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Kandeel A, Fahim M, Abukamar S, BahaaEldin H, Abuelsood H, Samy S, Deghedy O, Sheta A, Naguib A, El Guindy N, Youssef A, Kamel R, Afifi S, El-Kassas M, Abdelghaffar K. Evidence for the elimination of viral hepatitis B and C in Egypt: Results of a nationwide survey in 2022. Liver Int 2024; 44:955-965. [PMID: 38291807 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) were at the top of Egypt's most significant public health challenges, with an estimated 14.7% of its population having antibodies to HCV in 2008. Egypt issued an ambitious action plan in 2014 to eliminate viral hepatitis through strengthening infection control and improving patient care. In 2018, an extensive HCV mass screening campaign was conducted for the entire country's population with treating more than 4 million patients with antivirals. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of viral hepatitis in Egypt after all these efforts. METHODS A cross-sectional household cluster survey was conducted in all 27 Egyptian governorates to obtain a representative sample of Egypt's population. Subjects aged 1-70 years were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire that included demographics, viral hepatitis knowledge, previous infection and risk factors data. Laboratory testing was performed for all subjects for anti-HCV and HBsAg using chemiluminescence. Subjects positive for anti-HCV were further tested for HCV-RNA by RT-PCR. Prevalence rates were calculated by demographic groups and compared to the demographic health survey 2015 results. RESULTS Of 20 881 subjects interviewed, 48.8% were males, 20.2% were children <15 years of age, and 53.7% were residents of rural areas. Of all subjects, 92 (0.4%) were HCV-infected, 1577 (7.6%) were anti-HCV positive and 177 (0.8%) were HBV-chronically infected, including one patient who had mixed HBV and HCV current infection. The prevalence of HCV-current and HBV chronic infections decreased by 93% and 20%, respectively, compared to 2015. CONCLUSIONS Egypt achieved the elimination of the viral hepatitis goal. To maintain low rates of viral hepatitis, community health education, in addition to maintaining infection control and blood safety programs, is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Kandeel
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal Fahim
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abukamar
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala BahaaEldin
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Abuelsood
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sahar Samy
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ola Deghedy
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Sheta
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amel Naguib
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nancy El Guindy
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Youssef
- Central Administration for Research and Health Development, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Kamel
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salma Afifi
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Moahmed El-Kassas
- Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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Elbahrawy A, Ibrahim MK, Eliwa A, Alboraie M, Madian A, Aly HH. Current situation of viral hepatitis in Egypt. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 65:352-372. [PMID: 33990999 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 8-10 million people suffer from viral hepatitis in Egypt. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are the major causes of viral hepatitis in Egypt as 50% or more of the Egyptian population are already exposed to HAV infection by the age of 15. In addition, over 60% of the Egyptian population test seropositive for anti-HEV in the first decade of life. HEV mainly causes self-limiting hepatitis; however, cases of fulminant hepatitis and liver failure were reported in Egypt. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) are the main causes of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) in Egypt. Globally, Egypt had the highest age-standardized death rate due to cirrhosis from 1990 to 2017. The prevalence rate of HBV (1.3%-1.5%) has declined after national infantile immunization. Coinfection of HBV patients with HDV is common in Egypt because HDV antibodies (IgG) vary in range from 8.3% to 43% among total HBV patients. After the conduction of multiple national programs to control HCV infection, a lower rate of HCV prevalence (4.6%) was recently reported. Data about the incidence of HCV after treatment with direct antiviral agents (DAAs) are lacking. An HCC incidence of 29/1000/year in cirrhotic patients after DAA treatment is reported. A higher rate of infiltrative pattern among HCC patients after DAA treatment is also recognized. Viral hepatitis is one of the major public health concerns in Egypt that needs more attention and funding from health policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Elbahrawy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa K Ibrahim
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Division of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ahmed Eliwa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ali Madian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hussein Hassan Aly
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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Ahmed HR, Waly NGFM, Abd El-Baky RM, Yahia R, Hetta HF, Elsayed AM, Ibrahem RA. Distribution of naturally -occurring NS5B resistance-associated substitutions in Egyptian patients with chronic Hepatitis C. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249770. [PMID: 33857212 PMCID: PMC8049381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NS5B polymerase inhibitors represent the cornerstone of the present treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Naturally occurring substitution mutations to NS5B inhibitors have been recorded. The current study intended to demonstrate possible natural direct acting antiviral (DAA)—mutations of the HCV NS5B region in HCV patients in Minia governorate, Egypt. Methods Samples were collected from 27 treatment-naïve HCV patients and 8 non-responders. Out of 27 treatment-naïve patients, 17 NS5B sequences (amino acids 221–345) from treatment-naïve patients and one sample of non-responders were successfully amplified. Nucleotide sequences have been aligned, translated into amino acids, and compared to drug resistance mutations reported in the literature. Results NS5B amino acid sequence analysis ensures several novel NS5B mutations existence (more than 40 substitution mutations) that have not been previously documented to be correlated with a resistant phenotype. It was found that K304R (82.4%), E327D and P300T (76.5% each) substitutions were the most distributed in the tested samples, respectively. S282T, the major resistance mutation that induces high sofosbuvir-resistance level in addition to other reported mutations (L320F/C) and (C316Y/N) were not recognized. Q309R mutation is a ribavirin-associated resistance, which was recognized in one strain (5.9%) of genotype 1g sequences. Besides, one substitution mutation (E237G) was identified in the successfully amplified non-responder sample. Conclusion Our study showed various combinations of mutations in the analyzed NS5B genes which could enhance the possibility of therapy failure in patients administered regimens including multiple DAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Rady Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Nancy G. F. M. Waly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Rehab Mahmoud Abd El-Baky
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Ramadan Yahia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Helal F. Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Merit University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Amr M. Elsayed
- Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Reham Ali Ibrahem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Investigation of the relationship between CTLA4 and the tumor suppressor RASSF1A and the possible mediating role of STAT4 in a cohort of Egyptian patients infected with hepatitis C virus with and without hepatocellular carcinoma. Arch Virol 2021; 166:1643-1651. [PMID: 33796885 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-04981-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) genes play a role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the autoimmune response against cancer. We investigated the genotype frequency and the possible association of the rs2073498 (RASSF1A), rs5742909 (CTLA-4) and rs7574865 (STAT4) genetic variants with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-G4-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression in Egyptian patients. Fifty patients with HCV infection, 50 patients with HCV-mediated HCC, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. The investigated variants were genotyped based on polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The Ser133 mutant G4 variant of the rs2073498 SNP in RASSF1A exhibited a positive correlation with HCC incidence risk (OR = 0.571, 95% CI = 0.175-1.865, P < 0.001). The rs7574865 variant in STAT4 (G/T) occurred frequently in both HCV groups, with a significant incidence risk (OR = 1.583, 95% CI = 1.123-2.232, P = 0.005). The rs5742909 change in CTLA4 (C/T) did not show a significant difference between HCV-mediated HCC cases and the control group (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.326-15.277, P > 0.001). Activation of the immune checkpoint gene CTLA4 or polymorphism in the encoded CTLA4 protein causes phosphorylation of kinases needed for RAS gene activation. This in turn downregulates the tumor suppressor RASSF1, inhibiting apoptosis and leading to HCC development, indicating a negative impact of CTLA4 gene polymorphism on HCV-mediated HCC cases. A major determinant of disease progression could be immune system genetic variants, together with the presence of costimulatory factors. The rs2073498 and rs7574865 variations in the RASSF1A and STAT4 genes, respectively, could be genetic susceptibility factors for Egyptian patients with HCV-mediated HCC.
