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Habib A, Habib N, Anjum KM, Iqbal R, Ashraf Z, Taj MU, Asim M, Javid K, Idoon F, Dashti S, Medeiros CR, Gurgel APAD, Coutinho HDM. Molecular evolution, virology and spatial distribution of HCV genotypes in Pakistan: A meta-analysis. INFECTIOUS MEDICINE 2023; 2:324-333. [PMID: 38205178 PMCID: PMC10774773 DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C, caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), is the second most common form of viral hepatitis. The geographical distribution of HCV genotypes can be quite complex, making it challenging to ascertain the most prevalent genotype in a specific area. Methods To address this, a review was conducted to determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes across various provinces and as a whole in Pakistan. The scientific literature regarding the prevalence, distribution, genotyping, and epidemiology of HCV was gathered from published articles spanning the years 1996-2020. Results Genotype 1 accounted for 5.1% of the patients, with its predominant subtype being 1a at 4.38%. The frequencies of its other subtypes, 1b and 1c, were observed to be 1.0% and 0.31% respectively. Genotype 2 had a frequency of 2.66%, with the most widely distributed subtype being 2a at 2.11% of the patients. Its other subtypes, 2b and 2c, had frequencies of 0.17% and 0.36% respectively. The most prevalent genotype among all isolates was 3 (65.35%), with the most frequent subtype being 3a (55.15%), followed by 3b (7.18%). The prevalence of genotypes 4, 5, and 6 were scarce in Pakistan, with frequencies of 0.97%, 0.08%, and 0.32% respectively. The prevalence of untypeable and mixed genotypes was 21.34% and 3.53% respectively. Estimating genotypes proves to be a productive method in assisting with the duration and selection of antiviral treatment. Different HCV genotypes can exhibit variations in their response to specific antiviral treatments. Different genotypes may have distinct natural histories, including variations in disease progression and severity. Some genotypes may lead to more rapid liver damage, while others progress more slowly. Conclusions This information can guide screening and testing strategies, helping to identify individuals at higher risk of developing severe complications. Studying the distribution of HCV genotypes in a population can provide valuable insights into the transmission dynamics of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arslan Habib
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Nadiya Habib
- Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Punjab 50700, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mahmood Anjum
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Riffat Iqbal
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Ashraf
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Taj
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asim
- Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal 51600, Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Javid
- Department of Geography, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Faezeh Idoon
- Department of Surgical Technology, Ferdows School of Allied Medicine and Public Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 97178, Iran
| | - Saeid Dashti
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 97178, Iran
| | | | | | - Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato 63105-000, Brazil
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Origa R. Hepatitis C and Thalassemia: A Story with (Almost) a Happy Ending. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050683. [PMID: 37242353 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050683] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Donor screening has nearly eliminated the risk of hepatitis C virus post-transfusion transmission in resource-rich settings. Moreover, the use of direct antiviral agents made it possible to treat the majority of patients with thalassemia and hepatitis C. However, this achievement, while extremely significant, does not erase the effects of the virus in terms of fibrogenesis and mutagenic risk, and adult patients with thalassemia are facing the long-term consequences of the chronic infection both on the liver and extrahepatically. As in the general population, it is in mainly patients with cirrhosis who are increasing in age, even though they are now HCV RNA-negative, who are at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, which continues to be statistically much more frequent in individuals with than without thalassemia. In certain resource-limited settings, the World Health Organization has estimated that up to 25 percent of blood donations do not undergo screening. It is therefore not surprising that hepatitis virus infection is still the most prevalent in patients with thalassemia worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Origa
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico, Via Jenner Sn, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato Strada Provinciale 8, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Seroprevalence Trends and Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis in Croatia. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010224. [PMID: 36676173 PMCID: PMC9865277 DOI: 10.3390/life13010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Croatia, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are widely distributed, especially in some high-risk groups such as people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, and highly promiscuous groups. The seroprevalence of HBV ranges from 7.0% in the general population to 38.8% in PWID, depending on the region. The seroprevalence of HCV is highest among PWID (29-75.5%) as compared to 0.9% in the general population. Analyzing the distribution of HCV genotypes, no substantial changes in the molecular epidemiology of the two most frequent HCV genotypes (1 and 3) in the past 20 years were observed. However, the predominance of subtype 1b compared to subtype 1a as detected in 1996-2005 was not confirmed in 2008-2015. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) incidence was high in the past with a decreasing trend since the 2000s, except for an outbreak in 2017-2018 as part of the large European outbreak, which was mainly among men who have sex with men. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging virus detected for the first time in Croatia in 2012. The seroprevalence of HEV is high among hemodialysis patients (27.9%) and liver transplant recipients (19.3-24.4%). In addition, higher seroprevalence rates were observed in animal-related professions (e.g., veterinarians, 15.2%; hunters, 14.9%). All detected HEV strains belonged to genotype 3.
