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Gömer A, Dinkelborg K, Klöhn M, Jagst M, Wißing MH, Frericks N, Nörenberg P, Behrendt P, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Steinmann E, Maasoumy B, Todt D. Dynamic evolution of the sofosbuvir-associated variant A1343V in HEV-infected patients under concomitant sofosbuvir-ribavirin treatment. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100989. [PMID: 38434938 PMCID: PMC10906529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims In the absence of a hepatitis E virus (HEV)-specific antiviral treatment, sofosbuvir has recently been shown to have antiviral activity against HEV in vivo. However, a variant, A1343V, that is strongly associated with viral relapse impedes treatment success. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of variants during sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment in vivo and assessed the sensitivity of resistance-associated variants to concurrent treatment in cell culture. Methods Two patients with chronic HEV infection that did not clear infection under ribavirin treatment were subsequently treated with a combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin. We determined response to treatment by measuring liver enzymes and viral load in blood and stool. Moreover, we analyzed viral evolution using polymerase-targeted high-throughput sequencing and assessed replication fitness of resistance-associated variants using a HEV replicon system. Results Combination treatment was successful in decreasing viral load towards the limit of quantification. However, during treatment sustained virological response was not achieved. Variants associated with sofosbuvir or ribavirin treatment emerged during treatment, including A1343V and G1634R. Moreover, A1343V, as a single or double mutation with G1634R, was associated with sofosbuvir resistance during concomitant treatment in vitro. Conclusions These results highlight the importance of variant profiling during antiviral treatment of patients with chronic infection. Understanding how intra-host viral evolution impedes treatment success will help guide the design of next-generation antivirals. Impact and implications The lack of hepatitis E virus (HEV)-specific antivirals to treat chronic infection remains a serious health burden. Although ribavirin, interferon and sofosbuvir have been reported as anti-HEV drugs, not all patients are eligible for treatment or clear infection, since resistant-associated variants can rapidly emerge. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of sofosbuvir and ribavirin combination treatment in terms of HEV suppression, the emergence of resistance-associated variants and their ability to escape treatment inhibition in vitro. Our results provide novel insights into evolutionary dynamics of HEV during treatment and thus will help guide the design of next-generation antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Katja Dinkelborg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michelle Jagst
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Nicola Frericks
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pia Nörenberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Excellence Cluster 2155 RESIST, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Excellence Cluster 2155 RESIST, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
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Gömer A, Klöhn M, Jagst M, Nocke MK, Pischke S, Horvatits T, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Müller T, Hardtke S, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Behrendt P, Steinmann E, Todt D. Emergence of resistance-associated variants during sofosbuvir treatment in chronically infected hepatitis E patients. Hepatology 2023; 78:1882-1895. [PMID: 37334496 PMCID: PMC10653298 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic HEV infections remain a serious problem in immunocompromised patients, as specifically approved antiviral drugs are unavailable. In 2020, a 24-week multicenter phase II pilot trial was carried out, evaluating the nucleotide analog sofosbuvir by treating nine chronically HEV-infected patients with sofosbuvir (Trial Number NCT03282474). During the study, antiviral therapy reduced virus RNA levels initially but did not lead to a sustained virologic response. Here, we characterize the changes in HEV intrahost populations during sofosbuvir treatment to identify the emergence of treatment-associated variants. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed high-throughput sequencing on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase sequences to characterize viral population dynamics in study participants. Subsequently, we used an HEV-based reporter replicon system to investigate sofosbuvir sensitivity in high-frequency variants. Most patients had heterogenous HEV populations, suggesting high adaptability to treatment-related selection pressures. We identified numerous amino acid alterations emerging during treatment and found that the EC 50 of patient-derived replicon constructs was up to ~12-fold higher than the wild-type control, suggesting that variants associated with lower drug sensitivity were selected during sofosbuvir treatment. In particular, a single amino acid substitution (A1343V) in the finger domain of ORF1 could reduce susceptibility to sofosbuvir significantly in 8 of 9 patients. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, viral population dynamics played a critical role during antiviral treatment. High population diversity during sofosbuvir treatment led to the selection of variants (especially A1343V) with lower sensitivity to the drug, uncovering a novel mechanism of resistance-associated variants during sofosbuvir treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michelle Jagst
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian K. Nocke
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Horvatits
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- Gastromedics Health Center, Eisenstadt, Austria
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Svenja Hardtke
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Infections Research and Vaccine, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
