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Butaru AE, Gheonea DI, Rogoveanu I, Diculescu M, Boicea AR, Bunescu M, Streba CT, Oancea CN. Micro-Elimination: Updated Pathway to Global Elimination of Hepatitis C in Small Communities and Industrial Settings during the COVID 19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214976. [PMID: 34768496 PMCID: PMC8584569 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the goal of the World Health Organisation to eliminate hepatitis C virus infections by 2030, Romania is striving for national elimination. An already successful micro-elimination project was expanded to test-and-treat specific populations and at-risk groups. The aim of this project was to identify the individuals with HCV infection in disadvantaged regions who do not have proper medical care access. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our two-arm interventional cross-sectional study used rapid anti-HCV antibody testing on two population groups from the Romanian southwestern region of Oltenia, approached between September 2020 and May 2021. The first group consisted of predominantly over 40 years old individuals, recruited through five family doctors from two medium-sized towns (community lot-CL). We approached a second group, aged 18-65, through 11 medical offices of five large factories in the same region (industry lot, IL). A 12-items questionnaire was given to each participant, to determine risk factors and record demographic data. Eligible patients initiated antiviral therapy using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). RESULTS We enrolled 15,383 individuals between all 16 locations. The overall prevalence by antibody testing was 0.77% (119 cases). Of these, 57 subsequently received treatment with DAAs. We identified blood transfusions as a risk factor within the CL. Participants in the IL reported a relatively high risk for the following situations: sharing of personal hygiene belongings with another person, performing previous blood transfusions, dental interventions and previous surgery. CONCLUSIONS In this global context, the use of micro-elimination allows interventions to be faster and more efficient. This is possible by targeting smaller and specific HCV risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Elena Butaru
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Dan Ionuț Gheonea
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.I.G.); (I.R.)
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.I.G.); (I.R.)
| | - Mircea Diculescu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ancuța-Ramona Boicea
- Department of Labor Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.-R.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Marius Bunescu
- Department of Labor Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.-R.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Costin-Teodor Streba
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-722-38-99-06
| | - Carmen Nicoleta Oancea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
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Petruzziello A, Sabatino R, Loquercio G, Guzzo A, Di Capua L, Labonia F, Cozzolino A, Azzaro R, Botti G. Nine-year distribution pattern of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Southern Italy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212033. [PMID: 30785909 PMCID: PMC6382136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It has been greatly described that different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes are strictly correlated to various evolution, prognosis and response to therapy during the chronic liver disease. Aim of this study was to outline the changes in the epidemiology of Hepatitis C genotypes in Southern Italy regions from 2006 to 2014. MATERIAL/METHODS Prevalence of HCV genotypes was analyzed in 535 HCV-RNA positive patients with chronic Hepatitis C infection, selected during the period 2012-2014, and compared with our previous data, referred to periods 2006-2008 and 2009-2011. RESULTS In all the three periods analyzed, genotype 1b is predominant (51.8% in 2006-08, 48.3% in 2009-11 and 54.4% in 2012-14) while genotype 2 showed an increase in prevalence (27.9% in 2006-08, 31.7% in 2009-11 and 35.2% in 2012-14) and genotypes 3a and 1a a decrease during the same period (6.8% in 2006-08, 4.7% in 2009-11 and 3.2% in 2012-14 and 7.9% in 2006-08, 4.7% in 2009-11 and 2.6% in 2012-14, respectively). Subtype 1b seems to be equally distributed between males and females (52.7% vs 56.6%) and the prevalence in the age range 31-40 years is significantly higher in the 2012-14 period than in both previous periods (53.8% vs. 16.6% in 2009-11, p< 0.001 and 13.4% in 2006-08, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Genotype 1b is still the most prevalent, even if shows a significantly increase in the under 40 years old population. Instead, genotype 3a seems to have a moderate increase among young people. Overall, the alarming finding is the "returning" role of the iatrogenic transmission as risk factor for the diffusion of Hepatitis C infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnolfo Petruzziello
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Rocco Sabatino
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Loquercio
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
| | - Annunziata Guzzo
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Capua
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Labonia
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Cozzolino
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Azzaro
- Transfusion Service, Department of Hemathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- SSD Virology and Molecular Biology, Department of Diagnostic Area, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione “G. Pascale”, IRCCS Italia, Naples, Italy