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de Castro GLC, da Silva Graça Amoras E, Araújo MS, da Silva Conde SRS, Bichara CDA, Queiroz MAF, Vallinoto ACR. High prevalence of antinuclear antibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:180. [PMID: 36114565 PMCID: PMC9479388 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious public health concern due to its high prevalence and mortality rate. In chronic infection, HCV may induce autoimmune responses through the production of autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Methods We assessed the presence of ANA by indirect immunofluorescence using HEp-2 cells in 89 patients with chronic hepatitis C. We also collected data on epidemiological variables; clinical characteristics; and biochemical, hematological, molecular, and histopathological information from the patients to assess the impact of the presence of ANA in those patients. Results The prevalence of ANA in the patients was 20.2%, which was significantly higher than that found in healthy controls (2%). However, there was no association of this marker with epidemiological, clinical-laboratory, molecular or histopathological characteristics of hepatitis C, although a slightly higher prevalence of ANA was detected in women and in patients infected with subgenotype 1a. In a specific analysis, chronic HCV patients with the “rods and rings” cytoplasmic pattern had higher degrees of hepatic fibrosis than did ANA-negative patients. Conclusions The results confirm a greater predisposition to the presence of ANA in patients with HCV, which may be associated with a worse prognosis, especially in the presence of the “rods and rings” cytoplasmic pattern.
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Zago D, Pozzetto I, Pacenti M, Brancaccio G, Ragolia S, Basso M, Parisi SG. Circulating Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus in Italian Patients before and after the Application of Wider Access Criteria to HCV Treatment. Open Microbiol J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/18742858-v16-e2205300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims:
The aims of this study were to report a description of the HCV genotype distribution in adult Italians and non-Italians subjects tested in the Microbiology and Virology Unit of the Padova University Hospital from January 2016 (after about one year from the availability of DAAs) to December 2018 and to compare genotype frequencies in the 12-month period before and after the application of the wider access criteria to HCV treatment.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem, but the availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed HCV disease natural history because these drugs have excellent tolerability and they can eliminate the virus in almost all treated patients.
Objective:
The objective was to describe the circulating HCV genotypes in high-income countries in order to help health authorities in the future organization of DAAs treatment strategies; this aspect is not limited to drug prescription, but it also includes the identification of infected individuals who are undiagnosed, which is the limiting step to achieve the HCV elimination goal.
Methods:
Adult patients who had HCV genotype performed from 01/01/16 to 31/12/18 in the Microbiology and Virology Unit of the Padova University Hospital were included in the study: the two 12-month periods were April 2016-March 2017 (before period, BEF) and April 2017-March 2018 (after period, AFT).
Results:
Italians were 2168 (91.2%) and non-Italians were 208 (8.8%). Italians median age was 55 years, and females were older. Italians had a lower genotype 1 (p=0.0012) and higher genotype 2 frequencies (p<0.0001) with respect to non-Italians. Most patients aged 38-67 years: Italians were more represented in class age 48-57 years (p=0.0138), 68-77 years (p=0.001) and ≥78 years (p<0.0001); subjects with genotype 3 were the youngest and those with genotype 2 the oldest. Italian patients typed in the AFT and BEF were comparable; only a lower frequency of genotype 1 males and younger age in genotype 3 were found in AFT.
