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Sanou AM, Nikièma AS, Zalla S, Ouattara M, Dakouo NPS, Kiba‐Koumare A, Seynou M, Napon‐Zongo D, Sombié R. Residual risk of hepatitis B virus transmission through blood donations in Burkina Faso screened with rapid diagnostic tests. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e748. [PMID: 35949671 PMCID: PMC9358529 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Armel M. Sanou
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Clinique et d'Immunologie Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS) Bobo‐Dioulasso Burkina Faso
| | - Achille S. Nikièma
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Unité Paludisme et Maladies Tropicales Négligées Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS) Bobo‐Dioulasso Burkina Faso
| | - Seimbou Zalla
- Direction de la qualité et des vigilances, Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) Avenue Kumda Yoonré Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
| | - Mamadou Ouattara
- Service Scientifique et Technique, Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna (CRSN) Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) Nouna Burkina Faso
| | - Nina Pascaline S. Dakouo
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Clinique et d'Immunologie Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS) Bobo‐Dioulasso Burkina Faso
| | - Alice Kiba‐Koumare
- Direction de la qualité et des vigilances, Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) Avenue Kumda Yoonré Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
| | - Mariam Seynou
- Service Scientifique et Technique, Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna (CRSN) Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) Nouna Burkina Faso
| | - Delphine Napon‐Zongo
- Service de Médecine Interne, Endocrinologie et de Maladies Métaboliques Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bogodogo Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
| | - Roger Sombié
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (UFR/SDS) Université Joseph Ki‐Zerbo Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
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Ajuwon BI, Yujuico I, Roper K, Richardson A, Sheel M, Lidbury BA. Hepatitis B virus infection in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis of data published between 2010 and 2019. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1120. [PMID: 34717586 PMCID: PMC8556927 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06800-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an infectious disease of global significance, causing a significant health burden in Africa due to complications associated with infection, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. In Nigeria, which is considered a high prevalence country, estimates of HBV cases are inconsistent, and therefore additional clarity is required to manage HBV-associated public health challenges. Methods A systematic review of the literature (via PubMed, Advanced Google Scholar, African Index Medicus) was conducted to retrieve primary studies published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019, with a random-effects model based on proportions used to estimate the population-based prevalence of HBV in the Nigerian population. Results The final analyses included 47 studies with 21,702 participants that revealed a pooled prevalence of 9.5%. A prevalence estimate above 8% in a population is classified as high. Sub-group analyses revealed the highest HBV prevalence in rural settings (10.7%). The North West region had the highest prevalence (12.1%) among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones/regions. The estimate of total variation between studies indicated substantial heterogeneity. These variations could be explained by setting and geographical region. The statistical test for Egger’s regression showed no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.879). Conclusions We present an up-to-date review on the prevalence of HBV in Nigeria, which will provide critical data to optimise and assess the impact of current prevention and control strategies, including disease surveillance and diagnoses, vaccination policies and management for those infected. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06800-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busayo I Ajuwon
- Research School of Population Health, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia. .,Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria.