- Center for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
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Songtanin B, Molehin AJ, Brittan K, Manatsathit W, Nugent K. Hepatitis E Virus Infections: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Clinical Considerations. Viruses 2023; 15:1389. [PMID: 37376687 DOI: 10.3390/v15061389] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 20 million people worldwide are infected annually with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There are four main genotypes of HEV. Genotype 1 and genotype 2 are common in developing countries and are transmitted by contaminated water from a fecal-oral route. Genotype 3 and genotype 4 are common in developed countries and can lead to occasional transmission to humans via undercooked meat. Hepatitis E virus 1 and HEV3 can lead to fulminant hepatitis, and HEV3 can lead to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. The majority of patients with HEV infection are asymptomatic and usually have spontaneous viral clearance without treatment. However, infection in immunocompromised individuals can lead to chronic HEV infection. Both acute and chronic HEV infections can have extrahepatic manifestations. No specific treatment is required for acute HEV infection, no treatment has been approved in chronic infection, and no HEV vaccine has been approved by the (United States) Food and Drug Administration. This review focuses on the molecular virology (HEV life cycle, genotypes, model systems, zoonosis), pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment of chronic HEV infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, to provide clinicians a better understanding of the global distribution of these infections and the significant effect they can have on immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busara Songtanin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Adebayo J Molehin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Kevin Brittan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Wuttiporn Manatsathit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kenneth Nugent
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Gallacher J, Taha Y, da Silva Filipe A, Ijaz S, McPherson S. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ribavirin for the treatment of ribavirin-refractory persistent hepatitis E virus infection. IDCases 2023; 32:e01741. [PMID: 36942308 PMCID: PMC10023993 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent Hepatitis E Virus infection (HEV) is a rare but increasingly recognised condition in immunocompromised individuals. Untreated, this infection can rapidly progress to cirrhosis. Ribavirin is recommended as the first line treatment and the majority achieve sustained viral clearance. However, treatment options are limited for those who fail ribavirin. We report a case of a patients with ribavirin-refractory persistent HEV who responded to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment. This patients had failed 2 course of ribavirin and 1 course of PEG-Interferon and ribavirin and he was known to harbour ribavirin-associated mutations (G1634R, D1384G and K1383N) in the RNA dependent RNA polymerase. He was treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF; Harvoni 90/400 mg) and ribavirin (R) 400 mg twice daily for 32 weeks. At treatment initiation his HEV RNA was 1.1 × 106 IU/ML and reduced to 1.8 × 104 IU/ML and 43 IU/ML at one and four weeks of treatment, respectively, becoming not detected in blood and stool by week eight. His blood HEV RNA remained undetectable for seven months after treatment completion. Unfortunately, at eight months post-treatment, his blood HEV RNA became detectable at a low level (35 IU/ML). His stool HEV RNA was also detectable at 620 IU/ML consistent with a late relapse. He restarted LDV/SOF+R and by week four of treatment HEV RNA was not detected in blood and stool. He remains on treatment. In conclusion, this is the first report demonstrating the antiviral activity of LDV/SOF+R in the treatment of persistent HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gallacher
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Yusri Taha
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Ana da Silva Filipe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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5
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Hui W, Wei L. Treatment of Hepatitis E. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:215-226. [PMID: 37223869 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are the most common cause of acute hepatitis, but they can also take a chronic course. There is no specific therapy for acute hepatitis, and current treatment is supportive. Choosing ribavirin as the first-line therapy for chronic HEV is advisable, especially immunosuppressed individuals. Moreover, ribavirin therapy in the acute phase of infection provides major benefits for those at high risk of acute liver failure (ALF)/acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Pegylated interferon α has been used successfully for treatment of hepatitis E but is associated with major side effects. Cholestasis is one of the most common, but devastating, manifestations in hepatitis E. Current therapy for HEV aims to treat symptoms. Therapy generally involves several measures, such as vitamins, albumin, and plasma for supporting treatment, symptomatic treatment for cutaneous pruritus, ursodeoxycholic acid, Obeticholic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, etc. for removing jaundice. HEV infection during pregnancy and patients with underlying liver disease may develop liver failure. For these patients, active monitoring, standard care, and supportive treatment are the foundations. Ribavirin has successfully been used to prevent liver transplantation (LT). Prevention and treatment of complications are important for treatment of liver failure. Liver support devices are intended to support liver function until such time as native liver function recovers, or until LT. LT is widely considered as irreplaceable and definitive treatment for liver failure, particularly for patients who do not improve with supportive measures to sustain life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hui
