1
|
Subgenotyping and genetic variability of hepatitis C virus in Palestine. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222799. [PMID: 31589628 PMCID: PMC6779298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Genotyping of HCV is crucial for successful therapy. To determine the HCV subgenotypes circulating in Palestine and to study the genetic variability of their core, we collected 84 serum samples which had tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Thirty-seven of these samples came from hemodialysis patients. Serum samples were subjected to viral RNA isolation and amplification of the HCV core gene. Thirty-three of the samples (39%) tested positive for HCV RNA. The HCV subgenotypes circulating in Palestine included 1a, 3a, and 4a, detected in 38%, 25%, and 22% of the samples, respectively. Furthermore, subgenotype 1b was present in three samples (9%), while the rare subgenotype 4v was present in two samples (6%). We identified a number of substitutions in the retrieved HCV core sequences, such as HCV 1b substitutions R70Q and M91L, which some studies have associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk and poor virological response. In contrast to two previous studies reporting that HCV genotype 4 was predominant in the Gaza strip (present in just over 70% of samples), genotype 4 was detected in only 31% of the samples in our current study, whereas genotype 1 and 3 were present in 69% of samples. These differences may relate to the fact that many of our samples came from the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The co-circulation of different HCV genotypes and subgenotypes in Palestine suggests that subgenotyping prior to treatment is crucial in Palestinian patients.
Collapse
|
2
|
Abou Rached A, Yaghi C, Khalil L, Saba J, Ammar W. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes in Lebanese population and major high risk groups. Arab J Gastroenterol 2017; 18:114-117. [PMID: 28579342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS The prevalence of hepatitis C in Lebanon is low. It is estimated at 0.2% of the total population. The aim of our study is to evaluate the exact prevalence of each genotype on a large scale population and in each potential source of infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed all the data in the Ministry of Public Health related to patients who have submitted their file for treatment during a period of 9years ranging from January 2005 till December 2013. RESULTS The genotype distribution in 1031 Lebanese patients was as following: Genotype 1 was the most predominant representing 47% followed by genotype 4 representing 34% then genotype 3 representing14%. Concerning sex distribution and routes of infection, there was a male predominance in intravenous drug users (IVDU), whereas approximately equal distribution was noted in haemodialysis and transfusion groups. A female predominance was noted in the "unknown" mode of infection. Concerning age distribution and routes of infection, a mean age of 27 was noted in the IVDU group, whereas mean age of 60 in the transfusion group and 50 in the haemodialysis group. In patients who acquired the infection post transfusion or during haemodialysis, genotype 1 was the most predominant, whereas in IVDU, genotype 3 was the most predominant. Concerning sub-genotyping: subtype 1b was the most predominant (84%) in genotype 1. in genotype 2 subtype b with 75%, all genotype 3 were subtype a, in genotype 4 subtype a represents 50% of genotype followed by subtype e in 30%. CONCLUSION Our data concerning Lebanese population demonstrate that genotype 1 is the most prevalent genotype followed by genotype 4. In IVU, we noted genotype-3 and -1 being the most prevalent in relation to clustering in this high risk group. This distribution differs from most surrounding countries and all other Arab countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Abou Rached
- Lebanese University, School of Medicine, Hadath, Lebanon; Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Cesar Yaghi
- Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Leda Khalil
- Lebanese University, School of Medicine, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Jowana Saba
- Lebanese University, School of Medicine, Hadath, Lebanon
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ashkani-Esfahani S, Alavian SM, Salehi-Marzijarani M. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among hemodialysis patients in the Middle-East: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:151-166. [PMID: 28104991 PMCID: PMC5221279 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i1.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence in each country of the Middle-East and the overall prevalence of the region. METHODS In this systematic review, we gathered all documents related to HCV infection prevalence among hemodialysis patients in 17 middle-east countries from April 2006 to March 2016. We selected only cross-sectional studies that had proper sampling and measurement methods as well as a valid statistical analysis. RESULTS After screening of 7311 documents, 56 studies were selected reporting the prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients from 10 countries of the region. Seven countries including United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Israel, and Cyprus did not have any relevant document; thus, their latest reports were just mentioned. We performed the meta-analysis and determined the prevalence rates for each country as well as the whole region. The overall HCV infection prevalence among hemodialysis patients in the region was reported to be 25.3%; Egypt and Syria had the highest reported rates while Iran and Lebanon had the lowest. Further investigations are still needed to provide more reliable databases, find main risk factors, and to improve diagnosis and treatment plans, particularly in higher prevalent countries. CONCLUSION Controlling the prevalence and improving the management methods of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients are of a great concern in the Middle-East region.