| | - Isabelle Yujuico
- Research School of Population Health, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Katrina Roper
- Research School of Population Health, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Alice Richardson
- Statistical Consulting Unit, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Meru Sheel
- Research School of Population Health, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Brett A Lidbury
- Research School of Population Health, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia.,Department of Health Evidence, Radboud UMC, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Kafeero HM, Ndagire D, Ocama P, Kudamba A, Walusansa A, Sendagire H. Prevalence and predictors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in east Africa: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies published from 2005 to 2020. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:167. [PMID: 34537079 PMCID: PMC8449462 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00686-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population in east Africa is not well documented. In this meta-analysis, we examined 37 full published research articles to synthesise up-to-date data on the prevalence and predictors of the HBV burden for the effective prevention and management of the virus in our region. METHODS We examined 37 full published research articles found using PubMed, Scopus, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar between May and October 2020. Dichotomous data on HBV prevalence and predictors of infection were extracted from the individual studies. The HBV prevalence, test of proportion, relative risk, and I2 statistics for heterogeneity were calculated using MedCalc software version 19.1.3. Begg's tests was used to test for publication bias. Sources of heterogeneity were analysed through sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and sub-group analysis at 95% CI. P < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of HBV was generally high (6.025%), with publications from Kenya (8.54%), Uganda (8.454%) and those from between 2011 and 2015 (8.759%) reporting the highest prevalence (P < 0.05). Blood transfusion, scarification, promiscuity, HIV seropositivity, and being male were independent predictors significantly associated with HBV infection (P < 0.05), with the male sex being the most strongly associated predictor of HBV infection. Meta-regressions for the pooled HBV prevalence and sample size, as well as the year of publication, lacked statistical significance (P > 0.05). Omitting the study with the largest sample size slightly increased pooled HBV prevalence to 6.149%, suggesting that the studies are robust. Begg's test showed no evidence of publication bias for overall meta-analysis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The burden of HBV is still high, with the male sex, blood transfusion, body scarification, and HIV seropositivity being potential predictors of infection. Thus, it is important to scale up control and prevention measures targeting persons at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Mukasa Kafeero
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, P.O. Box 7689, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Dorothy Ndagire
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ali Kudamba
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, P.O. Box 7689, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdul Walusansa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, P.O. Box 7689, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hakim Sendagire
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, P.O. Box 7689, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Quaye T, Narkwa PW, Domfeh SA, Kattah G, Mutocheluh M. Immunosurveillance and molecular detection of hepatitis B virus infection amongst vaccinated children in the West Gonja District in Savanna Region of Ghana. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257103. [PMID: 34534234 PMCID: PMC8448355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective preventive measure in reducing the incidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its consequences such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure and death. Ghana introduced the universal HBV vaccination in the national Expanded Programme on Immunization in 2002. The current study sought to determine the sero-protection rate and the prevalence of HBV infection among fully vaccinated children in the West Gonja District in the Savanna Region of Ghana. This cross-sectional study recruited three hundred and fifty (350) fully vaccinated children who visited West Gonja Catholic Hospital from September to December 2019 for healthcare. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information on the demographics. The clinical history of the participants was obtained from the hospital records. Sera were separated from 2-5ml of blood sample collected from each participant after informed consent had been sought from their parents/guardians. Sera were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc using ELISA. Samples positive for HBsAg or anti-HBc were tested for HBV DNA by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. The overall sero-protection rate (anti-HBs titers ≥ 10 mIU/mL) among the studied participants was 56% with anti-HBs geometric mean titer (GMT) of 95.7 mIU/mL (± 6.0; 95% CI) compared with GMT of 2.8 mIU/mL (± 0.2; 95% CI) among non-seroprotected participants. There was no statistically significant difference in sero-protection rate between males and females (p-value = 0.93) and in relation to age (p-value = 0.20). The prevalence of HBV infection among studied participants as determined by the HBV DNA/HBsAg positivity was 1.4% while anti-HBc sero-positivity was 2%. Even though the sero-protection rate and HBV infection rate reported in the current study compares with that of other international studies further studies need to be conducted to understand the factors related to sero-protection and HBV infection rate in the Savanna Region of Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theophilus Quaye
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Patrick Williams Narkwa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Seth A. Domfeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gloria Kattah
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Radford University College, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mohamed Mutocheluh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Association Between Income and Hepatitis B Seroprevalence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Context: Hepatitis B serology is very important for both diagnosis and treatment of the diseases. However, evidence regarding the association between income and hepatitis B seroprevalence are not sufficient to make a definitive conclusion. Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between income inequality and hepatitis B seroprevalence. Methods: We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify all relevant epidemiological studies published up to February 10, 2020. A categorical meta-analysis was applied to pool risk effects of income on hepatitis B seroprevalence. Results: A total of 1525 pieces of literature related to income level and hepatitis B seroprevalence were retrieved, of which 10 articles were finally included. The results revealed a borderline risk (OR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.00 - 1.30) for hepatitis B seroprevalence (positive for one or more seromarkers) among low-income groups. A significant income effect was observed for HBsAg seroprevalence with a 28% higher risk for low income versus high cases (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.16 - 1.41). However, no statistically significant associations were found between seroprevalence of Anti-HBs, Anti-HBc, and income. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that low income may increase the risk of hepatitis B seroprevalence, especially for HBsAg seroprevalence. Programs on hepatitis B prevention should focus on those with low income. Further studies are warranted to establish causality.
