island over Greater Cairo: Spatial Morphology, Temporal Trends and Links to Land-Atmosphere Influences

This study assesses the spatial and temporal characteristics of nighttime surface urban heat island (SUHI) effects over Greater Cairo: the largest metropolitan area in Africa. This study employed nighttime land surface temperature (LST) data at 1 km resolution from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua sensor for the period 2003–2019. We presented a new spatial anomaly algorithm, which allowed to define SUHI using the most anomalous hotspot and cold spot of LST for each time step over Greater Cairo between 2003 and 2019. Results demonstrate that although there is a significant increase in the spatial extent of SUHI over the past two decades, a significant decrease in the mean and maximum intensities of SUHI was noted. Moreover, we examined the dependency between SUHI characteristics and related factors that influence energy and heat fluxes between atmosphere and land in urban environments (e.g., surface albedo, vegetation cover, climate variability, and land cover/use changes). Results demonstrate that the decrease in the intensity of SUHI was mainly guided by a stronger warming in daytime and nighttime LST in the neighborhood of urban localities. This warming was accompanied by a decrease in surface albedo and diurnal temperature range (DTR) over these areas. Results of this study can provide guidance to local urban planners and decision-makers to adopt more effective mitigation strategies to diminish the negative impacts of urban warming on natural and human environments.

The efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral drugs in the management of hepatitis C virus-related arthritis

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide disease. HCV-related arthritis is one of the extrahepatic manifestations of the disease. The treatment of chronic HCV has been revolutionized with the introduction of oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs. We aim to determine the outcomes of treatment by the combination of sofosbuvir-daclatasvir with or without ribavirin in patients with HCV-related arthritis.

Results

Post-therapy, all group I patients had sustained viral response. Significant improvement of the outcome parameters was found 12 weeks post-treatment in group I compared to baseline and group II. Complete and partial remission of articular symptoms in group I patients was observed in 80% and 5%, respectively, while 85% of patients in group II showed no remission. Few mild side effects were encountered with therapy.

Conclusion

The combination of sofosbuvir-daclatasvir with or without ribavirin is an effective and safe therapy for eradication of HCV infection and amelioration of HCV-related arthritis.

Risk factors for viral hepatitis C infection in Rwanda: results from a nationwide screening program

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Rwanda are not well known; however, this information is crucial to shaping the country's public health approach to hepatitis C control.

METHODS

A HCV screening campaign was conducted in the general population in 24 districts previously identified to have a high HCV disease burden. At the time of sample collection, sociodemographic information and self-reported risk factors were collected. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to assess risk factors independently associated with hepatitis C antibodies (HCVAb) seroprevalence.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 326,263 individuals screened for HCVAb, 22,183 (6.8%) were positive. In multivariate analysis, risk factors identified as statistically associated with HCVAb Seroprevalence include history of traditional operation or scarification (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.14), presence of viral hepatitis in the family (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15-1.40), widowed or separated/divorced (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.26-1.47), Southern province (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.88-2.08) and aged 65 years and older (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 4.62-5.11). Ubudehe category 3 (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.93-1.01) and participants using RAMA (Health insurances for employees of public and private sectors) insurance (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70-0.85) had lower odds of HCV seroprevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide important information for Rwanda's strategy on prevention and case-finding. Future prevention interventions should aim to reduce transmission through targeted messaging around traditional healing practices and case-finding targeting individuals with a history of exposure or advanced age.

Intrafamilial Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Among Families of Infected Pediatric Oncology Patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most commonly encountered blood transmittable hepatitis among cancer patients. Several studies have reported clustering of HCV infections in families or household contacts of infected cases. Data about the epidemiologic aspects of intrafamilial transmission from pediatric cancer patients are scarce and still debated. We aimed to identify the magnitude of horizontal intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected pediatric oncology patients; its prevalence, risk factors and possible routes of transmission.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-seven (86 HCV positive, 71 HCV negative) pediatric oncology patients who received treatment and follow-up at Zagazig university Hospital-Egypt and their household family contacts (751) were enrolled in this cross-sectional case-control study. Blood samples were collected from 450 relatives of HCV infected cases (group 1) and 301 household contacts of HCV-negative cases (group 2) for analysis of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA to confirm positivity. Family contacts of HCV-infected cases were interviewed, and close-ended questionnaire was completed for each participant to determine risk factors and possible routes of HCV intrafamilial transmission.

RESULTS

Significantly higher HCV prevalence and chronicity rates were documented among relatives of HCV-infected cases as compared with contacts of HCV-negative cases (12.6% and 10.6% for group 1 vs. 7% and 5.3% for group 2, respectively). Risk factors of infection were calculated by univariate and logistic regression analysis among contacts of HCV-infected cases. Female caregivers, particularly mother (OR 5.1, 95% CI: 2-13.5), contact with index cases blood, either directly without using personal protective equipment (OR 7.8, 95% CI: 2.9-23.8) or indirectly through common use of sharps (razors, scissors) (OR 8.9, 95% CI: 3.5-20.5) and nail clippers (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-5.4) and giving care to infected cases (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-16.6) represented the real predictors of intrafamilial HCV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected children to their relatives does occur. Parenteral route is the only documented way of transmission either directly or indirectly.

Risk factors for familial clustering of hepatitis C virus infection in a Chinese Han population: a cross-sectional study

Background

Hepatitis C is a curable disease, but reinfection from household contact may occur in patients who have achieved sustained viral response (SVR).

Methods

A total of 997 ethnic Han HCV treatment-naïve adult patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study with stratified sampling based on the populations of five geographic regions across China to examine the genetic and physiological parameters associated with the phenomenon of HCV familial clustering.

Results

Of the total 997 patients, there were 59 patients who had at least one family member with HCV infection according to patient self-report. Comparison between patients with and without HCV familial clustering by univariate regression analysis showed that genotype 2, sexual transmission, long-term exposure to HCV patients, monthly family income per person less than 2000 yuan, farming occupation, and the southern and northern regions were associated with HCV familial clustering. Blood transfusion was negatively associated with HCV familial clustering. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that long-term exposure to HCV patients and low family income were correlated with HCV familial clustering, whereas blood transfusion was negatively associated, which meant that blood transfusion was not the main transmission route in HCV familial clustering.

Conclusion

Long-term exposure to HCV patients and low family income were correlated with HCV familial clustering, whereas blood transfusion was not the main transmission route in HCV familial clustering. To reduce reinfection from household contacts, education and awareness of HCV transmission routes and familial clustering should be strengthened, especially among HCV patients’ family members, low-income families and non-blood transmission hepatitis C patients.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and its correlates in a rural area of southwestern China: a community-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem in southwestern China. Our aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of HCV infection and its correlates in the Yi population of this region.

