HIV Universal Vaccine

BACKGROUND

For many deadly viruses, there are no preventive and / or therapeutic vaccines approved by health authorities World-wide (e.g., HIV, Ebola, Dengue, and many others). Although, for some viruses, prophylactic vaccines are very effective (e.g., HBV, and many others).In this realm, we design, manufacture, test, and streamline into the clinics novel viral universal vaccines (VUV). VUV have such unique features, that medical vaccination or natural infection induced immunity against some viruses (e.g., HBV) upon the VUV's administration to the infected with other, different viruses patients, is redirected against these other, newly infecting viruses (e.g., HIV).

SPECIFIC AIM

The specific aim of this work was biomolecular engineering of the HIV universal vaccine comprising the two main functional domains: CD4 or anti-gp120 - as the HIV tagging domain and HBsAg - as the immune response eliciting domain, so that upon its administration the HBV medical immunization or natural infection induced immunity would be redirected, accelerated, and amplified to fight the HIV infection.

HEALTHY DONORS AND PATIENTS

Per the Institutional Review Board approval and in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki, all healthy donors and patients were presented with the Patients' Bill of Rights and provided Patient Informed Consent. All the procedures were pursued by the licensed medical doctors.

METHODS & RESULTS

We have biomolecularly engineered HIV universal vaccine (HIVUV) comprising human CD4 or anti-gp120 and HBsAg of HBV. By immunoblotting and magnetic activated molecular sorting, we have demonstrated high specificity of this vaccine in binding HIV. By flow cytometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, we have demonstrated high efficacy of these vaccines to engage HBV immunized patients' immune system against HIV. Administration of HIVUV to blood or lymph of the HIV+ patients resulted in rapid reduction of the HIV viremia down to undetectable. It also resulted in protection of populations of CD4+ cells against HIV caused decline.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated the proof of concept for high efficacy of VUV, specifically HIVUV, in annihilating HIV. Nevertheless, the same compositions, processes, and methods, for persons skilled in biotechnology, pharmacogenomics, and molecular medicine, are adaptable for other deadly viral infections, which we vigorously pursue.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis D virus infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection attending the three main tertiary hospitals in Libya

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Globally, More than 350 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and >20 million of them are co-infected with hepatitis D virus (HDV). The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of HDV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B in three main tertiary hospitals in Tripoli and Benghazi, Libya.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross sectional and descriptive study was conducted on 162 patients with chronic hepatitis B positive for more than six months) who were followed up at hepatitis clinics of the three main tertiary hospitals in Tripoli city (88 patients from Tripoli Medical Centre and Tripoli Central Hospital) and Benghazi city (74 patients from Aljomhoria Hospital) during the period from January 2010 to June 2012. HBV and HDV markers were detected by enzyme linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and HBV-DNA was quantified by real-time PCR techniques.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 36,92 ± 15,35. One hundred and three (63.6%) of them were males and 59 (36,4%) were females. Four patients (2,5%) were tested positive for anti-HD antibodies, all of them have had clinical and/or histological diagnosis of cirrhosis. In multivariable regression analysis, age (p = .04), elevation of serum ALT (p = .03), elevation of serum AST (p = .04), and presence of cirrhosis (p = .003) were significantly related to HDV seropositivity.

CONCLUSION

Although the study demonstrated that Libya has low to moderate prevalence of HDV (2,5%), it is important for policy makers and health care providers to continue the preventive measures for HDV spread, and HBV prevention program including utilization of HBV vaccine. Furthermore, it is imperative to screen chronic HBV patients for HDV for close observation for early diagnosis of subsequent development of liver cirrhosis. Moreover, further epidemiologic and genetic studies are needed to explore the trend for HDV infection in Libya.

Higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B vs chronic hepatitis C after achievement of virologic response