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Birjandi MM, Oroei M. The prevalence of positive rapid diagnostic test of hepatitis C virus infection in Ghana. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 36:322. [PMID: 33193976 PMCID: PMC7603834 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.36.322.22490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common viral hepatitis in Africa. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is a useful tool to identify antibody anti-HCV in point of care. In this study, we decided to determine prevalence of cases with positive rapid diagnostic test of HCV infection. Methods this cross-sectional study was conducted in a polyclinic, Accra, Ghana. Using convenience sampling, 728 participants were screened with blood-based RDT and interviewed about personal risk behaviors for transmission of HCV. Data was entered in SPSS version 18 and analyzed. Results there was 1.6% positive RDT in our participants. The mean age of them was 29.58 ± 12.31 years old that were younger than the participants with negative RDT (p: 0.027). The rate of positive test was 66.67% in women and 33.33% in men. There was a negative association between age and RDT positive (aOR: 0.91, 95%CI 0.85-0.96). The odds of positive RDT in married participants was 6.32 fold others after adjusting model (p: 0.014). There were no important risk behavior for HCV, except one person with history of contacting blood or needles. Conclusion the risk of positive RDT has a reverse relationship with aging and also it has an increase in married individuals. Therefore preventive education and screening for HCV should be a priority in young and middle-aged adults because of more sexual activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahbobeh Oroei
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abesig J, Chen Y, Wang H, Sompo FM, Wu IXY. Prevalence of viral hepatitis B in Ghana between 2015 and 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234348. [PMID: 32530945 PMCID: PMC7292378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) remains a significant public health problem in Ghana and past reviews conducted could not calculate a nationwide prevalence of the disease due to lack of primary research for some regions of the country. We therefore conducted this study to summarize and update the available information on HBV infection burden (prevalence) in Ghana from 2015–2019.We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to retrieve primary studies published in peer-reviewed journals from November 2015 to September 2019, assessing the prevalence of HBV among the Ghanaian populace. The review included 21 studies across all ten old regions of Ghana with a total sample population of 29 061. The HBV prevalence was estimated for subpopulations as follows: 8.36% in the adult population, 14.30% in the adolescent population, and 0.55% in children under five years (pre-school). Among adults, HBV infection prevalence was the highest in the special occupation group (14.40%) and the lowest prevalence rate of 7.17% was recorded among blood donors. Prevalence was lower in the north than in the southern part of the country. The Ashanti region had the most studies at 6/21 (29%), while no study was identified for the Upper West region. Across the country, the highest HBV infection prevalence rates were recorded in the age group of 20–40 years. The burden of hepatitis B is enormous and remains an important public health issue in Ghana. Addressing the issue will require an integrated public health strategy and rethinking of the implementation gaps in the current HBV infection control program. This will help propel the country towards eliminating the disease by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Abesig
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yancong Chen
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Irene X. Y. Wu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- * E-mail:
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Frempong MT, Ntiamoah P, Annani-Akollor ME, Owiredu WKBA, Addai-Mensah O, Owiredu EW, Adu-Gyasi D, Agyapong EO, Sallah L. Hepatitis B and C infections in HIV-1 and non-HIV infected pregnant women in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219922. [PMID: 31323077 PMCID: PMC6641208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus co-infections in HIV are alarming during pregnancy due to the risk of vertical transmission and the eventual adverse effects on neonates. This study was conducted to ascertain the sero-prevalence of HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV co-infections, evaluate the effect of the co-infections on the immunological and virological characteristics and assess the association between some demographic and lifestyle characteristics and risk of