METHODS

A community-based survey was conducted to investigate sociodemographic characteristics and other associated factors for HCV infection in a rural area of southwestern China. Blood samples were collected and tested for antibodies to HCV. Anti-HCV positive samples were further assessed for HCV RNA.

RESULTS

A total of 2558 participants aged ≥14 years were included in our analysis. Of them, 2.8% (95% CI 2.2% to 3.5%) were positive for HCV antibody. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that sex (male vs female: adjusted OR (aOR)=3.30, 95% CI 1.80 to 6.07), marital status (unmarried vs married: aOR=0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.80), ever using injection drug (aOR=28.65, 95% CI 15.9 to 51.64) and ever having blood transfusion (aOR=7.64, 95% CI 1.94 to 30.16) were significantly associated with HCV infection (indicated by positive HCV antibody). Stratified analysis by HIV infection found that in HIV-negative individuals, sex (male vs female: aOR=3.84, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.85), ever using injection drug (aOR=22.15, 95% CI 8.45 to 58.04), having multiple sexual partners (aOR=2.57, 95% CI 1.26 to 5.23), and ever having blood transfusion (aOR=16.54, 95% CI 4.44 to 61.58) were significantly associated with HCV infection and in HIV-positive individuals, ever using injection drug (aOR=8.96, 95% CI 3.16 to 25.38) was associated with HCV infection.

CONCLUSION

The data suggested a higher risk of HCV infection in this area when compared with the rest of China and some unique associated factors. Rapid scale-up of targeted interventions are needed to prevent further transmission and consequent morbidities.

National treatment programme of hepatitis C in Egypt: Hepatitis C virus model of care

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem in Egypt as the nation bears the highest prevalence rate worldwide. This necessitated establishing a novel model of care (MOC) to contain the epidemic, deliver patient care and ensure global treatment access. In this review, we describe the process of development of the Egyptian model and future strategies for sustainability. Although the magnitude of the HCV problem was known for many years, the HCV MOC only came into being in 2006 with the establishment of the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis (NCCVH) to set up and implement a national control strategy for the disease and other causes of viral hepatitis. The strategy outlines best practices for patient care delivery by applying a set of service principles through identified clinical streams and patient flow continuums. The Egyptian national viral hepatitis treatment programme is considered one of the most successful and effective public health programmes. To date, more than one million patients were evaluated and more than 850 000 received treatment under the umbrella of the programme since 2006. The NCCVH has been successful in establishing a strong infrastructure for controlling viral hepatitis in Egypt. It established a nationwide network of digitally connected viral hepatitis-specialized treatment centres covering the country map to enhance treatment access. Practice guidelines suiting local circumstances were issued and regularly updated and are applied in all affiliated centres. This review illustrates the model and the successful Egyptian experience. It sets an exemplar for states, organizations and policy-makers setting up programmes for care and management of people with hepatitis C.

Transfusion transmitted infections in frequently transfused thalassemic children living in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt: Current prevalence and risk factors

Regular blood transfusion therapy remains the primary treatment in thalassemia major (TM). Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and iron overload are considered to be the major drawbacks of this therapy. This cross-sectional study aimed to update the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, PCR-confirmed HCV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody among TM children. Clinical and epidemiological factors that can affect HCV infection prevalence rate were studied. This study evaluated 121 children with βTM, including 61 males and 60 females with a mean age of 7.99±3.57years. Patients were evaluated for the HCV, HBsAg, and HIV-1 & 2 antibodies. All tests were performed using ELISA. HCV positive cases were confirmed by RT-PCR. Twenty-five patients were positive for the HCV antibody (20.7%); 22 were confirmed positive by PCR. Six patients (5%) were HBsAg-positive. No patients were HIV-positive. Older age were associated with an increased frequency of HCV positive infection (P<0.003). More frequent transfusion, ≥10 times/year, and older age, ≥10years, were reported as predictors of HCV infection (P=0.018 and 0.011, respectively). A significant association of HCV between HBV infections was reported (P value=0.01). There was no significant effect of the pre-transfusion or post-transfusion hemoglobin level on the frequency of HCV positive cases. HCV still represents a major health challenge for frequently transfused Egyptian patients. The prevalence rate of HBV infection remains relatively high. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures to improve blood transfusion screening.

Hepatitis C Viral Kinetic Changes in a Retrospective Cohort Study of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Egyptian Patients on Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Therapy

The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of the kinetics of antiviral response compared to baseline host and virological factors for predicting treatment outcome. A retrospective analysis of 285 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, encompassing genotypes 4 treated with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin, was performed. Baseline characteristics were compared across HCV genotypes and pretreatment factors associated with rapid virological response (RVR) were identified. The relative significance of RVR compared to other baseline factors for predicting sustained virological response was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Ninety-seven percent of the patients harbored HCV genotype 4a patients. The positive predictive value (PPV) of RVR for end-of-treatment response (ETR) was 88% and of early virological response (EVR) was 85%, which means that achievement of both RVR and EVR is a good positive predictive factor of response. The negative predictive value (NPV) of RVR for ETR was low and equals 26.77%, which means that approximately two-thirds of patients were able to achieve ETR despite not experiencing RVR, which means RVR is a bad negative predictive factor of response. The NPV of EVR for ETR was high and equals 90%, which means that only 10% of patients were able to achieve an ETR despite not experiencing EVR, which explains that EVR is a very good negative predictive factor of response. In univariate logistic regression analysis, which included the following: female gender, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, α-fetoprotein, baseline HCV-RNA levels, grade of activity, stage of fibrosis, and positive HCV-RNA, by polymerase chain reaction at week 4, none of the previous factors was a significant independent factor of failure of response to treatment. The current study demonstrated that a viremia at week 4 has a good PPV, but it has a very low NPV. The NPV of EVR was more robust for ETR (90%). EVR is regarded as a robust indicator of treatment outcome, and a 12-week stopping rule for patients is strongly evident.

Hepatitis C virus and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: A minireview

B-cell NHL is strongly associated with HCV that was proved in the last 2 decades. The most common HCV infection related B-NHL subtypes include MZL and DLBCL lymphomas. HCV-positive NHL patients usually present with older age at diagnosis, higher LDH, and more extranodal disease. The standard chemo-immunotherapy tolerance is generally good. Antiviral treatment achieves virological and hematological remission in HCV associated indolent lymphoma. More aggressive lymphoma requires combination of antiviral treatment and chemotherapy. New generation of HCV antiviral drugs is safe and is highly efficacious. Regimens including DAAs appear promising options as they can reduce the HCV-associated NHL incidence by dramatically lowering the HCV chronic carriers.