- Chronic Disease Management Center, Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Wei
- The Second Department of Liver Disease Center, Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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6
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Liang Z, Shu J, He Q, Zhang F, Dai L, Wang L, Lu F, Wang L. High dose sofosbuvir and sofosbuvir-plus-ribavirin therapy inhibit Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) replication in a rabbit model for acute HEV infection. Antiviral Res 2022; 199:105274. [PMID: 35247472 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of viral hepatitis worldwide and there is currently no FDA-approved anti-HEV drug. The commonly used drug ribavirin (RBV) could not achieve viral clearance in all patients and can induce drug resistance. Recent studies showed sofosbuvir (SOF) can inhibit HEV replication in vitro and has add-on effect when combined with RBV, but the effect of SOF against HEV infection remains controversial and the dosage of SOF warrants further exploration. In this study, a rabbit model for acute HEV infection was used to evaluate the effect of SOF at different doses against HEV genotype 3 and 4, and to compare the antiviral effect of SOF-plus-RBV therapy with RBV monotherapy. Virological parameters on fecal, serological and intrahepatic level were tested by real-time PCR and ELISA. Liver function tests and histopathological assays were performed. Both 200 mg/d and 300 mg/d SOF treatment inhibits HEV replication with relieved liver inflammation and declined levels of fecal HEV RNA, viremia and antigenemia. 300 mg/d SOF eliminated HEV replication while a short viral rebound was observed after 200 mg/d SOF treatment. The SOF-plus-RBV therapy also showed stronger anti-HEV effect than RBV monotherapy. Our study suggests that high dose of SOF showed better anti-HEV effect in the rabbit model. Moreover, the de novo SOF-plus-RBV therapy which eliminated acute HEV infection more efficiently than RBV monotherapy may serve as an alternative treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochao Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Shu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyu He
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhong Dai
- Peking University-Sansure Biotech Joint Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Peking University-Sansure Biotech Joint Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Peking University-Sansure Biotech Joint Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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7
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Lampejo T. Sofosbuvir in the Treatment of Hepatitis E virus Infection: A Review of in vitro and in vivo Evidence. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1225-1237. [PMID: 35814503 PMCID: PMC9257862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, which occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients, if untreated may progress to cirrhosis and possibly hepatocellular carcinoma. The reduction of immunosuppression and/or administration of ribavirin is frequently curative but there remain many immunocompromised individuals whose HEV infection is refractory to these therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the haematological toxicity of ribavirin limits its use. Pegylated interferon has demonstrated success in a small number of patients with chronic HEV infection; however, the potentially increased risk of graft rejection associated with its use renders it unsuitable for many transplant recipients. Alternative therapeutic strategies are therefore required. This article reviews the in vitro and in vivo literature to date of the antiviral agent sofosbuvir (well established in the treatment of hepatitis C) in the treatment of HEV infection.
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8
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Cornberg M, Pischke S, Müller T, Behrendt P, Piecha F, Benckert J, Todt D, Steinmann E, Papkalla A, von Karpowitz M, Koch A, Lohse A, Hardtke S, Manns MP, Wedemeyer H. Sofosbuvir monotherapy fails to achieve HEV RNA elimination in patients with chronic hepatitis E - The HepNet SofE pilot study. J Hepatol 2020; 73:696-699. [PMID: 32624195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany; Center for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Sven Pischke
- I.Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Felix Piecha
- I.Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Benckert
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Armin Papkalla
- Hannover Clinical Trial Center (HCTC-KKS), Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Armin Koch
- Institute for Biometry, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Ansgar Lohse
- I.Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Svenja Hardtke
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has gained increased global recognition in recent years, particularly in developed countries. We summarized here a selection of the literature published since the 1st of June, 2017. RECENT FINDINGS Longitudinal studies are increasingly conducted in Europe, to determine trends in HEV prevalence. The spectrum of mammals infected with HEV and potentially capable to transmit it to humans has widened. New virological data on HEV repCon and pathogenicity have been reported and clinical features of HEV infections have been precised or newly described. Finally, there are some new data on the therapeutic management of HEV infections in various clinical settings. SUMMARY HEV emergence in developed countries appears to be based on improved diagnosis tools and increased awareness of clinicians that HEV transmission is essentially autochthonous and is a possible cause of life-threatening acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and extra-hepatic symptoms. In addition, the distribution of HEV strains evolves. Ribavirin remains to date the only specific treatment recommended for HEV infection, being efficient in the majority but not in all cases.