HBV, HCV, HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV co-infections among pregnant women living in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinics of the St. Elizabeth Hospital and the Holy Family Hospital, Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana. A total of 248 consecutive consenting pregnant Ghanaian women, 148 diagnosed with HIV [HIV (+)] and 100 who were HIV negative [HIV (-)], were recruited. Validated questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and lifestyle data. Venous blood samples were obtained and HCV status, HBV profile, CD4+ T cell count, and HIV-1 RNA load were determined. Results The sero-prevalence of HIV (+) /HBV, HIV (+) /HCV, HIV (-)/HBV, and HIV (-)/HCV infections were 22 (14.9%), 6 (4.1%), 10 (10.0%), and 12 (12.0%) respectively. HIV-1 viral load was not significantly different between HIV/HBV, HIV/HCV co-infection and HIV mono-infection. However, CD4+ T lymphocyte count (364 vs 512 vs 514 cells/μl; p = 0.0009) was significantly lower in HIV/HBV co-infection compared to HIV/HCV and HIV mono-infection respectively. There was no significant association between demographic and lifestyle characteristics and risk of HBV and HCV infections in HIV positive and negative subjects except for late diagnosis of HIV and history of sharing razors blades and pins, where increased odds of HIV (+) /HBV and HIV (-)/HBV infection were observed. Conclusions The prevalence of HIV (+)/HBV (14.9%), HIV (+)/HCV (4.1%), HIV (-)/HBV (10.0%), and HIV (-)/HCV (12.0%) are high among pregnant women in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. HIV/HBV is associated with reduced CD4+ T lymphocyte count but not HIV-1 viral load. Early diagnosis of HIV and intensification of routine antenatal HBV and HCV are essential to abate the risk of maternal to child transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret T. Frempong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Paul Ntiamoah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Max Efui Annani-Akollor
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - William K. B. A. Owiredu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Otchere Addai-Mensah
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eddie-Williams Owiredu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Lorraine Sallah
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Adjei CA, Stutterheim SE, Naab F, Ruiter RAC. Chronic Hepatitis B stigma in Ghana: a qualitative study with patients and providers. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025503. [PMID: 31248915 PMCID: PMC6597648 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored beliefs contributing to Hepatitis B stigma, and the ways in which Hepatitis B stigma manifests, from the perspectives of people with chronic Hepatitis B as well as healthcare providers in Northern and Southern Ghana. DESIGN We used an exploratory qualitative design with a purposive sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. Data were processed using QSR Nvivo V.10.0 and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. SETTINGS Participants were recruited from one tertiary and one regional hospital in Ghana between February and November 2017. PARTICIPANTS Overall, 18 people with chronic Hepatitis B (PWHB) and 47 healthcare providers (primary care physicians, nurses and midwives) between the ages of 21 and 57 years participated in the study. RESULTS PWHB face stigma in their sociocultural context and the healthcare environment. Three main beliefs underlying stigma were found: (1) the belief that Hepatitis B is highly contagious; (2) the belief that Hepatitis B is very severe and (3) the belief that Hepatitis B is caused by curses. Stigmatisation manifested as avoidance and social isolation (discrimination). In healthcare settings, stigmatisation manifested as excessive cautiousness, procedure postponement or avoidance, task-shifting and breaches of confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS Given the prevalence of incorrect knowledge, as reflected in the beliefs about Hepatitis B, we recommend public awareness campaigns that emphasise Hepatitis B transmission routes. Also, given the manifestations of the stigma in healthcare settings, we recommend the development and implementation of a continuing professional development programme on Hepatitis B and adjusted policy on Hepatitis B vaccination for Healthcare providers (HCPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Ampong Adjei
- Community Health Nursing Department, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sarah E Stutterheim
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Florence Naab
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Robert A C Ruiter