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Grossi PA, Dalla Gasperina D, Lombardi D, Ricci A, Piccolo G, Nanni Costa A. Organ transplantation from "increased infectious risk donors": the experience of the Nord Italia Transplant program - A retrospective study. Transpl Int 2017; 31:212-219. [PMID: 29057524 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and the clinical outcome associated with organ transplantation from increased infectious risk donors (IRD). We retrospectively identified all adult deceased IRD referred to the Nord Italia Transplant program coordinating center from November 2006 to November 2011. All potential donors were screened for social risk factors that may increase the risk of donor-derived infection with human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV). All recipients were followed monthly for the first 6 months post-transplant. A total of 86 potential IRD were identified during the study period. Three hundred and seventy-nine organs from IRD were offered to the transplant centers, but only 185 (48.8%) were used for transplantation. Organs from IRD were transplanted into 174 recipients. The complete follow-up data were available for 152 of 174 (87.3%) recipients. During a mean follow-up of 11.7 months (median 12; range 2.4-12), no transmission of HIV, HBV, or syphilis was documented by serology and nucleic acid testing (NAT) testing. Two patients transplanted with organs from HCV-RNA-positive donors, as expected, developed post-transplant HCV infection. In conclusion, the use of organs from IRD was associated with a safe increase in the transplant procedures in our country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Antonio Grossi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Daniela Dalla Gasperina
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Domenico Lombardi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andrea Ricci
- Italian National Transplant Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccolo
- Nord Italia Transplant Program, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-IRCCS Ca Granda, Milan, Italy
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Mancusi RL, Andreoni M, d’Angela D, Sarrecchia C, Spandonaro F. Epidemiological burden estimates for pathologies with a nonconstant risk: an application to HCV in Italy according to age, Metavir score, and genotype: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e5143. [PMID: 27759643 PMCID: PMC5079327 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000005143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Between western European countries, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemic is highest in Italy. The main objective of this paper is to estimate the endemic diffusion of hepatitis C at the national level and by geographical area, with an extrapolation at the regional level and by uniform cohorts of subjects (by sex and year of birth). The secondary objective is a stratification by gravity of the estimated statistical figures to provide an overview of possible targets of the new anti-HCV treatments.PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant Italian populations studies regarding HCV prevalence. Random and fixed effect models were used for pooling data. To develop the epidemiological model, a meta-analysis of studies of Italian populations and the explicit consideration of the changes in the etiology of the disease in different cohorts (by year of birth) of population and the impact of effective treatments that have been introduced since the 1990s. A Markovian transition model, which is based on the distribution of HCV+ and HCV Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)+ subjects, provides a plausible assessment of the Italian situation. The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology recommendations/statements were followed.In 2014, 1569,215 HCV+ subjects (95% credible interval [CrI]: 1202,630-2021,261) were estimated in Italy, with a 2.58% prevalence (95% CrI: 1.98%-3.33%). A total of 828,884 HCV RNA+ subjects (95% CrI: 615,892-1081,123), which is equal to a 1.36% prevalence (95% CrI: 1.01%-1.78%), is higher in southern Italy and the islands (1.9%) than in central-northern Italy (1.1%). The predominance of adult and elderly subjects, with an old or very old infection, inevitably entails a significant number of HCV RNA+ subjects in the advanced stages of the illness. According to our estimates, approximately 400,000 subjects have cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatocarcinoma, with a median age of 70 years.The model aims to support policymakers to define action plans by providing an estimate of both the emerged infected population and nonemerged infected population by age, gender, gravity, genotype, and geographical area. In the future, the model may contribute to simulation of the costs and outcome of different action strategies that can be adopted by health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Letizia Mancusi
- C.R.E.A. Sanità (Consortium for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Department of Economic and Finance, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
- Correspondence: Rossella Letizia Mancusi, C.R.E.A. Sanità (Consortium for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Department of Economic and Finance, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Italy (e-mail: )
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Clinical infectious Disease, Department of Medicine of Systems, Tor Vergata University Hospital
| | - Daniela d’Angela
- C.R.E.A. Sanità (Consortium for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Department of Economic and Finance, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
| | - Cesare Sarrecchia
- Clinical infectious Disease, Department of Medicine of Systems, Tor Vergata University Hospital
| | - Federico Spandonaro
- Department of Economic and Finance, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, C.R.E.A. Sanità (Consortium for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Italy
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Temporal dynamics of hepatitis C genotypes in a five-year hospital-based surveillance in Northern Italy. Arch Virol 2016; 161:2727-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-2975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Polilli E, Tontodonati M, Flacco ME, Ursini T, Striani P, Di Giammartino D, Paoloni M, Vallarola L, Pressanti GL, Fragassi G, Accorsi P, Manzoli L, Parruti G. High seroprevalence of HCV in the Abruzzo Region, Italy: results on a large sample from opt-out pre-surgical screening. Infection 2015; 44:85-91. [PMID: 26363567 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-015-0841-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Available estimates of the prevalence of chronic HCV infection in Italy are quite conflicting, varying from 1.5 to 22.5%, with an apparent north to south gradient. As Direct Acting Antivirals are expensive, both National and local governmental Agencies are in urgent need of detailed and reliable estimates of HCV patients to be treated, nationwide and in each district. We investigated the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in a large unselected sample of surgical patients providing consent to in-hospital opt-out pre-surgical HCV screening, at two hospitals from the Abruzzo Region, Italy. METHODS Data were retrieved for 55,533 screened patients (4.1% of the total population in the Abruzzo Region), admitted in the Orthopedic and General Surgery wards of Pescara and Teramo Hospitals from 1999 to 2014. RESULTS The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 4.4% in the total sample. HCV-positive patients had a mean age of 63.8 ± 19.9 years; 49.2% were males. From 1999 to 2014, the prevalence of HCV antibodies decreased from 5.4% to 4.1%; at both sites, however, two age-related-peaks were evidenced, the first among patients aged 30-49 years, the second among those older than 70 years. Statistical analyses confirmed a significant trend to decrease over time and a higher prevalence in Pescara and among males (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Data retrieved from opt-out pre-surgical screening programs may allow inexpensive and easy-to-perform estimates of HCV seroprevalence from large samples of unselected patients with a well-defined provenience, which may turn useful for future treatment resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ennio Polilli