Spouse-to-Spouse Transmission and Evolution of Hypervariable Region 1 and 5' Untranslated Region of Hepatitis C Virus Analyzed by Next-Generation Sequencing

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission between spouses remains poorly characterized, largely due to the limited availability of samples from the early stage of infection, as well as methodological constraints. A fifty-eight year-old male developed acute hepatitis C infection and his 53-year old spouse has been HCV-positive for over 10 years. Serum samples were collected from both at the time of acute hepatitis C diagnosis in male (baseline) and then at 9 and 13 months. Hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) and 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR) sequences were amplified and subjected to next generation sequencing (NGS) using a pyrosequencing platform. Genetic variants were inferred by Shorah reconstruction method and compared by phylogenetic and sequence diversity analysis. As the sequencing error of the procedure was previously determined to be ≤ 1.5%, the analysis was conducted with and without the 1.5% cut-off with regard to the frequency of variants. No identical HVR1 variants were identified in spouses at baseline and follow-up samples regardless whether the cut-off was applied or not. However, there was high similarity (98.3%) between a minor baseline donor variant (1.7% frequency) and the most abundant baseline recipient variant (62.5% frequency). Furthermore, donor and recipient strains clustered together when compared to 10 control subjects from the same area and infected with the same HCV subtype. There was an increase in HVR1 complexity (number of genetic variants) over time in both spouses. In contrast, the 5'UTR region was stable and of low complexity throughout the study. In conclusion, intrafamilial HCV transmission may be established by a very minor variant and investigation of this phenomenon requires high-sensitivity assays, such as NGS.

Hepatitis C genotype 4: The past, present, and future

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 4 represents 12%-15% (15-18 million) of total global HCV infection. It is prevalent in Northern and Equatorial Africa and the Middle East, and is also present in some countries in Europe. GT-4 (and subtype 4a in particular) dominates the HCV epidemic in Egypt. In underdeveloped countries, risk factors associated with HCV infection may be due to unsafe medical practices or other factors such as familial transmission, mother's HCV status, or illiteracy. HCV prevention and control programs should include health education, increased community awareness towards the disease, controlling infection distribution in health-care centers, proper sterilization of medical and dental instruments, and ensuring safe supply of blood and blood-products. Response rates to a 48-wk combined pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment range from 40%-69%, and HCV-GT-4 has been considered better than GT-1 but worse than GT-2 and GT-3 in treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV. However, with the introduction of the HCV-GT-1 effective protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir in 2011, HCV-GT-4 became the "most difficult (GT) to treat". Recently, the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with pan- genotypic activities simeprevir, sofosbuvir, and daclatasvir have been recommended in triple regimens with PEG-IFN/RBV for the treatment of HCV-GT-4. An IFN-free regimen will be available for treatment of all genotypes of HCV in the near future. To date, several DAAs have been developed and are currently being evaluated in various combinations in clinical trials. As new regimens and new agents are being approved by the Food and Drug Administration, we can expect the guidelines for HCV treatment to be changed. The availability of shorter, simpler, and more tolerable treatment regimens can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HCV infection. With such a large number of therapeutic agents available, we can end up with a range of choices that we can select from to treat patients.

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus exposure in Egypt: Opportunities for prevention and evaluation

AIM

To critically evaluate the current epidemiology data on exposures, rather than infection, to hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission and recommend epidemiologic strategies to fill gaps.

METHODS

Standard methods for identifying and evaluating relevant epidemiologic literature and available data were used.

RESULTS

There is a large body of literature on the epidemiology of HCV transmission in Egypt that collectively identifies ongoing iatrogenic exposures as the major driver for HCV transmission due to short comings in infection control and standard procedures. Additional epidemiologic studies on HCV transmission that requires the participation of human subject is unwarranted. Alternatively, very little literature was found on the epidemiology of exposure to HCV, infection control, and safe injection practices. The information that is available on patterns of HCV exposure shows high frequencies of inadequate infection control, problems in sterilization in health care facilities, low rates of hand washing, untrained personnel, lack of stated policies in facilities, HCV contamination of instruments and very large injection frequencies with low but very significant syringe and needle reuse. There is an important need to increase the number, size, and diversity of epidemiologic studies on HCV exposures, patterns of risk factors for infection, infection control, and safe injection practices. In addition to health care facilities evaluation, relevant knowledge attitude and practice studies are recommended.

CONCLUSION

Epidemiologic methods on HCV exposure can be used to characterize the magnitude of exposures to HCV infection, target interventions to reduce exposures, and provide the best method for evaluating interventions by demonstrating the reduction of exposure to HCV infection.

Viral transmission risk factors in an Egyptian population with high hepatitis C prevalence

Background

Egypt has the world’s highest prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. The high HCV prevalence is largely attributed to the parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) campaigns conducted from the 1950s through the 1980s; however, the primary modes of transmission in the post-PAT period are not well known. In this study we examined the associations between HCV prevalence and exposures to risk factors, including PAT, in a high HCV prevalence population.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, we examined the associations between demographic characteristics and risk factors for HCV transmission and HCV positivity prevalence among a sample of Egyptian residents. Data were collected through an interview-administered survey, and the association estimates were determined using χ² and logistic regression.

Results

The highest HCV positivity prevalence was observed in cohorts born before 1960, and declined precipitously thereafter; whereas the proportion of subjects reporting PAT remained relatively stable. Being male, having a rural residence, and having received PAT were all associated with HCV positivity; however, PAT alone could not account for the high prevalence of HCV.

Conclusions

In Egypt, PAT and other transmission factors yet to be identified, as well as cohorts born before the 1960s and infected with HCV, are most likely the main contributors to the current HCV endemic.

Two decades of risk factors and transfusion-transmissible infections in Dutch blood donors

BACKGROUND

Risk behavior-based donor selection procedures are widely used to mitigate the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs), but their effectiveness is disputed in countries with low residual risks of TTIs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In 1995 to 2014, Dutch blood donors infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), or syphilis were interviewed by trained medical counselors to identify risk factors associated with TTIs. Trends in the prevalence and incidence of TTIs were analyzed using binomial regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 972 new donors and 381 repeat donors had TTIs. New donors had higher rates of TTIs compared to repeat donors. Although the HBV and HCV prevalence gradually decreased over time, the incidence of all five TTIs remained stable during the past two decades. In new donors the TTIs had the following risk profiles: "blood-blood contact" for HCV, "unprotected sex" for HIV and syphilis, and "country of birth" for HBV and HTLV. In infected repeat donors, sexual risk factors predominated for all TTIs. At posttest counseling, 28% of infected repeat donors admitted to risk factors leading to permanent donor exclusion if revealed during the donor selection procedure (predominantly male-to-male sex and recent diagnosis of syphilis).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence and incidence of TTIs among Dutch blood donors are six- to 60-fold lower than in the general Dutch population, illustrating the effectiveness of donor selection procedures. However, at least a quarter of infected donors appeared noncompliant to the donor health questionnaire (DHQ), suggesting that DHQs, or the way donor questioning is implemented, can be improved.