Conclusion:
Italians were older with respect to non-Italians, which implies that a different age based screening program could be applied. Italian genotype 3 subjects represent a cohort to focus on for the risk of therapeutic failure. Patients tested after the extended criteria for HCV treatment were very similar to those tested before, suggesting that HCV burden in Italians is higher than expected.
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Alotaibi AS, Shamas N, Ansari UU, Sanai FM, Alshahrani A, Fathelrahman AI, Aseeri MA. Impact of Drug Use Policy on the Appropriate Use of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents for Hepatitis C in Saudi Arabia. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2021; 13:317-324. [PMID: 35017888 PMCID: PMC8698081 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_166_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ministry of National Guard–Health Affairs in Saudi Arabia developed a new policy for the use of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C. The present study was conducted to evaluate prescribers' compliance and the impact of the policy on DAAs appropriate use. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study compares patients' data during 1 year before and 1 year after policy initiation. The primary outcomes were compliance to monitoring parameters, appropriateness of treatment and treatment eligibility. Secondary outcomes included sustained virologic response at 12 weeks, documentation of potential drug–drug interactions and treatment costs. Independent samples t-test and Chi-square test were used when applicable. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and three patients were included in analysis (46 before and 57 after policy). Prescriber compliance to baseline monitoring parameters was 67.4% before policy and 82.5% after-policy (P = 0.076). International normalized ratio (INR) was requested in 84.8% of cases before policy compared to 96.5% after-policy (P = 0.036). Treatment options offered to patients were appropriate in 52.2% of cases before policy and in 82.5% after-policy (P = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significant improvement in the baseline monitoring of INR. Treatment options offered after policy implementation were significantly more appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Saqer Alotaibi
- Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical care Department, King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital - Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nour Shamas
- Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Umair Uddin Ansari
- Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department, Suburban Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland USA
| | - Faisal M Sanai
- Consultant Transplant Hepatologist, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed Ali Aseeri
- Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Zarębska-Michaluk D. Genotype 3-hepatitis C virus’ last line of defense. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1006-1021. [PMID: 33776369 PMCID: PMC7985731 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i11.1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of liver disease globally, affecting approximately 71 million people. The majority of them are infected with genotype (GT) 1 but infections with GT3 are second in frequency. For many years, GT3 was considered to be less pathogenic compared to other GTs in the HCV family due to its favorable response to interferon (IFN)-based regimen. However, the growing evidence of a higher rate of steatosis, more rapid progression of liver fibrosis, and lower efficacy of antiviral treatment compared to infection with other HCV GTs has changed this conviction. This review presents the specifics of the course of GT3 infection and the development of therapeutic options for GT3-infected patients in the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAA). The way from a standard of care therapy with pegylated IFN-alpha (pegIFNα) and ribavirin (RBV) through a triple combination of pegIFNα + RBV and DAA to the highly potent IFN-free pangenotypic DAA regimens is discussed along with some treatment options which appeared to be dead ends. Although the implementation of highly effective pangenotypic regimens is the most recent stage of revolution in the treatment of GT3 infection, there is still room for improvement, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis and those who fail to respond to DAA therapies, particularly those containing inhibitors of HCV nonstructural protein 5A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce 25-369, Świętokrzyskie, Poland
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Real-world Effectiveness of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection: Evidence From a German Single-center Cohort Study. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.110077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) is the latest approved pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, real-world data of GLE/PIB in European patient cohorts are limited. Methods: A single-center cohort of 100 unselected HCV patients seen at the Outpatient Clinic of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf from October 2017 until September 2019 was retrospectively analyzed by chart review with a special focus on demographic clinical and virologic aspects as well as treatment compliance outcome. Results: A total of 99 patients with chronic HCV infection (genotype (GT) 1 - 6), who started antiviral treatment with GLE/PIB, were included. Treatment duration lasted from 4 to 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was a sustained virological response at week 12 (SVR12) after the end of treatment (EoT). Only three patients (3/100; 3%) were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis by non-invasive measures. Ten patients (10/100; 10%) were pre-treated with Interferon (IFN) containing regiments. Most patients received 8 weeks of treatment (96/100; 96%). One patient discontinued treatment after four weeks due to poor compliance (1/100; 1%). A high number of patients were lost to follow-up (22/100; 22%). All patients who were regularly seen to follow-up visits (76/100; 76%) achieved SVR12 (76/76; 100%). Virological relapse occurred in none of the patients. Adverse events (AEs) were rarely reported (4 patients) (4/100; 4%), and none of these patients discontinued treatment. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that initial and re-treatment with GLE/PIB were effective and safe in a German cohort with chronic HCV infection in real-life settings, regardless of GT.
