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Heller T, Phiri V, Kumwenda T, Mzumara W, Vinikoor MJ, Rambiki E, Wallrauch C. Point-of-care ultrasound to inform antiviral treatment initiation in chronic hepatitis B virus infection in low-resource settings - the PUSH protocol. Ultrasound J 2024; 16:18. [PMID: 38436778 PMCID: PMC10912069 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-024-00369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) is prevalent worldwide and most related deaths occur in low-resource settings. Antiviral treatment of CHB is indicated in those with significant liver disease and markers of viral replication. However, recommended diagnostics such as elastography (a non-invasive imaging measure of fibrosis/cirrhosis) or HBV viral load are often lacking in these settings, which creates barriers to treatment. Point-of-care clinical B-mode ultrasound (US) has potential to overcome implementation barriers in HBV care programs in low-resource settings. METHODS We describe a Point-of-care US protocol for Hepatitis ("PUSH") to check for signs of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the liver of people with CHB. We performed a prospective observational study applying the protocol, first by trainee clinicians and then by trainers, in consecutive patients referred to our clinic for CHB treatment eligibility assessment. All patients additionally underwent physical examination, liver function tests (LFTs) and platelet counts. We describe the PUSH training approach and performance of the protocol. RESULTS Four clinicians and 111 adult patients with HBV infection were included in the development of PUSH. Using US, liver complications of HBV were documented in 31 (27.9%) patients; including cirrhosis in 15 patients, HCC with cirrhosis in 13, and HCC without cirrhosis in 3. Patients with sonographic findings had significantly more clinical symptoms also their LFTs were higher and more frequently indicative for HBV treatment. Of 28 patients with sonographic diagnosis of cirrhosis, 23 (82.1%) showed a nodular liver surface, 24 (85.7%) a coarse echotexture, 20 (71.4%) scarce vessels, and 9 (32.1%) an enlarged caudate lobe. Overall concordance of the findings between assessment of trainees and experienced sonographers was high, ranging from 90 to 95%; trainees were not blinded to clinical and laboratory findings. CONCLUSION Ultrasound can facilitate same-day initiation of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV monoinfection in a resource-limited setting and a streamlined protocol-driven liver ultrasound can be feasibly used by front line clinicians managing HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Heller
- Lighthouse Clinic Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi.
- International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | | | - Wongani Mzumara
- Directorate of HIV/AIDS, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Jeffrey Vinikoor
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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2
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Hesterman M, Furrer S, Fallon B, Weller M. Analysis of Hepatitis D Virus in Minor Salivary Gland of Sjögren's Disease. J Dent Res 2023; 102:1272-1279. [PMID: 37575047 PMCID: PMC10626587 DOI: 10.1177/00220345231186394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) has been detected in the minor salivary gland (MSG) tissue of Sjögren's disease (SjD) patients in the absence of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection. Previous research has shown that HDV antigen (HDAg) expression can trigger an SjD-like phenotype in vivo, demonstrating a potential cause-and-effect relationship. We hypothesize that if HDV plays a role in the development of SjD, then HDV profiles may be correlated with disease manifestations. This retrospective study characterized HDV in a cohort of 48 SjD MSG samples collected between 2014 and 2021. Analyses of HDAg expression, including cell type and subcellular localization, in situ hybridization of HDV RNA, and comparative analyses with associated SjD and viral hepatitis clinical features, were conducted. HDAg was detected in MSG acinar, ductal, myoepithelial, and adipose cells and localized with the nuclei, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. In situ hybridization detected HDV genomic RNA localization in the MSG nuclei. A significant negative correlation was found between HDAg intensity and focal lymphocytic inflammation and in patients with both anti-SSA/Ro-52 and anti-SSA/Ro-60. In analyzing autoimmune disease comorbidities with SjD, it was found that SjD patients diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis and/or hypothyroidism were significantly more represented in the high HDAg intensity group compared to the negative and moderate HDAg intensity groups. No significant associations were detected between MSG-localized HDAg and liver enzymes or an evident HBV coinfection. This study has further confirmed that there is a nonhepatic reservoir for chronic HDV persistence in SjD-affected salivary gland tissue in a third independent SjD patient cohort. In addition, this study describes the unique colocalization of HDAg with mitochondria. The detection of HDV antigen and sequence within SjD-affected salivary gland tissue, and in the absence of an evident current or past HBV coinfection, warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.C. Hesterman
- School of Dentistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - S.V. Furrer
- School of Dentistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - B.S. Fallon
- School of Dentistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M.L. Weller
- School of Dentistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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3
