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Davlidova S, Haley-Johnson Z, Nyhan K, Farooq A, Vermund SH, Ali S. Prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV in Central Asia and the Caucasus: A systematic review. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 104:510-525. [PMID: 33385583 PMCID: PMC11094609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.12.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are substantial public health threats in the region of Central Asia and the Caucasus, where the prevalence of these infections is currently rising. METHODS A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO was conducted with no publication date or language restrictions through October 2019. Additional data were also harvested from national surveillance reports, references found in discovered sources, and other "grey" literature. It included studies conducted on high-risk populations (people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), prisoners, and migrants) in Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; and the Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Northern Caucasus region of the Russian Federation. RESULTS Wide ranges were noted for HIV prevalence: PWID 0-30.1%, MSM 0-25.1%, prisoners 0-22.8%, FSW 0-10.0%, and migrants 0.06-1.5%, with the highest prevalence of these high-risk groups reported in Kazakhstan (for PWID), Georgia (for MSM and prisoners) and Uzbekistan (for migrants). HCV prevalence also had a wide range: PWID 0.3-92.1%, MSM 0-18.9%, prisoners 23.8-49.7%, FSW 3.3-17.8%, and migrants 0.5-26.5%, with the highest prevalence reported in Georgia (92.1%), Kyrgyzstan (49.7%), and migrants from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (26.5%). Similarly, HBV prevalence had a wide range: PWID 2.8-79.7%, MSM 0-22.2%, prisoners 2.7-6.2%, FSW 18.4% (one study), and migrants 0.3-15.7%. CONCLUSION In Central Asia and the Caucasus, prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV remains exceedingly high among selected populations, notably PWID and MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Davlidova
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Kate Nyhan
- Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ayesha Farooq
- Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Syed Ali
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
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2
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Leventer-Roberts M, Dagan N, Berent JM, Brufman I, Hoshen M, Braun M, Balicer RD, Feldman BS. Using population-level incidence of hepatitis C virus and immigration status for data-driven screening policies: a case study in Israel. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020; 44:2-9. [PMID: 33348364 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies estimate hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease prevalence from convenience samples. Consequently, screening policies may not include those at the highest risk for a new diagnosis. METHODS Clalit Health Services members aged 25-74 as of 31 December 2009 were included in the study. Rates of testing and new diagnoses of HCV were calculated, and potential risk groups were examined. RESULTS Of the 2 029 501 included members, those aged 45-54 and immigrants had lower rates of testing (12.5% and 15.6%, respectively), higher rates of testing positive (0.8% and 1.1%, respectively), as well as the highest rates of testing positive among tested (6.1% and 6.9%, respectively). DISCUSSION In this population-level study, groups more likely to test positive for HCV also had lower rates of testing. Policy makers and clinicians worldwide should consider creating screening policies using on population-based data to maximize the ability to detect and treat incident cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Leventer-Roberts
- Clalit Research Institute, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel.,Departments of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Noa Dagan
- Clalit Research Institute, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenna M Berent
- Clalit Research Institute, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel.,Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel
| | - Ilan Brufman
- Clalit Research Institute, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel
| | - Moshe Hoshen
- Clalit Research Institute, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel
| | - Marius Braun
- Liver Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tiqwa 49100, Israel
| | - Ran D Balicer
- Clalit Research Institute, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel.,Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel.,Epidemiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Becca S Feldman
- Clalit Research Institute, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel
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Greenaway C, Thu Ma A, Kloda LA, Klein M, Cnossen S, Schwarzer G, Shrier I. The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Antibodies in Immigrants and Refugees from Intermediate and High Endemic Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141715. [PMID: 26558905 PMCID: PMC4641717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health issue that leads to 350,000 preventable deaths annually due to associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immigrants and refugees (migrants) originating from intermediate/high HCV endemic countries are likely at increased risk for HCV infection due to HCV exposure in their countries of origin. The aim of this study was to estimate the HCV seroprevalence of the migrant population living in low HCV prevalence countries. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched from database inception until June 17, 2014 for studies reporting the prevalence of HCV antibodies among migrants. Seroprevalence estimates were pooled with a random-effect model and were stratified by age group, region of origin and migration status and a meta-regression was modeled to explore heterogeneity. RESULTS Data from 50 studies representing 38,635 migrants from all world regions were included. The overall anti-HCV prevalence (representing previous and current infections) was 1.9% (95% CI, 1.4-2.7%, I2 96.1). Older age and region of origin, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe were the strongest predictors of HCV seroprevalence. The estimated HCV seroprevalence of migrants from these regions was >2% and is higher than that reported for most host populations. CONCLUSION Adult migrants originating from Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe are at increased risk for HCV and may benefit from targeted HCV screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Research Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ann Thu Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marina Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonya Cnossen
