Hepatitis B virus infection and genotype in asymptomatic people from 10 ethnic groups in Yunnan, China

The expression of sICAM-1 influenced by Clonorchis sinensis co-infection in CHB patients

Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sICAM-1) has emerged as an inflammatory biomarker of many essential functions. We investigated the level of sICAM-1 influenced by Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) co-infection in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients to explore the degree of liver tissue inflammation and liver function damage after co-infection. The study included data from patients with C. sinensis mono-infection (n=27), hepatitis B virus (HBV) mono-infection (n=32), C. sinensis and HBV co-infection (n=24), post-hepatitis B liver cirrhosis (n=18), post-hepatitis B liver cirrhosis co-infected with C. sinensis (n=16), and healthy controls (n=39). The level of sICAM-1 was measured with specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Compared to the healthy control group, all the experimental groups had significantly higher serum sICAM-1 levels. The levels of sICAM-1 in co-infected groups were significantly higher compared to the mono-infection groups and were positively correlated with the levels of glutamate aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Our research findings confirmed that co-infection could exacerbate liver tissue inflammation and liver function damage in patients, could raise the sICAM-1 level, and may lead to the chronicity of HBV infection. These results provide clues for pathological mechanism study and formulating treatment plans.

A Recent Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Genotypes and Subtypes in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Aim: Despite introducing the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine, the incidence of the Hepatitis B virus globally is still a major health concern. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to provide detailed information on the prevalence of HBV genotypes and subtypes in circulation in Asia. Methods: A systematic search for articles describing the prevalence of HBV genotypes and subtypes in Asia was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Our search returned 207 eligible articles involving 49,279 genotypes and 7457 subtypes representing 28 Asian countries. A meta-analysis was performed on our eligible studies using the Random effect Model. The pooled prevalence of HBV genotypes showed that genotype C (30.9%) (95% CI, 27.5–34.5%; I2 = 97.57%; p < 0.001) was the most common HBV genotype in Asia, followed by genotype B (17.8%) (95% CI, 15.5–20.4%; I2 = 97.26%; p < 0.001) and genotype D (15.4%) (95% CI, 11.8–19.8%). Vietnam had the highest prevalence of genotype B, Lebanon had the highest prevalence of genotypes C, and Jordan had the highest prevalence of genotype D. There was variation in genotypic prevalence with respect to the target genes for HBV genotyping. Reverse dot blot hybridization had the highest estimate of genotypes B and C. HBV subtype C2 (40.0%) (95% CI, 33.3–47.0) is the most prevalent HBV subtype. Conclusion: Evidence from this study reveals that HBV genotypes C and B are the most dominant HBV genotypes in Asia, and HBV subtype C2 is more endemic in Asia.

Molecular Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors for Acquiring HBV Among Li Ethnic in Baisha County, Hainan Island-Subgenotype D3 Was First Discovered in China

The residents of Baisha, a county of Hainan Island, mainly composed of Li ethnic population and relatively closed living environment with its unique geographical location. Our previous study showed that Li ethnic population of Baisha is an endemic center for hepatitis C virus, with significantly higher rates than in other parts of China. However, the epidemiology of HBV in this region remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive epidemiological survey of HBV in Baisha County, including 1,682 Li ethnic residents. The total seropositive rate for HBsAg was 10.2% and was higher than other parts of China. HBV-positive status was associated with the 20–40-year-old group (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.04–1.39, P < 0.01) and alcohol consumption (OR = 2.17, 95%CI 1.58–2.99, P < 0.01). Phylogenetic analysis showed that HBV subgenotype D3 was predominant in Baisha County which was first discovered in China, followed by C5, C1, B2, and undetermined subgenotypes which were significantly different from other geographical distribution of main genotypes in China. The most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of the HBV genotype C in the Li ethnic of Baisha County was 1846 (95%CI: 1739–1932), and Baisha-C5 was earlier than Baisha-C1 and Baisha-C2. Most Baisha-D3 sequences were concentrated in one bundle and unrelated to those D3 genome sequences elsewhere in the world. According to the phylogenetic tree, D3 was introduced into Baisha County in 1884 (95%CI: 1816–1993) and became a local endemic virus. In conclusion, HBV infection in the Li ethnic group is characterized by a high prevalence rate in 20–40-year-old individuals and a unique genotype distribution which were significantly different from other geographical distribution of main genotypes in China, and subgenotype D3 was first discovered in China.