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10
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Pegylated interferon may be considered in chronic viral hepatitis E resistant to ribavirin in kidney transplant recipients. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:522. [PMID: 32677900 PMCID: PMC7367388 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05212-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) may be resistant to immunosuppression reduction and ribavirin treatment in kidney transplant recipients because of mutant strains and severe side effects of ribavirin which conduct to dose reduction. Sofosbuvir efficacy is controversial. Peg-interferon 2 alpha (PEG-IFN) is currently contraindicated due to a high risk of acute humoral and cellular rejection. The present study assessed, for the first time, the effect of PEG-IFN in a kidney transplant recipient infected with HEV. Case presentation The patient had chronic active HEV that was resistant to immunosuppression reduction and optimal ribavirin treatment. He developed significant liver fibrosis. PEG-IFN was administered for 10 months, and it was well tolerated and did not induce rejection. A sustained virological response was obtained. Conclusions We conclude that prolonged treatment with PEG-IFN in kidney transplant recipients infected with HEV could be considered as a salvage option.
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Lhomme S, Marion O, Abravanel F, Izopet J, Kamar N. Clinical Manifestations, Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatitis E Virus Infections. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E331. [PMID: 31991629 PMCID: PMC7073673 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis throughout the world. Most infections are acute but they can become chronic in immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ transplant patients, patients with hematologic malignancy undergoing chemotherapy and those with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Extra-hepatic manifestations, especially neurological and renal diseases, have also been described. To date, four main genotypes of HEV (HEV1-4) were described. HEV1 and HEV2 only infect humans, while HEV3 and HEV4 can infect both humans and animals, like pigs, wild boar, deer and rabbits. The real epidemiology of HEV has been underestimated because most infections are asymptomatic. This review focuses on the recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of acute HEV infections, including severe hepatitis in patients with pre-existing liver disease and pregnant women. It also examines the mechanisms leading to chronic infection in immunocompromised patients and extra-hepatic manifestations. Acute infections are usually self-limiting and do not require antiviral treatment. Conversely, a chronic HEV infection can be cleared by decreasing the dose of immunosuppressive drugs or by treating with ribavirin for 3 months. Nevertheless, new drugs are needed for those cases in which ribavirin treatment fails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lhomme
- Virology Laboratory, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E Virus, Toulouse Purpan University Hospital, 31300 Toulouse, France; (F.A.); (J.I.)
- INSERM UMR1043, Center for Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan, 31300 Toulouse, France;
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Marion
- INSERM UMR1043, Center for Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan, 31300 Toulouse, France;
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
- Department of Nephrology and Organs Transplantation, Toulouse Rangueil University Hospital, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- Virology Laboratory, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E Virus, Toulouse Purpan University Hospital, 31300 Toulouse, France; (F.A.); (J.I.)
- INSERM UMR1043, Center for Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan, 31300 Toulouse, France;
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Virology Laboratory, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E Virus, Toulouse Purpan University Hospital, 31300 Toulouse, France; (F.A.); (J.I.)
- INSERM UMR1043, Center for Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan, 31300 Toulouse, France;
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- INSERM UMR1043, Center for Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan, 31300 Toulouse, France;
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
- Department of Nephrology and Organs Transplantation, Toulouse Rangueil University Hospital, 31400 Toulouse, France
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12
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Rivero-Juarez A, Vallejo N, Lopez-Lopez P, Díaz-Mareque AI, Frias M, Vallejo A, Caballero-Gómez J, Rodríguez-Velasco M, Molina E, Aguilera A. Ribavirin as a First Treatment Approach for Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Transplant Recipient Patients. Microorganisms 2019; 8:E51. [PMID: 31888090 PMCID: PMC7022260 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute hepatitis of viral origin worldwide. Despite its usual course as an asymptomatic self-limited hepatitis, there are highly susceptible populations, such as those with underlying immunosuppression, which could develop chronic hepatitis. In this situation, implementation of therapy is mandatory in the sense to facilitate viral clearance. Currently, there are no specific drugs approved for HEV infection, but ribavirin (RBV), the drug of choice, is used for off-label treatment. Here, we present two cases of chronic HEV infection in transplant patients, reviewing and discussing the therapeutic approach available in the literature. The use of RBV for the treatment of an HEV infection in organ transplant patients seems to be effective. The recommendation of 12 weeks of therapy is adequate in terms of efficacy. Nevertheless, there are important issues that urgently need to be assessed, such as optimal duration of therapy and drug dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
| | - Nicolau Vallejo
- Digestive Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.V.); (E.M.)
| | - Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
| | - Ana Isabel Díaz-Mareque
- Nephrology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Mario Frias
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
| | - Aldara Vallejo
- Microbiology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.V.); (M.R.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
- Animal Health Department, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), 15705 Cordoba, Spain
| | - María Rodríguez-Velasco
- Microbiology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.V.); (M.R.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Esther Molina
- Digestive Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.V.); (E.M.)
| | - Antonio Aguilera
- Microbiology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.V.); (M.R.-V.); (A.A.)
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13
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Nishiyama T, Kobayashi T, Jirintai S, Nagashima S, Primadharsini PP, Nishizawa T, Okamoto H. Antiviral candidates against the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and their combinations inhibit HEV growth in in vitro. Antiviral Res 2019; 170:104570. [PMID: 31362004 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a global public health problem. Ribavirin (RBV) and pegylated interferon alpha are currently administered to cure hepatitis E. Recently, in combination with RBV, sofosbuvir (SOF), an anti-hepatitis C virus nucleotide analog, is also given to patients with chronic hepatitis E. However, this combinatorial therapy sometimes fails to achieve a sustained virological response. In this study, we used 27 antiviral compounds, including 15 nucleos(t)ide analogs, for in vitro screening against a genotype 3 HEV strain containing a Gaussia luciferase reporter. RBV, SOF, 2'-C-methyladenosine, 2'-C-methylcytidine (2CMC), 2'-C-methylguanosine (2CMG), and two 4'-azido nucleoside analogs (R-1479 and RO-9187) suppressed replication of the reporter genome, while only RBV, SOF, 2CMC and 2CMG inhibited the growth of genotype 3 HEV in cultured cells. Although 2CMG and RBV (2CMG/RBV) exhibited a synergistic effect while SOF/RBV and 2CMC/RBV showed antagonistic effects on the reporter assay, these three nucleos(t)ide analogs acted additively with RBV in inhibiting HEV growth in cultured cells. Furthermore, SOF and 2CMG, with four interferons (IFN-α2b, IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3), inhibited HEV growth efficiently and cleared HEV in cultured cells. These results suggest that, in combination with RBV or interferons, SOF and 2CMG would be promising bases for developing anti-HEV nucleos(t)ide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nishiyama
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tominari Kobayashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Suljid Jirintai
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan; Division of Pathology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shigeo Nagashima
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Putu Prathiwi Primadharsini
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nishizawa
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
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14
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Horvatits T, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Lütgehetmann M, Lohse AW, Pischke S. The Clinical Perspective on Hepatitis E. Viruses 2019; 11:E617. [PMID: 31284447 PMCID: PMC6669652 DOI: 10.3390/v11070617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year, there are an estimated 20 million hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections worldwide, leading to an estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases of hepatitis E. HEV is largely circulating in the west and is associated with several hepatic and extrahepatic diseases. HEV Genotype 1 and 2 infections are waterborne and causative for epidemics in the tropics, while genotype 3 and 4 infections are zoonotic diseases and are mainly transmitted by ingestion of undercooked pork in industrialized nations. The clinical course of these infections differs: genotype 1 and 2 infection can cause acute illness and can lead to acute liver failure (ALF) or acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) with a high mortality rate of 20% in pregnant women. In contrast, the majority of HEV GT-3 and -4 infections have a clinically asymptomatic course and only rarely lead to acute on chronic liver failure in elderly or patients with underlying liver disease. Immunosuppressed individuals infected with genotype 3 or 4 may develop chronic hepatitis E, which then can lead to life-threatening cirrhosis. Furthermore, several extra-hepatic manifestations affecting various organs have been associated with ongoing or previous HEV infections but the causal link for many of them still needs to be proven. There is no approved specific therapy for the treatment of acute or chronic HEV GT-3 or -4 infections but off-label use of ribavirin has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in the majority of patients. However, in approximately 15% of chronically HEV infected patients, cure is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Horvatits
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 22527 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22527 Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 22527 Hamburg, Germany.
