Characteristics of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection With Genotype E Predominance in Burkina Faso

Molecular Epidemiology, Drug-Resistant Variants, and Therapeutic Implications of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis D Virus Prevalence in Nigeria: A National Study

Information on circulating HBV (sub-)genotype, variants, and hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection, which vary by geographical area, is crucial for the efficient control and management of HBV. We investigated the genomic characteristics of HBV (with a prevalence of 8.1%) and the prevalence of HDV in Nigeria. We utilised 777 HBV-positive samples and epidemiological data from the two-stage sampled population-based, nationally representative Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey conducted in 2018. We assessed 732 HBV DNA-extracted samples with detectable viral loads (VLs) for (sub-)genotypes and variants by whole-genome pre-amplification, nested PCR of the s-and pol-gene, and BigDye Terminator sequencing. We conducted HDV serology. In total, 19 out of the 36 + 1 states in Nigeria had a high prevalence of HBV (≥8%), with the highest prevalence (10.4%) in the north-central geopolitical zone. Up to 33.2% (95% CI 30.0-36.6) of the participants had detectable VLs of ≥300 copies/mL. The predominant circulating HBV genotype was E with 98.4% (95% CI 97.1-99.1), followed by A with 1.6% (95% CI 0.9-2.9). Drug-resistant associated variants and immune escape variants were detected in 9.3% and 0.4%, respectively. The seroprevalence of HDV was 7.34% (95% CI 5.5-9.2). Nigeria has subtype E as the major genotype with many variants.

Enhancing interventions for prevention of mother-to-child- transmission of hepatitis B virus

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a cornerstone of efforts to support progress towards elimination of viral hepatitis. Current guidelines recommend maternal screening, antiviral therapy during the third trimester of high-risk pregnancies, universal and timely HBV birth dose vaccination, and post-exposure prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin for selected neonates. However, serological and molecular diagnostic testing, treatment and HBV vaccination are not consistently deployed, particularly in many high endemicity settings, and models predict that global targets for reduction in paediatric incidence will not be met by 2030. In this article, we briefly summarise the evidence for current practice and use this as a basis to discuss areas in which prevention of mother-to-child transmission can potentially be enhanced. By reducing health inequities, enhancing pragmatic use of resources, filling data gaps, developing advocacy and education, and seeking consistent investment from multilateral agencies, significant advances can be made to further reduce vertical transmission events, with wide health, societal and economic benefits.

Intermediate hepatitis B virus infection prevalence among 1622 pregnant women in rural Burkina Faso and implications for mother-to-child transmission

In highly endemic countries for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, childhood infection, including mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), represents the primary transmission route. High maternal DNA level (viral load ≥ 200,000 IU/mL) is a significant factor for MTCT. We investigated the prevalence of HBsAg, HBeAg, and high HBV DNA among pregnant women in three hospitals in Burkina Faso and assessed the performance of HBeAg to predict high viral load. Consenting pregnant women were interviewed on their sociodemographic characteristics and tested for HBsAg by a rapid diagnostic test, and dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected for laboratory analyses. Of the 1622 participants, HBsAg prevalence was 6.5% (95% CI, 5.4-7.8%). Among 102 HBsAg-positive pregnant women in DBS samples, HBeAg was positive in 22.6% (95% CI, 14.9-31.9%), and viral load was quantified in 94 cases, with 19.1% having HBV DNA ≥ 200,000 IU/mL. HBV genotypes were identified in 63 samples and predominant genotypes were E (58.7%) and A (36.5%). The sensitivity of HBeAg by using DBS samples to identify high viral load in the 94 cases was 55.6%, and the specificity was 86.8%. These findings highlight the need to implement routine HBV screening and effective MTCT risk assessment for all pregnant women in Burkina Faso to enable early interventions that can effectively reduce MTCT.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presentation and prognosis among Nigerian adults with and without HIV

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing cause of mortality in Nigeria among persons with HIV (PLH), as access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves. In this study we describe clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics in Nigerian adults with HCC, with and without HIV, and examine how HIV impacts survival.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted between August 2018 and November 2021 at two Nigerian hospitals [Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)]. Subjects ≥18 years with HCC diagnosed according to American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria were included. Baseline characteristics were compared, and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to estimate survival.

RESULTS

213 subjects [177 (83%) without HIV and 36 (17%) with HIV (PLH)] were enrolled. Median age was 52 years (IQR 42,60) and most subjects were male (71%). 83% PLH were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was similar between the two groups [91/177 (51%) without HIV vs. 18/36 (50%) with HIV; p = 0.86]. 46/213 (22%) subjects had active hepatitis C (anti-HCV+/HCV RNA>10 IU/mL). Cirrhosis was more common in PLH but there were no other significant differences in clinical and tumor characteristics between the groups. Overall, 99% subjects were symptomatic and 78% in late-stage HCC. Median overall survival was significantly shorter in PLH vs. without HIV (0.98 months vs 3.02 months, HR = 1.55, 95%CI 1.02, 2.37, p = 0.04). This association was not significant after adjusting for known risk factors including gender, current alcohol use, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin, and total bilirubin (HR = 1.38, 95%CI 0.84, 2.29, p = 0.21).