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Ebranati E, Mancon A, Airoldi M, Renica S, Shkjezi R, Dragusha P, Della Ventura C, Ciccaglione AR, Ciccozzi M, Bino S, Tanzi E, Micheli V, Riva E, Galli M, Zehender G. Time and Mode of Epidemic HCV-2 Subtypes Spreading in Europe: Phylodynamics in Italy and Albania. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020327. [PMID: 33671355 PMCID: PMC7922790 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020327] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 causes about 10% of global infections and has the most variable circulation profile in Europe. The history of “endemic” HCV-2 subtypes has been satisfactorily reconstructed, instead there is little information about the recent spread of the “epidemic” subtypes, including HCV-2c. To investigate the origin and dispersion pathways of HCV-2c, 245 newly characterized Italian and Albanian HCV-2 NS5B sequences were aligned with 247 publicly available sequences and included in phylogeographic and phylodynamic analyses using the Bayesian framework. Our findings show that HCV-2c was the most prevalent subtype in Italy and Albania. The phylogeographic analysis suggested an African origin of HCV-2c before it reached Italy about in the 1940s. Phylodynamic analysis revealed an exponential increase in the effective number of infections and Re in Italy between the 1940s and 1960s, and in Albania between the 1990s and the early 2000s. It seems very likely that HCV-2c reached Italy from Africa at the time of the second Italian colonization but did not reach Albania until the period of dramatic migration to Italy in the 1990s. This study contributes to reconstructing the history of the spread of epidemic HCV-2 subtypes to Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ebranati
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.E.); (M.A.); (S.R.); (C.D.V.); (M.G.)
- CRC-Coordinated Research Center “EpiSoMI”, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mancon
- Unit of Microbiology, Hospital Sacco of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Martina Airoldi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.E.); (M.A.); (S.R.); (C.D.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Silvia Renica
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.E.); (M.A.); (S.R.); (C.D.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Renata Shkjezi
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University “Our Lady of the Good Counsel”, 1001 Tirana, Albania; (R.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Pranvera Dragusha
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University “Our Lady of the Good Counsel”, 1001 Tirana, Albania; (R.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Carla Della Ventura
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.E.); (M.A.); (S.R.); (C.D.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Roma, Italy;
| | - Silvia Bino
- National Institute of Health, 1001 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Elisabetta Tanzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for the Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Valeria Micheli
- Unit of Microbiology, Hospital Sacco of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Riva
- Laboratory of Virology, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Galli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.E.); (M.A.); (S.R.); (C.D.V.); (M.G.)
- CRC-Coordinated Research Center “EpiSoMI”, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianguglielmo Zehender
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.E.); (M.A.); (S.R.); (C.D.V.); (M.G.)