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Research Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian Shrier
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Research Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Khetsuriani N, Tishkova F, Jabirov S, Wannemuehler K, Kamili S, Pirova Z, Mosina L, Gavrilin E, Ursu P, Drobeniuc J. Substantial decline in hepatitis B virus infections following vaccine introduction in Tajikistan. Vaccine 2015; 33:4019-24. [PMID: 26072015 PMCID: PMC4693601 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.05.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tajikistan, considered highly endemic area for hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a pre-vaccine era, introduced hepatitis B vaccine in 2002 and reported ≥80% coverage with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB3) since 2004. However, the impact of vaccine introduction has not been assessed. METHODS We tested residual serum specimens from a 2010 national serosurvey for vaccine-preventable diseases in Tajikistan and assessed the prevalence of HBV infection across groups defined based on the birth cohorts' routine infant hepatitis B vaccination program implementation and HepB3 coverage achieved (≥80% versus <80%). Serosurvey participants were selected through stratified multi-stage cluster sampling among residents of all regions of Tajikistan aged 1-24 years. All specimens were tested for antibodies against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc) and those found positive were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and compared across subgroups using Satterthwaite-adjusted chi-square tests, accounting for the survey design and sampling weights. RESULTS A total of 2188 samples were tested. Prevalence of HBV infection markers was lowest among cohorts with ≥80% HepB3 coverage (ages, 1-6 years): 2.1% (95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.3%) for anti-HBc, 0.4% (0.1-1.3%) for HBsAg, followed by 7.2% (4.1-12.4%) for anti-HBc and 2.1% (0.7-6.1%) for HBsAg among cohorts with <80% HepB3 coverage (ages, 7-8 years), by 12.0% (8.7-16.3%) for anti-HBc and 3.5% (2.2-5.6%) for HBsAg among children's cohorts not targeted for vaccination (ages, 9-14 years), and 28.9% (24.5-33.8%) for anti-HBc and 6.8% (4.5-10.1%) for HBsAg among unvaccinated adult cohorts (ages, 15-24 years). Differences across groups were significant (p<0.001, chi-square) for both markers. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates substantial impact of hepatitis B vaccine introduction on reducing HBV infections in Tajikistan. To achieve further progress in hepatitis B control, Tajikistan should maintain high routine coverage with hepatitis B vaccine, including birth dose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Saleem Kamili
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zulfiya Pirova
- World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
| | | | | | - Pavel Ursu
- World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
| | - Jan Drobeniuc
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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6
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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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Ayesh BM, Zourob SS, Abu-Jadallah SY, Shemer-Avni Y. Most common genotypes and risk factors for HCV in Gaza strip: a cross sectional study. Virol J 2009; 6:105. [PMID: 19607718 PMCID: PMC2716328 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-6-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present work aims at determining HCV genotypes in patients with chronic HCV infection, in Gaza strip, Palestine. The most common risk factors for HCV transmission were also evaluated in conjunction with the genotyping data. RESULTS The study shows that there are only two major genotypes of HCV in Gaza Strip: Genotype 1 (subtypes 1a and 1b) collectively contribute to 28.3% of the cases, and genotype 4 (subtypes 4a and 4c/d) collectively contribute to 64.1% of the cases. Mixed infection with the two genotypes was also present among 7.6% of the cases. In this study a statistically significant relationship was established between the distribution of these genotypes and the patients' living place, traveling history, history of blood transfusion and history of surgical operations. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to link HCV genotyping in Gaza strip with its possible roots of transmission. Traveling to endemic countries, especially Egypt; blood transfusion and surgical operations are major roots of HCV infection in Gaza strip. The results indicate that iatrogenic and nosocomial procedures may be responsible for the majority of HCV infections in Gaza strip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basim M Ayesh
- Molecular Biology Lab, Central Laboratory-Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestinian authority
- Biology Department-Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestinian authority
| | - Sofia S Zourob
- The European Gaza Hospital Laboratory, Gaza, Palestinian authority
| | | | - Yonat Shemer-Avni