- Head, Infectious Disease Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana 8, 65124, Pescara, Italy
| | - Monica Tontodonati
- Head, Infectious Disease Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana 8, 65124, Pescara, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Flacco
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
- Regional Healthcare Agency of Abruzzo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Tamara Ursini
- Head, Infectious Disease Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana 8, 65124, Pescara, Italy
| | - Palmira Striani
- Immunohematology and Transfusion, Apheresis Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Paoloni
- Infectious Disease Unit, Avezzano General Hospital, Avezzano, Italy
| | - Luigi Vallarola
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Unit, Teramo General Hospital, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Fragassi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Accorsi
- Immunohematology and Transfusion, Apheresis Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Lamberto Manzoli
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
- Regional Healthcare Agency of Abruzzo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Giustino Parruti
- Head, Infectious Disease Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana 8, 65124, Pescara, Italy.
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Marascio N, Liberto M, Barreca G, Zicca E, Quirino A, Lamberti A, Bianco G, Matera G, Surace L, Berardelli G, Surace L, De Maria V, Giancotti F, Leone R, Villella V, Nisticò S, Borelli A, Caruso V, Calderazzo M, Griffo G, Masciari R, Minchella P, Cosco L, Laganà C, Oliva A, Foti G, Fiorillo M, Bocchiaro G, Surace P, Ciccaglione A, Ciccozzi M, Cesario F, Torti C, Focà A. Update on epidemiology of HCV in Italy: focus on the Calabria Region. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14 Suppl 5:S2. [PMID: 25236184 PMCID: PMC4160896 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-s5-s2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological profile of HCV infection is evolving in Europe, as well as in Italy. We have previously showed genotype distributions and their dynamics in 2,153 HCV RNA positive patients living in Calabria, Southern Italy, over 11 years. In this study, we extend and update this information by evaluating a hospital-based cohort of 945 HCV RNA positive patients attending five hospitals in the Calabria Region from January 2011 to August 2013. We assessed rates of HCV genotypes according to age and gender and the dynamics of HCV genotype distribution over the 3-year period studied. Data showed that genotype 1b is the most prevalent, followed by subtypes 2a/2c and genotype 3. Genotype 4 exhibited an increase between 2011 and 2013. Also, we found a significant decrease in the median age of subjects infected with HCV genotype 3 and 4 during the period studied. Since HCV genotypes are important in epidemiology, pathogenesis and response to antiviral therapy, a continuous epidemiological surveillance is needed.
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Monti G, Saccardo F, Castelnovo L, Novati P, Sollima S, Riva A, Sarzi-Puttini P, Quartuccio L, De Vita S, Galli M. Prevalence of mixed cryoglobulinaemia syndrome and circulating cryoglobulins in a population-based survey: the Origgio study. Autoimmun Rev 2014; 13:609-14. [PMID: 24418294 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mixed cryoglobulinaemia syndrome (MCS) is associated with a number of infectious, autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders, particularly chronic hepatitis C infection. Although circulating mixed cryoglobulins (cMCGs) are a frequent finding in HCV-infected patients, only a minority of them develop a frank MCS. The only available data concerning the prevalence of MCS, which is generally considered a rare disease, come from hospital records. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of cMCGs and MCS in a population-based study. All of the adult residents in Origgio, a town of about seven thousand inhabitants in northern Italy, were mailed a validated questionnaire, and a randomly selected sample of respondents was invited to undergo a clinical examination and laboratory tests including the determination of cMCGs. The 1594 respondents to the questionnaire (54.3% women, 64.5% aged >49years) accounted for 26.4% of the total adult population. Forty-nine (3.1%) positively responded to at least two questions, including a disproportionately high number of people aged >70years (p=0.001). Of the 266 randomly selected subjects invited to undergo a clinical examination and laboratory tests, 147 accepted, 30 (20.4%) of whom had asymptomatic type III cMCGs and four MCS. The risk of cMCG positivity was independently associated with C4 levels of <16mg/dL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-18.08; p=0.040) and HCV positivity (AOR 6.87, 95% CI 1.16-40.79; p=0.034). No co-morbidities known to be related to cMCG production could be detected in more than 50% of the positive cases. After including the other positive respondents who agreed to undergo a clinical examination, the number of diagnosed MCS increased to seven: five HCV-related, one HBV-related, and one essential MCS. In conclusion, MCS seems to be more frequent than expected for a 'rare' disease, and the unexpectedly high prevalence of cMCGs raises questions about the frequency with which they are triggered, the spectrum of diseases involved in triggering them, and their real role as disease indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Monti
- Busto Arsizio, Ospedale di Saronno UO Medicina Interna, Pz.le Borella 1, 21047 Saronno, Italy.