- CRC-Coordinated Research Center “EpiSoMI”, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-503-19770
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De Re V, Tornesello ML, De Zorzi M, Caggiari L, Pezzuto F, Leone P, Racanelli V, Lauletta G, Zanussi S, Repetto O, Gragnani L, Rossi FM, Dolcetti R, Zignego AL, Buonaguro FM, Steffan A. PDCD1 and IFNL4 genetic variants and risk of developing hepatitis C virus-related diseases. Liver Int 2021; 41:133-149. [PMID: 32937024 PMCID: PMC7839592 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variants of IFNL4 and PDCD1 genes have been shown to influence the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the IFNL4 rs12979860 and the PDCD1 polymorphisms in 734 HCV-positive patients, including 461 cases with liver disease of varying severity and 273 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders to determine the association of these genes with patient's outcome. METHODS Expression levels of PDCD1 mRNA encoded by haplotypes were investigated by quantitative PCR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1. RESULTS The frequency of IFNL4 rs12979860 C/T or T/T genotypes was significantly higher in patients with HCV-related diseases than blood donors (P < .0001). Patients expressing the IFNλ4 variant with one amino acid change that reduces IFNλ4 secretion was found increased in frequency in HCV-related diseases compared to HCC PDCD1 mRNA levels in HCC tissue were significantly higher in cases carrying the PD-1.3 A or the PD-1.7 G allele (P = .0025 and P = .0167). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between PD-1.3 and IFNL4 was found in patients with mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) only (LD = 0 in HCC; LD = 72 in MC). PBMCs of MC patients expressed low levels of PD-L1 in CD19+IgM+B cells and of PD-1 in CD4+T cells suggesting the involvement of regulatory B cell-T cell interaction to the pathogenesis of MC. CONCLUSION Collectively, our data indicate an important contribution of IFNλ4 expression to the development of HCV-related HCC and an epistatic contribution of IFNL4 and PDCD1 in MC. LAY SUMMARY Studies of IFNL4 and PDCD1 genes are helpful to better understand the role of host genetic factors and immune antigens influencing the outcome of HCV-related diseases. Our data support an association between the expression of IFNλ4, which prevents the expression of IFNλ3, with all the different HCV-related diseases studied, and besides, evidence that a higher IFNλ4 expression is associated with hepatocellular at a younger age. The expression pattern of low PD-L1 on B cells and high PD-1 on CD4+T-cells in patients with HCV-positive cryoglobulinaemia suggests a critical role of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in modulating B cell-T cell interaction in this lymphoproliferative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular biologyviral oncology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale"NapoliItaly
| | - Mariangela De Zorzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Laura Caggiari
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- Molecular biologyviral oncology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale"NapoliItaly
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Gianfranco Lauletta
- Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Stefania Zanussi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Ombretta Repetto
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Laura Gragnani
- Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MaSVE)Internal Medicine and Liver UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical MedicineCareggi University Hospital, Florence, ItalyFlorenceItaly
| | - Francesca Maria Rossi
- Clinical and Experimental Onco‐Hematology UnitCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSAviano (PN)Italy
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- The University of Queensland Diamantina InstituteTranslational Research InstituteBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MaSVE)Internal Medicine and Liver UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical MedicineCareggi University Hospital, Florence, ItalyFlorenceItaly
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular biologyviral oncology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale"NapoliItaly
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
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Khalid J, Umar M, Ur-Rehman T, Ali M, Khan GM. Tumor aggression among hepatitis-C related hepatocellular carcinoma patients: an observational study regarding the impact of anti-HCV therapy. Infect Agent Cancer 2020; 15:35. [PMID: 32508980 PMCID: PMC7251734 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-00300-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and anti-HCV therapy is a significant measure to reduce the incidence of HCC, however development of HCC in HCV treated patients is an emerging clinical problem which needs to be investigated. In this study we aim to analyze association between anti-HCV therapy and tumor pattern of HCV related HCC patients. METHODS Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients with seropositivity for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, registered at three tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan during August 2017 to July 2018 were enrolled. Selected patients were then segregated in two groups on the basis of their HCV treatment history i.e., "TN" (HCV Treatment Naïve i.e. having no history/medical record for treatment prior to HCC diagnosis) and "TH" (Treated for HCV infection). Aggressiveness index (AgI) scoring system was applied to determine the tumor pattern. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to analyze the independent effect of anti-HCV therapy on tumor pattern. RESULTS Out of 234 consecutive HCC patients, 171 HCV-related HCC patients were enrolled in final analysis and labeled as "TN" (n = 120) and "TH" (n = 51). Tumor pattern was found to be significantly aggressive (P = 0.02) in the treated cohort with an adjusted odds of 2.47 for aggressive and 6.92 for highly aggressive tumor. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was strongly associated with highly aggressive tumor pattern (P = 0.012). Patients in TN group were found to be marginally older than those in the TH group (59.5 vs. 55 years) where mean age of the patients treated with direct acting anti-viral agents was found to be visibly lower than mean age of patients who received interferon based treatment (53.5 vs. 57 years) with significant masculine predominance (62.1 vs. 37.9%, P = 0.049). CONCLUSION We observed raised neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and prominence of younger age with aggressive tumor biology in HCV treated HCC patients. These observations highlight the need for a longitudinal prospective study on HCV positive subjects treated with antivirals, irrespective of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javeria Khalid
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
- Clinical Pharmacist at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Umar
- Center for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindiand, 46300 Pakistan
| | - Tofeeq Ur-Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
| | - Mashhood Ali
- Gasteroenterology Department, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan
| | - Gul Majid Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
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12
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Marascio N, Mazzitelli M, Scarlata GG, Giancotti A, Barreca GS, Lamberti AG, Divenuto F, Costa C, Trecarichi EM, Matera G, Liberto MC, Torti C. HCV Antibody Prevalence and Genotype Evolution in a Teaching Hospital, Calabria Region, Southern Italy Over A Decade (2008-2018). Open Microbiol J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874285802014010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is associated with a high risk of developing liver diseases. Globally, HCV prevalence is changing due to improving health care procedures, population movement, and availability of new antiviral therapy. In Italy, data on the prevalence of HCV infection are insufficient, out-dated, and restricted to specific areas.
Objective:
Between 2008 and 2018, we investigated HCV antibody (Ab) seroprevalence and genotypes distribution among patients presenting for testing at our Teaching Hospital.
Methods:
The HCV Ab and genotyping assays were performed by routine diagnostic methods. Chi-square for linear trend was carried out by OpenEpi (v3.01).
Results:
Among 120,009 consecutive patients, 5877 subjects were HCV Ab positive (4.89%). During the observational period 2008-2018, prevalence decreased significantly (p<0.001) from 4.7% in 2008 to 3.6% in 2018. HCV1b was the most prevalent subtype (47.2%) followed by HCV2a/2c (20.2%), and HCV3 (9.7%), while HCV4 showed a rate of 6.1%. HCV infection was more frequent in males (55.4%) than in females (44.6%). Overall, most infected patients were born before 1949.
Conclusion:
Epidemiological analyses are important to understand the evolution of the HCV epidemics under the influence of several factors, such as risk behaviour and therapy with direct-acting antivirals.
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13
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Maffei L, Sorrentino F, Caprari P, Taliani G, Massimi S, Risoluti R, Materazzi S. HCV Infection in Thalassemia Syndromes and Hemoglobinopathies: New Perspectives. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:7. [PMID: 32118034 PMCID: PMC7025587 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most serious complications of transfusion therapy in the thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD) population before 1990; in fact, since 1990 serological tests were made available to detect infection in blood donors. The iron chelation therapy has improved the life expectancy of these patients and, consequently, a decrease in death due to heart disease may be observed, as well as an increase in liver disease due to the iron overload and HCV infection that lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Until few years ago, the recommended therapy for HCV treatment consisted of pegylated-interferon alpha plus ribavirin, a therapy with important side effects. This treatment has been severely limited to thalassemic and SCD patients due to the hemolytic anemia induced by ribavirin causing an increase in the number of blood transfusions. The development of highly effective Direct-acting Antiviral Agents toward different viral genotypes has led to a real HCV eradication with negative viremia and sustained viral response between 90 and 98%. At the beginning some indications of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents administration were available for those patients exhibiting advanced cirrhosis or needing liver transplantation over time for the high costs of the new drugs. Recently, all treatment regimens can be used for patients with various HCV genotypes, different stages of liver disease, and comorbidities. The HCV eradication has also led to a marked improvement in the parameters of martial accumulation, demonstrating a synergic action also between the effect of antiviral therapy and iron chelation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maffei
