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Osasona OG, Oguntoye OO, Arowosaye AO, Abdulkareem LO, Adewumi MO, Happi C, Folarin O. Patterns of hepatitis b virus immune escape and pol/rt mutations across clinical cohorts of patients with genotypes a, e and occult hepatitis b infection in Nigeria: A multi-centre study. Virulence 2023; 14:2218076. [PMID: 37262110 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2218076] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immune escape and Pol/RT mutations account for HBV immunoprophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic failure globally. Little is known about circulating HBV immune escape and Pol/RT mutants in Nigeria. This study focused on narrowing the knowledge gap of the pattern and prevalence of the HBV mutants across clinical cohorts of infected patients in southwestern Nigeria. Ninety-five enrollees were purposively recruited across clinical cohorts of HBV-infected patients with HBsAg or anti-HBc positive serological outcome and occult HBV infection. Total DNA was extracted from patients' sera. HBV S and Pol gene-specific nested PCR amplification was carried out. The amplicons were further sequenced for serotypic, genotypic, phylogenetic, and mutational analysis. HBV S and Pol genes were amplified in 60 (63.2%) and 19 (20%) of HBV isolates, respectively. All the sixty HBV S gene and 14 of 19 Pol gene sequences were exploitable. The ayw4 serotype was predominant (95%) while ayw1 serotype was identified in 5% of isolates. Genotype E predominates in 95% of sequences, while genotype A, sub-genotype A3 was observed in 5%. Prevalence of HBV IEMs in the "a" determinant region was 29%. Commonest HBV IEM was S113T followed by G145A and D144E. The Pol/RT mutations rtV214A and rtI163V among others were identified in this study. This study provided data on the occurrence of existing and new HBV IEMs and Pol gene mutations in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilola G Osasona
- African Centre of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemers University, Ede, Nigeria
| | | | - Abiola O Arowosaye
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Lukman O Abdulkareem
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Moses O Adewumi
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Christian Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemers University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Onikepe Folarin
- African Centre of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemers University, Ede, Nigeria
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Sobajo OA, Oguzie JU, Adegboyega B, Eromon P, Happi C, Komolafe I, Folarin O. Detection of Immune Escape and Basal Core Promoter/Precore Gene Mutations in Hepatitis B Virus Isolated from Asymptomatic Hospital Attendees in Two Southwestern States in Nigeria. Viruses 2023; 15:2188. [PMID: 38005866 PMCID: PMC10674980 DOI: 10.3390/v15112188] [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] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Several mutations in the surface (S), basal core promoter (BCP), and precore (PC) genes of the hepatitis B virus have been linked to inaccurate diagnosis and the development of immune escape mutants (IEMs) of the infection, which can lead to chronic infection. Understanding the prevalence and spread of these mutations is critical in the global effort to eliminate HBV. Blood samples were collected from 410 people in Osun and Ekiti states, southwest Nigeria, between 2019 and 2021. Participants were drawn from a group of asymptomatic people who were either blood donors, outpatients, or antenatal patients with no record of HBV infection at the medical outpatients' unit of the hospital. DNA was extracted from plasma using a Qiagen DNEasy kit, followed by nested PCR targeting HBV S and BCP/PC genes. The Sanger sequencing method was used to sequence the positive PCR amplicons, which were further analyzed for IEMs, BCP, and PC mutations. HBV-DNA was detected in 12.4% (51/410) of individuals. After DNA amplification and purification, 47.1% (24) of the S gene and 76.5% (39) of the BCP/PC gene amplicons were successfully sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the HBV sequences obtained in this study were classified as HBV genotype E. Mutational analysis of the major hydrophilic region (MHR) and a-determinant domain of S gene sequences revealed the presence of three immune escape mutations: two samples harbored a T116N substitution, six samples had heterogenous D144A/N/S/H substitution, and one sample had a G145E substitution, respectively. The BCP/PC region analysis revealed a preponderance of major BCP mutants, with the prevalence of BCP double substitutions ranging from 38.5% (A1762T) to 43.6% (G1764A). Previously reported classical PC mutant variants were observed in high proportion, including G1896A (33.3%) and G1899A (12.8%) mutations. This study confirms the strong presence of HBV genotype E in Nigeria, the ongoing circulation of HBV IEMs, and a high prevalence of BCP/PC mutants in the cohorts. This has implications for diagnosis and vaccine efficacy for efficient management and control of HBV in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oguntope Adeorike Sobajo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria or (O.A.S.); (J.U.O.); (C.H.); (I.K.)