It is unclear whether the achievement of virologic response modifies the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differently in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Our aim was to compare the risk of HCC between patients with CHB and CHC who achieved virological response. We analysed data from patients with CHB treated with entecavir (n=2000) or CHC treated with peg-interferon and ribavirin (n=733) at a tertiary hospital from 2004 to 2011. Virological response was defined as serum HBV DNA<15 IU/mL at 1 year of treatment for CHB or the achievement of sustained virologic response for CHC. Virological response was achieved in 1520 patients with CHB (76.0%) and 475 patients with CHC (64.8%). During the median follow-up period of 6 years, 228 patients with CHB (11.4%) and 59 patients with CHC (8.0%) developed HCC. Among patients with virological response, CHB was independently associated with a significantly higher incidence of HCC (hazard ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.30-3.63; P=.003) than CHC. Among patients without virological response, there were no differences in HCC incidence between the two cohorts (P=.52). In patients with cirrhosis at baseline, the incidence of HCC did not differ between the two cohorts even after achieving virological response (P>.99). In conclusion, patients with CHB treated with entecavir were associated with a higher risk of HCC compared to patients with CHC treated with peg-interferon and ribavirin after achieving virological response. However, the risk of HCC did not differ between the two cohorts if the patients had cirrhosis at baseline, even if virological response was achieved.

Seroprevalence and diagnosis of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections among blood donors

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion is one of the most important therapeutic options of life-saving intervention for recipients who are in diseased or non-diseased conditions with severe blood loss. However, it is associated with certain risks which can lead to adverse consequences that may cause acute or delayed complications and bring the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections including HIV, Hepatitis B & C and Syphilis. So, there might be a fatal risk instead of life saving. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and reliable tabulation of available data on seroprevalence and diagnosis of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis infections among blood donors.

METHODS

We searched studies reporting the prevalence rate of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis infections among blood donors that were published between October 2009 and June 2016, using databases of PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Science with keywords: ``Hepatitis C Virus'', ``Hepatitis B Virus'', ``HIV'', ``Syphilis'', ``Seroprevalence'', and ``blood donor''.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was highest in African countries as compared to others continents, predominantly the West African region with a range of 10.0% to 14.96% and 1.5% to 8.69%, respectively, while the overall seropositivity of HIV and syphilis infection show a significant declining pattern through successive years globally, even though relatively higher prevalence rate was observed among older age and those with low level of education.

CONCLUSION

There is a problem during selection, diagnoses and screening process in developing nations primarily due to shortage of sensitive screening test kits, highly qualified human resource and lack of proper standard operating procedures and hence, the safety of blood and blood products are the primary threats in the region. Proper clinical diagnosis and screening method should be applied during blood donation and therefore, all the donated blood should be screened properly for transfusion-transmitted infections.

The Psychometric Properties of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report (QIDS-SR) in Patients with HBV-Related Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Comorbid depression in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common. Developing accurate and time- efficient tools to measure depressive symptoms in HBV is important for research and clinical practice in China.

AIMS

This study tested the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR) in HBV patients.

METHODS

The study recruited 245 depressed patients with HBV and related liver disease. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the QIDS-SR.

RESULTS

Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.796 for QIDS-SR. The QIDS-SR total score was significantly correlated with the MADRS total score (r=0.698, p<0.001). The QIDS-SR showed unidimensional measurement properties in exploratory factor analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The QIDS-SR (Chinese version) has good psychometric properties in HBV patients and appears to be useful in assessing depression in clinical settings.

Do Recommendations by Healthcare Providers, Family-members, Friends, and Individual Self-Efficacy Increase Uptake of Hepatitis B Screening? Results of a Population-Based Study of Asian Americans

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection disproportionately affects Asian Americans but HBV screening rates among Asian American are substantially low. This study examines the impact of multiple recommendations and self-efficacy on HBV screening uptake among Asian Americans.

METHODS

Data for this study were from 872 Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese recruited for a liver cancer prevention program in the Washington D.C - Baltimore metropolitan area.

RESULTS

410 (47%) respondents reported previous HBV screening. Only 19.8% recalled a physician recommendation. Higher level of HBV screening was reported among people who had physician recommendation, family member recommendation or friend recommendation. Perceived self-efficacy was also an important predictor to HBV screening. The effect of self-efficacy was significant in subgroup analyses among Chinese and Korean, but not for Vietnamese.

CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

The disproportional prevalence of HBV infection among Asian Americans is considered to be one of the most important health disparities for Asian population. Understanding the condition and screening behavior in this population is especially important. Our findings suggest that recommendation from physician and social networks should be encouraged for HBV screening among Asian Americans. Both recommendation and self-efficacy of HBV screening are important psychosocial constructs to be targeted in liver cancer prevention interventions.

Prevalence and Identification of Serum Markers Associated with Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B in Pregnant Women in Yaounde, Cameroon

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women and identify markers associated with vertical transmission of HBV.