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Shiha G, Soliman R, Mikhail NNH, Easterbrook P. Reduced incidence of hepatitis C in 9 villages in rural Egypt: Progress towards national elimination goals. J Hepatol 2021; 74:303-311. [PMID: 32931878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Egypt has a major HCV burden and a well established treatment programme, with an ambitious goal of HCV elimination. Our aim was to assess the impact of a comprehensive HCV prevention, test and treat programme on the incidence of new HCV infections in 9 villages in rural Egypt. METHODS An HCV "educate, test and treat" project was implemented in 73 villages across 7 governorates in Egypt between 06/2015 and 06/2018. In 2018, in 9 of the villages we re-tested individuals who originally tested HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) and HBsAg negative using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs); confirmatory HCV RNA testing was performed for positive cases. The incidence rate per 1,000 person-years (py) was calculated, and risk factors for incident HCV infections assessed through an interviewer-administered questionnaire in 1:3 age- and gender-matched cases and controls. RESULTS Out of 20,490 individuals who originally tested HCV-Ab negative in the 9 villages during the 2015-2016 implementation of the "educate, test and treat" programme, 19,816 (96.7%) were re-tested in 2018. Over a median of 2.4 years (IQR 2.1-2.7), there were 19 new HCV infections all of which were HCV RNA positive (incidence rate 0.37/1,000 py) (95% CI 0.24-0.59). Compared to a previous estimate of incidence in the Nile Delta region (2.4/1,000 py) from 2006, there was a substantial reduction in overall incidence of new HCV infections. Exposures through surgery (odds ratio 51; 95% CI 3.5-740.1) and dental procedures (odds ratio 23.8; 95% CI 2.9-194.9) were significant independent predictors of incident infections. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show a substantial reduction in incidence of new HCV infections in a sample of the general population in Egypt following attainment of high testing and treatment coverage. New infections were significantly associated with healthcare-associated exposures. LAY SUMMARY Egypt has a major national HCV testing and treatment programme with the goal of eliminating HCV infection. We assessed the impact of a comprehensive HCV prevention, test and treat programme in 73 villages that achieved high coverage of testing and treatment on the subsequent incidence of new HCV infections in nine of the villages. We re-tested people who were previously HCV antibody negative and found that the rate of new HCV infections was greatly reduced compared to previous estimates. We also found that exposure through surgery and dental procedures were associated with these new infections. This highlights the importance of continued strengthening of infection control and prevention measures, alongside treatment scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Shiha
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El-Mansoura, Egypt; Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Reham Soliman
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El-Mansoura, Egypt; Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Nabiel N H Mikhail
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El-Mansoura, Egypt; Biostatistics and Cancer Epidemiology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Risk Factors Contributing to the Occurrence and Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Virus Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals. Biomedicines 2020. [PMID: 32630610 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8060175.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA may be eliminated from blood circulation by direct-acting antivirals (DAA) therapy as assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), HCV RNA can still be present in liver tissue, and this is known as occult HCV. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after DAA treatment of hepatic cells infected with chronic HCV. One of the main risk factors that leads to de novo HCC is the chronicity of HCV in hepatic cells. There are many studies regarding the progression of HCV-infected hepatic cells to HCC. However, there is a lack of research on the different molecular mechanisms that lead to the progression of chronic HCV infection to HCC, as well as on the effect of HCV on the alteration of DNA ploidy, which eventually leads to a recurrence of HCC after DAA treatment. In this review article, we will address some risk factors that could lead to the development/recurrence of HCC after treatment of HCV with DAA therapy, such as the role of liver cirrhosis, the alteration of DNA ploidy, the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the role of cytokines and the alteration of the immune system, concomitant non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, alcohol consumption and also occult HCV infection/co-infection. Clinicians should be cautious considering that full eradication of hepatocarcinogenesis cannot be successfully accomplished by anti-HCV treatment alone.
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Kishta S, Tabll A, Omanovic Kolaric T, Smolic R, Smolic M. Risk Factors Contributing to the Occurrence and Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Virus Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8060175. [PMID: 32630610 PMCID: PMC7344618 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8060175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA may be eliminated from blood circulation by direct-acting antivirals (DAA) therapy as assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), HCV RNA can still be present in liver tissue, and this is known as occult HCV. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after DAA treatment of hepatic cells infected with chronic HCV. One of the main risk factors that leads to de novo HCC is the chronicity of HCV in hepatic cells. There are many studies regarding the progression of HCV-infected hepatic cells to HCC. However, there is a lack of research on the different molecular mechanisms that lead to the progression of chronic HCV infection to HCC, as well as on the effect of HCV on the alteration of DNA ploidy, which eventually leads to a recurrence of HCC after DAA treatment. In this review article, we will address some risk factors that could lead to the development/recurrence of HCC after treatment of HCV with DAA therapy, such as the role of liver cirrhosis, the alteration of DNA ploidy, the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the role of cytokines and the alteration of the immune system, concomitant non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, alcohol consumption and also occult HCV infection/co-infection. Clinicians should be cautious considering that full eradication of hepatocarcinogenesis cannot be successfully accomplished by anti-HCV treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kishta
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, El Behooth Street, Dokki 12622, Egypt; (S.K.); (A.T.)