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria; (B.A.); (P.E.)
- Department of Biological Science, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti 360101, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Judith Uche Oguzie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria or (O.A.S.); (J.U.O.); (C.H.); (I.K.)
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria; (B.A.); (P.E.)
| | - Benjamin Adegboyega
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria; (B.A.); (P.E.)
| | - Philomena Eromon
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria; (B.A.); (P.E.)
| | - Christian Happi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria or (O.A.S.); (J.U.O.); (C.H.); (I.K.)
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria; (B.A.); (P.E.)
| | - Isaac Komolafe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria or (O.A.S.); (J.U.O.); (C.H.); (I.K.)
| | - Onikepe Folarin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria or (O.A.S.); (J.U.O.); (C.H.); (I.K.)
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232102, Osun State, Nigeria; (B.A.); (P.E.)
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Azzam A, Khaled H, El-Kayal ES, Gad FA, Omar S. Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in Egypt: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2023; 98:13. [PMID: 37491501 PMCID: PMC10368600 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-023-00138-4] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is a major public health problem. The clinical importance of OBI stems from the fact that it can be transmitted to healthy individuals at extremely low viral load levels. Additionally, immunosuppression has the potential to trigger viral replication, which can result in life-threatening liver decompensation. Despite several studies examining the prevalence of OBI, the pooled prevalence of OBI in Egypt remains unknown, particularly among blood donors and high-risk individuals, to whom intervention should be targeted. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the following databases was conducted from inception to October 2022 using the following keywords: occult hepatitis B virus infection or occult HBV infection or OBI and Egypt in MEDLINE [PubMed], Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. I-squared and Cochran's Q were used to measure the heterogeneity between the studies, and based on the random effects model, results were reported as proportions (%) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Analyses of subgroup analyses were conducted based on the target population. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using the leave-one-out approach to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS A total of 50 studies with 62 estimations of OBI were included, 19 in patients who were HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-positive and 43 in patients who were HBsAg-negative. The highest prevalence (41%) was among multi-transfused patients according to studies that report occult hepatitis B virus prevalence in an HBsAg-negative population, while the pooled prevalence of OBI among patients on hemodialysis, patients with chronic hepatitis C infection, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and patients with liver cirrhosis was 17%, 10%, 24%, and 13%, respectively. On the other hand, among studies that report OBI prevalence in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-positive individuals, the pooled prevalence of OBI among blood donors, patients with chronic hepatitis C infection, and patients with HCC was 12%, 15%, and 31%, respectively. Also, the majority of studies examining the genetic background of OBI have found that genotype D is the most prevalent. CONCLUSION This study highlights the high prevalence in OBI among blood donors and high-risk populations in Egypt. The implementation of HBV nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) may increase the safety of blood transfusions by excluding all HBV DNA-positive donations. However, the cost-effectiveness of these tests should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Azzam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Heba Khaled
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esraa S El-Kayal
- Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Fathy A Gad
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Omar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Aden University, Aden, Yemen
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Ondigui JLN, Kenmoe S, Kengne-Ndé C, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Takuissu GR, Kenfack-Momo R, Mbaga DS, Tchatchouang S, Kenfack-Zanguim J, Fogang RL, Menkem EZ, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Bowo-Ngandji A, Goumkwa NM, Esemu SN, Ndip L, Essama SHR, Torimiro J. Epidemiology of occult hepatitis B and C in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1436-1445. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Cakal B, Cavus B, Atasoy A, Altunok D, Poda M, Bulakci M, Gulluoglu M, Demirci M, Sener LT, Arslan AB, Arikan M, Akyuz F. Comparison of S gene mutations in patients with occult and chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Virus Res 2022; 318:198855. [PMID: 35798213 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This study aimed to detect mutations in the HBV S gene and evaluate their relationship to occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI). METHODS The study included 32 patients with negative serum HBsAg and HBV DNA who underwent liver biopsy due to different clinical indications defined as the OBI group and 32 patients who underwent liver biopsy due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) as the comparison group. The HBV S gene region was amplified by Nested PCR, and Sanger sequencing was performed. RESULTS At least one amino acid (aa) mutation was detected in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the HBV S gene in 14/32 (43.75%) of the patients with OBI and 8/32 (25.0%) with CHB. The genotype of all patients with OBI and CHB was HBV/D. Although 9 (28.1%) of the cases with OBI had sub-genotype HBV/D3, none of the patients with CHB had sub-genotype HBV/D3. Unlike patients with CHB, L15*, D33N, Q51P, V63F, L91I, P108S, T115I, P120L, T125M, Q129H, T189I, L216F, P217L mutations were detected in the HBV S gene in OBI cases. Also, P127T aa polymorphism was frequently detected. Mutation frequency in the HBV S gene in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) was higher in patients with OBI with sub-genotypes HBV/D3 and D2 than those with HBV/D1 and those with serotype HBV/ayw3 compared to those with HBV/ayw2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Sub-genotypic-specific mutation patterns were seen in the "a" determinant region and T helper cell epitopes of HBsAg, especially in the C-terminus domain; this may be associated with OBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Cakal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34093, Turkey.