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Lange M, Zaret D, Kushner T. Hepatitis Delta: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2022; 18:508-520. [PMID: 36397990 PMCID: PMC9666792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is caused by a unique circular RNA virus that relies on both the hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen and human host polymerases for its transmission and replication. HDV infection can be acquired simultaneously with HBV as a coinfection or as a superinfection in patients already chronically infected with HBV. Chronic HDV is the most severe and progressive form of viral hepatitis-induced liver disease, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the severity of disease and poor clinical outcomes, there are few therapeutic options for the treatment of HDV infection. This article discusses the epidemiology of HDV globally and in the United States, the diagnosis and clinical course of HDV infection, and the current and future therapeutic options for the management of HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Lange
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Dina Zaret
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Tatyana Kushner
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Duodu PA, Darkwah E, Agbadi P, Duah HO, Nutor JJ. Prevalence and geo-clinicodemographic factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination among healthcare workers in five developing countries. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:599. [PMID: 35799107 PMCID: PMC9264656 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a four-fold risk for hepatitis B infection among healthcare workers compared to the general population. Due to limited access to diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B in many resource-constrained settings, there is a real risk that only few healthcare workers with viral hepatitis may get screened or diagnosed and treated. Studies on hepatitis B vaccination among healthcare workers in developing countries are sparse and this bodes ill for intervention and support. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and explored the associated factors that predicted the uptake of the required, full dosage of hepatitis B vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) in five developing countries using nationally representative data. Methods We used recent datasets from the Demographic and Health Surveys Program’s Service Provision Assessment Survey. Descriptive summary statistics and logistic regressions were used to produce the results. Statistical significance was pegged at p < 0.05. Results The proportion of HCWs who received the required doses of hepatitis B vaccine in Afghanistan, Haiti, Malawi, Nepal, and Senegal were 69.1%, 11.3%, 15.4%, 46.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. Gender, occupational qualification, and years of education were significant correlates of receiving the required doses of hepatitis B among HCWs. Conclusions Given the increased risk of hepatitis B infection among healthcare workers, policymakers in developing countries should intensify education campaigns among HCWs and, perhaps, must take it a step further by making hepatitis B vaccination compulsory and a key requirement for employment, especially among those workers who regularly encounter bodily fluids of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Precious Adade Duodu
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, England, UK
| | - Ernest Darkwah
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 84, Legon, Ghana
| | - Pascal Agbadi
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | | | - Jerry John Nutor
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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5
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Stockdale AJ, Kreuels B, Shawa IT, Meiring JE, Thindwa D, Silungwe NM, Chetcuti K, Joekes E, Mbewe M, Mbale B, Patel P, Kachala R, Patel PD, Malewa J, Finch P, Davis C, Shah R, Tong L, da Silva Filipe A, Thomson EC, Geretti AM, Gordon MA. A clinical and molecular epidemiological survey of hepatitis C in Blantyre, Malawi, suggests a historic mechanism of transmission. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:252-262. [PMID: 35075742 PMCID: PMC9305194 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. There are no previous representative community HCV prevalence studies from Southern Africa, and limited genotypic data. Epidemiological data are required to inform an effective public health response. We conducted a household census-based random sampling serological survey, and a prospective hospital-based study of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Blantyre, Malawi. We tested participants with an HCV antigen/antibody ELISA (Monolisa, Bio-Rad), confirmed with PCR (GeneXpert, Cepheid) and used line immunoassay (Inno-LIA, Fujiribio) for RNA-negative participants. We did target-enrichment whole-genome HCV sequencing (NextSeq, Illumina). Among 96,386 censused individuals, we randomly selected 1661 people aged ≥16 years. Population-standardized HCV RNA prevalence was 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-0.5). Among 236 patients with cirrhosis and HCC, HCV RNA prevalence was 1.9% and 5.0%, respectively. Mapping showed that HCV RNA+ patients were from peri-urban areas surrounding Blantyre. Community and hospital HCV RNA+ participants were older than comparator HCV RNA-negative populations (median 53 vs 30 years for community, p = 0.01 and 68 vs 40 years for cirrhosis/HCC, p < 0.001). Endemic HCV genotypes (n = 10) were 4v (50%), 4r (30%) and 4w (10%). In this first census-based community serological study in Southern Africa, HCV was uncommon in the general population, was centred on peri-urban regions and was attributable for <5% of liver disease. HCV infection was observed only among older people, suggesting a historic mechanism of transmission. Genotype 4r, which has been associated with treatment failure with ledipasvir and daclatasvir, is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Stockdale
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benno Kreuels
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Isaac T Shawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - James E Meiring