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B and C viral co-infections among HIV-1 infected ART-naïve individuals in Kumasi, Ghana. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215377. [PMID: 31002687 PMCID: PMC6474602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study assessed the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection paradigm among the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Also, the immunological and virological characterisation of these viruses, prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was investigated. Method A total of 400 HIV infected (HIV type-1) treatment naïve subjects ≥18 years were enrolled and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Hepatitis B virus serological profile was performed on samples that were HBV positive. CD4+ T-cell count and HIV-1 RNA viral loads were determined using BD FacsCalibur analyzer (USA) and COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Analyzer (USA) respectively. Results The overall prevalence of HBV/HCV co-infection among the HIV-1 patients was 18.0%. The prevalence of HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV co-infections were 12.5% and 5.5% respectively. The prevalence of active viral hepatitis (HBeAg-positive) among HIV-HBV co-infected patients was 40%. None of the patients had anti-HBc IgM. HIV-HBV co-infection was associated with lower CD4+ T-cell count as well as higher HIV-1 viral load compared to both HIV mono- infection and HIV-HCV co- infection (p<0.05) respectively. HBeAg positivity was associated with severe immunosuppression and higher HIV viral load. Patients aged 18–33 years [aOR = 9.66(1.17–79.61); p = 0.035], male gender [aOR = 2.74(1.15–6.51); p = 0.023], primary education [aOR = 9.60(1.21–76.08); p = 0.032], secondary education [aOR = 14.67(1.82–118.08); p = 0.012] and being single [aOR = 2.88(1.12–7.39); p = 0.028] were independent risk factors of HIV-HBV co-infections but not HIV-HCV co-infections. Conclusion The present study highlights the predominance of HBV exposure among the HIV infected patients in Ghana. HBV coinfection was associated with severe immunosuppression and higher HIV-1 viral load.
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Donkor AG, Maimaiti N. A Systematic Review of The Prevalence of Hepatitis B Among Blood Donors in Ghana and Nigeria. ANKARA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.17098/amj.462711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Diagnostic accuracy of tests to detect hepatitis B surface antigen: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:698. [PMID: 29143619 PMCID: PMC5688498 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is characterised by the persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Expanding HBV diagnosis and treatment programmes into low resource settings will require high quality but inexpensive rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in addition to laboratory-based enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) to detect HBsAg. The purpose of this review is to assess the clinical accuracy of available diagnostic tests to detect HBsAg to inform recommendations on testing strategies in 2017 WHO hepatitis testing guidelines. METHODS The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using 9 databases. Two reviewers independently extracted data according to a pre-specified plan and evaluated study quality. Meta-analysis was performed. HBsAg diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) was compared to enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and nucleic-acid test (NAT) reference standards. Subanalyses were performed to determine accuracy among brands, HIV-status and specimen type. RESULTS Of the 40 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 33 compared RDTs and/or EIAs against EIAs and 7 against NATs as reference standards. Thirty studies assessed diagnostic accuracy of 33 brands of RDTs in 23,716 individuals from 23 countries using EIA as the reference standard. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 90.0% (95% CI: 89.1, 90.8) and 99.5% (95% CI: 99.4, 99.5) respectively, but accuracy varied widely among brands. Accuracy did not differ significantly whether serum, plasma, venous or capillary whole blood was used. Pooled sensitivity of RDTs in 5 studies of HIV-positive persons was lower at 72.3% (95% CI: 67.9, 76.4) compared to that in HIV-negative persons, but specificity remained high. Five studies evaluated 8 EIAs against a chemiluminescence immunoassay reference standard with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% (95% CI: 87.0, 90.6) and 98.4% (95% CI: 97.8, 98.8), respectively. Accuracy of both RDTs and EIAs using a NAT reference were generally lower, especially amongst HIV-positive cohorts. CONCLUSIONS HBsAg RDTs have good sensitivity and excellent specificity compared to laboratory immunoassays as a reference standard. Sensitivity of HBsAg RDTs may be lower in HIV infected individuals.