Analyses of blood donor samples from eight provinces in Lao PDR suggest considerable variation concerning HBV exposure and carriage

Introduction

Hepatitis B is endemic in Lao PDR and about 9% of the adult population is chronically infected. In this study, we investigated regional, occupational, age and sex-related differences in hepatitis B epidemiology in Lao blood donors.

Methods

5017 voluntary blood donors from 8 different provinces were tested for hepatitis B markers by ELISA. Predictors for the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against the core antigen (anti-HBc) were assessed by bivariate and multivariable analyses.

Results

In total, 41% of the participants were positive for anti-HBc; the HBsAg prevalence was estimated at 6.9% among all participants (9.2% among first-time donors and 3.9% among repeat donors). Among first-time donors, HBsAg positivity was associated independently with being male (p<0.001), being from the North (p<0.001) and being soldier (p<0.001). Participants were more likely to be anti-HBc positive when they were male (p<0.001), from the Northern provinces (p<0.001) and older than 20 years (p<0.01).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study confirmed an overall high HBsAg and anti-HBc prevalence in Lao PDR, albeit with considerable regional variation. The identification of a sizeable number of HBsAg positives among repeat donors warrants a thorough investigation of current blood screening, record keeping, donor identification and counselling practises.

Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes and Subgenotypes in Ethnic Minority Populations, Yunnan Province, China

The aim of our study was to determine the distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and subgenotypes in ethnic minorities in Yunnan province to provide evidence supporting the theoretical basis for hepatitis B prevention and control. We obtained serum samples and demographic data from 765 individuals reported by Yunnan province who had either acute or chronic HBV infection and were from one of 20 ethnic minority populations: Achang, Bai, Brown, Tibetan, Dai, Deang, Dulong, Hani, Hui, Jingpo, Lahu, Yi, Lisu Miao, Naxi, Nu, Pumi, Wa, Yao, or Zhuang people. We sequenced the HBV DNA and determined the genotypes and subgenotypes of the isolated HBVs. We mapped the genotype and subgenotype distribution by ethnic minority population and conducted descriptive analyses. There were four genotypes among the 20 ethnic groups: genotype B (21.3% of samples), C (76.6%), D (1.8%) and I (0.3%). The most common subgenotype was C1. There were no genotype differences by gender (P = 0.954) or age (P = 0.274), but there were differences by region (P < 0.001). There were differences in genotype distribution (P < 0.001) and subgenotype distribution (P = 0.011) by ethnic group. Genotype D was most prominent in Tibet and most HBV isolates were C/D recombinant viruses. The only two genotype I virus isolates were in Zhuang people. Susceptibility and geographic patterns may influence HBV prevalence in different ethnic populations, but additional research is needed for such a determination.

Genetic diversity of hepatitis B virus in Yunnan, China: identification of novel subgenotype C17, an intergenotypic B/I recombinant, and B/C recombinants

Yunnan is considered to be a geographical hotspot for the introduction, mutation and recombination of several viruses in China. However, there are limited data regarding the genotypic profiles of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in this region. In this study, we characterized 206 HBV strains isolated from chronic hepatitis B patients in Yunnan, China. Initial genotyping based on 1.5 kb sequences revealed that genotype C was the most prevalent at 52.4 % (108/206), followed by genotype B at 30.6 % (63/206) and unclassified genotypes at 17.0 % (35/206). To characterize the 35 unclassified strains, 32 complete HBV genomes were amplified and analysed; 17 isolates were classified within a known subgenotype, 8 were classified as B/C recombinants, 1 was classified as a B/I recombinant and 6 constituted a potentially novel C subgenotype that we designated as C17, based on the characteristics of a monophyletic cluster, >4 % genetic distances, no significant evidence of recombination and no epidemiological link among individuals. Thus, multiple subgenotypes - namely B1, B2, B4, C1, C2, C3, C4, C8 and C17 - and two distinct intergenotypic recombinants exist in Yunnan, China, highlighting the complex and diverse distribution pattern of HBV genotypic profiles.