CONCLUSION

HCC presented late with an extremely poor overall prognosis, highlighting the urgent need for more intensive surveillance in Nigeria to diagnose HCC at earlier stages. Early diagnosis and management of viral hepatitis, and access to HCC therapies, could prevent early mortality among persons with HCC, especially among PLH.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by age and country of origin in people living in Sweden: A national register study

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and surveillance is recommended for patients without cirrhosis when risk exceeds an incidence rate (IR) of 0.2%. Populations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have been associated with HCC at younger ages, but the risk after immigration to Western countries should be investigated. The aim of this study was to study HCC by age and country of origin in people with chronic HBV infection in Sweden. Through national registers, residents with chronic HBV diagnosis (1990-2015) were identified with information on country of origin, immigration/emigration, death, coinfections, antiviral therapy, and HCC. Observation time started at HBV diagnosis, and IR and hazard ratios for HCC were calculated by sex, age, and region of origin. Among 16,410 individuals (47% women), the origin and observation time (person years) were as follows: Western Europe, 2316 (25,415); Eastern Europe, 2349 (26,237); Middle East/North Africa, 4402 (47,320); sub-Saharan Africa, 3677 (30,565); Asia, 3537 (35,358); and other, 129 (1277). There were 232 individuals with HCC (82% in men). The IR increased with age and exceeded 0.2% for Asian men from age group 40-49 years (IR, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.00), for men of other origins from age group 50-59 years, and for women aged ≥60 years originating from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Middle East/North Africa. After exclusion of patients with cirrhosis or HBV treatment, the IR still exceeded 0.2% in Asian men aged 40-49 years. This study demonstrates that HBV-infected men of Asian origin should be recommended HCC surveillance at younger ages, but there is a need for further studies of HCC incidence in African-born men without cirrhosis living in the Western world.

Genotype E: The neglected genotype of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (sub)genotypes A1, D3 and E circulate in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with one of the highest incidences of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma globally. Although genotype E was identified more than 20 years ago, and is the most widespread genotype in Africa, it has not been extensively studied. The current knowledge status and gaps in its origin and evolution, natural history of infection, disease progression, response to antiviral therapy and vaccination are discussed. Genotype E is an African genotype, with unique molecular characteristics that is found mainly in Western and Central Africa and rarely outside Africa except in individuals of African descent. The low prevalence of this genotype in the African descendant populations in the New World, phylogeographic analyses, the low genetic diversity and evidence of remnants of genotype E in ancient HBV samples suggests the relatively recent re-introduction into the population. There is scarcity of information on the clinical and virological characteristics of genotype E-infected patients, disease progression and outcomes and efficacy of anti-HBV drugs. Individuals infected with genotype E have been characterised with high hepatitis B e antigen-positivity and high viral load with a lower end of treatment response to interferon-alpha. A minority of genotype E-infected participants have been included in studies in which treatment response was monitored. Of concern is that current guidelines do not consider patients infected with genotype E. Thus, there is an urgent need for further large-scale investigations into genotype E, the neglected genotype of HBV.

Distribution and Incidence of Blood-Borne Infection among Blood Donors from Regional Transfusion Centers in Burkina Faso: A Comprehensive Study

There is a high prevalence of blood-borne infections in West Africa. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of blood-borne infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV, and syphilis, in blood donors in Burkina Faso. Blood donors were recruited from 2009 to 2013 in four major cities in Burkina Faso of urban area (Ouagadougou) and rural area (Bobo Dioulasso, Fada N’Gourma, and Ouahigouya). Serology tests including hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and rapid plasma reagin test were used for screening and were confirmed with ELISA. Disease prevalence was calculated among first-time donors. Incidence and residual risk were calculated from repeat donors. There were 166,681 donors; 43,084 had ≥ 2 donations. The overall seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were 13.4%, 6.9%, 2.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. The incidence rates (IRs) of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis infection were 2,433, 3,056, 1,121, and 1,287 per 100,000 person-years. There was lower seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in urban area than in rural area (12.9% versus 14.0%, P < 0.001; and 5.9% versus 8.0%, P < 0.001), and no difference in HIV (2.1% versus 2.1%, P = 0.25). The IRs of new HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were 2.43, 3.06, 1.12, and 1.29 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The residual risk was one per 268 donations for HBV, one per 181 donations for HCV, and one per 1,480 donations for HIV, respectively. In conclusion, this comprehensive study from four blood donation sites in Burkina Faso showed high HBV and HCV seroprevalence and incidence with high residual risk from blood donation.