- Thalassemia Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Caprari
- National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Taliani
- Chronic Infectious Diseases Unit, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Massimi
- National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Risoluti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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Morales JM, Sawinski D. New insights into the rational use of HCV+ organs worldwide. Clin Transplant 2019; 33:e13739. [PMID: 31648391 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a worldwide health problem. Effective therapies for HCV infection, coupled with an increase in deceased donors due to the opioid epidemic, have led to the broader availability and the use of HCV-infected donor organs, including HCV nucleic acid test-positive (NAT+) donors in HCV-negative recipients. In this review, we discuss the prevalence of HCV infection, trends in the use of HCV-infected donors, and outcomes for those who receive HCV-seropositive or HCV NAT+ donor organs. We discuss management considerations such as hepatitis B reactivation, selection of the optimal direct-acting antiviral regimen, and potential complications. We also present a framework for the rational use of HCV-infected donor organs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Morales
- Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Deirdre Sawinski
- Renal, Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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15
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Haqqi A, Munir R, Khalid M, Khurram M, Zaid M, Ali M, Shah ZH, Ahmed H, Afzal MS. Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Pakistan: Current Scenario and Review of Literature. Viral Immunol 2019; 32:402-413. [PMID: 31556811 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2019.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern globally, resulting in liver-related complications. Approximately 6% population of Pakistan is infected with HCV. HCV is error prone, due to which it is classified into 7 genotypes and 67 subtypes. HCV genotype determination is critical for treatment and therapy response. In this study, 3,539 samples were collected from 2015 to 2019 from all over Punjab. RNA was extracted from samples using QIA Amp Viral RNA MINI kit (Qiagen, Germany) and viral genotyping was performed. Furthermore, a systemized literature search (2009-2018) was done to analyze the HCV genotype distribution pattern in Pakistan. In Punjab, genotype 3a (86.46%) is most prevalent, followed by untypable (7.17%) and genotype 1a (3.84%) and 3b (1.04%). Mixed genotype constitutes only 0.67% of total infections. Genotype 2a, 2b, 3c, and 4 were found to be rare. Data available from literature review when compiled showed that HCV genotype 3a (58.16%) was predominant in Pakistan, followed by genotypes 3b (9.05%), 2a (6.70%), 1a (6.22%), and 1b (2.39%). The frequency of mixed genotypes was found to be 4% and 12% of untypable HCV variants. This study highlights the HCV genotype distribution pattern in different regions of Pakistan. Therapy response and disease management depend on genotype, so HCV genotype determination is crucial. In Pakistan, the most prevalent genotype is 3a, followed by untypable genotype. Both interferon and sofosbuvir are effective against genotype 3a, but treatment with sofosbuvir has comparatively high sustained virological response, less adverse effects, and more tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleena Haqqi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rimsha Munir
- Cancer Biology Lab, MMG, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Hormone Lab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Khurram
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zaid
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zaheer Hussain Shah
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sohail Afzal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
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16
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Petruzziello A, Loquercio G, Sabatino R, Balaban DV, Ullah Khan N, Piccirillo M, Rodrigo L, di Capua L, Guzzo A, Labonia F, Botti G. Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus genotypes in nine selected European countries: A systematic review. J Clin Lab Anal 2019; 33:e22876. [PMID: 30843304 PMCID: PMC6595292 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22876,] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem especially for its increasing level of mortality. Detailed knowledge of HCV genotypes prevalence has clinical relevance since the efficacy of therapies is impacted by genotypes and subtypes distribution. Moreover, HCV exhibits a great genetic variability regionally. To date, there are no published studies assessing HCV genotypes distribution in specific countries of the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this study was to review data published from 2000 to 2017 with the purpose to estimate genotypes distribution of HCV infection in nine European countries all located in the Mediterranean basin. METHODS A systematic research of peer-reviewed journals indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases selected if containing data regarding distribution of HCV genotypes