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15
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Combination therapy of sofosbuvir and ribavirin fails to clear chronic hepatitis E infection in a multivisceral transplanted patient. J Hepatol 2019; 71:225-227. [PMID: 31027993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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16
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Rivero-Juarez A, Lopez-Lopez P, Frias M, Rivero A. Hepatitis E Infection in HIV-Infected Patients. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1425. [PMID: 31297100 PMCID: PMC6608679 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. The majority of HEV cases occur in low-income countries, mainly Asia and Africa, where HEV causes large outbreaks associated with the consumption of contaminated water and high mortality in specific populations. In high-income countries, HEV infection is considered a zoonotic disease that is linked to the consumption of contaminated food. Although a high proportion of cases have self-limiting asymptomatic or subclinical infections, immunosuppression may modify the pathogenesis and clinical impact of this emerging disease. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Here, we review the current knowledge about the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, management and prevention of HEV infection in HIV-infected subjects. CONCLUSIONS Despite the increasing knowledge about the pathogenesis, epidemiology and clinical impact of HEV infection, several major factors are faced by HIV-infected patients, including treatment recommendations, immunization and risk practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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17
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van Wezel EM, de Bruijne J, Damman K, Bijmolen M, van den Berg AP, Verschuuren EAM, Ruigrok GA, Riezebos-Brilman A, Knoester M. Sofosbuvir Add-on to Ribavirin Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Does Not Result in Sustained Virological Response. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:5540719. [PMID: 31404927 PMCID: PMC6690733 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribavirin is effective for treating immunocompromised patients with chronic hepatitis E virus infection. However, ribavirin treatment is not always successful. We describe 3 solid organ transplant recipients treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin after failing ribavirin monotherapy. Complete elimination of hepatitis E virus could not be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M van Wezel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J de Bruijne
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - K Damman
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Bijmolen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A P van den Berg
- Pulmonology and Tuberculosis, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E A M Verschuuren
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - G A Ruigrok
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - A Riezebos-Brilman
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - M Knoester
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
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18
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Hepatitis E Virus Drug Development. Viruses 2019; 11:v11060485. [PMID: 31141919 PMCID: PMC6631701 DOI: 10.3390/v11060485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an underestimated disease, leading to estimated 20 million infections and up to 70,000 deaths annually. Infections are mostly asymptomatic but can reach mortality rates up to 25% in pregnant women or become chronic in immunocompromised patients. The current therapy options are limited to the unspecific antivirals Ribavirin (RBV) and pegylated Interferon-α (pegIFN-α). RBV leads to viral clearance in only 80% of patients treated, and is, similar to pegIFN-α, contraindicated in the major risk group of pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of new therapy options. In this review, we focus on the urgent need and current efforts in HEV drug development. We provide an overview of the current status of HEV antiviral research. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for drug development and the limitations of the approaches with respect to HEV.
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19
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Sofosbuvir add-on to ribavirin for chronic hepatitis E in a cirrhotic liver transplant recipient: a case report. BMC Gastroenterol 2019; 19:76. [PMID: 31126238 PMCID: PMC6534895 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-019-0995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic hepatitis E represents an emerging challenge in organ transplantation, as there are currently no established treatment options for patients who fail to clear hepatitis E virus (HEV) following reduction of immunosuppressive therapy and/or treatment with ribavirin. Sofosbuvir has shown antiviral activity against HEV in vitro but clinical utility in vivo is unknown. Case presentation We describe a 57-year-old liver transplant recipient with decompensated graft cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis E. Reduction of immunosuppressive treatment as well ribavirin alone for 4 months did not result in viral clearance. Add-on of sofosbuvir for 6 months was associated with HEV RNA becoming undetectable in plasma. However, sustained viral clearance could not be achieved. Conclusions Sofosbuvir may have some antiviral activity against HEV when added to ribavirin. However, this did not suffice to yield sustained viral clearance. Our well-characterized observation emphasizes the need for new treatment options to cure chronic hepatitis E in the setting of organ transplantation.