| | - Bilger Cavus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alp Atasoy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Damla Altunok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehves Poda
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Bulakci
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Gulluoglu
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Demirci
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kirklareli University, Kirklareli, Turkey
| | - Leyla Turker Sener
- Department of Biophysics Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Muzaffer Arikan
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Akyuz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Gherlan GS. Occult hepatitis B — the result of the host immune response interaction with different genomic expressions of the virus. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:5518-5530. [PMID: 35979101 PMCID: PMC9258381 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i17.5518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With over 40 years of history, occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) continues to remain an important and challenging public health problem. Defined as the presence of replication-competent hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (i.e., episomal HBV covalently closed circular DNA) in the liver and/or HBV DNA in the blood of people who test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in currently available assays, OBI is currently diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR assays. However, all efforts should be made to exclude a false negative HBsAg in order to completely follow the definition of OBI. In recent years, significant advances have been made in understanding the HBV lifecycle and the molecular mechanisms that lead to the persistence of the virus in the occult form. These factors are mainly related to the host immune system and, to a smaller proportion, to the virus. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are important in HBV infection management, and epigenetic changes driven by host mechanisms (acetylation, methylation, and microRNA implication) are added to such actions. Although greater genetic variability in the S gene of HBV isolated from OBIs was found compared with overt infection, the mechanisms of OBI are not mainly viral mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Sebastian Gherlan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 030303, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Victor Babes” Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest 030303, Romania
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Olagbenro M, Anderson M, Gaseitsiwe S, Powell EA, Gededzha MP, Selabe SG, Blackard JT. In silico analysis of mutations associated with occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in South Africa. Arch Virol 2021; 166:3075-3084. [PMID: 34468889 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (OBI) infection is defined by the presence of viral DNA in the liver and/or serum in absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). While multiple studies have identified mutations that are associated with OBI, only a small portion of these mutations have been functionally characterized in vitro. Using complementary in silico approaches, the effects of OBI-associated amino acid mutations on HBV protein function in HBV/HIV-positive ART-naïve South Africans were evaluated. Two OBI-associated mutations in the PreS1 region, one in the PreS2 region, and seven in the surface region of subgenotype A1 sequences were identified as deleterious. In subgenotype A2 sequences, 11 OBI-associated mutations in the PreS1 region, seven in the PreS2 region, and 31 in the surface region were identified as deleterious. In the polymerase region, 14 OBI-associated mutations in subgenotype A1 and 71 OBI-associated mutations in subgenotype A2 were identified as deleterious. This study utilized in silico approaches to characterize the likely impact of OBI-associated mutations on viral function, thereby identifying and prioritizing candidates and reducing the significant cost associated with functional studies that are essential for mechanistic studies of the OBI phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Olagbenro
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | | | | | - Eleanor A Powell
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Maemu P Gededzha
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.,HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Selokela G Selabe
- HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jason T Blackard
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA. .,HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa.