in nine selected European countries (Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Spain) was performed. RESULTS Genotype 1 is the most common (61.0%), ranging from 80.0% in Croatia to 46.0% in Greece, followed by genotype 3 (20.0%), varying from 38.0% in Slovenia to 7.0% and 8.0%, respectively, in Italy and in Albania and by genotype 4 (10.0%) that shows an increase of 1.1% with respect to data obtained till 2014 probably due to the increasing migrants arrivals to Southern Europe. G2, the fourth most frequent genotype (8.5%), particularly common in Italy (27.0%) and Albania (18.0%) might be probably introduced in Southern Italy as a result of Albanian campaign during Second World War and more and more increased by the migration flows from Albania to Italy in the 90s. CONCLUSION Epidemiology of HCV infection shows a high variability across the European countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. HCV genotyping is a relevant tool to monitor the dynamic process influenced by both evolving transmission trends and new migration flows on HCV scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanna Loquercio
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Rocco Sabatino
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Daniel Vasile Balaban
- Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University HospitalBucharestRomania
| | - Najeeb Ullah Khan
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Health Davison)The University of AgriculturePeshawarPakistan
| | - Mauro Piccirillo
- Hepatobiliar and Pancreatic Unit, Department of Surgical OncologyIstituto Nazionale Tumori–Fondazione “G. Pascale”IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Luis Rodrigo
- Gastroenterology ServiceHospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Lucia di Capua
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Annunziata Guzzo
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Francesco Labonia
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Scientific DirectorIRCCS Fondazione PascaleNaplesItaly
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17
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Petruzziello A, Loquercio G, Sabatino R, Balaban DV, Ullah Khan N, Piccirillo M, Rodrigo L, di Capua L, Guzzo A, Labonia F, Botti G. Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus genotypes in nine selected European countries: A systematic review. J Clin Lab Anal 2019; 33:e22876. [PMID: 30843304 PMCID: PMC6595292 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem especially for its increasing level of mortality. Detailed knowledge of HCV genotypes prevalence has clinical relevance since the efficacy of therapies is impacted by genotypes and subtypes distribution. Moreover, HCV exhibits a great genetic variability regionally. To date, there are no published studies assessing HCV genotypes distribution in specific countries of the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this study was to review data published from 2000 to 2017 with the purpose to estimate genotypes distribution of HCV infection in nine European countries all located in the Mediterranean basin. METHODS A systematic research of peer-reviewed journals indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases selected if containing data regarding distribution of HCV genotypes in nine selected European countries (Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Spain) was performed. RESULTS Genotype 1 is the most common (61.0%), ranging from 80.0% in Croatia to 46.0% in Greece, followed by genotype 3 (20.0%), varying from 38.0% in Slovenia to 7.0% and 8.0%, respectively, in Italy and in Albania and by genotype 4 (10.0%) that shows an increase of 1.1% with respect to data obtained till 2014 probably due to the increasing migrants arrivals to Southern Europe. G2, the fourth most frequent genotype (8.5%), particularly common in Italy (27.0%) and Albania (18.0%) might be probably introduced in Southern Italy as a result of Albanian campaign during Second World War and more and more increased by the migration flows from Albania to Italy in the 90s. CONCLUSION Epidemiology of HCV infection shows a high variability across the European countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. HCV genotyping is a relevant tool to monitor the dynamic process influenced by both evolving transmission trends and new migration flows on HCV scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanna Loquercio
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Rocco Sabatino
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Daniel Vasile Balaban
- Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University HospitalBucharestRomania
| | - Najeeb Ullah Khan
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Health Davison)The University of AgriculturePeshawarPakistan
| | - Mauro Piccirillo
- Hepatobiliar and Pancreatic Unit, Department of Surgical OncologyIstituto Nazionale Tumori–Fondazione “G. Pascale”IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Luis Rodrigo
- Gastroenterology ServiceHospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Lucia di Capua
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Annunziata Guzzo
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Francesco Labonia
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic AreaIstituto Nazionale Tumori – Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS ItaliaNaplesItaly
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Scientific DirectorIRCCS Fondazione PascaleNaplesItaly
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