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20
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Antiviral Candidates for Treating Hepatitis E Virus Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00003-19. [PMID: 30885901 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00003-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes significant morbidity and mortality each year. Despite this burden, there are no specific antivirals available to treat HEV patients, and the only licensed vaccine is not available outside China. Ribavirin and alpha interferon are used to treat chronic HEV infections; however, severe side effects and treatment failure are commonly reported. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential antivirals for further development to combat HEV infection. We selected 16 compounds from the nucleoside and nonnucleoside antiviral classes that range in developmental status from late preclinical to FDA approved and evaluated them as potential antivirals for HEV infection, using genotype 1 replicon luminescence studies and replicon RNA quantification. Two potent inhibitors of HEV replication included NITD008 (half-maximal effective concentration [EC50], 0.03 μM; half-maximal cytotoxic concentration [CC50], >100 μM) and GPC-N114 (EC50, 1.07 μM, CC50, >100 μM), and both drugs reduced replicon RNA levels in cell culture (>50% reduction with either 10 μM GPC-N114 or 2.50 μM NITD008). Furthermore, GPC-N114 and NITD008 were synergistic in combinational treatment (combination index, 0.4) against HEV replication, allowing for dose reduction indices of 20.42 and 8.82 at 50% inhibition, respectively. Sofosbuvir has previously exhibited mixed results against HEV as an antiviral, both in vitro and in a few clinical applications; however, in this study it was effective against the HEV genotype 1 replicon (EC50, 1.97 μM; CC50, >100 μM) and reduced replicon RNA levels (47.2% reduction at 10 μM). Together these studies indicate drug repurposing may be a promising pathway for development of antivirals against HEV infection.
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21
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Kamar N, Pan Q. No Clear Evidence for an Effect of Sofosbuvir Against Hepatitis E Virus in Organ Transplant Patients. Hepatology 2019; 69:1846-1847. [PMID: 30723920 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, INSERM U1043, IFR-BMT, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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Luciani L, Deharo P, Aherfi S, Chalvignac V, Borentain P, Colson P. Hepatitis E virus infection in heart transplant recipients, Southeastern France. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2019; 43:108-111. [PMID: 30497845 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Luciani
- Aix-Marseille université, institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), Assistance publique - hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), microbes, evolution, phylogeny and infection (MEΦI), institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU) - Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Deharo
- Assistance publique - hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), centre hospitalo-universitaire Timone, service de cardiologie, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- Aix-Marseille université, institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), Assistance publique - hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), microbes, evolution, phylogeny and infection (MEΦI), institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU) - Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Virginie Chalvignac
- Assistance publique - hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), centre hospitalo-universitaire Timone, service de chirurgie cardio-thoracique, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Patrick Borentain
- Assistance publique - hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), centre hospitalo-universitaire Timone, service d'hépatologie-gastrologie-entérologie, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- Aix-Marseille université, institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), Assistance publique - hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), microbes, evolution, phylogeny and infection (MEΦI), institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU) - Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France.
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23
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Lanini S, Pisapia R, Capobianchi MR, Ippolito G. Global epidemiology of viral hepatitis and national needs for complete control. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018; 16:625-639. [PMID: 30067107 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2018.1505503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization recognizes that viral hepatitis is not only a massive public health issue but also a huge opportunity to improve quality of life and equity at a global level. Viral hepatitis causes about 1.5 million deaths each year and significantly affects the quality of life of hundreds of millions of people. To date, frail individuals in high-income countries and people living in low-income settings are paying the heaviest tool. Areas covered. Here we present a broad discussion on current knowledge and topical issues about the hepatitis pandemic. The report includes a structured overview of global epidemiology, including the definition of specific local epidemic profiles for each hepatitis agents (HAV, HBV, HCV, and HEV), and a perspective about the critical actions needed for achieving a complete control. Expert commentary. The control of viral hepatitis is currently, ethically urgent and even economically convenient. There is a wide consensus that viral hepatitis can be controlled through comprehensive intervention tailored on local needs addressing the issue of viral hepatitis as a unique public health issue. These strategies should include: (1) primary prevention (including vaccination and improved infection control), (2) improving diagnosis rate, and (3) management of existing cases of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lanini
- a Dipartimento Epidemiologia, Ricerca Preclinica e Diagnostica Avanzata , National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Raffaella Pisapia
- a Dipartimento Epidemiologia, Ricerca Preclinica e Diagnostica Avanzata , National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- a Dipartimento Epidemiologia, Ricerca Preclinica e Diagnostica Avanzata , National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- a Dipartimento Epidemiologia, Ricerca Preclinica e Diagnostica Avanzata , National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS , Rome , Italy
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