| | - Francesco Saccardo
- Busto Arsizio, Ospedale di Saronno UO Medicina Interna, Pz.le Borella 1, 21047 Saronno, Italy.
| | - Laura Castelnovo
- Busto Arsizio, Ospedale di Saronno UO Medicina Interna, Pz.le Borella 1, 21047 Saronno, Italy.
| | - Paola Novati
- Busto Arsizio, Ospedale di Saronno UO Medicina Interna, Pz.le Borella 1, 21047 Saronno, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Sollima
- Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Milan, Luigi Sacco Hospital, via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Agostino Riva
- Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Milan, Luigi Sacco Hospital, via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Milan, Luigi Sacco Hospital, via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Quartuccio
- Clinic of Rheumatology, Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, P.za Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Salvatore De Vita
- Clinic of Rheumatology, Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, P.za Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Massimo Galli
- Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Milan, Luigi Sacco Hospital, via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
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Daw MA, El-Bouzedi A. Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in Libya: results from a national population based survey. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:17. [PMID: 24405790 PMCID: PMC3893419 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Libya is one of the largest countries in Africa and has the longest coast in the Mediterranean basin facing southern Europe. High rates of prevalence of viral hepatitis have been observed in various regions in Africa, but the prevalence in Libya is not well documented. We report on a large-scale nationwide study that evaluated the epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Libya and assessed the risk factors involved. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 on 65,761 individuals all over Libya. The country was divided into 12 regions according to the population density and sampling within each region was carried out under the supervision of the National Centre for Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Serum samples were collected from both males and females of all ages in both urban and rural areas and tested for HBsAg for hepatitis B and anti-HCV antibody for hepatitis C. Prevalence rates were determined in regions and in different groups and correlated with different demographic and risk factors involved in the spread of these viruses. Results The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses varied regionally across the country. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B was 2.2% (95% CI 2.1%-2.3%) and was higher among males than females (1.4:1.0). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence was 1.2% (95% CI 1.1-1.3) and it increased gradually after the age of 30 years (0.7-0.9% for < 30 years; 3.6% for ≥ 60 years). Prevalence of HBsAg was 0.8-0.9% below the age of 10 years, and higher but similar in older age groups (2.3-2.7%). There was an association between literacy and prevalence of hepatitis, particularly for HCV. Hospital admission, surgical operation, blood transfusion, and intravenous drug use were the main risk factors, and they were associated independently with a higher prevalence rate of viral hepatitis. Conclusions Libya may be considered an area of low-intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus infection, with lower rates in young age groups, and an area of low endemicity for hepatitis C. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C across Libya is not homogeneous, with indications of the effect of the higher rates in some neighbouring countries. Libya should adopt full coverage national plans and guidelines to face the future consequences of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya.
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Hahné SJM, Veldhuijzen IK, Wiessing L, Lim TA, Salminen M, Laar MVD. Infection with hepatitis B and C virus in Europe: a systematic review of prevalence and cost-effectiveness of screening. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:181. [PMID: 23597411 PMCID: PMC3716892 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is improving but not benefiting individuals unaware to be infected. To inform screening policies we assessed (1) the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV-Ab) prevalence for 34 European countries; and (2) the cost-effectiveness of screening for chronic HBV and HCV infection. METHODS We searched peer-reviewed literature for data on HBsAg and anti-HCV-Ab prevalence and cost-effectiveness of screening of the general population and five subgroups, and used data for people who inject drugs (PWID) and blood donors from two European organizations. Of 1759 and 468 papers found in the prevalence and cost-effectiveness searches respectively, we included 124 and 29 papers after assessing their quality. We used decision rules to calculate weighted prevalence estimates by country. RESULTS The HBsAg and anti-HCV-Ab prevalence in the general population ranged from 0.1%-5.6% and 0.4%-5.2% respectively, by country. For PWID, men who have sex with men and migrants, the prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV-Ab was higher than the prevalence in the general population in all but 3 countries. There is evidence that HCV screening of PWID and HBsAg screening of pregnant women and migrants is cost-effective. CONCLUSION The prevalence of chronic HBV and HCV infection varies widely between European countries. Anti-HCV-Ab screening of PWID and HBsAg screening of pregnant women and migrants have European public health priority. Cost-effectiveness analyses may need to take effect of antiviral treatment on preventing HBV and HCV transmission into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J M Hahné
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, Bilthoven, 3720 BA, The Netherlands.