- Soroka Academic Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Clinical Virology Unit, Dept of Virology, Beer Sheva, Israel
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8
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Batash S, Khaykis I, Raicht RF, Bini EJ. High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among immigrants from the former Soviet Union in the New York City metropolitan area: results of a community-based screening program. Am J Gastroenterol 2008; 103:922-7. [PMID: 18397420 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2008.01789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate sterilization and reuse of medical equipment likely contributed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the former Soviet Union (FSU). Although New York leads the nation in the number of immigrants from the FSU, the epidemiology of HCV infection has not been evaluated in this population. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for HCV infection among immigrants from the FSU in the New York metropolitan area. METHODS We conducted a 3-day community-based HCV screening program in the two boroughs of the New York metropolitan area with the highest density of FSU immigrants (Brooklyn and Queens). Russian cable television was used to invite subjects to come in for free HCV testing. In the last 2 days of screening, each person also completed an HCV risk factor questionnaire. RESULTS The overall prevalence of HCV seropositivity among the 283 subjects was 28.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.0-33.5%). The prevalence of HCV infection was similar in men and women (30.3% vs 26.5%, P = 0.48) and was highest in subjects > or = 70 yr old (35.0%). HCV seropositivity was 11.1% in immigrants from Russia, 29.0% from Uzbekistan, 31.0% from the Ukraine, and 36.8% from other regions. Intramuscular injections (odds ratio 9.1, 95% CI 2.0-42.4) and blood transfusions (odds ratio 3.2, 95% CI 1.2-9.0) were the only variables that were significantly associated with HCV infection in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this community-based screening program we found a high prevalence of HCV infection among immigrants from the FSU, and these infections likely resulted from inadequately sterilized medical equipment and blood transfusions. Universal HCV testing should be strongly considered for all FSU immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Batash
- Division of Gastroenterology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Rubin L, Hefer E, Dubnov Y, Warman S, Rishpon S. An evaluation of the efficacy of the national immunization programme for hepatitis B. Public Health 2007; 121:529-33. [PMID: 17320126 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2006.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2006] [Revised: 10/10/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We report an evaluation of the Israeli national immunization programme for hepatitis B in the Haifa subdistrict. We used a convenience sample of blood tests reported positive for HBsAg over a 6-year period from children who were born after routine immunization began in 1992. We identified 11 children with presumed chronic hepatitis B virus infection who were residents of the Haifa subdistrict, three of whom were born in Israel. All three were immunized at the appropriate age and are thus considered vaccination failures rather than failure to vaccinate. The remaining eight were born abroad, had emigrated to Israel as children and were not immunized at birth. We estimate the rate of chronic hepatitis B virus infection for children born since 1998 to be 0.24/10,000 births. For all children resident in the subdistrict under the age of 12 years, the period prevalence is estimated to be 1.26/10,000. The rate of chronic infection in children younger than 12 years was significantly less than that of older cohorts and less than that of historical controls before the start of immunization. Although the reported rates are probable underestimates of actual rates, the fact that they are based on testing carried out in clinical settings increases the likelihood of positive findings and thus reduces the degree of error. The fact that most young carriers are foreign born points to the importance of timely catch-up programmes. In countries with low and intermediate rates of chronic infection, serosurveys of immunized children need to be large and are therefore costly. Monitoring HBsAg positive tests from routine testing carried out in clinical settings is an inexpensive way to monitor chronic infection rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rubin
- Haifa District Health Office, Palyam 15 B, P.O. Box 800, Haifa 31999, Israel.
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10
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Nurgalieva ZZ, Hollinger FB, Graham DY, Zhangabylova S, Zhangabylov A. Epidemiology and transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses in Kazakhstan. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:1204-7. [PMID: 17451200 PMCID: PMC4146994 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i8.1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the two major ethnic groups in Kazakhstan.
METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study of HBV and HCV seroprevalence was performed among individuals born in Kazakhstan with no history of chronic hepatitis or liver disease.
RESULTS: There were 290 volunteers (140 Russians and 150 Kazakhs) aged 10 to 64 years, males accounted for 46%. Active HBV infection (HBsAg positive) was present in 3.8%, anti-HBc in 30%. The prevalence was similar in females and males (33% vs 25%) (P = 0.18). The prevalence of anti-HBc increased from 19% in 10-29 years old volunteers to 53% in 50-years and older volunteers. The prevalence of HBV infection was higher in married than in single adults (38% vs 26%, respectively) (P = 0.2) and more common in Kazakhs (35%) than in Russians (24%) (P = 0.07). HCV infection was present in 9 subjects (3.2%), 5 of them also were positive for anti-HBc in the absence of HBsAg.