METHODS

Prospective and cross-sectional study over 10 months on 298 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Cité Verte and Efoulan District hospitals in Cameroon. A dry tube blood collection was performed on all pregnant women and babies born to HBsAg-positive mothers. Serum from the women was used to test for HBsAg through immunochromatography and then confirmed by ELISA. The test for HBeAg, HBeAb and HBcAb and dosage of transaminases were performed on the serum of HBsAg-positive women. Only HBsAg was tested in babies within 24 hours after birth.

RESULTS

HBsAg was present in 23 (7.7%) mothers while 275 (92.3%) tested negative. Due to loss to follow-up, we assessed vertical transmission in 20 babies born to20 mothers. In all, eight babies tested HBsAg-positive; six mothers tested positive with HBeAg; 10 mothers with HBeAb and two were simultaneously infected with HBV and HIV.

CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

HBeAg and increase in liver transaminases were serum markers associated with the vertical transmission of HBV while HBeAb and anti-HIV therapy were protective markers. There is need to systematically screen all pregnant women for hepatitis B, follow up those that are positive, and administer a dose of gammaglobulin anti-HBs to their children to reduce the risks of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (CHC) and curb mortality and morbidity due to viral hepatitis B.

Antibodies against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Virus in Intravenous Immunoglobulin Products

The worldwide seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) has changed over the last two decades, indicating a declining incidence of HAV and HBV infections. Therefore, vaccinations against HAV and HBV are recommended for unimmunized people before traveling to an endemic area. Unfortunately, primary antibody deficiency (PAD) patients can only obtain humoral immunity through intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) replacement and not from vaccination because of a defect in antibody production. However, few studies have analyzed the titers of antibodies against HAV or HBV in IVIG products. In this study, the titers of anti-HAV and anti-HBs antibodies were measured in nineteen lots of IVIG products from five manufacturers from three countries (A, B from Korea; C, D from Japan; and E from the USA), and trough titers in plasma were estimated. Concentrations of anti-HAV antibody ranged from 1,888-8,927 mIU/mL and estimated trough titers exceeded the minimal protective value in all evaluated IVIG products. Concentrations of anti-HBs antibody ranged from 438-965 mIU/mL in products A and B and were 157, 123, and 1,945 mIU/mL in products C, D, and E, respectively. Estimated trough titers in products A, B, and E exceeded the minimal protective value but those in products C and D did not reach this threshold. These data demonstrated that available IVIG products generally provide sufficient antibodies against HAV and HBV to protect patients with PAD, although the trough concentrations of anti-HBs antibody in two IVIG products did not reach the minimum protective value.

Hepitopes: A live interactive database of HLA class I epitopes in hepatitis B virus

Increased clinical and scientific scrutiny is being applied to hepatitis B virus (HBV), with focus on the development of new therapeutic approaches, ultimately aiming for cure. Defining the optimum natural CD8+ T cell immune responses that arise in HBV, mediated by HLA class I epitope presentation, may help to inform novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Therefore, we have set out to develop a comprehensive database of these epitopes in HBV, coined ‘Hepitopes’. This undertaking has its foundations in a systematic literature review to identify the sites and sequences of all published class I epitopes in HBV. We also collected information regarding the methods used to define each epitope, and any reported associations between an immune response to this epitope and disease outcome. The results of this search have been collated into a new open-access interactive database that is available at http://www.expmedndm.ox.ac.uk/hepitopes. Over time, we will continue to refine and update this resource, as well as inviting contributions from others in the field to support its development. This unique new database is an important foundation for ongoing investigations into the nature and impact of the CD8+ T cell response to HBV.

Bioinformatic Identification of Rare Codon Clusters (RCCs) in HBV Genome and Evaluation of RCCs in Proteins Structure of Hepatitis B Virus

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) as an infectious disease that has nine genotypes (A - I) and a 'putative' genotype J.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the rare codon clusters (RCC) in the HBV genome and to evaluate these RCCs in the HBV proteins structure.