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deus Thindwa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Karen Chetcuti
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Maurice Mbewe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Rabson Kachala
- Malawi Ministry of Health, Capitol Hill, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Jane Malewa
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter Finch
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chris Davis
- MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rajiv Shah
- MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lily Tong
- MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ana da Silva Filipe
- MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione PTV, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Melita A Gordon
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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6
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Stockdale AJ, Meiring JE, Shawa IT, Thindwa D, Silungwe NM, Mbewe M, Kachala R, Kreuels B, Patel P, Patel P, Henrion MYR, Bar-Zeev N, Swarthout TD, Heyderman RS, Gordon SB, Geretti AM, Gordon MA. Hepatitis B vaccination impact and the unmet need for antiviral treatment in Blantyre, Malawi. J Infect Dis 2021; 226:871-880. [PMID: 34752631 PMCID: PMC9470106 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. To reduce hepatitis-associated mortality, antiviral treatment programmes are needed. We estimated prevalence, vaccine impact and need for antiviral treatment in Blantyre, Malawi to inform an effective public health response. METHODS We conducted a household study in Blantyre in 2016-2018. We selected individuals from a census using random sampling and estimated age-sex-standardised HBsAg seroprevalence. Impact of infant hepatitis B vaccination, which began in 2002, was estimated by binomial log-linear regression comparing individuals born before and after vaccine implementation. In HBsAg-positive adults, eligibility for antiviral therapy was assessed. RESULTS Of 97,386 censused individuals, 6,073 (median age 18 years; 56.7% female) were sampled. HBsAg seroprevalence was 5.1% (95% CI 4.3-6.1) among adults and 0.3% (0.1-0.6) among children born after vaccine introduction. Estimated vaccine impact was 95.8% (70.3-99.4). Of HBsAg-positive adults, 26% were HIV-positive. Among HIV-negative individuals, 3%, 6% and 9% were eligible for hepatitis B treatment by WHO, European and American hepatology association criteria, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Infant HBV vaccination has been highly effective in reducing HBsAg prevalence in urban Malawi. Up to 9% of HBsAg-positive HIV-negative adults are eligible, but have an unmet need, for antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Stockdale
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - James E Meiring
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac T Shawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,University of Malawi College of Medicine, Faculty of Biomedical Science and Health Professions Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Deus Thindwa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Maurice Mbewe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rabson Kachala
- Malawi Ministry of Health, Capitol Hill, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Benno Kreuels
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Priyanka Patel
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Naor Bar-Zeev
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Todd D Swarthout
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Mucosal Pathogens, Research Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert S Heyderman
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Mucosal Pathogens, Research Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B Gordon
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione PTV, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Melita A Gordon
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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7
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Baroncelli S, Galluzzo CM, Liotta G, Andreotti M, Orlando S, Ciccacci F, Mphwere R, Luhanga R, Sagno JB, Amici R, Marazzi MC, Giuliano M. HIV-exposed infants with EBV infection have a reduced persistence of the immune response to the HBV vaccine. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:48. [PMID: 34348748 PMCID: PMC8336389 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00375-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In sub-Saharan African countries Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection occurs in early childhood. We aim to investigate the factors associated with EBV acquisition and the impact of EBV infection on the humoral response to HBV vaccination in infants born from HIV-positive, antiretroviral-treated mothers in Malawi. Methods A total of 149 HIV-exposed infants were included in this longitudinal study. EBV anti-VCA IgG were measured using an ELISA assay. The EBV seroconversion was correlated with the maternal viro-immunological conditions, with infant growth and immunological vulnerability, and with the humoral response to the HBV vaccine. Results No infant was EBV-positive at 6 months (n. 52 tested). More than a third of infants (49/115 or 42.6 %) on study beyond 6 months seroconverted at 12 months. At 24 months, out of 66 tested infants, only 13 remained EBV-uninfected, while 53 (80.3 %) acquired EBV infection, rising the total proportion of EBV seroconversion to 88.7 % (102/115 infants). EBV seroconversion was significantly associated with a low maternal educational status but had no impact on infant growth or vulnerability to infections. Reduced HBsAb levels and accelerated waning of antibodies were associated with early EBV seroconversion. Conclusions We found a heterogeneous timing of acquisition of EBV with the majority of infants born from HIV + mothers acquiring infection after 6 months. Anti-HBs levels were lower and appeared to wane faster in infants acquiring EBV infection.