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Allain JP, Opare-Sem O. Screening and diagnosis of HBV in low-income and middle-income countries. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 13:643-653. [PMID: 27625189 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
HBV testing and diagnosis of HBV-related liver disease in low-income and middle-income countries differs substantially from that in developed countries in terms of access to resources and expensive technologies requiring highly specialized staff. For identification and classification of HBV infection, genomic amplification methods to detect and quantify HBV DNA are often nonexistent or available only in central laboratories of major cities. When samples from peripheral locations do arrive, delays in receiving results generate loss to follow-up. Testing is often limited to measurement of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), alanine aminotransferase levels, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) to determine indications for antiviral therapy (AVT). Utilization of AVT is limited by cost and availability, particularly when patients are not covered by health insurance. The natural history of HBV infection is influenced by genotypes B and C in East Asia, where decades of immune tolerance have led to mostly vertical transmission; in sub-Saharan Africa, where genotypes A1 and E predominate, infection is transmitted horizontally between young children, followed by a nonreplicative phase. In both regions, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are common and would be considerably ameliorated by AVT. Implementation of the HBV vaccine since the 1990s in Asia and 2000s in Africa has decreased the incidence of HBV, but vaccine failure and insufficiently effective prevention remain concerning issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Allain
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Ohene Opare-Sem
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
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Garraud O, Filho LA, Laperche S, Tayou-Tagny C, Pozzetto B. The infectious risks in blood transfusion as of today - A no black and white situation. Presse Med 2016; 45:e303-11. [PMID: 27476017 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2016.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfusion has been tainted with the risk of contracting an infection - often severe - and fears about this risk are still prevailing, in sharp contrast with the actual risk in Western countries. Those actual risks are rather immunological, technical (overload) or metabolic. Meanwhile, in developing countries and particularly in Africa, transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) are still frequent, because of both the scarcity of volunteer blood donors and resources and the high incidence and prevalence of infections. Global safety of blood components has been declared as a goal to be attained everywhere by the World Heath Organization (WHO). However, this challenge is difficult to meet because of several intricate factors, of which the emergence of infectious agents, low income and breaches in sanitation and hygiene. This review aims at encompassing the situation of TTIs in different settings and means that can be deployed to improve the situation where this can possibly be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Garraud
- Université de Lyon, faculté de médecine de Saint-Étienne, GIMAP 3064, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France; Institut national de la transfusion sanguine, 6, rue Alexandre-Cabanel, 75015 Paris, France.
| | | | - Syria Laperche
- Institut national de la transfusion sanguine, 6, rue Alexandre-Cabanel, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Claude Tayou-Tagny
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences biomédicales, université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Bruno Pozzetto
- Université de Lyon, faculté de médecine de Saint-Étienne, GIMAP 3064, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France; University hospital of de Saint-Étienne, laboratoire des agents infectieux et d'hygiène, 42055 Saint-Étienne, France
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Limited Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus in the General Population of the Offin River Valley in Ghana. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156864. [PMID: 27271290 PMCID: PMC4894622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections account for approximately 780,000 deaths per year, most of which occur in the developing world. Co-infection with HBV and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) may lead to the most severe form of viral hepatitis. In Ghana, knowledge on the prevalence of HBV and HDV in the general population is scanty and the few genetic analyses of the prevailing HBV genotypes are dating back more than a decade. In the present study, 1,323 serum samples from individuals living in a rural area (Offin river valley) of Ghana were analyzed for the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Positive sera were subsequently tested for the presence of anti-HDV antibodies. A total of 107 (8%) sera were HBsAg positive with an 8.4% prevalence of anti-HDV antibodies among the HBsAg positives. Phylogenetic analysis based on HBV pre-S/S sequences, attributed all 52 typable samples to genotype E. All belonged to serotype ayw4. While 19 sequences clustered with those from a number of African countries, the other 33 formed a separate cluster distinguished by an intergroup mean distance of 1.5% from the pan-African HBV/E cluster. Successful implementation of HBV vaccination in the region was reflected by the low HBsAg carrier rate of 1.8% among children ≤11 years.