Age-Period-Cohort Analysis on the Time Trend of Hepatitis B Incidence in Four Prefectures of Southern Xinjiang, China from 2005 to 2017

Objective: The influence of age, period, and cohort on Hepatitis B (HB) incidence in four prefectures of southern Xinjiang, China is still not clear. This paper aims to analyze the long-term trend of the HB incidence in four prefectures of southern Xinjiang, China and to estimate the independent impact of age, period and cohort, as well as to predict the development trend of HB incidence in male and female groups, then to identify the targeted population for HB screening by the model fitting and prediction. Method: The data were from the Case List of HB Cases Reported in the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System and the Xinjiang Statistical Yearbook of China. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to estimate the impacts of age, period and cohort on HB incidence, which could be used to predict the HB incidence in specific age groups of men and women. Results: Under the influence of age effect, the incidence of HB in males had two peaks (20–35 years old and 60–80 years old), the influence of age effect on the incidence of HB in females was lower than that of males and the obvious peak was between 20–30 years old; the period effect on the HB incidence in males and females fluctuated greatly and the fluctuation degree of influence on males was bigger than that of women. The HB incidence among males and females in the four regions tended to be affected by cohort effect, which reached a peak after 1990 and then declined sharply and gradually became stabilized. By predicting the HB incidence from 2018 to 2022, we found that there were significant differences in HB incidence among people over 35 years old, under 35 years old and the whole population in four prefectures of southern Xinjiang, China. Conclusions: Although the incidence of HB in some regions shows a downward trend, there is still an obvious upward trend of incidences in other places. In our paper, results indicate that the burden of HB incidence may be extended in the future, so we hope this can draw the attention of relative departments. These results reveal the differences of incidence between males and females as well, so respective measures of the two groups’ functions are essential.

Detection of HBV Genotype C in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients from North East India: a Brief Report

Background and Objectives: Newer genotypes of HBV have been reported from India. This study was aimed to determine the circulating genotypes of HBV in hepatocellular carcinoma patients from three different geographical locations of India. Methods: 141 HBV related HCC cases were included from three different hospitals across the country. Genotyping of HBV was performed by PCR using type specific primers specially designed in 70 cases. Samples of interest were confirmed by direct sequencing of the precore/core region of HBV genome. Results: Genotypes could be detected in 40 (57.14%) out of the 70 HBV DNA positive HCC cases by type specific primers. HBV genotype D was documented in 20 (50%), genotype A in 10 (25.0%) and genotype C in 10 (25.0%) of these HCC cases. Genotype C of HBV was detected only in the samples from North East India. No significant difference was observed for the biochemical profile. Conclusion: Although Genotype D is the major HBV genotype in India followed by A, detection of HBV genotypes C in HCC patients indicates a changing epidemiology of the virus in India that may require region based management of the virus.

Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C is Predominant in Myanmar

Myanmar is adjacent to India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos and China. In Myanmar, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is 6.5% and accounts for 60% of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV has nine genotypes that have been identified by molecular genetic analysis. HBV genotypes are associated with several clinical features. We reviewed the prevalence of HBV genotypes in Myanmar and neighboring countries. We also reviewed HBV genotypes in refugees from Myanmar. HBV subgenotype C1 is predominant in Myanmar. As HBV genotype C is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is important to screen for cirrhosis and HCC and to prevent their development in HBV-infected individuals of Myanmar.

Hepatitis B, C, and D virus infection showing distinct patterns between injection drug users and the general population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatitis B, C, and D virus (HBV, HCV, and HDV) infections are known to be prevalent in injection drug users (IDUs); however, the relationship between the molecular epidemiologic features of hepatitis virus infection in high-risk individuals and the general population has not yet been established.

METHODS

In total, 1049 IDUs and 672 individuals who underwent physical examinations at Chenzhou hospital, Hunan Province, China, were enrolled. HBV, HCV, and HDV infections were screened with serologic tests in both populations. HBsAg-positive, anti-HCV IgG-positive, and anti-HDV IgG-positive samples were further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Significantly higher HBV (21.54 vs 16.52%, P = 0.01), HCV (45.95% vs 1.34%, P < 0.001), and HDV (5.62% vs 0.30%, P < 0.001) infections were detected in IDUs compared with the general population. The dual infection of HBV/HCV or HBV/HDV was also significantly higher in IDUs than in the general population. HBV genotype B and HDV genotype II were dominants in both populations. HCV infection showed genotype 6a (49.52%) dominant in IDUs, but genotype 1b accounted for 50% infection, which was followed by genotype 6a (33.33%) in the general population. Higher viral loads were associated with HBV genotype B and HCV genotype 6a compared with non-dominant genotypic infections.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV and HDV infections shared similar patterns by IDUs and the general populations, and HCV infection exhibited distinct features between two populations. Our results suggest different molecular epidemiologic characteristics of HBV, HCV, and HDV infection in two populations.