- Virology Division, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Ashraf Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, El Behooth Street, Dokki 12622, Egypt; (S.K.); (A.T.)
- Department of immunology, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Tea Omanovic Kolaric
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (T.O.K.); (R.S.)
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, HR-3100 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Robert Smolic
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (T.O.K.); (R.S.)
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-3100 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (T.O.K.); (R.S.)
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, HR-3100 Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-31-512-800
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Omran NM, El-Sherbini SM, Hegazy O, Elshaarawy AA, Talaat RM. Crosstalk between miR-215 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition specific markers (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) in different stages of chronic HCV Infection. J Med Virol 2019; 92:1231-1238. [PMID: 31769519 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The main causes of death among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are a recurrence, metastasis, and deterioration of primary tumors by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which is controlled by several molecules including E-cadherin and N-cadherin. Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) have been identified to play a regulatory role in EMT. miR-215 is important in repressing migration/invasion of cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the crosstalk between miR-215 and EMT specific markers (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) with a spotlight on its role in the EMT process in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. One hundred forty-five patients were studied, 75 had HCV-induced cirrhosis classified into child A, B, and C and 25 had HCC. In parallel, 45 healthy volunteers considered as controls. Serum levels of E- and N-cadherin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and miR-215 expression measured by a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Insignificant change in serum levels of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in HCV-infected patients compared with normal controls was observed with a slight increase in E-cadherin and N-cadherin in the child B group. HCC patients had the lowest amount of E-cadherin and N-cadherin compared with cirrhotic and normal subjects. A maximum reduction in miR-215 was observed in HCC patients compared with cirrhotic and control ones. A positive correlation (r = .202; P < .05) was observed between miR-215 and E-cadherin. Our data stressed on the potential role of miR-215 as an important mediator in HCC progression. miRNAs participating in EMT needs further studies to provide insight into the metastasis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermeen M Omran
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Al Minufya, Egypt
| | - Sherif M El-Sherbini
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
| | - Osama Hegazy
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Al Minufya, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Elshaarawy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Al Minufya, Egypt
| | - Roba M Talaat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
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Nasser MZ, Zayed NA, Mohamed AM, Attia D, Esmat G, Khairy A. Circulating microRNAs (miR-21, miR-223, miR-885-5p) along the clinical spectrum of HCV-related chronic liver disease in Egyptian patients. Arab J Gastroenterol 2019; 20:198-204. [PMID: 31806407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small single stranded RNAs, function in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and incorporated in pathogenesis of HCV related chronic liver disease. This study was designed to evaluate the significance of serum miR-21, miR-223, and miR-885-5p as biomarkers in various clinicopathological stages of HCV related chronic liver disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum miR-21, miR-223, and miR-885-5p were quantified by quantitative RT PCR in 60 patients with HCV-related liver disease (presumably genotype 4), in addition to 25 healthy controls. HCV patients were classified into: chronic non-cirrhotic HCV (n = 15), HCV related liver cirrhosis (n = 15), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 30). RESULTS Serum levels of miR-885-5p in cirrhotic patients ± HCC (n = 45) were significantly higher than the non-cirrhotic patients (n = 15); p = 0.007 and healthy control; p = 0.001. However, no such significance was detected between HCC and non-HCC HCV patients; p = 0.12. Serum miRNA-885-5p was able to discriminate cirrhosis ± HCC from healthy controls using ROC analysis; AUC 0.85, 87% sensitivity and 80% specificity. On the other hand, HCC patients had significantly higher serum miR-2 1evels than non-HCC patients (non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic groups, n = 30); p = 0.048 and the control group; p = 0.002. ROC could differentiate HCC from control group; AUC 0.89, 80% sensitivity, 80% specificity. Both serum bilirubin and albumin showed significant weak correlation with miRNA-885-5p (r = 0.42, p = 0.001) and (r = -0.27, p = 0.04), respectively but no such correlation was observed with serum miRNA-21. In contrast, miRNA-223 showed no significant difference across the studied groups. CONCLUSION Along the spectrum of HCV-related chronic liver disease, miR-885-5p could be a potential marker for advanced liver damage while miR-21 could be a helpful diagnostic marker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Zaky Nasser
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Naglaa Ali Zayed
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Dina Attia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Khairy
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Chikhi Y, Cheraitia S, Ould Gougam R, Lounes F, Zemmouchi C, Belal N, Bendaoud M, Ait Younes S, Bensalem A, Berkane S, Asselah H, Pineau P, Lahcene M. Wide Sexual Dimorphism of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presentation in Algeria. Gastrointest Tumors 2019; 6:122-136. [PMID: 31768356 DOI: 10.1159/000501453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a worrying public health problem in North Africa and particularly in Egypt. The situation is unclear in western North Africa where HCC has been rarely submitted to careful scrutiny. We decided to analyze demographic, biochemical, virological, and clinical data of a series of HCC from Algerian patients to establish the landscape of this tumor in the country. In the present work, we described 337 cases of primary liver cancer from Bologhine Hospital in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. The mean age of patients was 63.8 ± 11.4 years with a male:female sex ratio of 1.5. The most prevalent risk factors were hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and metabolic pathologies (type 2 diabetes and obesity). The mean BMI was 25.6 ± 4.7 at tumor diagnosis. A strong duality of risk factors and tumor presentation between male and female patients was apparent. Women tended to be older (mean 65.4 vs. 62.7 years, p = 0.039) and either seropositive for anti-HCV (60.0 vs. 41.6%, p = 0.0018) resulting primarily from tattoos and/or scarification (47.2 vs. 25.7%, p = 1.0 × 10<sup>-4</sup>) or more often affected by metabolic disorders (mean BMI 26.1 ± 0.7 vs. 25.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.0248) commonly associated with personal antecedents of cholecystectomy (21.2 vs. 5.8%, p = 4.4 × 10<sup>-5</sup>). By contrast, men were younger, poorer survivors (mean 9.3 vs. 13.3 months, p = 0.005), more frequently HBsAg carriers (27.8 vs. 10.5%, p = 4.8 × 10<sup>-5</sup>), and more exposed to lifestyle risk factors such as smoking (39.4 vs. 3.0%, p = 3.9 × 10<sup>-16</sup>) or alcohol use (19.1 vs. 0.7%, 1.5 × 10<sup>-8</sup>). Finally, geographic disparities throughout Algeria were reminiscent of the situation of chronic hepatitis C in the country. A significant excess of cases originated from the region of Batna, Eastern Algeria, already known for its high rate of hepatitis C. Our results suggest that due to culture or sex-dependent biological differences, the tumor process affecting the liver is drastically different between sexes in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazid Chikhi