METHODS

For detection of protein family accession numbers (Pfam) in HBV proteins, the UniProt database and Pfam search tool were used. Protein family accession numbers is a comprehensive and accurate collection of protein domains and families. It contains annotation of each family in the form of textual descriptions, links to other resources and literature references. Genome projects have used Pfam extensively for large-scale functional annotation of genomic data; Pfam database is a large collection of protein families, each represented by multiple sequence alignments and hidden Markov models (HMMs). The Pfam search tools are databases that identify Pfam of proteins. These Pfam IDs were analyzed in Sherlocc program and the location of RCCs in HBV genome and proteins were detected and reported as translated EMBL nucleotide sequence data library (TrEMBL) entries. The TrEMBL is a computer-annotated supplement of SWISS-PROT that contains all the translations of European molecular biology laboratory (EMBL) nucleotide sequence entries not yet integrated in SWISS-PROT. Furthermore, the structures of TrEMBL entries proteins were studied in the PDB database and 3D structures of the HBV proteins and locations of RCCs were visualized and studied using Swiss PDB Viewer software®.

RESULTS

The Pfam search tool found nine protein families in three frames. Results of Pfams studies in the Sherlocc program showed that this program has not identified RCCs in the external core antigen (PF08290) and truncated HBeAg gene (PF08290) of HBV. By contrast, the RCCs were identified in gene of hepatitis core antigen (PF00906 and the residues 224 - 234 and 251 - 255), large envelope protein S (PF00695 and the residues 53-56 and 70 - 84), X protein (PF00739 and the residues 10 - 24, 29 - 83, 95 - 99. 122 - 129, 139 - 143), DNA polymerase (viral) N-terminal domain (PF00242 and the residues 59 - 62, 214 - 217, 407 - 413) and protein P (Pf00336 and the residues 225 - 228). In HBV genome, seven RCCs were identified in the gene area of hepatitis core antigen, large envelope protein S and DNA polymerase, while protein structures of TrEMBL entries sequences found in Sherlocc program outputs were not complete.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the location of detected RCCs in the structure of HBV proteins, it was found that these RCCs may have a critical role in correct folding of HBV proteins and can be considered as drug targets. The results of this study provide new and deep perspectives about structure of HBV proteins for further researches and designing new drugs for treatment of HBV.

Serological Patterns and Molecular Characterization of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Blood Donors

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B infections, characterized by the presence of a viral genome without detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg; Occult hepatitis B infection [OBI]), have been reported recently.

OBJECTIVES

We performed serological and molecular characterization of OBI among blood donors at Jiangsu province blood center during years 2013 and 2014.

METHODS

All donor samples were routinely screened by double enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum (TP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Single-reactive, nonreactive, and ALT-elevated samples were pooled or resolved by nucleic acid testing (NAT). Seromarkers were examined in HBsAg-/DNA+ samples. After 1 to 12 months of follow up, seromarkers were screened again to verify OBI samples.

RESULTS

We studied 157119 samples from blood donors. A total of 154397 ELISA nonreactive donor samples were identified, and HBV DNA was detected in 81 samples; no samples were positive for HIV or HCV RNA. Hepatitis B virus viral loads in most donors were less than 20 - 200 IU/mL. There was only one HBsAg-positive sample. Eighty HBsAg-/DNA+ samples were evaluated further. Of these samples, 85% (68/80) were reactive for anti-HBc and 36.2% (29/800) were reactive for anti-HBc and anti-HBs; 11.3% (9/80) did not have any detectable serological markers. Twenty-nine donors were followed up. One was HBsAg ELISA positive, and of six seronegative donors, all had anti-HBc and anti-HBs, but were negative for DNA. Samples were HBV genotypes B, C and D. Mutations in the S region of HBV DNA included S114T, G119R, P120S, T125M, C139Y, T140I, C147W, T148A, A159V/G, E164D, V168A, and R169C.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we found that OBI was rare, but that the prevalence of OBI was slightly higher in Jiangsu than in other areas of China.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes among chronic hepatitis B patients reporting at Korle-Bu teaching hospital, Accra, Ghana

Introduction

Knowledge of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype is an important predictive variable which might have an impact in management and treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. In Ghana very little information is available on hepatitis B genotypes. This study was conducted to determine the distribution of HBV genotypes circulating among chronic hepatitis B patients reporting at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana.

Methods

Blood samples (10 ml) were collected from 250 consenting patients. DNA was extracted and amplified using polymerase chain reaction technique. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used for the detection of genotypes.

Results

Out of the 250 chronic hepatitis B patients who were HBsAg positive, 91 (36.4%) were males aged 29.8 ± 9.1 and 159 (63.6%) females aged 33± 12.1 years. HBV DNA was detected in 111 (44.4%) but only 58 (52%) of these were typeable. These were classified as genotype A, 8 (7.2%); genotype D, 3 (2.7%) and genotype E, 47 (42.3%). Our results did not show any association between the infecting genotype and age (X²= 0.923; p-value=0.623) or gender (X²= 0.283, p= 0.579).