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El-Mokhtar MA, Hetta HF, Mekky MA, Abd El-Kareem DM, Ramadan M, Salah M, Mohamed NA, El-Masry EA, Adel S, Sayed IM. Characterization of Antigen Escape Mutations in Chronic HBV-Infected Patients in Upper Egypt. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:2419-2427. [PMID: 34234472 PMCID: PMC8254413 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s315299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations within the “a” determinant region (position 124–147) that is present in the major hydrophilic region (MHR, position 99–160) of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are associated with vaccine-escape, lack of diagnosis, and failure to hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) therapy. Data regarding the amino acid changes of “a” determinant region of HBsAg are limited in Egypt. The prevalence and mutations in this region among chronic HBV (CHB)-infected patients in Upper Egypt are not known. Material and Methods Blood samples were collected from HBsAg-positive CHB-infected patients (n=123) admitted to Assiut University Hospitals. Serum samples were screened for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBe antibodies using commercially available ELISA kits. Viral load was determined by qPCR. In addition, mutational analysis was carried out targeting the HBV surface gene to determine the HBV genotype and vaccine escape mutations. Results Sequencing analysis of HBV DNA revealed that genotype D is the major circulating type (81.3%), followed by genotype E (18.7%). Analysis of the HBV genome revealed that 103/123 (83.7%) patients showed wild-type sequences and 20/123 (16.3%) showed mutations in the HBsAg gene. Mutation in seventeen patients (17/20, 85%) showed only one mutation, and three patients showed two mutations (3/20, 15%) in the “a” determinant region. The observed mutations were T115S (3/20, 15%), P120T/S (3/20, 15%), T126S (1/20, 5%), Q129R (2/20, 10%), M133T (2/20, 10%), S143L (5/20, 25%), D144E/A (3/20, 15%), and G145R/A (4/20, 20%). Mutations in the “a” determinant region were detected in genotype D isolates only. Conclusion We described for the first time the prevalence and characterization of vaccine escape mutants in CHB patients in Upper Egypt. Mutational analysis of the “a” determinant region revealed the presence of a wide spectrum of mutants in the circulating HBV isolates that could be a potential threat to HBV diagnosis, therapy success, and HBV vaccination program in Upper Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Mekky
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Doaa M Abd El-Kareem
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Ramadan
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy Al-Azhar University-Assiut branch, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Salah
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy Port Said University, Port Said, 42526, Egypt
| | - Nahed A Mohamed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman A El-Masry
- Microbiology and Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Sara Adel
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
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Elgaml A, Elegezy M, El-Mesery M, El-Mowafy M. Natural variability in surface antigen and reverse transcriptase domain of hepatitis B virus in treatment-naïve chronic HBV-infected Egyptian patients. Virus Res 2021; 302:198422. [PMID: 33836203 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198422] [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: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious health problem not only in Egypt, but also worldwide. We collected 57 serum samples from treatment-naïve chronic HBV-infected Egyptians. The DNA segment encoding HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and reverse transcriptase (RT) domain was partially sequenced. Our data revealed that all viral isolates belonged to genotype D with ayw2 as the predominant serotype (89 %). Regarding HBsAg, 45 substitutions were detected in the collected isolates. Eleven substitutions were found in the major hydrophilic region, including two novel ones (M103T and G130E) that were not correlated before with genotype D. Additionally, 11 occult samples (19 %) were detected, in which the predominant mutations of HBsAg were S143L (7 samples) followed by D144A and T125M (4 samples each). Concerning the RT domain, 26 isolates (45 %) harbored 19 natural mutations that were reported to be associated with antiviral resistance. Eleven different mutations were not correlated previously with genotype D. The most predominant mutation was Y124H (47 samples, 82 %). Interestingly, such mutation was detected in 91 % of the previous reported sequences of HBV isolates collected in Egypt (157 sequences). Furthermore, our study illustrated the presence of viral quasispecies in the HBsAg (10 samples, 17.5 %) and RT domain (9 samples, 15.7 %). In conclusion, we elucidated the presence of natural substitutions in HBsAg and RT domain of HBV isolates obtained from treatment-naïve chronic HBV-infected Egyptian patients. Additionally, we detected viral quasispecies and revealed Y124H as a characteristic substitution in the RT domain for HBV isolates in Egypt. Moreover, novel substitutions in HBsAg and RT domain were reported with genotype D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaziz Elgaml
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elegezy
- Department of Endemic Hepatology and Gastroenterology, and Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Mesery
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El-Mowafy
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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The sK122R mutation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with occult HBV infection: Analysis of a large cohort of Chinese patients. J Clin Virol 2020; 130:104564. [PMID: 32763811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult HBV infection (OBI) is of great concern due to their complicated diagnosis and potential for public transmission. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to determine the clinical prevalence of OBI and if viral immune escape-associated mutations contribute to the occurrence of OBI. STUDY DESIGN A total of 91,037 HBV-infected patients with different related illnesses who were admitted to the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2005 to December 2017 were tested for OBI. Serum samples from 62 patients with OBI manifestations (OBI patients) and 124 matched non-OBI patients were sequenced for possible immune escape-associated mutations within the major hydrophilic region of HBV S protein. HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in representative viral strains were measured. RESULTS Of the 91,037 tested patients, 487 (0.53 %) were negative for HBsAg but positive for HBV DNA and were defined as OBI patients. The prevalence in different illness categories varied. Immune escape-associated mutations were more frequently detected in OBI patients than in non-OBI patients (59.68 % vs. 35.48 %, P < 0.01), as did the coexistence of multiple mutations (43.55 % vs. 22.58 %, P < 0.01). Specifically, the prevalence rates of sT118 K, sK122R, and sV168A were increased in OBI patients. Strains with sK122R mutants (sK122R, sK122R + D144E, sK122R + C121R + D144E, and sK122R + F134L + D144E) from a follow-up OBI patient all showed significantly lower levels of HBsAg production than a wild-type strain. CONCLUSIONS The study clarified the clinical prevalence of OBI, verified the influence of immune escape-associated mutations, and identified the role of the sK122R mutation in multiple OBI patients.