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Ofori-Asenso R, Agyeman AA. Hepatitis B in Ghana: a systematic review & meta-analysis of prevalence studies (1995-2015). BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:130. [PMID: 26987556 PMCID: PMC4797341 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although, chronic hepatitis B (HBV) is considered to be of significant public health importance in Ghana, not many reviews detailing the burden (prevalence) of the disease have been conducted. This study was aimed at summarizing the available information and to make an accurate estimate of HBV infection prevalence in Ghana over the last two decades (1995-2015). METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Africa Journals Online (AJOL) databases to retrieve primary studies published between 1st January 1995 and 4th October 2015, assessing the prevalence of HBV among populations in Ghana. This was supplemented by a manual search of retrieved references. RESULTS Thirty (30) studies across all the ten (10) regions of Ghana and involving an overall population size of 105,435 were analyzed. The national prevalence of HBV as determined by HBsAg seropositivity was 12.3%. HBV prevalence among voluntary blood donors (VBDs), replacement blood donors (RBDs) and pregnant women were 10.8, 12.7 and 13.1% respectively. HBV infection prevalence was highest among studies published within the period 1995-2002 (17.3%), followed by those published within 2003-2009 (14.7%) and the lowest prevalence rate being recorded across studies published in the period 2010-2015 (10.2%). Regional prevalence were determined for Ashanti, Greater Accra, Eastern, Northern, central and Brong-Ahafo regions as 13.1, 10.6, 13.6, 13.1, 11.5 and 13.7% respectively. No aggregate data were derived for Volta, Western, Upper East and Upper West regions. Higher prevalence of HBV infection was attained for rural (13.3%) compared to urban settings (12.2%). Across the country, highest HBV infection prevalence rates were recorded in persons within the age group 16-39 years. CONCLUSION Hepatitis B infection is clearly an important public health problem in Ghana. The burden of the disease as dictated by a high prevalence rate calls for urgent public health interventions and strategic policy directions to controlling the disease to avert any potential future explosion.
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Michael IJ, Kim TH, Sunkara V, Cho YK. Challenges and Opportunities of Centrifugal Microfluidics for Extreme Point-of-Care Testing. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:mi7020032. [PMID: 30407405 PMCID: PMC6190358 DOI: 10.3390/mi7020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The advantages offered by centrifugal microfluidic systems have encouraged its rapid adaptation in the fields of in vitro diagnostics, clinical chemistry, immunoassays, and nucleic acid tests. Centrifugal microfluidic devices are currently used in both clinical and point-of-care settings. Recent studies have shown that this new diagnostic platform could be potentially used in extreme point-of-care settings like remote villages in the Indian subcontinent and in Africa. Several technological inventions have decentralized diagnostics in developing countries; however, very few microfluidic technologies have been successful in meeting the demand. By identifying the finest difference between the point-of-care testing and extreme point-of-care infrastructure, this review captures the evolving diagnostic needs of developing countries paired with infrastructural challenges with technological hurdles to healthcare delivery in extreme point-of-care settings. In particular, the requirements for making centrifugal diagnostic devices viable in developing countries are discussed based on a detailed analysis of the demands in different clinical settings including the distinctive needs of extreme point-of-care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issac J Michael
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
| | - Tae-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
| | - Vijaya Sunkara
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), UNIST-gil 50, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
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