Screening for hepatitis C in average and high-risk populations of Qatar using rapid point-of-care testing

BACKGROUND

Screening for hepatitis C has been found to be beneficial in high-risk individuals and 'baby boomers'.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to screen for hepatitis C in average and high-risk individuals and compare the disease characteristics and response to treatment among the screened group (SG) and non-screened group (NSG).

METHOD

Community-based screening for hepatitis C was done in the average and high-risk populations of Qatar. Screening was done using rapid point-of-care testing. All patients with stage 1 fibrosis on liver biopsy were treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

RESULTS

In total, 13,704 people were screened and 272 (2%, 95% CI (1.8-2.2%) had positive antibodies to hepatitis C. During the same period, 237 non-screened patients (NSG) with hepatitis C were referred for treatment. Alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and overall fibrosis were significantly lower in the SG as compared with the NSG (p = 0.04, 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). The response to treatment was similar in the SG as compared with the NSG (sustained viral response 61.7 % versus 69.1%, p = 0.55). Average-risk patients had significantly lower ALT levels (p = 0.04) but had similar response to treatment as the high-risk individuals (sustained viral response 63.2 % versus 61%, p = 0.87).

CONCLUSION

Screening detects hepatitis C with lesser fibrosis but does not result in better response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin as compared with non-screened patients.

Immigration and viral hepatitis

WHO estimates reveal that the global prevalence of viral hepatitis may be as high as 500 million, with an annual mortality rate of up to 1.3 million individuals. The majority of this global burden of disease is borne by nations of the developing world with high rates of vertical and iatrogenic transmission of HBV and HCV, as well as poor access to healthcare. In 2013, 3.2% of the global population (231 million individuals) migrated into a new host nation. Migrants predominantly originate from the developing countries of the south, into the developed economies of North America and Western Europe. This mass migration of individuals from areas of high-prevalence of viral hepatitis poses a unique challenge to the healthcare systems of the host nations. Due to a lack of universal standards for screening, vaccination and treatment of viral hepatitis, the burden of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma continues to increase among migrant populations globally. Efforts to increase case identification and treatment among migrants have largely been limited to small outreach programs in urban centers, such that the majority of migrants with viral hepatitis continue to remain unaware of their infection. This review summarizes the data on prevalence of viral hepatitis and burden of chronic liver disease among migrants, current standards for screening and treatment of immigrants and refugees, and efforts to improve the identification and treatment of viral hepatitis among migrants.

Current knowledge and future perspectives on acute hepatitis C infection

Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are frequently seen worldwide in certain risk groups, with an annual incidence rate varying between 0.08% and 66%. Although this incidence is substantial, a delayed diagnosis during chronic infection is most often made in the absence of clinical symptoms in the acute phase of the infection. Currently used methods to diagnose acute HCV infection are IgG antibody seroconversion and repeated HCV RNA measurements, although no definitive diagnostic test is currently available. Progress in the field of adaptive and innate immune responses has aided both advances in the field of HCV vaccine development and a more basic understanding of viral persistence. The rapid changes in the treatment of chronic HCV infection will affect therapeutic regimens for acute HCV infection in the coming years, leading to shorter treatment courses and pegylated interferon-free modalities. This review gives an overview of the current knowledge and uncertainties, together with some future perspectives on acute hepatitis C epidemiology, virology, immunology, and treatment.

High frequency of active HCV infection among seropositive cases in west Africa and evidence for multiple transmission pathways

BACKGROUND

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the highest global hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence estimates. However, reports that suggest high rates of serologic false positives and low levels of viremia have led to uncertainty regarding the burden of active infection in this region. Additionally, little is known about the predominant transmission risk factors in SSA.

METHODS

We prospectively recalled 363 past blood donors (180 who were rapid screen assay [RSA] positive and 183 who were RSA negative at time of donation) to identify the level of active infection and risk factors for infection at a teaching hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Participants had repeat blood testing and were administered a questionnaire on risk factors.

RESULTS

The frequency of HCV active infection ranged from 74.4% to 88% depending on the criteria used to define serologically positive cases. Individuals with active disease had biochemical evidence of liver inflammation and median viral loads of 5.7 log copies/mL. Individuals from the northern and upper regions of Ghana had greater risks of infection compared with participants from other areas. Additional risk factors included traditional circumcision, home birth, tribal scarring, and hepatitis B virus coinfection.

CONCLUSIONS

Viremic infection was common among serologically confirmed cases. Attention to testing algorithms is needed in order to define the true HCV burden in SSA. These data also suggest that several transmission modes are likely contributing to the current HCV epidemic in Ghana and that the distribution of these practices may result in substantial regional variation in prevalence.

From non-A, non-B hepatitis to hepatitis C virus cure

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) was discovered in the late 1980s. Interferon (IFN)-α was proposed as an antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C at about the same time. Successive improvements in IFN-α-based therapy (dose finding, pegylation, addition of ribavirin) increased the rates of sustained virologic response, i.e. the rates of curing HCV infection. These rates were further improved by adding the first available direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs to the combination of pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. An IFN-free era finally started in 2014, yielding rates of sustained virologic response over 90% in patients treated for 8 to 24 weeks with all-oral regimens. Major challenges however remain in implementation of these new treatment strategies, not only in low- to middle-income countries, but also in high-income countries where the price of these therapies is still prohibitive. Elimination of HCV infection through treatment in certain areas is possible but raises major public health issues.

Reducing the neglected burden of viral hepatitis in Africa: strategies for a global approach

The burden of liver disease may dramatically increase in the near future in Africa, where screening and access to care and treatment are hampered by inadequate disease surveillance, lack of high-quality tools to assess chronic liver disease, and underestimated needs for human and financial resources. Chronic hepatitis may be considered as silent and neglected killer, fuelled by many years of global inertia from stakeholders and policy makers alike. However, the global battle against viral hepatitis is facing a new era owing to the advent of highly effective drugs, innovative tools for screening and clinical follow-up, and recent signs that governments, advocacy groups and global health organizations are mobilizing to advocate universal access-to-treatment. This review details the barriers to prevention, screening and treatment of viral hepatitis on the African continent, focuses on the urgent need for operational and research programmes, and suggests integrated ways to tackle the global epidemic.