- Department of Internal medicine and Gastroenterology, EPH Bologhine, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Salima Cheraitia
- Department of Internal medicine and Gastroenterology, EPH Bologhine, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Rachid Ould Gougam
- Department of Internal medicine and Gastroenterology, EPH Bologhine, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fadila Lounes
- Department of Internal medicine and Gastroenterology, EPH Bologhine, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Chahrazed Zemmouchi
- Department of Internal medicine and Gastroenterology, EPH Bologhine, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Nassila Belal
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Central de l'Armée, Ain Naadja, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | | | - Aicha Bensalem
- Laboratory of Virology, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Sidi Ferruch, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Saadi Berkane
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHU Mustapha, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hocine Asselah
- Department of Internal medicine and Gastroenterology, EPH Bologhine, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Pascal Pineau
- Unité "Organisation nucléaire et oncogenèse", INSERM U993, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mustapha Lahcene
- Department of Internal medicine and Gastroenterology, EPH Bologhine, Algiers, Algeria
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11
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Mostafa A, El-Sayed MH, El Kassas M, Elhamamsy M, Elsisi GH. Safety-Engineered Syringes: An Intervention to Decrease Hepatitis C Burden in Developing Countries-A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis From Egypt. Value Health Reg Issues 2019; 19:51-58. [PMID: 31002984 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing the safety-engineered syringe (SES) to decrease hepatitis C burden resultant from unsafe injection practices in healthcare settings. METHODS A Markov process model for a hypothetical study cohort was developed over a 30-year time horizon to compare the adoption of SES use with the current strategy, conventional syringes (CS), in the Egyptian healthcare settings. The national treatment program was applied in both groups. Health benefits and total direct medical costs were estimated in both strategies. RESULTS The SES use demonstrated a reduction in the burden of injection-associated HCV infection because of unsafe practices in the Egyptian healthcare settings. The probability of HCV infection was 1.4% in the SES group and 40% in the CS group. Adoption of the SES use averted 177 hepatitis C cases and 157 hepatitis C-related deaths per 10 000 individuals. Introducing SES as a preventive strategy resulted in better quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) (difference; 0.95 QALYs) and lower costs (difference; $-1712). CONCLUSIONS Adoption of SES in the Egyptian healthcare settings is a more effective and cost-saving strategy. Our results are consistent with the WHO Injection Safety Program and Safe Injection Global Network initiatives, which call for adoption of smart syringes. The introduction of SES as one of the most urgently needed interventions is mostly encouraged to decrease hepatitis C burden in similar resource-limited settings. The use of SES as a prevention strategy may bring substantial population-level health gains and governmental cost savings in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Mostafa
- Department of Community, Environmental, and Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Manal Elhamamsy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gihan Hamdy Elsisi
- HTA Office, L.L.C., Cairo, Egypt; Pharmacy Practice Department, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt.
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12
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Shiha G, Soliman R, Mikhail NNH, Easterbrook P. Hepatitis C incidence 3 years after implementation of an educate, test, and treat programme in an Egyptian village. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 4:13-14. [PMID: 30527578 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(18)30336-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Abo-Amer YEE, Abd-Elsalam S, Eldosoky H, ELShenawy AK, Awny S, Elagawy W, Abgeegy ME, Elsergany HF, Elashry H, Negm MS. Declining prevalence of hepatitis C virus among university students in one of the main governorates in Egypt. Infect Drug Resist 2018; 11:2435-2441. [PMID: 30538509 PMCID: PMC6254504 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s183462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Egypt is considered to have the highest rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence worldwide. However, HCV prevalence is currently declining due to the improvement of health education programs, improved environmental sanitation, and the introduction of novel treatment regimens. The aim of this work was to determine the HCV seroprevalence among Menoufia University students. Methods The current study included 48,972 students from Menoufia University, Egypt. Blood sample was obtained from every patient for HCV seromarker testing. In anti-HCV-positive subjects, quantitative PCR for HCV RNA was done. Results Overall, HCV antibody prevalence rate was 1%. This prevalence was higher in females (304/27,421; 1.1%) than in males (194/21,371; 0.9%). HCV-RNA PCR was positive in 355/48,972 (0.7%); the percentage of HCV PCR positive among the anti-HCV-positive was 71.3% (355/498 patients), with a higher prevalence among females than in males but without statistical significance. In addition, rural areas showed more prevalent HCV seroprevalence than urban areas. Conclusion These prevalence rates for HCV infection are lower than that previously reported in the same age group denoting a new evidence for the reduction of prevalence and a hope for successful eradication of HCV in the forthcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousry Esam-Eldin Abo-Amer
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases Department, Mahala Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Gharbia, Egypt
| | | | - Hazim Eldosoky
- Clinical Pathology Department, Student Hospital, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Amira K ELShenawy
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Shereen Awny
- Internal Medicine Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Waleed Elagawy
- Tropical Medicine Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El Abgeegy
- Tropical Medicine Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Fadl Elsergany
- Tropical Medicine Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Elashry
- Tropical Medicine Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt,
| | - Manal Saad Negm
- Internal Medicine Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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14
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Shiha GE, El-Etreby S, Bahgat M, Hamed M, El Sherbini M, Ghoneem EA, Zalata K, Soliman RE, El Basiouny MA, Mikhail NN. Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with Obesity: Do we Need two Operators for Accurate Evaluation of Liver Stiffness? Ann Hepatol 2018; 17:795-801. [PMID: 30145567 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0012.3138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Transient elastography is gaining popularity as a non-invasive method for predicting liver fibrosis, but inter observer agreement and factors influencing reproducibility have not been adequately assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at Specialized Medical Hospital and the Egyptian Liver Foundation, Mansoura, Egypt. The inclusion criteria were: age older than 18 years and chronic infection by hepatitis C. The exclusion criteria were the presence of ascites, pacemaker or pregnancy. Three hundred and fifty-six patients participated in the study. Therefore, 356 pairs of exams were done by two operators on the same day. RESULTS The overall inter observer agreement ICC was 0.921. The correlation the two operators was excellent (Spearman's value q = 0.808, p < 0.001). Inter-observer reliability values were κ = 0.557 (p < 0.001). A not negligible discordance of fibrosis staging between operators was observed (87 cases, 24.4%). Discordance of at least one stage and for two or more stages of fibrosis occurred in 60 (16.9%) and 27 cases (7.6%) respectively. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is the main factor associated with discordance (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Although liver stiffness measurement has had an excellent correlation between the two operators, TE presented an inter-observer variability that may not be negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal E Shiha