CONCLUSION: The frequency of active HBV infection (3.8%) coupled with a high prevalence of HBV exposure in those > 50 years of age increases with age, which suggests that horizontal transmission likely relates to the use of contaminated needles. The low prevalence of HCV infection suggests that HBV and HCV are acquired differently in this group of subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhannat Z Nurgalieva
- Department of Faculty Therapy, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Peles E, Rados V, Adelson M. Characterization of former heroin addict patients with Hepatitis C virus antibodies in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinic in israel. Subst Use Misuse 2007; 42:1477-84. [PMID: 17886143 DOI: 10.1080/10826080701212550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare characteristics, retention in treatment and cessation of drug abuse of 249 positive hepatitis C (HCV+) with 188 negative hepatitis C (HCV-) antibody patients. METHODS Data on Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV results, urine-proven drug use, and modified ASI of all patients admitted to the Adelson MMT clinic between June/1993-Dec/2002 were prospectively collected. RESULTS HCV+ patients manifested more ever injecting drug use, immigrants, positive HIV antibody, hepatitis B antigen, years of opiate addiction pre-MMT and benzodiazepines misuse after one year in MMT than HCV- patients, with similar 1-year retention and proportion of opiate use cessation. CONCLUSIONS Although characteristics of HCV+ and HCV- differed, they manifested similar outcomes: treatment retention and proportion of opiate use cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Peles
- Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse, Treatment & Research, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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12
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Kato H, Ruzibakiev R, Yuldasheva N, Hegay T, Kurbanov F, Achundjanov B, Tuichiev L, Usuda S, Ueda R, Mizokami M. Hepatitis B virus genotypes in Uzbekistan and validity of two different systems for genotyping. J Med Virol 2002; 67:477-83. [PMID: 12115992 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.10126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been classified into seven genotypes, designated A-G. The HBV genotype has a characteristic geographical distribution. The Republic of Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Asia and has been considered to be a region with high endemicity of hepatitis viruses. However, the present distribution of hepatitis virus infection in this region is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of HBV genotypes and to elucidate the validity of two genotyping systems in Uzbekistan. Fifty-four patients with hepatitis B surface antigen were investigated. HBV genotypes were determined by two methods: one based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) targeting to S region, and another on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using monoclonal antibodies to pre-S2 region. Seven (13%) and 47 (87%) of the 54 subjects were classified into genotypes A and D, respectively. Dual infection of two viral populations of the same genotype was observed in one subject. No significant difference of ALT level (203.3 +/- 244.7 vs. 190.6 +/- 39.5) and HBeAg (42.9% vs. 42.6%) were found between genotypes A and D. In this study, the validity of the genotyping systems in this region was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Kato
- Department of Internal Medicine and Molecular Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
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13
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Yassin K, Awad R, Tebi AJ, Queder A, Laaser U. Prevalence and risk factors of HBsAg in Gaza: implications for prevention and control. J Infect 2002; 44:252-6. [PMID: 12099733 DOI: 10.1053/jinf.2001.0998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was not precisely known in Gaza. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and simulated the incidence of HBV infection from reported cases of acute hepatitis due to HBV. Blood samples from 810 randomly selected individuals from the general population and from 17,060 blood donors were tested for HBsAg. The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 3.5% in the general population and 3.8% in blood donors. The simulation model revealed the incidence of HBV infection decreased between 1990 and 1999 from 233 to 56 per 100,000 per annum. The decline started in 1994 and continued afterwards, presumably after the introduction of universal vaccination against HBV and screening blood donors for HBV. However, the authors discuss additional measures to control the transmission of HBV among non-vaccinated cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Yassin
- Section of International Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Bielefeld, Germany.