Reexamination of the relationship between the prevalence of hepatitis C virus and parenteral antischistosomal therapy among Egyptians resident in Qatar

Egypt has the highest prevalence of recorded hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide, estimated nationally at 14.7%, which is attributed to extensive iatrogenic transmission during the era of parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) mass-treatment campaigns. The objective of our study was to attempt to highlight to what extent HCV transmission is ongoing and discuss the possible risk factors. We studied the prevalence of HCV among 7.8% of Egyptians resident in Qatar in relation to age, socioeconomic status, and PAT and discuss the possible risk factors. HCV testing was conducted in 2,335 participants, and results were positive for 13.5%, and 8.5% for those aged below 35 years. The prevalence of HCV in the PAT-positive population was 23.7% (123 of 518, 95% confidence interval [CI] 20.2%-27.6%) compared with 11.2% in the PAT-negative group. Significantly higher HCV prevalence occurred in participants who were older than 50 years (23%, 95% CI 19.3%-27.1%) compared to those aged 45-50 years (19.3%, 95% CI 15.2%-23.8%), 35-45 years (11.1%, 95% CI 8.9%-13.7%), and less than 35 years (8.5%, 95% CI 6.8%-10.4%) (P<0.0001). Insignificant higher prevalence occurred in the low socioeconomic group (14.2%, 95% CI 11.3%-17.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing age, history of PAT, bilharziasis, and praziquantel were common risk factors, but there was no relation with dental care. Host genetic predisposition seems to be a plausible underlying factor for susceptibility among Egyptians and intense ongoing infection.

Hepatitis C virus acquisition among Egyptians: analysis of a 10-year surveillance of acute hepatitis C

OBJECTIVE

To identify current risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition among Egyptians.

METHODS

Patients with acute HCV were identified through a surveillance system of acute hepatitis in four fever hospitals in Egypt between 2002 and 2012. Case-control analysis was conducted, cases being incident acute symptomatic HCV and controls being acute hepatitis A identified at the same hospitals. The questionnaire covered iatrogenic, community and household exposures to HCV in the 1-6 months prior to onset of symptoms. Multivariate models were built to identify risk factors associated with HCV acquisition among non-drug users and drug users separately.

RESULTS

Among non-drug users, hospital admission was independently associated with acute HCV infection (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.7-10.5). Several iatrogenic procedures, for example admission in a surgery unit, sutures, IV injections and IV infusions, highly correlated with hospital admission, were also associated with acute HCV infection and could have been used in the final model instead of hospital admission. Among drug users, identified risk factors were multiple sexual relations (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.1-14.7), intravenous drug use (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.2-13.0) and shaving at the barbershops (OR = 8.7, 95% CI = 2.4-31.4). Illiteracy and marriage were significant risk factors in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Invasive medical procedures are still a major risk for acquiring new HCV infections in Egypt, as is illicit drug use in spreading HCV infection.

Effect of preventive and curative interventions on hepatitis C virus transmission in Egypt (ANRS 1211): a modelling study

BACKGROUND

Most hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in Egypt is related to medical injections and procedures. To control the spread of HCV, the Egyptian Ministry of Health initiated awareness and education campaigns, strengthened infection control in health-care facilities, and subsidised anti-HCV treatment. We aimed to investigate the effect of these interventions on the spread of HCV by mathematical modelling.

METHODS

We developed a mathematical model of HCV transmission in Zawyat Razin, a typical rural community. Our model assumes that each individual has two distinct types of medical procedures: injections and more invasive medical procedures. To quantify the severity of the spread of HCV, we used the notion of the basic reproduction number R0, a standard threshold parameter signalling whether transmission of an infectious disease is self-sustained and maintains an epidemic. If R0 is greater than 1, HCV is self-sustained; if R0 is 1 or less, HCV transmission is not self-sustained. We investigated whether heterogeneity in the rate of injection or invasive medical procedures is the determinant factor for HCV transmission and whether most iatrogenic transmission is caused by a small group of individuals who receive health-care interventions frequently. We then assessed whether interventions targeted at this group could reduce the spread of HCV.

FINDINGS

The R0 of the spread of HCV without treatment was 3·54 (95% CI 1·28-6·18), suggesting a self-sustained spread. Furthermore, the present national treatment programme only decreased R0 from 3·54 to 3·03 (95% CI 1·10-5·25). Individuals with high rates of medical injections seem to be responsible for the spread of HCV in Egypt; the R0 of the spread of HCV without treatment would be 0·64 (95% CI 0·41-0·93) if everybody followed the average behaviour. The effect of treatment on HCV transmission is greatly enhanced if treatment is provided a mean of 2·5 years (95% CI 0·1-9·2) after chronic infection and with drug regimens with more than 80% efficacy. With these treatment parameters, preventive and curative interventions targeting individuals with high rates of medical injections might decrease R0 below 1 for treatment coverage lower than 5%.

INTERPRETATION

Targeting preventive and curative interventions to individuals with high rates of medical injections in Egypt would result in a greater reduction the spread of HCV than would untargeted allocation. Such an approach might prove beneficial in other resource-limited countries with health-care-driven epidemics.

FUNDING

Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS 1211), ANR grant Labex Integrative Biology of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Hepatitis C virus in the new era: Perspectives in epidemiology, prevention, diagnostics and predictors of response to therapy

Despite the great successes achieved in the fields of virology and diagnostics, several difficulties affect improvements in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection control and eradication in the new era. New HCV infections still occur, especially in some of the poorest regions of the world, where HCV is endemic and long-term sequelae have a growing economic and health burden. An HCV vaccine is still no available, despite years of researches and discoveries about the natural history of infection and host-virus interactions: several HCV vaccine candidates have been developed in the last years, targeting different HCV antigens or using alternative delivery systems, but viral variability and adaption ability constitute major challenges for vaccine development. Many new antiviral drugs for HCV therapy are in preclinical or early clinical development, but different limitations affect treatment validity. Treatment predictors are important tools, as they provide some guidance for the management of therapy in patients with chronic HCV infection: in particular, the role of host genomics in HCV infection outcomes in the new era of direct-acting antivirals may evolve for new therapeutic targets, representing a chance for modulated and personalized treatment management, when also very potent therapies will be available. In the present review we discuss the most recent data about HCV epidemiology, the new perspectives for the prevention of HCV infection and the most recent evidence regarding HCV diagnosis, therapy and predictors of response to it.