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ghaderi-Zefrehi H, Gholami-Fesharaki M, Sharafi H, Sadeghi F, Alavian SM. The Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Middle Eastern Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2016; 16:e40357. [PMID: 27826320 PMCID: PMC5097177 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.40357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is classified into seven genotypes and more than 100 subtypes. The treatment regimen, duration and efficacy of HCV therapy may vary according to the HCV genotype. Therefore, the HCV genotype should be determined prior to antiviral therapy. The objective of the current study was to review systematically all studies reporting the distribution of HCV genotypes in the countries that make up the Middle East. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Articles were identified by searching electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed and Google scholar, with timeline limits (articles published between 1995 and 2016). We carried out a systematic search regarding the distribution of HCV genotypes in Middle Eastern countries. RESULTS A total of 579 studies were identified by the electronic search. Of these, a total of 187 were identified as eligible papers including 60,319 patients who were meta-analyzed for pooled distribution of HCV genotypes. In Turkey, Israel, Cyprus, and Iran, genotype 1 was the most prevalent HCV genotype with rates of 82% (95% CI, 82%-83%), 68% (95% CI, 67%-69%), 68% (95% CI, 59%-77%), and 55% (95% CI, 54%-55%), respectively. In Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, HCV genotype 4 was the most common genotype with rates of 86% (95% CI, 85%-88%), 60% (95% CI, 56%-64%), 56% (95% CI, 54%-55%), and 57% (95% CI, 54%-61%), respectively. On the basis of adjusted data, HCV genotype 4 was the most prevalent genotype in the Middle East region, with a rate of 74.7% (95% CI, 73.4%-76%), followed by genotype 1 at 15.1% (95% CI, 14.1%-16%). CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that HCV genotype 4 is the most prevalent genotype in the Middle East region. However, HCV genotype 1 is the most prevalent among non-Arab countries in the region including Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, and Israel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ghaderi-Zefrehi
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Heidar Sharafi
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Farzin Sadeghi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Seyed Moayed Alavian, Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2188945186, Fax: +98-2188945188, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sadeghi F, Salehi-Vaziri M, Almasi-Hashiani A, Gholami-Fesharaki M, Pakzad R, Alavian SM. Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes Among Patients in Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of WHO (EMRO): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2016; 16:e35558. [PMID: 27274353 PMCID: PMC4894080 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.35558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health issue. The Eastern Mediterranean regional office (EMRO) of the world health organization (WHO) seems to have one of the highest prevalence rates worldwide, with at least 21.3 million HCV-infected patients. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to review systematically all epidemiological data related to the prevalence of HCV genotypes in infected patients in EMRO countries. DATA SOURCES A systematic search was conducted of peer-reviewed journals indexed in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ISI, PakMediNet, and IMEMR, and Persian-specific databases including SID, Iran Medex, and MagIran). STUDY SELECTION A systematic search was performed with temporal limits (papers published between January 2000 up to June 2015), regarding the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes in EMRO countries. DATA EXTRACTION The prevalence rates of HCV genotypes were pooled by metan command in Stata 14. Statistical heterogeneity was explored using the I-square at the 5% significance level. Publication bias was assessed, graphically and statistically, by funnel plot and Begg and Egger tests. RESULTS A total of 563 records were identified through the electronic search. Of these records, 134 studies comprising 67681 HCV-infected individuals were included in the meta-analysis. In Iran, subtype 1a was the predominant subtype with a rate of 42% (95% CI, 39 - 46), followed by subtype 3a, 35% (95% CI, 31 - 38). In Pakistan, Subtype 3a was the most common subtype with a rate of 56% (95% CI, 49 - 62), followed by subtype 3b, 10% (95% CI, 7 - 12). In Saudi Arabia and Egypt, genotype 4 was the most prevalent genotype with a rate of 65% (95% CI, 59 - 72) and 69% (95% CI, 36 - 100) respectively. In Tunisia and Morocco, subtype 1b was the most common subtype with a rate of 69% (95% CI, 50 - 88) and 32% (95% CI, 7 - 56) respectively. CONCLUSIONS The genotype distribution of HCV takes diverse patterns in EMRO countries. Genotypes 1 and 3 were predominant in Iran and Pakistan, while genotype 4 and 1 were the most common genotypes in the Middle East Arab countries and North African Arab countries. Understanding the genotypes of HCV can help policy makers in designing good strategies for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Sadeghi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IR Iran
| | - Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri
- Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, Institute Pasteur of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Amir Almasi-Hashiani
- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Reza Pakzad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Seyed Moayed Alavian, Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chemaitelly H, Chaabna K, Abu-Raddad LJ. The Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in the Fertile Crescent: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135281. [PMID: 26296200 PMCID: PMC4546629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in countries of the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), namely Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. METHODS We systematically reviewed and synthesized available records of HCV incidence and prevalence following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were implemented using a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model with inverse weighting to estimate the country-specific HCV prevalence among the various at risk population groups. RESULTS We identified eight HCV incidence and 240 HCV prevalence measures in the Fertile Crescent. HCV sero-conversion risk among hemodialysis patients was 9.2% in Jordan and 40.3% in Iraq, and ranged between 0% and 3.5% among other populations in Iraq over different follow-up times. Our meta-analyses estimated HCV prevalence among the general population at 0.2% in Iraq (range: 0-7.2%; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3%), 0.3% in Jordan (range: 0-2.0%; 95% CI: 0.1-0.5%), 0.2% in Lebanon (range: 0-3.4%; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3%), 0.2% in Palestine (range: 0-9.0%; 95% CI: 0.2-0.3%), and 0.4% in Syria (range: 0.3-0.9%; 95% CI: 0.4-0.5%). Among populations at high risk, HCV prevalence was estimated at 19.5% in Iraq (range: 0-67.3%; 95% CI: 14.9-24.5%), 37.0% in Jordan (range: 21-59.5%; 95% CI: 29.3-45.0%), 14.5% in Lebanon (range: 0-52.8%; 95% CI: 5.6-26.5%), and 47.4% in Syria (range: 21.0-75.0%; 95% CI: 32.5-62.5%). Genotypes 4 and 1 appear to be the dominant circulating strains. CONCLUSIONS HCV prevalence in the population at large appears to be below 1%, lower than that in other MENA sub-regions, and tending towards the lower end of the global range. However, there is evidence for ongoing HCV transmission within medical facilities and among people who inject drugs (PWID). Migration dynamics appear to have played a role in determining the circulating genotypes. HCV prevention efforts should be targeted, and focus on infection control in clinical settings and harm reduction among PWID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karima Chaabna
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Daw MA, Dau AA. Hepatitis C virus in Arab world: a state of concern. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:719494. [PMID: 22629189 PMCID: PMC3354686 DOI: 10.1100/2012/719494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine Tripoli, PO Box 82668, Tripoli, Libya.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hepatitis C virus infection in the Middle East and North Africa "MENA" region: injecting drug users (IDUs) is an under-investigated population. Infection 2012; 40:1-10. [PMID: 22237470 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-011-0236-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigation of the injecting drug users (IDUs) population is becoming extremely critical and timely in light of the recent evidence that IDUs now act as the core of hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemics in developed countries. The purpose of this article, therefore, is not only to review the epidemiology of HCV in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but also to see whether IDUs were adequately studied and whether harm reduction strategies to be applied for their protection have been set. METHODS A literature review was carried out of articles published within the last decade on HCV infection. RESULTS The gathered data showed that the population of IDUs is severely under-investigated throughout the whole region, possibly due to religious and cultural impediments. CONCLUSION In order to reduce the risk of HCV infection in IDUs, a set of recommendations are advanced emphasizing the urgent need for bio-behavioral studies in this population in order to help identify the source and mode of transmission and the genotypes of HCV involved. These results may allow the development of effective and, yet, socially acceptable intervention strategies. We believe that the role which IDUs play in sustaining HCV infection is also an under-investigated topic in many developing countries. Similar reviews and, hence, interventions should be initiated in these regions.
Collapse
|
9
|
Swellam M, Mahmoud MS, Ali AAF. Diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction: A comparative evaluation. IUBMB Life 2011; 63:430-434. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
|