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8
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Adeyemi OA, Mitchell A, Shutt A, Crowell TA, Ndembi N, Kokogho A, Ramadhani HO, Robb ML, Baral SD, Ake JA, Charurat ME, Peel S, Nowak RG. Hepatitis B virus infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women living with or at risk for HIV: a cross sectional study in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:654. [PMID: 34229613 PMCID: PMC8259010 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06368-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the development of a safe and efficacious hepatitis B vaccine in 1982, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to shared risk factors for virus acquisition, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) living with HIV are at increased risk of HBV. We estimated the prevalence of HBV and associated factors for MSM and TGW living with or without HIV in Nigeria. METHODS Since March 2013, TRUST/RV368 has recruited MSM and TGW in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria using respondent driven sampling. Participants with HIV diagnosis, enrollment as of June 2015, and available plasma were selected for a cross-sectional study and retrospectively tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV DNA. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with prevalent HBV infection. RESULTS A total of 717 MSM and TGW had a median age of 25 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 21-27), 5% self-reported HBV vaccination, 61% were living with HIV, 10% had prevalent HBV infection and 6% were HIV-HBV co-infected. HIV mono-infected as compared to HIV-HBV co-infected had a higher median CD4 T cell count [425 (IQR: 284-541) vs. 345 (IQR: 164-363) cells/mm3, p = 0.03] and a lower median HIV RNA viral load [4.2 (IQR: 2.3-4.9) vs. 4.7 (IQR: 3.9-5.4) log10copies/mL, p < 0.01]. The only factor independently associated with HBV was self-report of condomless sex at last anal intercourse (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3, 3.6). HIV infection was not independently associated with HBV (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7-1.6). CONCLUSION HBV prevalence was moderately high but did not differ by HIV in this cohort of MSM and TGW. Recent condomless sex was associated with elevated HBV risk, reinforcing the need to increase communication and education on condom use among key populations in Nigeria. Evaluating use of concurrent HIV antiretroviral therapy with anti-HBV activity may confirm the attenuated HBV prevalence for those living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusegun A Adeyemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Mitchell
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Shutt
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trevor A Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Afoke Kokogho
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate - Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.,HJF Medical Research International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Habib O Ramadhani
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Merlin L Robb
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julie A Ake
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Manhattan E Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sheila Peel
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca G Nowak
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Characteristics of Hepatitis B and D Co-infection: A Descriptive Study. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.101630] [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
: About 5% of cases with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) are co-infected with hepatitis D virus (HDV), and this co-infection possesses a high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and histopathological characteristics and response to treatment in patients with HBV and HDV co-infection in a hepatitis clinic in Tehran, Iran. In this study, 80 patients were enrolled and evaluated for age, sex, degree of liver fibrosis, virologic status, and response rate. The incidence of co-infection of hepatitis B and D was 4.9% (80/1,631 HBV-infected cases) in our clinic. Thirty-seven (46.25%) patients had liver cirrhosis, and four (5%) patients had HCC. Besides, HDV Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for 31 (38.75 %) patients. Among 30 patients, 14 (46.6%) completed interferon therapy (for equal to or more than 48 weeks) and had a response with undetectable HDV RNA PCR after treatment. According to our results, for cirrhotic patients in HBV/HDV co-infection that was about 46%, it seems that the early detection of HDV antibody (Ab) plays a significant role in the prevention of progressive liver failure, and treatment with interferon can help these patients by improving the prognosis.
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10
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Sonderup MW, Dusheiko G, Desalegn H, Lemoine M, Tzeuton C, Taylor-Robinson SD, Spearman CW. Hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa-How many patients need therapy? J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:560-567. [PMID: 31800145 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa with ~60 million people chronically infected. While prevention, through vaccination, is central to elimination strategies, only 11 countries have birth dose vaccination and full vaccine coverage remains at suboptimal levels. Furthermore, to fully realize elimination, those chronically infected need to be identified, assessed for therapy and then linked to care. Given current treatment criteria, the precise quantum of people warranting therapy, according to criteria, is essentially unknown. The issue is further complicated by data to suggest differences in the numbers of people requiring treatment when applying WHO as compared to European Association for the Study of the Liver, EASL, criteria. Optimal determination of treatment eligibility is further hindered by the lack of available tools to adequately assess individual patients. It is conceivable that accurately determining the number of those requiring treatment, given the heterogeneity of hepatitis B in Africa, is difficult. Better studies and data are required. More signifcantly, improved access and availability to the diagnostic tools needed to assess patients in additon to access to drugs are as, if not more important, to achieve elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Sonderup
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Geoffrey Dusheiko
- Liver Unit, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Hailemichael Desalegn
- Medical Department, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Maud Lemoine
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Liver Unit, St Mary's Hospital NHS, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christian Tzeuton
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Liver Unit, St Mary's Hospital NHS, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - C Wendy Spearman
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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