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Shahira El-Etreby
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine. Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Mounir Bahgat
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine. Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Magdy Hamed
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine. Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El Sherbini
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine. Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Elsayed A Ghoneem
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine. Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Khaled Zalata
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Reham E Soliman
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Nabiel Nh Mikhail
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt
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15
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El Batae H, Amer I, Kobtan A, Saied SM, Ghazy A, Elkalla F, El Sharawy S. Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus among the newcomer students, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1745-1749. [PMID: 29981144 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) constitutes a global public health problem in Egypt, as it has the highest worldwide prevalence. This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of HCV among the newcomer students of Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt. METHODS A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted including 9049 students. Medical examination, ultrasonography, and laboratory investigations were done. Liver function tests and HCV antibody testing were carried out for all students who gave an informed consent; HCV-RNA polymerase chain reaction was performed for students with positive HCV antibody testing. RESULTS The mean age of screened students were 18.6 ± 0.39 years. In total, 4233 (46.8%) were males and 4816 (53.2%) were females. Using HCV antibody testing, only 25 students (0.0028%) had positive antibodies; among them, 24 students (0.0026%) had HCV RNA positive; the study showed none statistically significant higher percentage of HCV infection among males (13 out of 24, 54.2%) than females (11 out of 24, 48.5%), P > 0.05. The results of liver function tests were not significantly different between the HCV-positive and HCV-negative students. However, the liver transaminase enzymes were significantly higher ( P < 0.0001) in HCV positive students compared to the negative ones, despite its mean values did not exceed the upper normal level. HCV infection among young Egyptian generations showed a marked decline. CONCLUSION Prevalence of HCV infection among young Egyptian generations had markedly decline, indicating the start of successful control of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan El Batae
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Amer
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman Kobtan
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Shimaa M Saied
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amany Ghazy
- Department of Microbiology & Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Ferial Elkalla
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Shimaa El Sharawy
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Ma W, Soliman AS, Anwar WA, Hablas A, El Din TB, Ramadan M, Seifeldin IA, Wilson ML. Forecasted impacts of a sofosbuvir-based national hepatitis C treatment programme on Egypt's hepatocellular cancer epidemic: simulation of alternatives. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e000572. [PMID: 29707244 PMCID: PMC5914708 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Egypt is experiencing a hepatocellular cancer (HCC) epidemic due to widespread hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. The use of sofosbuvir-related therapies producing improved treatment success has permitted an updated, nationwide, HCV treatment programme with expanded coverage. This study simulated the multidecade impacts of the new treatment programme on hepatitis and HCC. Methods A Markov model of HCV infection and treatment analysed the HCV-related HCC epidemic between 2009 and 2050, using parameters based on peer-reviewed studies and expert opinion. Comparing the ‘new’ and ‘old’ scenarios, and with the old treatment programme being replaced or not by the new programme in 2015, the annual number, prevalence and incidence of HCC were simulated for representative Egypt populations including HCV-infected patients aged 15–59 years in 2008, healthy people aged 5–59 years in 2008 and 5-year-old children cohorts entering the population each year beginning in 2009. Averted HCC cases were calculated, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Compared with the old scenario, the estimated number, prevalence and incidence of future HCC cases in the new scenario would peak earlier and at lower levels in 2025 (~29 000), 2023 (~28/100 000) and 2022 (~14/100 000), respectively. The new treatment programme is estimated to avert ~956 000 HCC cases between 2015 and 2050. Discussion By reducing cancer cases and shortening the peak epidemic period, the new programme should substantially diminish the HCC epidemic across Egypt. Our timeline forecast for Egypt’s HCC epidemic, and evaluation of various disease and programme components, should be useful to other countries that are developing policies to address HCV-related liver cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkang Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amr S Soliman
- Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Wagida A Anwar
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hablas
- Gharbiah Cancer Registry and Tanta Cancer Center, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed Ramadan
- Gharbiah Cancer Registry and Tanta Cancer Center, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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17
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Abdel-Aziz AM, Ibrahim MA, El-Sheikh AA, Kamel MY, Zenhom NM, Abdel-Raheim S, Abdelhaleem H. Effect of Sofosbuvir Plus Daclatasvir in Hepatitis C Virus Genotype-4 Patients: Promising Effect on Liver Fibrosis. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:15-22. [PMID: 29743792 PMCID: PMC5938328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The effect of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir in treatment of genotype 4 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is not well documented. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir with or without ribavirin in treatment of HCV genotype 4 patients. The impact of therapy on liver fibrosis as well as the role of IL18 polymorphism in therapeutic outcome was assessed. METHODS One hundred HCV genotype 4 patients were categorized into 2 groups. The group 1 comprised treatment naïve patients, with total serum bilirubin ≤ 1.2 mg/10-1 L, serum albumin ≥ 3.5 g/10-1 L, INR ≤ 1.2, and platelet count ≥ 150 × 109/L. This group was treated with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 12 weeks. The group 2 included Peg-IFN-α-or sofosbuvir treatment experienced, or patients with at least 2 of the following findings: total serum bilirubin > 1.2 mg/10-1 L, serum albumin < 3.5 g/10-1 L, INR > 1.2, and platelet count < 150 × 109 L-1. Group 2 was treated with sofosbuvir-daclatasvir + ribavirin for 12 weeks, with the exception of sofosbuvir treatment experienced patients, who were treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir + ribavirin for 24 weeks. RESULTS Sustained Virological Response (SVR12) (undetectable viremia12 weeks post-treatment), was 93.3% in group 1 and 87.5% in group 2 (total = 91%). Such high efficacy was accompanied with tolerable adverse effects as well as with significant improvement in liver fibrosis. No significant association was observed between IL18 polymorphism (rs1946518) at position -607 and achievement of SVR12 in HCV patients after treatment. CONCLUSION Sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir, with or without ribavirin achieved high efficacy and safety in HCV genotype 4 patients. Their effects were accompanied with attenuation of liver fibrosis. Further wider-scale studies are needed to evaluate the actual role of IL18 polymorphisms in treatment response with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir.