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Al-Sadeq DW, Taleb SA, Zaied RE, Fahad SM, Smatti MK, Rizeq BR, Al Thani AA, Yassine HM, Nasrallah GK. Hepatitis B Virus Molecular Epidemiology, Host-Virus Interaction, Coinfection, and Laboratory Diagnosis in the MENA Region: An Update. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020063. [PMID: 31083509 PMCID: PMC6630671 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped partial double-stranded DNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 257 million people are living with HBV. Moreover, 20,900 acute hepatitis B cases were reported in 2016. Hepatitis B is highly prevalent in the African, Western Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and European regions, respectively. Due to the high mutational rate of HBV and lack of reverse transcriptase proofreading activity, ten different genotypes with different geographical distributions have been identified. HBV pathogenesis and severity of infection depend on several host and viral factors, particularly, the genetic variability of both the host and virus. Although HBV infection is a global health concern, there is a lack of adequate studies and reports in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here, we provide a review on HBV epidemiology, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, coinfection with selected viruses, and laboratory diagnosis, focusing on studies conducted in the MENA region to determine the current situation of the HBV infection and outline the future study areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Sara A Taleb
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Roan E Zaied
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Sara M Fahad
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Maria K Smatti
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Balsam R Rizeq
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Asmaa A Al Thani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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Anderson M, Choga WT, Moyo S, Bell TG, Mbangiwa T, Phinius BB, Bhebhe L, Sebunya TK, Makhema J, Marlink R, Kramvis A, Essex M, Musonda RM, Blackard JT, Gaseitsiwe S. In Silico Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Occult Associated Mutations in Botswana Using a Novel Algorithm. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9090420. [PMID: 30134551 PMCID: PMC6162659 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infections (OBI) represent a reservoir of undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis B virus (HBV), hence the need to identify mutations that lead to this phenotype. Functionally characterizing these mutations by in vitro studies is time-consuming and expensive. To bridge this gap, in silico approaches, which predict the effect of amino acid (aa) variants on HBV protein function, are necessary. We developed an algorithm for determining the relevance of OBI-associated mutations using in silico approaches. A 3 kb fragment of subgenotypes A1 and D3 from 24 chronic HBV-infected (CHB) and 24 OBI participants was analyzed. To develop and validate the algorithm, the effects of 68 previously characterized occult-associated mutations were determined using three computational tools: PolyPhen2, SNAP2, and PROVEAN. The percentage of deleterious mutations (with impact on protein function) predicted were 52 (76.5%) by PolyPhen2, 55 (80.9%) by SNAP2, and 65 (95.6%) by PROVEAN. At least two tools correctly predicted 59 (86.8%) mutations as deleterious. To identify OBI-associated mutations exclusive to Botswana, study sequences were compared to CHB sequences from GenBank. Of the 43 OBI-associated mutations identified, 26 (60.5%) were predicted by at least two tools to have an impact on protein function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use in silico approaches to determine the impact of OBI-associated mutations, thereby identifying potential candidates for functional analysis to facilitate mechanistic studies of the OBI phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motswedi Anderson
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | | | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Trevor Graham Bell
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit (HVDRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Tshepiso Mbangiwa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Bonolo B Phinius
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Lynette Bhebhe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Theresa K Sebunya
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Richard Marlink
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit (HVDRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Max Essex
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | | | - Jason T Blackard
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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