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Tramuto F, Mazzucco W, Maida CM, Affronti A, Affronti M, Montalto G, Vitale F. Serological pattern of Hepatitis B, C, and HIV infections among immigrants in Sicily: epidemiological aspects and implication on public health. J Community Health 2012; 37:547-53. [PMID: 21922163 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-011-9477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in a cohort of immigrants living in Palermo, Sicily. The study was carried out in the period May 2006-June 2010 and recruited a total of 393 patients (59.8% males-median age of 32.6 years). All patients were tested for serological markers of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection. One-hundred thirty-eight (35.1%) individuals did not show any HBV/HCV/HIV serological marker, while 186 (47.3%) were indicative of past or current HBV infection. A total of 42 (10.7%) subjects were HBsAg positive, 59 (15.0%) showed the serological profile "anti-HBc alone", and only 40 (10.1%) were anti-HBs alone. Overall, 22/393 (5.6%) immigrants were anti-HCV positive and 13/327 (4.0%) were infected with HIV. Findings from this study suggest that a suitable screening protocol for the viral blood/sexually transmissible diseases is recommended on entering Italy, and the adoption of health control strategies should also be considered to safeguard the health of the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Tramuto
- Department of Sciences for the Health Promotion "G. D'Alessandro"-Hygiene Section, University of Palermo, 133, via del Vespro, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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12
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Halil Kili I, Meltem Kor M, Ozaslan M, Didem Kara I, Zer Y, Koruk M, Uyar C, Guler I. Mutation Analysis of Protein Kinase Binding Domain of HCV NS5A Gene Isolated
from Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. INT J PHARMACOL 2012. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2012.519.526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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13
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The Evolving Incidence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Italy. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2012. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.4873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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14
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Hepatitis C virus and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: biology, epidemiology and therapy. Oncol Rev 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12156-011-0087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
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15
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Hepatitis C Virus infections trends in Italy, 1996-2006. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2011. [DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1735143x.3751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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16
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Epidemiological survey of hepatitis C virus infection in a cohort of patients from a ser.T in naples, Italy. J Addict Med 2011; 5:43-9. [PMID: 21769046 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0b013e3181d131e0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected an estimated 170 million people worldwide, most of whom are chronically infected (60% to 80%). In Italy, the estimate of anti-HCV antibody (Ab) prevalence, in the general population of Northern Italy, is 3.2%; in Central and Southern Italy, it is 8.4% to 22.4%. Highest prevalence of infection (70% to 90%) is found among intravenous drug users. Our purpose is to monitor HCV infection among drug users treated in a Drug Addiction Centre (Ser.T) in Naples and to gain a better understanding of that relationship with the abused substance(s). Epidemiological data are shown for viral coinfections. Finally, the authors investigate access to specific HCV therapy in an Italian Ser.T. The study analyzed a group of 1753 consecutive subjects treated from 1988 to 2008 in the O.U. Ser.T D.S.31 (Gesù e Maria Hospital), ASL Napoli 1 Centre. HCV Abs were detected by enzyme immune assay method and confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay III method. During the entire period, we performed real-time polymerase chain reaction at random for 312 patients. The incidence (per year) of HCV infection showed a rapid spread decrease from 49.5% in 2003 to 14.5% in 2008. The overall prevalence of HCV was 48.1%. We tested 312 randomly selected patients for viral replication. Our study showed active viral replication in 201 (64.4%) patients as follows: 97 of 201 (31.1%) resulted infected by genotype (gt) 1; 3 of 201 (1.0%) gt 2; 84 of 201 (26.9%) gt 3; and 4 of 201 (1.3%) gt 4. Coinfection data showed that HCV Ab prevalence was 58.5% (48 of 82) in hepatitis B virus chronically infected patients. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfection resulted in 95.2% (80 of 84) HIV patients. The prevalence of HIV Abs in HCV-infected patients was 8.99% (80 of 889). Analysis of drug abuse showed high prevalence of opiate addicted, multiabusers, and with high-risk factors. Cocaine abuser prevalence was 14.4%, and incidence, during past 4 years of the study, rose to 42.6%. Alcohol abuser prevalence represented 5.8% of patients and incidence rose to 17.7% in final 4 years of the study. In those opiate addicted, HCV infection was 61.0% (805 of 1320). HCV infection in cocaine-addicted patients was 9.5% (24 of 253). In 78 delta-9-tetra-hydro-cannabinol addicted patients, 5.1% of tests were positive (4 of 78). In alcohol abusers, HCV infection was 9.8% (10 of 102). Access to HCV treatment in our cohort from 2000 to 2008 resulted low (15.4%). Enhancing the Ser.Ts efficiency can result in health and financial benefits.