Conclusion

Consistent with similar studies worldwide, the results suggest that genotypes A, D and E were the genotypes circulating among chronic hepatitis B patients who reported to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital with genotype E being the most predominant and therefore constitutes an important public health concern. We recommend further epidemiological studies to understand the implication of genotype E in terms of disease progression and treatment.

Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus among chronic hepatitis B patients from Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo

BACKGROUND

Chronic Hepatitis B infection is a major health problem in Republic of Congo therefore molecular analysis of HBV strains is important to detect the patients at high risk of disease progression.

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from 111 chronic HBV patients in Pointe Noire. HBsAg, HBeAg and HBeAb were detected. A fragment of the preS1 region of HBV was amplified and sequenced to determine genotypes, subgenotypes and to identify mutations.

RESULTS

Of the 111 samples analyzed, 35 patients were asymptomatic carriers (ASC), 24 with a chronic active hepatitis (CAH), 33 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 19 have a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mean age were 45 ± 13 year, 88 (79.3 %) were male and 23 (20.7 %) female. The prevalence of HBeAg was 15.3 % and 73 % of subjects were anti-HBe positive. The mean serum level of alanine aminotransferase transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) was 25.1 ± 9 IU/L and 28.6 ± 10 IU/L respectively. Eighty two samples out of 111 (73.9 %) were genotyped by the analyzing of the S region of HBV, 58 (70.7 %) cases belonged to HBV genotype E and 24 (29.3 %) were genotype A with three subgenotypes; A3 (66.7 %), A4 (20.8 %) and A6 (12.5 %). Prevalence of genotype A was relatively high in CAH (33.3 %) and HCC (31.6 %) patients in comparison with other groups. The most prevalent amino acids substitutions were R38K found in 14 (17.1 %) sequences, following by H44L in 11 (13.4 %), K13E in 8 (9.8 %), N29K in 8 (9.8 %), A35E in 8 (9.8 %), V80I in 7 (8.5 %) and in 6 (7.3 %) sequences for S90T. Different substitutions located in the hepatocyte binding site were higher among patients with LC and HCC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study have shown that HBV genotype E and A were the most frequent strains circulating in Republic of Congo patients. HBV pres1 substitutions found in this study were associated with severe clinical forms of liver diseases. This data have shown the importance of implementing an effective program to fight HBV infection.

Interferon Gamma Gene Polymorphism (+874 T > A) and Chronic Hepatitis B in the Population of Gorgan, North-Eastern Iran

Background

Based on differences in individual immune responses to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), between 5% and 10% of patients become persistently infected with the virus, which leads to the determination of chronic HBV. Cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) are secretory proteins that play important roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Functional studies have demonstrated that the IFN + 874A/T gene polymorphism can increase or decrease the overall expression of IFN-gamma (γ) and ultimately determine the outcome of the infection.

Objectives

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the IFN-γ + 874 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to chronic HBV infection.

Methods

Polymorphism detection analysis was performed on 598 subjects from North-Eastern Iran. The IFN-γ gene polymorphism (+ 874A/T) was genotyped through a specific sequence primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR).

Results

The frequencies of the AA, AT, and TT genotypes were 31%, 51%, and 18% in the chronic HBV patient group, and 40%, 45%, and 15% in the healthy control group, respectively. However, a lack of association of the + 874 polymorphism in the IFN-γ gene of those with chronic HBV infection was found. Evaluation of HBV association with this polymorphism was significant under the dominant genetic model (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Ultimately, no association could be characterized between the polymorphism in IFN-γ + 874A/T and susceptibility to chronic HBV infection in this segment of the Iranian population (P > 0.05).

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the General Population of Iran: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global public health problem, affecting more than 2 billion people worldwide. Accurate and updated data on HBV prevalence is important for further planning to control the infection. The aim of this study was to update the prevalence estimate of HBV infection in the general population of Iran.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was done for data on the prevalence of HBV infection in the general Iranian population published between Jan. 1, 1990, and Jan. 1, 2016, in both international and national databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Magiran. All papers with clearly described time and location of the study, proper sampling strategies, and proper analysis methods were included in the present study. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Prevalence of HBV infection with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using Stata software, version 13.