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Key Words
- DAA, Direct Acting Anti-viral
- FIB 4, Fibrosis Score 4
- HCV
- HCV, Hepatitis C Virus
- IL-18 polymorphism
- IL-18, Interleukin 18
- INF, Interferon
- NS, Non-Structural
- PCR, Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RFLP, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
- RNA, Ribonucleic Acid
- SNPs, Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms
- SVR12, Sustained Virologic Response 12 Week Post Treatment
- daclatasvir
- sofosbuvir
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M. Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, 61511 Minia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, 61511 Minia, Egypt,Address for correspondence: Mohamed Abdellah Ibrahim, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia 61511, Egypt. Tel.: +20 1023168222; fax: +20 862342813.
| | - Azza A. El-Sheikh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, 61511 Minia, Egypt,Basic Health Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, 11671 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Y. Kamel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, 61511 Minia, Egypt
| | - Nagwa M. Zenhom
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, 61511 Minia, Egypt
| | - Salam Abdel-Raheim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, 61511 Minia, Egypt
| | - Hisham Abdelhaleem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, 61511 Minia, Egypt
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Characterizing hepatitis C virus epidemiology in Egypt: systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1661. [PMID: 29374178 PMCID: PMC5785953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17936-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Egypt is the most affected nation by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and needs a comprehensive characterization of HCV epidemiology to inform the scale-up of treatment and prevention programs. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions were conducted. A total of 25 incidence, 259 prevalence, and 47 genotype studies were identified. Incidence and prevalence levels were high across all populations. Genotype 4 accounted for 94.1% of infections with a relative Shannon Diversity Index of only 14.4%. Pooled mean HCV prevalence was estimated at 11.9% (95% CI = 11.1–12.6%) among the general population, 55.6% (95% CI = 49.4–61.7%) among populations at high risk, 14.3% (95% CI = 10.3–18.8%) among populations at intermediate risk, 56.0% (95% CI = 50.4–61.6%) among populations with liver-related conditions, and 35.0% (95% CI = 27.3–43.1%) among special clinical populations. Mean HCV viremic rate was estimated at 66.7% (95% CI = 61.7–71.5%). Meta-regression indicated 6% lower odds for HCV prevalence for each one-year increment in publication year (AOR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.92–0.96). HCV prevalence is high with evidence for ongoing transmission mainly through healthcare. Genotype diversity is low with genotype 4 dominance. Two-thirds of antibody-positive Egyptians are chronically infected and need treatment. Clinical populations should be prioritized for screening. Despite the large-scale epidemic, prevalence appears to be declining rapidly consistent with a contracting epidemic.
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Impact of old Schistosomiasis infection on the use of transient elastography (Fibroscan) for staging of fibrosis in chronic HCV patients. Acta Trop 2017; 176:283-287. [PMID: 28851531 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In tropical regions, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) - Schistosomiasis coinfection remains one of the health problems. With the new era of HCV treatment and the variety of methods of assessment of liver fibrosis so we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FibroScan for staging hepatic fibrosis in HCV-Schistosomiasis coinfected patients. METHODOLOGY Three groups of patients were enrolled. Group 1: chronic HCV with out antischistosomal antibody (122 patients), Group 2: chronic HCV with positive antischistosomal antibodies and without periportal tract thickening (122 patients), Group 3: chronic HCV with positive antischistosomal antibodies and ultrasonographic picture of periportal tract thickening (108 patients). Routine laboratory workup, serum Antischistosomal antibody, and Schistosomal antigen in serum were performed. Ultrasound guided liver biopsy with histopathological examination; abdominal ultrasound and fibroscan examination were done for all patients. RESULTS The agreement between results of liver biopsy and results of fibroscan in the staging of fibrosis was the best in group 1 (55.7%), Although the agreement was higher among those with no periportal tract thickening (70.7%) and the disagreement was higher among those with positive schistosomal serology (66.5%), yet this relation was not statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that disagreement is significantly associated with older age, higher BMI (≥30), and increase in anti Schistosomal antibody titer. CONCLUSION Fibroscan is a reliable, non-invasive tool for staging hepatic fibrosis among HCV-schistosomiasis co-infected patients with no effect of the induced periportal tract thickening on the readings. Only higher antischistosomal antibody titres may cause disagreement between liver biopsy and fibroscan.