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17
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Cornberg M, Razavi HA, Alberti A, Bernasconi E, Buti M, Cooper C, Dalgard O, Dillion JF, Flisiak R, Forns X, Frankova S, Goldis A, Goulis I, Halota W, Hunyady B, Lagging M, Largen A, Makara M, Manolakopoulos S, Marcellin P, Marinho RT, Pol S, Poynard T, Puoti M, Sagalova O, Sibbel S, Simon K, Wallace C, Young K, Yurdaydin C, Zuckerman E, Negro F, Zeuzem S. A systematic review of hepatitis C virus epidemiology in Europe, Canada and Israel. Liver Int 2011; 31 Suppl 2:30-60. [PMID: 21651702 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02539.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Decisions on public health issues are dependent on reliable epidemiological data. A comprehensive review of the literature was used to gather country-specific data on risk factors, prevalence, number of diagnosed individuals and genotype distribution of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in selected European countries, Canada and Israel. METHODOLOGY Data references were identified through indexed journals and non-indexed sources. In this work, 13,000 articles were reviewed and 860 were selected based on their relevance. RESULTS Differences in prevalence were explained by local and regional variances in transmission routes or different public health measures. The lowest HCV prevalence (≤ 0.5%) estimates were from northern European countries and the highest (≥ 3%) were from Romania and rural areas in Greece, Italy and Russia. The main risk for HCV transmission in countries with well-established HCV screening programmes and lower HCV prevalence was injection drug use, which was associated with younger age at the time of infection and a higher infection rate among males. In other regions, contaminated glass syringes and nosocomial infections continue to play an important role in new infections. Immigration from endemic countries was another factor impacting the total number of infections and the genotype distribution. Approximately 70% of cases in Israel, 37% in Germany and 33% in Switzerland were not born in the country. In summary, HCV epidemiology shows a high variability across Europe, Canada and Israel. CONCLUSION Despite the eradication of transmission by blood products, HCV infection continues to be one of the leading blood-borne infections in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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18
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Mariano A, Scalia Tomba G, Tosti ME, Spada E, Mele A. Estimating the incidence, prevalence and clinical burden of hepatitis C over time in Italy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 41:689-99. [PMID: 19579149 DOI: 10.1080/00365540903095358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to estimate HCV clinical burden over time in Italy. A national age-specific HCV prevalence in 1995 was obtained from studies conducted in general population samples and intravenous drug users. Age profile of new HCV infections and trend of incidence since 1985 were derived from a database of reported acute HCV infections. These incidence and prevalence data were used to estimate HCV burden from 1950 to 2030 by mathematical modelling. Different rates of HCV related liver disease progression were tested to assess the robustness of estimates. It is estimated that HCV had a major spread in Italy in 1945-1969. HCV RNA-positive subjects peaked around 1970; their prevalence in 2005 was 3.2%, 58% of them being >65 y of age. The number of individuals with HCV related cirrhosis and that of HCV liver related deaths peaked in 1980-1985. In 2005, they were approximately 230,000 (range 150,000-240,000, according to lower or higher disease progression rates) and approximately 7,000 (range 2200-12,300), respectively: both will be halved by 2025. In conclusion, unlike other industrialized countries, the burden of clinically relevant HCV-positive cases in Italy is already on the decline and will further reduce in the future. This is due to differences in the age-specific prevalence, most of HCV-positive Italians currently being >65 y of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mariano
- Reparto di Epidemiologia Clinica e Linee Guida, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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19
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Liver disorders in the elderly. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2009; 23:909-17. [PMID: 19942167 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2009.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 10/01/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although there are no specific age-related liver diseases, it is increasingly recognized that the percentage and the actual number of elderly will increase substantially over the next twenty years. Moreover, the developments of new emerging conditions (e.g. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and novel therapeutic approaches have provoked increasing enthusiasm among hepatologists. Some liver diseases are particularly frequent in the elderly, e.g. chronic hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma. The clinical course and management of liver disease in the elderly may differ in several aspects from those of younger adults. The problem of whether to offer antiviral treatment to a wide range of patients with chronic hepatitis C has arisen over the last eight to ten years, since the reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was analyzed. Selected patients aged 65 and older have a chance of treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, despite a higher likelihood of side effects. The diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis should be suspected in a patient over 65 years of age in case of 'acute' presentation with 10-fold increase in transaminases, jaundice and hyper-gammaglobulinemia, to avoid any delay in starting immunosuppressive therapy. The age of an end stage liver disease will increase over the next years, thus we will expects an increasing number of decompensated liver disease and hepatocellular carcinomas.