RESULTS

The polled estimated prevalence of HBV infection in the general population of Iran was 2.2 % (95% CI: 1.9% - 2.6%). The highest prevalence of HBV infection (8.9%, 95% CI: 7.6% - 10.2%) was reported from Golestan province, and the lowest prevalence (0.7%, 95% CI: 0.4% - 1.1%) was seen in Kermanshah province. The prevalence of HBV infection was estimated at 3% (95% CI: 2.2% - 3.8%) for Iranian males and 1.7% (95% CI: 1.2% - 2.3%) for Iranian females. The prevalence of HBV infection in the general population of Iran was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.5% - 3.4%) before 2010 and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.9% - 1.7%) after 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

In total, Iran was classified within the low-intermediate HBV prevalence areas (2% - 4%), while according to recent data (after 2010), Iran was classified within the low HBV prevalence areas (< 2%), indicating that preventive measures conducted in Iran have been effective.

Hepatitis B Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Therapy or Cancer Chemotherapy, Management, and Prevention: A Comprehensive Review-Screened

CONTEXT

Due to the close relationship between the immune system and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, it is essential to monitor patients with current or past HBV infection under any type of immunosuppression. Cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapies in autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppression in solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients are the major reasons for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr). In this review, the challenges associated with HBVr are discussed according to the latest studies and guidelines. We also discuss the role of treatments with different risks, including anti-CD20 agents, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, and other common immunosuppressive agents in various conditions.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Through an electronic search of the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, we selected the studies associated with HBVr in different conditions. The most recent recommendations were collected in order to reach a consensus on how to manage patients at risk of HBVr.

RESULTS

It was found that the positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the high baseline HBV DNA level, the positive hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and an absent or low hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer prior to starting treatment are the most important viral risk factors. Furthermore, rituximab, anthracycline, and different types of TNF-α inhibitors were identified as the high-risk therapies. By analyzing the efficiency of prophylaxis on the prevention of HBVr, it was concluded that those with a high risk of antiviral resistance should not be used in long-term immunosuppressants. Receiving HBV antiviral agents at the commencement of immunosuppressant therapy or chemotherapy was demonstrated to be effective in decreasing the risk of HBVr. Prophylaxis could also be initiated before the start of therapy. For most immune suppressive regimes, antiviral therapy should be kept up for at least 6 months after the cessation of immunosuppressive drugs. However, the optimal time of prophylaxis keeping should be increased in cases associated with rituximab or hematopoietic stem cell transplants. According to the latest studies and guidelines from different bodies, recommendations regarding screening, monitoring, and management of HBVr are outlined.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of patients at the risk of HBVr before immunosuppressive therapy is an undeniable part of treatment. Starting the antiviral therapy, based on the type of immunosuppressive drugs and the underlying disease, could lead to better management of disease.

[Hepatitis B virus genotypes and evolutionary markers in chronic HBsAG patients in Bujumbura]

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus infection (VHB) is a serious condition which can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV genotypes greatly influence its evolution and the effectiveness of treatment. The aim was to evaluate the HBV genotypes and the evolutionary pathways of chronic HBsAG patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital of Kamenge and at the Digestive and liver diseases Center "CEMADIF" between June 2013 and Mai 2014. Genotyping, quantitative assay of HBeAG and HBV DNA levels were determined in the CERBA Laboratory Cergy Pontoise, France. Fibrotest or Fibroscan were used to evaluate fibrosis.

RESULTS

In total 33 patients (52,4% were males, median age 38,1) were enrolled. According to evolutionary markers, 112 patients (78,3%) had negative HBeAG. As regards the viral load, 106 patients (74,2%) had viremia lower than 2000UI/ml and minimal fibrosis below 7 kPa according FibroScan. Of these, 13 patients had undetectable HBV DNA (<20UI/ml). The others 37 patients (26,8%) had a viral load higher than 2000UI/ml and, among them, 31 were HBeAg positive(>0,8UI/ml). It was possible to determine genotype in 51 patients who had a high enough viremia to technically enable dosing. These patients had genotype A.

CONCLUSION

HBV genotype-A is the most common in Bujumbura. It is associated with HBV inactive carries.