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Tag-Adeen M, Alsenbesy M, Ghweil AA, Abd Elrazek MAH, Elgohary EA, Sallam MM, Ismael A, Nawara A. Liver stiffness measurement and spleen diameter as predictors for the presence of esophageal varices in chronic hepatitis C patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8621. [PMID: 29145280 PMCID: PMC5704825 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is an invasive and unpleasant procedure, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is still the gold standard for esophageal varices (EV) detection. The aim of this study was to investigate liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and spleen diameter as simple noninvasive tools for EV prediction in chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC).A total of 123 Egyptian patients with CHC have been included and were classified based on screening EGD result into 2 groups; group A (without EV) and group B (with EV). Group (B) was subclassified according to EV grade into 4 subgroups: (B1, grade I), (B2, grade II), (B3, grade III), and (B4, grade IV). LSM was taken for each patient on the next day by an independent Fibroscan operator and correlated to the EGD result. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were recorded and analyzed using advanced data-mining computational technology.Mean LSM was 9.94 ± 6 kPa for group A and 33.32 ± 14 kPa for group B, whereas it was 21.22 ± 3, 25.72 ± 6, 33.82 ± 8, and 46.1 ± 15 kPa for subgroups B1, B2, B3, and B4, respectively. Mean spleen diameter was 11.09 ± 1.7 cm for group A and 16.58 ± 1.6 cm for group B. However, LSM ≥17 kPa was the only independent factor for EV prediction; splenic longitudinal span ≥15 cm was a complementary predictor when LSM was <17 kPa. The overall accuracy was 98.33 ± 3.33, Mikro = 98.26%.LSM ≥17 kPa and spleen diameter ≥15 cm is a simple noninvasive algorithm that could be used for prediction of EV and discrimination among its different grades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Tag-Adeen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Qena School of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena
| | - Mohamed Alsenbesy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Qena School of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena
| | - Ali Abdelrahman Ghweil
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Qena School of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena
| | | | - Elsayed A. Elgohary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zagazig School of Medicine, Zagazig University, As-Sharqia, Egypt
| | - Mohammad M. Sallam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zagazig School of Medicine, Zagazig University, As-Sharqia, Egypt
| | - Ali Ismael
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zagazig School of Medicine, Zagazig University, As-Sharqia, Egypt
| | - Abdallah Nawara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zagazig School of Medicine, Zagazig University, As-Sharqia, Egypt
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Elbahrawy A, Elwassief A, Abdallah AM, Kasem A, Mostafa S, Makboul K, Ali MS, Alashker A, Eliwa AM, Shahbah H, Othman MA, Morsy MH, Abdelbaseer MA, Abdelhafeez H. Hepatitis C Virus Exposure Rate among Health-care Workers in Rural Lower Egypt Governorates. J Transl Int Med 2017; 5:164-168. [PMID: 29085789 DOI: 10.1515/jtim-2017-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Studies on hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Egypt supported a strong role for various exposures in the health-care setting. In this study, we attempted to estimate the frequency of HCV exposure among Egyptian health-care workers (HCWs). METHODS Five hundred and sixty-four (564) HCWs were included in this study. Two hundred and fifty-eight (45.74%) were health-care providers and 306 (54.25%) were non-health-care providers. All HCWs completed both the study questionnaire and provided a blood sample for anti-HCV testing by third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subsequently, anti-HCV-positive samples were tested for HCV RNA using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS The mean age of included HCWs was 33.0 ± 9.8 years; of them, 319 (56.56%) were males and 245 (43.44%) were females. The mean duration of health-care work was 9.3 ± 6.7 years. The frequency of antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among included HCWs was 8.7% (n = 49). Old age and prolonged duration of health-care work were significantly associated with anti-HCV seropositivity. Forty (81.63%) of 49 with anti-HCV-positive HCWs had positive hepatitis C viremia. The frequency of HCV RNA positivity increased with age. The frequency of eradicated past infection among nurses (36.85%) was markedly higher than that (6.7%) detected in non-health-care providers. CONCLUSION High rate of HCV infection is detected in Egyptian HCWs in rural Lower Egypt governorates. Health-care providers seem to eradicate HCV infection more frequently than non-health-care providers. National screening and treatment of infected HCWs are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Elbahrawy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elwassief
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Arafat Kasem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sadek Mostafa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Makboul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Salah Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alashker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Maher Eliwa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hossam Shahbah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdellah Othman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hanafy Morsy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ali Abdelbaseer
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hafez Abdelhafeez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar School of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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22
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Motawi T, Shaker OG, Hussein RM, Houssen M. Polymorphisms of α1-antitrypsin and Interleukin-6 genes and the progression of hepatic cirrhosis in patients with a hepatitis C virus infection. Balkan J Med Genet 2017; 19:35-44. [PMID: 28289587 PMCID: PMC5343329 DOI: 10.1515/bjmg-2016-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a serious health problem. The –174 G/C mutation in the pro inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with developing liver diseases. Likewise, the S and Z mutations in the serine protease inhibitor α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) are associated with pulmonary emphysema and/or liver cirrhosis. We explored the distribution of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 and A1AT genes in chronic HCV-infected patients and evaluated their impact on the progression of liver cirrhosis. One hundred and fifty Egyptian HCV-infected patients together with 100 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The patient groups were subdivided into chronic hepatitis patients (n = 85) and cirrhotic patients (n = 65). The SNP of IL-6 (–174 G/C, rs1800795), A1AT Z mutation (342 Glu/Lys, rs28929474) and A1AT S mutation (264 Glu/Val, rs17580) were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Cirrhotic patients exhibited significantly increased frequency of the A1AT S allele compared with the controls (34.6 vs. 5.0%), while the chronic hepatitis patients showed a higher frequency of the A1AT Z allele compared with the controls (14.7 vs. 2.5%). Remarkably, IL-6 (CC genotype) was detected only in the chronic hepatitis patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that aspartate transaminase (AST) and the S alleles of A1AT, represented as SS+MS genotypes, were significantly independent predictors for development of liver cirrhosis. We concluded that inheritance of deficient S and Z alleles of the A1AT gene but not IL-6 (–174 G/C), were associated with progressive liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Motawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - O G Shaker
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - R M Hussein