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20
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Esteban JI, Sauleda S, Quer J. The changing epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Europe. J Hepatol 2008; 48:148-62. [PMID: 18022726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2007.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Europe is continuously evolving and epidemiological parameters (prevalence, incidence, disease transmission patterns and genotype distribution) have changed substantially during the last 15 years. Four main factors contribute to such changes: increased blood transfusion safety, improvement of healthcare conditions, continuous expansion of intravenous drug use and immigration to Europe from endemic areas. As a result, intravenous drug use has become the main risk factor for HCV transmission, prevalent infections have increased and genotype distribution has changed and diversified. Hence, prevalence data from studies conducted a decade ago may not be useful to estimate the current and future burden of HCV infection and additional epidemiological studies should be conducted, as well as new preventive strategies implemented to control the silent epidemic. This review summarizes recently published data on the epidemiology of HCV infection in Europe focusing on the factors currently shaping the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Esteban
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
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21
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Palazzi C, D'Amico E, D'Angelo S, Nucera A, Petricca A, Olivieri I. Hepatitis C virus infection in Italian patients with fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol 2007; 27:101-3. [PMID: 17943229 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-007-0737-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2007] [Accepted: 08/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Italian patients suffering from fibromyalgia (FM), in comparison with patients affected by non-HCV related rheumatic degenerative disorders. Consecutive patients with FM and a statistically comparable group of patients suffering from peripheral osteoarthritis (OA) or sciatica due to L4-L5 or L5-S1 herniated disc were tested for HCV infection with a third-generation microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). In the positive cases, a third-generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) confirmatory test and serum HCV-RNA test were performed. Fisher's exact test was performed to compare the prevalence of HCV infection (MEIA- and RIBA-positive results) obtained in the two enrolled groups. Enrolled were 152 subjects suffering from FM and 152 patients with peripheral OA or sciatica. Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 7/152 (4.6%) patients suffering from FM and in 5/152 (3.3%) of control subjects. No statistically significant differences in HCV prevalence were detected between cases and controls. Our present report does not confirm previous data indicating an increased prevalence of HCV in FM patients and does not seem to support a significant pathogenetic role of HCV under this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Palazzi
- Division of Rheumatology, Villa Pini Clinic, Chieti, Italy
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22
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Gatselis NK, Rigopoulou E, Stefos A, Kardasi M, Dalekos GN. Risk factors associated with HCV infection in semi-rural areas of central Greece. Eur J Intern Med 2007; 18:48-55. [PMID: 17223043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2006.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2006] [Revised: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 09/19/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) appears to be endemic in most parts of the world, but there is considerable geographic variation. In order to assess the geographic distribution of HCV in Thessaly, in central Greece, we conducted a retrospective study in HCV-infected patients attending the Academic Liver Unit of Thessaly University from 1999 to 2003. We also investigated whether variation among regions could be attributed to differences in risk factors. METHODS We evaluated the records of 309 HCV patients whose origin and/or residence was in Thessaly. To identify risk factors that were independently associated with the place of birth and/or residence, adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression analysis. We also studied the medical records of 150 HCV-negative patients from the same areas in order to evaluate whether there are differences in risk factors reported by HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients. RESULTS We found three municipalities with a high HCV frequency. The use of non-disposable, multiple-use glass syringes for medical purposes in the past was the only potential risk factor more frequently identified in these areas than in other places (OR=2.3; p<0.05). This risk factor was significantly (p<0.001) associated with older age of the infected patients. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the spread of HCV in the three regions may have occurred several years ago as a result of the use of multiple-use glass syringes. Differences in prevalence rates among different age groups, as well as among different areas, indicate the need for extensive studies to determine HCV epidemiology and to develop appropriate prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine, Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Sy T, Jamal MM. Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Int J Med Sci 2006; 3:41-6. [PMID: 16614741 PMCID: PMC1415844 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.3.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2005] [Accepted: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus remains a large health care burden to the world. Incidence rates across the world fluctuate and are difficult to calculate given the asymptomatic, often latent nature of the disease prior to clinical presentation. Prevalence rates across the world have changed as well with more countries aware of transfusion-related hepatitis C and more and more evidence supporting intravenous drug use as the leading risk factor of spread of the virus. This article reviews current hepatitis C virus prevalence and genotype data and examines the different risk factors associated with the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Sy
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
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Monnet E, Collin-Naudet E, Bresson-Hadni S, Minello A, Di Martino V, Carel D, Jooste V, Gagnaire A, Evrard P, Obert-Clerc B, Miguet JP, Hillon P. Place of residence and distance to medical care influence the diagnosis of hepatitis C: a population-based study. J Hepatol 2006; 44:499-506. [PMID: 16427717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2005.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2005] [Revised: 11/15/2005] [Accepted: 11/17/2005] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS In France, geographic access to medical care may affect the diagnosis of hepatitis C. The aims of this study were to compare the detection rates of hepatitis C in urban and rural areas after adjusting for distance to medical care, and evaluating the impact of the place of residence on patients' clinical characteristics. METHODS Between 1994 and 2001, 1938 newly detected cases were recorded in a French population of 1,005,817 inhabitants. Age and sex-adjusted detection rates for 10(5) inhabitants were estimated for urban and rural areas and for classes of distance to the nearest practitioner. RESULTS Detection rates were lower in rural than in urban areas [14.1, (95CI: 12.5-15.7) versus 24.7, (95CI: 23.5-26.0)] and decreased as the distance to the general practitioner increased [27.0, (95CI: 25.5-28.4) versus 13.7, (95CI: 12.1-15.3) for a cutoff value of 1.5 km]. In multivariate analyses, detection rates were only influenced by the distance to general practitioner. Hepatocellular carcinoma at diagnosis was more frequent among rural than among urban patients (adjusted OR = 2.28, 95CI: 0.97-5.39, P = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS A poorer geographic access to care explained the lower detection of hepatitis C in rural areas. Hepatocellular carcinoma was more frequent in rural patients. It may result from later detection and/or involvement of environmental factors on hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Monnet
- Hepatology and Intensive Care unit, Besançon University Hospital Center, 1 Boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France.