Relative Importance of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in EMRO Countries and the Middle East: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cancer-related death worldwide. Although many factors including dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases can lead to HCC, globally most HCC cases are due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Considering the importance of these viral factors in most HCC cases and relative lack of literature from eastern Mediterranean region office of world health organization (EMRO) countries and the Middle East, we decided to perform this systematic review to find distribution of viral etiology of HCC in these regions.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In this systemic review, we included all studies from 1 January 1989 to 1 September 2015 with at least 20 samples that measured HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV). The authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, Popline, Web of Science and WHO indexed databases. We searched the following MeSH terms; hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus or hepacvirus. Only studies using second- and third-generation HCV assays were included. Only articles studying HCC patients from EMRO countries and the Middle East were analyzed. Duplicate results that reported the same cases more than once were found and omitted. Studies in English and Farsi were reviewed. If the study was eligible, we recorded the following data; the first author, publication year and journal, study population and number and percentage of patients with different serologic statuses.

RESULTS

We found 44 studies from 12 countries in EMRO and the Middle East. HCC cases from Iran, Lebanon, Turkey and Yemen were mainly due to HBV, while those of North African nations (Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Somalia) in addition to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were mostly HCV related. Sudan showed a high seronegativity and HBV infection in its HCC cases. Unfortunately, some countries from EMRO and the Middle East did not have eligible studies.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV and HCV are important culprits of HCC in EMRO countries and the Middle East and different nations need different strategies to tackle them accordingly. Countries with high rates of HBV such as Turkey should continue their HBV vaccination and also increase sanitation. Nations with high HCV rates such as Egypt should maintain their blood product monitoring in addition to increased sanitation, especially regarding injection drug users (IDU).

The Association of Pre-S/S Gene Mutations and Hepatitis B Virus Vertical Transmission

BACKGROUND

HBV Pre-S/S gene mutations can occur before or after implementation of combined vaccination program. HBV Prs-S/S gene mutation is a risk factor of vaccination failure and frequently causes HBV vertical transfection.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) S gene mutations with vertical transmission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective nested case-control study, a total of 60 pregnant women with positive serum HBsAg and HBV DNA ≥ 10(7) IU/mL were divided into a case group (15 cases with vaccination failure) and a control group (45 cases with vaccination success) according to whether their infants tested positive for HBV infection. Mothers and their children in the case group were further sub-divided into groups including mothers, newborns and infant (the same newborns at age of seven months). The pre-S/S gene mutations were detected by PCR and sequenced and its association with vertical transmission of HBV was analyzed.

RESULTS

HBV genotype B was the dominant genotype in the both groups' mothers. Each mother-child pair in case group had the same HBV genotype. There were no significant differences in mutation frequencies of HBV Pre-S/S gene between case and control groups' mothers (Fragment 1 (M): 2 vs. 4, P > 0.05; Fragment 2 (M): 10 vs. 10, P > 0.05), or among the mothers, newborns and infants in the case group (Fragment 1 (M): 2, 2, and 3, respectively, P > 0.05; Fragment 2 (M): 10, 10 and 10 respectively, P > 0.05). Mutation site analysis of the both groups' mothers demonstrated 108 different mutation sites in the HBV pre-S/S gene, with 105 silent mutations and 5 missense mutations including ntA826G, ntC531T, ntT667C, ntC512T and ntC546A. Among 15 mother-newborn-infant pairs with successful PCR and sequence in case group, 7 (41.17%) mother-newborn pairs, 9 (60.00%) mother-infant pairs and 3 (20.00%) infant-newborn pairs had different mutation sites.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV in children due to vaccination failure was resulted from vertical transmission. HBV Pre-S/S gene mutations were prevalent and could occur before or after vaccination. Therefore, simply analyzing mutation frequency of HBV gene was not of value. To advance blocking HBV vertical transmission, future studies should focus on specific mutation sites, potentially associated with vaccination failure.

Immune mediated crescentic MPGN secondary to HBV infection: A rare presentation for a common infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection presenting as crescentic glomerulonephritis in the absence of cryoglobulinemia is an extremely rare phenomenon. We report a case of a 44-year-old male with HBV infection, who underwent kidney biopsy for rapidly progressive renal failure and nephrotic range proteinuria. Histopathological evaluation of the kidney biopsy was consistent with immune complex mediated crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). The patient achieved complete renal and virological remission with steroids, plasmapheresis and antiviral therapy. This case report summarises the importance of early initiation of immunosuppression and plasmapheresis under antiviral coverage for improved clinical outcomes.