Risk factors associated with high prevalence rates of hepatitis C infection in Egypt

INTRODUCTION

Egypt has the highest reported prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally. Until now, no systematic review has been conducted to understand risk factors associated with these high prevalence rates of HCV. This study attempted to identify the various HCV risk factors in Egypt responsible for the high incidence and prevalence rates.

METHODS

Using systematic literature review methods, we searched databases for eligible manuscripts, selecting cohort and case-control studies published in English. Peer-reviewed papers published between 2008 and February 2013 were included. A total of 11 articles met the study selection criteria.

RESULTS

The most examined risk factors found during our review analysis were surgery, transfusion, and age (64-82% of total articles; n = 11). Multiple risk factors held significant association with HCV infection in the included research.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this review, the main HCV risk factor categories are unsafe medical practices and familial risk factors. Improving medical safety and encouraging familial education on HCV may help reduce the incidence of the disease. Most risk factors for HCV transmission in Egypt are healthcare-associated. Primary prevention of HCV infection remains important to reduce HCV transmission. Further research should also focus on risk factor dynamics of HCV in Egypt to reduce transmission and HCV disease burden.

HCV Seroconversion in two Egyptian Hemodialysis Units: Role of Detection Method and Patients Isolation

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD).  Routine HCV viremia screening is recommended in those patients but it is not applied.Aim: To evaluate the seroconversion rate in HD patients based on viremia detection compared to antibody (Ab), and to assess the role of isolation on the rate of seroconversion in those patients.Materials and Methods: One hundred ESRD patients from two HD units using same infection control criteria were enrolled in the study; only one unit was applying isolation for HCV patients. Patients were followed up for 12 month; HCV positivity was tested at the begining of the study and after 12 month of HD. HCV Ab and viremia were detected by third generation ELISA and PCR respectively.Results: The seroconversion rate was 0% based on HCV Ab detection by ELISA, compared with the 16 % seroconversion rate based on viremia detection by PCR. Notably, viremia seroconversion was seen only in the HD unit lacking the isolation system.Conclusion: HCV screening in HD units should be based on viremia detection; isolation in HD units prevents HCV spreading.

Detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in saliva of patients with active infection not associated with periodontal or liver disease severity

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly transmitted by parenteral route, being blood transfusion and intravenous drug use the most frequent risk factors. However, it has been suggested that there are other routes of transmission. There are several studies where HCV RNA has been detected in saliva of patients infected with HCV, and epidemiological studies have proposed the dental treatments as possible risk factors for HCV transmission. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of HCV RNA in saliva of patients with active infection and associating with periodontal or liver disease.

METHODS

Patients with quantifiable HCV-RNA in serum were enrolled in the study. Periodontal disease was assessed using the modified gingival index (MGI). Presence of dental plaque was assessed with the use of disclosing tablets. Patients were clinically and laboratory evaluated to identify the stage of liver disease, the HCV RNA was determinate in saliva by nested RT-PCR. To determine associations between different parameters univariate and multivariate analysis were used.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were included. Of these patients, 21 (46.6%) had hepatitis, 23 (51.1%) had cirrhosis and one patient (2.4%) presented hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Viral loads in serum ranged from 2.31-6.68 log IU/ml with a mean of 5.46 log IU/ml (95% CI 5.23-5.70). HCV RNA was positive in saliva of 29 patients (64.4%) and was not detected in 16 (35.6%). For univariate analysis three independent variables were associated with the detection of HCV-RNA in saliva: gender, viral load and dental plaque and multivariate analysis only one independent variable viral load >5.17 log IU/mL remained significantly associated with the detection of HCV in saliva (p = 0.0002). A statistical difference was observed when viral load was analyzed, log 5.85 IU/mL (95% CI 5.67-6.02) for patients with HCV in saliva vs. log 4.77 IU/mL (95% CI 4.35-5.19) for patients without HCV in saliva (p = 0.0001). The detection of HCV-RNA in saliva was more frequent in patients with relatively high serum viral loads.

CONCLUSION

HCV-RNA in saliva was associated with the level of serum viral load but not with periodontal or liver disease severity.

Acute hepatitis C: management in the rapidly evolving world of HCV

The acute phase of hepatitis C (HCV) infection is typically defined as the initial 6 months following exposure to the virus; however, in some individuals, the acute phase of the infection can last much longer (Orland et al. Hepatology 33:321-27, 2001). Although some patients have symptoms of acute hepatitis, most infected individuals are entirely asymptomatic. As a result, many patients are unaware of the infection until it progresses to chronic infection, and may not develop symptoms until decades later with the onset of decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A substantial proportion (20-40%) of infected patients clear the virus during the acute phase. Interferon-based treatment is also much more likely to be successful in the acute phase of infection but is relatively poorly tolerated. Therefore, recognition of acute HCV infection is critical to prioritize those patients who do not spontaneously clear the infection for immediate therapy. However, the promise of highly effective well-tolerated all-oral therapies in development may alter the management approach. This review will focus on the epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of acute HCV infection.

A novel method to identify routes of hepatitis C virus transmission

Background

We propose a new approach based on genetic distances among viral strains to infer about risk exposures and location of transmission at population level.

Methods

We re-analysed 133 viral sequences obtained during a cross-sectional survey of 4020 subjects living in a hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemic area in 2002. A permutation test was used to analyze the correlation between matrices of genetic distances in the NS5b region of all pairwise combinations of the 133 viral strains and exposure status (jointly exposed or not) to several potential HCV risk factors.

Results

Compared to subjects who did not share the same characteristics or iatrogenic exposures, the median Kimura genetic distances of viral strains were significantly smaller between brothers and sisters (0.031 versus 0.102, P<0.001), mother and child (0.044 versus 0.102, P<0.001), father and child (0.045 versus 0.102, P<0.001), or subjects exposed to periodontal treatment (0.084 versus 0.102, P = 0.02). Conversely, viral strains were more divergent between subjects exposed to blood transfusions (0.216 versus 0.102, P = 0.04) or tooth filling or extraction (0.108, versus 0.097, P = 0.05), suggesting acquisition of the virus outside of the village.

Conclusion

This method provided insights on where infection took place (household, village) for several socio-demographic characteristics or iatrogenic procedures, information of great relevance for targeting prevention interventions. This method may have interesting applications for virologists and epidemiologists studying transmission networks in health-care facilities or among intravenous drug users.