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Palazzi C, Olivieri I, D'Amico E, D'Agostino L, Nicolucci A, Pennese E, Petricca A. Hepatitis C virus infection in psoriatic arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 53:223-5. [PMID: 15818717 DOI: 10.1002/art.21079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), compared with patients affected by non HCV-related rheumatic degenerative disorders. METHODS One-hundred consecutive subjects with PsA, and a statistically comparable group of 100 consecutive patients with peripheral osteoarthritis (OA) or sciatica due to L4-L5 or L5-S1 herniated disc were tested for HCV infection with a third-generation microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Positive cases were submitted to a third-generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) confirmatory test. Comparison between the HCV prevalence obtained in the 2 enrolled groups was performed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS Anti-HCV antibodies were found with the MEIA method, in 1 patient with PsA, and in 4 patients with OA or sciatica. The RIBA method confirmed MEIA results in all positive patients. The difference in HCV prevalence detected in the PsA group and in the control group was not statistically significant (P = 0.68). Furthermore, HCV prevalence in PsA patients was lower than the ones reported in different geographic areas of Italy. CONCLUSION Our present report does not confirm previous data that indicated an increased prevalence of HCV in PsA patients, and as a consequence, does not sustain a possible trigger role of HCV in cases of PsA. The absence of clinical or instrumental resources that consent a definite differential diagnosis between PsA and HCV-related arthritis was outlined and analyzed.
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Negri E, Little D, Boiocchi M, La Vecchia C, Franceschi S. B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and hepatitis C virus infection: a systematic review. Int J Cancer 2004; 111:1-8. [PMID: 15185336 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.20205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) has been reported in some, but not all, studies, and the association showed a strong regional variation. We conducted a systematic review of the prevalence of HCV infection in case series of B-NHL and, when an appropriate control group was available, of the odds ratio of B-NHL associated with HCV infection. A high HCV prevalence in B-NHL was found in southern and eastern Europe, Japan and the southern United States, but not in central and northern Europe, Canada, northern United States, or a few Asian countries. Possible sources of heterogeneity and bias are discussed. The odds ratio of B-NHL for HCV infection was relatively weak, ranging from 2 to 4 in most studies. Thus, even if the observed association were causal, the percentage of cases of B-NHL attributable to HCV infection would be relatively low (10%) also in countries with a high prevalence of HCV infection in the general population, and extremely low in other countries. This may explain apparent inconsistencies between studies. Potential mechanisms of action are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Negri
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Shin HR, Kim JY, Kim JI, Lee DH, Yoo KY, Lee DS, Franceschi S. Hepatitis B and C virus prevalence in a rural area of South Korea: the role of acupuncture. Br J Cancer 2002; 87:314-8. [PMID: 12177801 PMCID: PMC2364222 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2002] [Revised: 04/29/2002] [Accepted: 05/03/2002] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of and the risk factors for hepatitis C and B viruses among 700 adults above the age of 40 years in a rural area of South Korea. Seropositivity for hepatitis C virus antibody (11.0%, 95% confidence interval: 8.7-13.6) was higher than that for hepatitis B surface antigen (4.4%, 95% confidence interval: 3.0-6.2). Anti-hepatitis C virus seropositivity was associated with a history of repeated acupuncture (odds ratio=2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.0), and blood transfusion (odds ratio=5.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.6-19.3) before 1992 when hepatitis C virus screening in blood donors became mandatory. Hepatitis C virus 2a was the most prevalent genotype, followed by 1b. Hepatitis C virus risk attributable to acupuncture was 38% (9% for men and 55% for women). Safer acupuncture practice has become a priority for hepatitis C virus prevention in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Shin
- Division of Cancer Control and Epidemiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 809 Madu-dong, Ilsan-Gu, Koyang, Kyonggi, 411-764 South Korea
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