Development of novel triplex single-step real-time PCR assay for detection of Hepatitis Virus B and C simultaneously

Multiplex RT-PCR assays are widely used tools for detection of hepatitis viruses, but none of them provide quality check of sample. In the present study we developed a single-step triplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) with sample quality check, by using β-actin as housekeeping gene. The primers and probes were self-designed and assay was standardized. Assay was also destined to quantitate copy numbers of HBV and HCV. This novel assay was sensitive, specific, and reproducible for detection of HBV and HCV in serum/plasma. The assay also detected all genotypes of HBV and HCV. The detection limit was 60 IU/mL for HBV and 20 IU/mL for HCV. This assay is the first assay developed on single-step platform for nucleic acid detection of HBV and HCV with an extra edge over all other assays by providing inbuilt check for quality of sample.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Occupational Risk Factors Among Health Care Workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is contracted from blood and other body fluid making healthcare workers (HCW) prone to the infection especially in the developing world. Though it is a vaccine preventable disease, the level of awareness and universal precaution among HCW is low in sub-Saharan African and Asia.

AIM

The study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and occupational risk factors among health care workers at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty-seven (187) blood samples were collected from volunteer subjects who comprised of medical doctors, nurses, health attendants, and porters who are in regular contact with blood, body fluids and patients after informed consent. Well detailed and structured questionnaires were used to obtain demographic and other relevant data from the subjects. Blood samples were tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hepatitis B surface antigen.

RESULTS

Out of the 187 HCWs there were 91 males (48.7%) and 96 (51.3%) females. Only 2 participants tested positive to hepatitis B surface antigen with a prevalence of 1.1%. Also, only 30 (16.0%) of the participants had been fully vaccinated against the infection while the remaining 157(84.0%) had no adult vaccination.

CONCLUSION

It is obvious that the awareness of the infection is low among the HCWs studied thus the need to incorporate screening for HbsAg and vaccination against HBV into the periodic/pre-employment health intervention programmes by employers to help in the protection of HCWs and control the spread of the virus.

Hepatitis Viruses B and D and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections in Hemodialysis Patients in the South of Iran: Prevalence and Genotypes

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are transmitted by blood transfusion. Thus, hemodialysis (HD) patients are more prone to become the carriers of these infections due to their treatment demands.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV and HIV infections among HD patients in Bandar Abbas, Iran, 2015.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 153 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing HD at Shahid Mohammadi hospital in Bandar Abbas were examined for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti- hepatitis C virus, and anti-HIV over a period of 2 months. Thereafter, all of the specimens were evaluated for HBV-DNA, HDV-RNA and HIV-RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and further techniques. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 12 for Windows with the t-test and chi-square (χ(2)) test.

RESULTS

Both kinds of assay determined that nine (5.88%) patients were HBV positive (HBsAg-positive), whereas no HIV- and HDV-positive patients were diagnosed. All of the diagnosed HBV samples belonged to genotype D; the prevalence of HBV is associated with age, duration of HD, history of blood transfusion, and using shared HD devices.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV infection was low in the south of Iran, but genotype D represented the major HBV genotype in this population. Among the variables, age, duration of HD, history of blood transfusion, and using shared HD devices influenced the prevalence of HBV among HD patients.

The prevalence of HTLV-1 and its Co-Infection with HCV, HBV and HIV in Hemophilic patients

Background and Objective:

Blood-borne infections, such as the HIV virus and hepatitis B and C, are major problems in patients receiving blood products. Here we examined the prevalence of HTLV-1, HCV, HBV, and HIV in hemophilic patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study on 108 hemophilic patients (101 males and 7 females) involved detection of HBV, HCV, HIV and HTLV-1 infections using immunoassays for HBsAg, hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc), hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV), HIV antibodies (anti-HIV) and Anti-HTLV-1. Real-time PCR was used to measure HCV RNA, and HCV genotyping was performed by direct sequencing of the 5’ noncoding region.

Results:

Hemophilia A was reported in 93 (86%) patients with severe symptoms in 8 cases. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV and anti-HTLV-1 antibodies was 20% and 3% respectively. One patient with severe hemophilia had a HCV/HTLV-1 co-infection. HCV-RNA was detected in 82% of patients. In terms of genotyping prevalence was 56% HCV genotype 3a, 39% HCV genotype 1a, and 6% HCV genotype2. Anti HIV and HBsAg were not detected in any patient. HTLV1 prevalence was higher, HCV lower in South Khorasan than other regions in Iran or elsewhere.

Conclusion:

Management of transfusion of blood and blood products should account for the underlying prevalence of infectious agents.