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14
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Ruzibakiev R, Kato H, Ueda R, Yuldasheva N, Hegay T, Avazova D, Kurbanov F, Zalalieva M, Tuichiev L, Achundjanov B, Mizokami M. Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infection in uzbekistan. Intervirology 2002; 44:327-32. [PMID: 11805437 DOI: 10.1159/000050066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to elucidate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Uzbekistan and to explore whether there is a correlation between those blood-borne agents and socioeconomic risk factors. METHODS One thousand nine hundred and eighteen subjects were studied. The subjects were divided into a low-risk group, a high-risk group and a patient group. Sera were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, and anti-HIV. RESULTS The seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV in the general population was 13.3, 13.1 and 0%, respectively. The anti-HCV infection rate was significantly higher in intravenous drug users (62.7%) than in prostitutes (9.2%), homosexuals (11.1%), and medical laboratory employees (12.5%) (p < 0.01). In the low-risk group, positivity for anti-HCV increased with age from 2.2% in the 15- to 20-year-olds up to the highest rate of 17.6% in the 31- to 40-year-olds; the positivity then decreased to 0% in the group over 60 years of age. In the high-risk group, the positivity for anti-HCV in the age groups under 40 years was approximately 30% and significantly higher than in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). Risk factors for transmission of HCV were medical treatment in the low-risk group, drug abuse in the high-risk group, and both in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection is high, whereas HIV infection is yet uncommon in Uzbekistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ruzibakiev
- Institute of Immunology, Academy of Science, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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15
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Sermoneta-Gertel S, Donchin M, Adler R, Baras M, Perlstein T, Manny N, Shouval D, Galun E. Hepatitis c virus infection in employees of a large university hospital in Israel. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2001; 22:754-61. [PMID: 11876453 DOI: 10.1086/501858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether hospital work constitutes a risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among employees of a large hospital in Israel. DESIGN Seroprevalence survey. SETTING A 1,006-bed, tertiary-care university hospital in Jerusalem. PARTICIPANTS All 5,444 employees (18-65 years old) were eligible; 4,287 (79%) participated in the survey. METHODS Sera were tested for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) using a third-generation enzyme immunoassay. A third-generation strip immunoblot assay was used for confirmation. Participants were interviewed regarding their occupational history, and they completed a self-administered questionnaire covering history of non-occupational exposure to blood and country of birth. Other demographic information was obtained from the personnel department. Rates and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and multivariate logistic-regression analyses were performed to adjust for potential confounding variables. RESULTS Anti-HCV was found in 0.9% of employees (37/4,287; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.1), ranging from 0.1% among those born in Israel to 5.7% among those born in Central Asia. After age, gender, social status, country of birth, and history of blood transfusion were controlled for in a logistic regression, occupational exposure to blood > or = 10 years was significantly associated with the presence of antibodies (OR, 2.6; P=.01). Presence of anti-HCV also was associated with country of birth (range: Israel OR, 1; West OR, 3.8 [P=.1]; Central Asia OR, 48.6 [P<.0001]) and history of blood transfusion (OR, 2.7; P=.01). No significant associations were found between anti-HCV and age, gender, social status, history of tattoo, acupuncture, current occupation, department, exposure to blood in current occupation, adherence to safety precautions, or history of percutaneous injury. The association with length of exposure was stronger (OR, 3.6; P=.01) when the same logistic regression was run excluding the outlier ethnic group of Central Asia. CONCLUSIONS Hospital work does not seem to constitute a major risk factor for HCV infection in Israel today. A higher prevalence of anti-HCV among employees with longer versus shorter lengths of occupational exposure may be due to a cumulative effect of exposure over the years. Infection control efforts in recent years may have contributed to this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sermoneta-Gertel
- Division of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
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16
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Mor E, Shaharabani E, Ben-Ari Z, Bar-Nathan N, Yussim A, Shapira R, Tur-Kaspa R, Shapira Z. Experience with 100 liver transplant recipients at the Rabin Medical Center and Schneider Children's Medical Center. Transplant Proc 2001; 33:2943-4. [PMID: 11543801 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(01)02262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Mor
- Department of Transplantation, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel
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17
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Almog R, Low M, Cohen D, Robin G, Ashkenazi S, Bercovier H, Gdalevich M, Samuels Y, Ashkenazi I, Shemer J, Eldad A, Green MS. Prevalence of anti-hepatitis A antibodies, hepatitis B viral markers, and anti-hepatitis C antibodies among immigrants from the former USSR who arrived in Israel during 1990-1991. Infection 1999; 27:212-7. [PMID: 10378135 DOI: 10.1007/bf02561531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to assess the susceptibility of the sub-population of over 500,000 immigrants from the former USSR who came to Israel during 1989-94 to HAV infection, and to provide military physicians with estimates of the prevalence of HBV and HCV carriage in this sub-population. 987 males aged 17-49 and 195 females aged 17-19, reporting to military recruitment offices between December 1991 and March 1992 were tested. Anti-HAV, anti-HBV antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected by using standard enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests, and anti-HCV antibodies by a second-generation EIA and confirmed by a third-generation INNO-LIA test. It was found that in the 17-19-year age-group the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies was 37%, anti-HBV was 12.8%, HBsAg was 3.0% and anti-HCV 1.3%. All markers were higher among males. The prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HBs antibodies increased with age among males. That of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies increased with age overall. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, HAV and HBV seropositivity were significantly associated with the mother's education and republic of origin. It was concluded that the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies is similar to that among the local population, which should not be considered at a higher risk of infection during military service. On the other hand, the higher prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies in this sub-population should heighten the awareness of the possibility of chronic liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Almog
- Dept. of Epidemiology & Community Medicine, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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