HCV transmission in industrialized countries and resource-constrained areas

HCV is a blood-borne virus transmitted by percutaneous exposure to infected blood or blood-derived body fluids. The main routes of transmission are blood transfusions, medical procedures and injection drug use. In industrialized countries, HCV transmission through blood transfusions has been virtually eliminated and iatrogenic transmission occurs only sporadically during local breaches of infection control procedures. As most new cases originate from injection drug use, harm-reduction programmes (including opiate substitution, needle exchange and health education) can greatly reduce HCV transmission. Currently, the main approach to reduce the HCV disease burden is by increasing awareness of both the public and health-care providers to hepatitis C, enhancing screening opportunities and treatment of the infected population. In resource-limited countries, the priority is reducing transmission through blood transfusions and invasive medical procedures. This approach requires training of health-care providers and also structural changes and financial investments in countries where antibody screening, disposable materials and effective sterilization procedures are not routinely available. In these countries, reducing the HCV burden has been hampered by limited access to treatment, largely owing to the cost of drugs. Access to treatment is moving up on the agenda of international and non-governmental organizations in conjunction with the future availability of highly efficacious oral drug regimens.

The Association between Female Genital Cutting and Spousal HCV Infection in Egypt

Objective. To identify the risk factors for HCV infection within married couples in Egypt. Methods. In 2008 Egypt conducted its first nationally representative survey of HCV prevalence. 11126 of the 12780 individuals aged 15-59 year who were sampled agreed to participate and provided information via a questionnaire about demographic and behavioural characteristics and blood for HCV antibody and RNA analysis. We assessed the risk factors for HCV infection in a subsample of 5182 married individuals via multivariate logistic regression. Results. Overall HCV antibody prevalence in the married couples was 18.2% (95% CI, 16.8-19.6). HCV antibody prevalence was higher in the husbands (23.7%) than the wives (12.1%; P < 0.001). Having a spouse who was infected with HCV was an independent risk factor for HCV infection with odds ratios of 2.1 (95% CI, 1.6-2.9) and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.6-3.1) for women and men, respectively. Husbands whose wives had experienced female genital cutting (FGC) had a higher prevalence of HCV and this relationship was driven by a strong association in urban areas. Amongst the women there was no association between FGC and HCV overall but in urban areas only women who had experienced FGC were HCV infected. Conclusions. This study provides additional evidence of the importance of intrafamilial transmission of HCV in Egypt.

Epidemiology and natural history of HCV infection

Worldwide, an estimated 130-170 million people have HCV infection. HCV prevalence is highest in Egypt at >10% of the general population and China has the most people with HCV (29.8 million). Differences in past HCV incidence and current HCV prevalence, together with the generally protracted nature of HCV disease progression, has led to considerable diversity in the burden of advanced liver disease in different countries. Countries with a high incidence of HCV or peak incidence in the recent past will have further escalations in HCV-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over the next two decades. Acute HCV infection is difficult to detect because of the generally asymptomatic nature of the disease and the marginalization of at-risk populations. Around 25% of patients with acute HCV infection undergo spontaneous clearance, with increased rates among those with favourable IL28B genotypes, acute symptoms and in women. The remaining 75% of patients progress to chronic HCV infection and are subsequently at risk of progression to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Chronic hepatitis C generally progresses slowly in the initial two decades, but can be accelerated during this time as a result of advancing age and co-factors such as heavy alcohol intake and HIV co-infection.

The state of hepatitis B and C in the Mediterranean and Balkan countries: report from a summit conference

The burden of disease due to chronic viral hepatitis constitutes a global threat. In many Balkan and Mediterranean countries, the disease burden due to viral hepatitis remains largely unrecognized, including in high-risk groups and migrants, because of a lack of reliable epidemiological data, suggesting the need for better and targeted surveillance for public health gains. In many countries, the burden of chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B and C is increasing due to ageing of unvaccinated populations and migration, and a probable increase in drug injecting. Targeted vaccination strategies for hepatitis B virus (HBV) among risk groups and harm reduction interventions at adequate scale and coverage for injecting drug users are needed. Transmission of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in healthcare settings and a higher prevalence of HBV and HCV among recipients of blood and blood products in the Balkan and North African countries highlight the need to implement and monitor universal precautions in these settings and use voluntary, nonremunerated, repeat donors. Progress in drug discovery has improved outcomes of treatment for both HBV and HCV, although access is limited by the high costs of these drugs and resources available for health care. Egypt, with the highest burden of hepatitis C in the world, provides treatment through its National Control Strategy. Addressing the burden of viral hepatitis in the Balkan and Mediterranean regions will require national commitments in the form of strategic plans, financial and human resources, normative guidance and technical support from regional agencies and research.

Screening for hepatitis B and C in first-generation Egyptian migrants living in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Egypt has high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, infection prevalence among Egyptian migrants is unknown. Considering the asymptomatic onset and development of disease in chronically-infected patients, many may remain undiagnosed.

AIMS

To evaluate an HCV- and HBV-screening programme designed to identify undetected infections among first-generation Egyptian migrants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

METHODS

In 2009 and 2010, viral hepatitis educational and screening sessions were established at Egyptian meeting places. Data regarding demographics and HCV risk factors were collected. Chronically infected participants were referred and followed up. Phylogenetic analyses were used to ascertain the geographic origin of infections.

RESULTS

Eleven of 465 (2.4%; 95% CI = 1.3-4.2%) migrants had HCV antibodies; 10/11 were HCV RNA positive. All had genotype 4a, and strains were typical of those of Egypt and the Middle East. Older age and exposure to parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) were significantly associated with HCV. Anti-HBc prevalence was 16.8% (95% CI = 13.7-20.4%); HBsAg prevalence was 1.1% (95% CI = 0.5-2.5%). All had genotype D, typical of those of the Middle East. Most (9/10 HCV; 3/5 HBV) chronic infections were newly diagnosed; four of the HCV-infected individuals started treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-HCV and HBsAg prevalence among Egyptian migrants was lower compared with the general Egyptian population, but higher than the general population of Western countries. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that all infections were from the region of origin. HCV-screening programmes should target first-generation Egyptian migrants, especially those of older age and those who received PAT.

Case definitions for acute hepatitis C virus infection: a systematic review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Case definitions for recent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection vary considerably between studies. The aim of this systematic review was to characterize case definitions for recent HCV and explore the heterogeneity in studies performed to date.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Knowledge was performed covering all studies of recent HCV infection cited between January 2000 and June 2011. The criteria used by each study to define cases of recent HCV infection were extracted, structured, and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 195 articles were included, with 87% (n=169) providing a clear case definition for recent HCV infection. The most frequently used individual criteria for defining a case included HCV antibody seroconversion (77%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation (68%), and HCV RNA detection (63%). In studies using HCV antibody seroconversion, the window period between the last negative and the first positive antibody test varied widely across studies (4 weeks to 4 years). Considerable diversity was also observed with respect to the ALT threshold used to characterize ALT elevations, ranging from 2 to 20 times the upper limit of normal. HCV antibody seroconversion was used as a single criterion in 41% of the studies, while all other studies used at least two criteria (range: 2-9). Epidemiology/surveillance studies mostly used a more sensitive case definition, whereas treatment studies, natural history studies, and diagnosis studies used more specific case definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

Marked heterogeneity in case definitions for recent HCV infection was observed. Although a single case definition for recent HCV is not warranted, a degree of standardization within specific study categories would enable improved cross-study comparison and more uniform evaluation of HCV prevention and management strategies.

HCV burden of infection in Egypt: results from a nationwide survey

Egypt is the country with the largest hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in the world. In 2008, a Demographic Health Survey (DHS) was carried out in Egypt, providing for the first time a unique opportunity for HCV antibody testing on a nationwide representative sample of individuals. Consenting individuals answered a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics and iatrogenic exposures, before providing a blood sample for HCV antibody testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Factors independently associated with HCV infection were examined through multivariate logistic regression models. Of 12 780 eligible subjects aged 15-59 years, 11 126 (87.1%) agreed to participate and provided a blood sample. HCV antibody prevalence nationwide was 14.7% (95% CI 13.9-15.5%) in this age group. HCV antibody prevalence gradually increased with age, reaching, in the 50-59 years age group, 46.3% and 30.8% in males and females, respectively. It was higher in males compared to females (17.4% versus 12.2%, respectively, P < 0.001), and in rural compared to urban areas (18.3% versus 10.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age, male sex, poverty, past history of intravenous anti-schistosomiasis treatment, blood transfusion, and living outside of the Frontier Governorates were all significantly associated with an increased risk of HCV infection. In addition, in urban areas, lack of education and being circumcised for females were associated with an increased risk of HCV infection. This study confirmed on a nationwide representative sample the very high HCV antibody prevalence in Egypt. It stresses the urgent need for strengthening prevention efforts, and bringing down the costs of antiviral drugs for countries like Egypt, where the people in the most precarious situations are also those most likely to be infected by the virus.

Analysis of IL28B variants in an Egyptian population defines the 20 kilobases minimal region involved in spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus

Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurs in ~30% of acute infections. Host genetics play a major role in HCV clearance, with a strong effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL28B gene already found in different populations, mostly infected with viral genotypes 1 and 3. Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV infection in the world, which is mostly due to viral genotype 4. We investigated the role of several IL28B SNPs in HCV spontaneous clearance in an Egyptian population. We selected nine SNPs within the IL28B genomic region covering the linkage disequilibrium (LD) block known to be associated with HCV clearance in European populations. These SNPs were genotyped in 261 HCV-infected Egyptian subjects (130 with spontaneous clearance and 131 with chronic infection). The most associated SNPs were rs12979860 (P = 1.6 × 10(-7)) and the non-synonymous IL28B SNP, rs8103142 (P = 1.6 × 10(-7)). Interestingly, three SNPs at the two bounds of the region were monomorphic, reducing the size of the LD block in which the causal variants are potentially located to ∼20 kilobases. HCV clearance in Egypt was associated with a region of IL28B smaller than that identified in European populations, and involved the non-synonymous IL28B SNP, rs8103142.

Hepatitis C virus in Arab world: a state of concern

Hepatitis C virus has been considered to be one of the most important devastating causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic cellular carcinoma. The prevalence of such virus varies greatly over the world. Arab world has a unique geography and consists over nineteen countries who share the same heritage and customs and do speak the same language. In this area, the epidemiology of hepatitis C is not well understandable. Hepatitis C virus was found to be endemic in Arabia. The serostatus of such virus was found to be variable among these countries with uniform patterns of genotypes. Such prevalence varies tremendously according to the risk factors involved. Blood and blood products, haemodialysis, intravenous, and percutaneous drug users, and occupational, habitual, and social behavior were found to be the important factors involved. Hepatitis C will have major social, economic, and even political burdens on such young and dynamic societies. Thus, strategies and clear policy of intervention are urgently needed to combat the consequences of HCV both regionally and at state level of each country.

Risk factors for hepatitis C virus acquisition and predictors of persistence among Egyptian children

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a lower prevalence in children and knowledge is limited regarding the natural outcome of HCV infection in children.

AIM

To study the risk factors of HCV acquisition and predictors of persistence in Egyptian children.

METHODS

Children, 1-9 years of age, were evaluated for acquisition of HCV (anti-HCV positive regardless of viraemia) and persistence of HCV (anti-HCV and HCV-RNA positive) at two paediatric hepatology clinics in Cairo at enrollment and at 3 monthly intervals. Spontaneous clearance of HCV was defined as ≥ two positive anti-HCV antibody tests with negative HCV-RNA at least 6 months apart.

RESULTS

Over a 33-month-period a total of 226 children <9 years of age were screened for HCV antibodies. Of those, 146 (65%) were anti-HCV positive of which 87 (60%) were HCV-RNA positive. The HCV acquisition was more likely to occur in older children (P = 0.003) with comorbid conditions (P < 0.01) compared to anti-HCV negative children. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the highest risk factors for HCV acquisition were surgical interventions [odds ratio (OR): 4.7] and blood transfusions (OR: 2.3). The highest risk factor for HCV persistence was dental treatment (OR: 16.9) and male gender (OR: 7.5). HCV persistence was also strongly associated with elevated baseline alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels (OR: 4.9) and fluctuating aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (OR: 8.1).

CONCLUSION

Although surgical interventions and blood transfusion are significant risk factors for HCV acquisition in Egyptian children, dental treatment remains the highest risk factor for HCV chronic persistence in children.

Management of HIV and hepatitis C virus infections in resource-limited settings

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update on the epidemiology and management of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in resource-limited settings (RLSs).

RECENT FINDINGS

The global prevalence of HIV is 33.3 million people of whom 22.5 million live in sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatitis C affects 170 million people globally with majority of the infected persons living in sub-Saharan Africa and other RLSs. Transmission of these viruses varies greatly even within the RLSs. In the RLSs in Europe, Asia and Central/South America, most transmissions occur through injection drug use, whereas in Africa use of needles for medical treatment and blood transfusion may be the main modes of transmission. However, generally there is a rise in injection drug use even in RLSs.

SUMMARY

Hepatitis C and HIV are common infections and are more prevalent in RLSs, but there are regional differences in transmission even in RLSs. Treatment is difficult in some of the RLSs and prevention by screening donor blood as well and use of sterile instruments in treatment of patients will be important in curbing transmission in some of these settings.