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - M Houssen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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Kandeel A, Genedy M, El-Refai S, Funk AL, Fontanet A, Talaat M. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Egypt 2015: implications for future policy on prevention and treatment. Liver Int 2017; 37:45-53. [PMID: 27275625 PMCID: PMC5145777 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In 2015, a national Egyptian health issue survey was conducted to describe the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this paper, we describe the HCV burden in 2015, compare the results with the national survey conducted in 2008, and discuss the implications of the new findings on prevention of HCV in Egypt. METHODS A multistage probability sampling approach was used, similar to the national demographic survey conducted in 2008. More than 90% of sampled individuals complied with the interview and provided blood samples. RESULTS In the 15-59-year age groups, the prevalence of HCV antibody was found to be 10.0% (95% CI 9.5-10.5) and that of HCV RNA to be 7.0% (95% CI 6.6-7.4). In children, 1-14 years old, the prevalence of HCV antibody and HCV RNA were 0.4% (95% CI 0.3-0.5) and 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-0.3) respectively. Approximately, 3.7 million persons have chronic HCV infection in the age group 15-59 in 2015. An estimated 29% reduction in HCV RNA prevalence has been seen since 2008, which is largely attributable to the ageing of the group infected 40-50 years ago during the mass schistosomiasis treatment campaigns. Prevention efforts may have also contributed to this decline, with an estimated 75% (95% CI 6-45) decrease in HCV incidence in the 0-19 year age groups over the past 20 years. CONCLUSIONS These findings can be used to shape future HCV prevention policies in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Kandeel
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Arnaud Fontanet
- Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France
| | - Maha Talaat
- Global Disease Detection Regional Center, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cairo, Egypt.,US Naval Medical Research Unit, No.3, Cairo, Egypt
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24
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Abergel A, Metivier S, Samuel D, Jiang D, Kersey K, Pang PS, Svarovskaia E, Knox SJ, Loustaud-Ratti V, Asselah T. Ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir for 12 weeks in patients with hepatitis C genotype 4 infection. Hepatology 2016; 64:1049-56. [PMID: 27351341 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Genotype 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) was considered difficult to treat in the era of pegylated interferon-alpha (Peg-IFN-α) and ribavirin regimens. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of therapy with the nonstructural (NS) 5A inhibitor, ledipasvir, combined with the NS5B polymerase inhibitor, sofosbuvir, in patients with HCV genotype 4. In this phase 2, open-label study, 44 patients (22 treatment naïve and 22 treatment experienced) received a fixed-dose combination tablet of 90 mg of ledipasvir and 400 mg of sofosbuvir orally once-daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with HCV RNA <15 IU/mL 12 weeks after stopping therapy (SVR12). Among study participants, HCV genotype 4 subtypes were well represented (4a, n = 25; 4d, n = 10; other subtypes, n = 9). Ten patients (23%) had compensated cirrhosis. Of the 22 treatment-experienced patients, 21 (95%) had a non-CC IL-28B genotype. All 44 patients completed the full 12 weeks of dosing. The SVR12 rate was 93% (41 of 44; 95% confidence interval, 81-99). SVR12 rates were similar between treatment-naïve (95%; 21 of 22) and treatment-experienced (91%; 20 of 22) patients. All 3 patients who did not achieve SVR12 had virological relapse within 4 weeks of the end of treatment; all 3 had baseline HCV RNA ≥800,000 IU/mL, a non-CC IL-28B genotype, and pretreatment NS5A resistance-associated variants. None of the patients who relapsed had cirrhosis. The most common adverse events were asthenia, headache, and fatigue. No patients experienced a serious adverse event. CONCLUSION The all-oral regimen of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is an effective and safe treatment for a wide range of HCV 4 subtypes in both treatment-naïve and -experienced patients, including those with compensated cirrhosis. (EudraCT number: 2013-003978-27; Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02081079) (Hepatology 2016;64:1049-1056).
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand Abergel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Estaing, Université d'Auvergne, UMR CNRS 6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Sophie Metivier
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, UMR-S 1193, Université Paris-Sud, INSERM U785, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Veronique Loustaud-Ratti
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Limoges, U850 INSERM, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Tarik Asselah
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Beaujon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Diderot and INSERM UMR1149, Clichy, France
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Omata M, Kanda T, Wei L, Yu ML, Chuang WL, Ibrahim A, Lesmana CRA, Sollano J, Kumar M, Jindal A, Sharma BC, Hamid SS, Dokmeci AK, Al-Mahtab M, McCaughan GW, Wasim J, Crawford DHG, Kao JH, Yokosuka O, Lau GKK, Sarin SK. APASL consensus statements and recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:681-701. [PMID: 27229718 PMCID: PMC5003900 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on "APASL consensus statements and recommendations for management of hepatitis C" in March 2015 to revise the "APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection" (Hepatol Int 6:409-435, 2012). The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at the Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13 March 2015. New data were presented, discussed, and debated during the course of drafting a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of the cited studies. The finalized recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing are presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Omata
- Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 400-8506, Japan.
- The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Lai Wei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Alaaeldin Ibrahim
- GI/Liver Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Benha, Banha, Egypt
| | | | - Jose Sollano
- University Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Saeed S Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University and Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - A Kadir Dokmeci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mamun Al-Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Geofferey W McCaughan
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jafri Wasim
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University and Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Darrell H G Crawford
- University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - George K K Lau
- The Institute of Translational Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Ghareeb DA, Elwakeel EH, Khalil R, Aziz MS, El demellawy MA. Investigation of the Immunomodulatory effect of Berberis vulgaris on core-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:325. [PMID: 27577059 PMCID: PMC5004255 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virus-induced dendritic cells (DCs) functional deficiency leads to sub-optimal initiation of adaptive immune responses and consequently chronic infection establishment. The present study reports an advanced hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapeutic vaccine model based on In vivo enrichment of DCs with barberry ethanolic crude extract (BCE) then pulsing them with HCV core protein. METHODS DCs were enriched by BCE intravenous injection in BALB/c mice. Vaccine efficiency was assessed by flow cytometric analysis of splenocytes of immunized mice, cytokine profiling, cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay, and humoral immune response assessment. RESULTS There was no significant difference in surface phenotypic characterization of splenocytes from mice immunized with non-BCE-enriched-core-pulsed DCs (iDcs-core) compared to those from mice injected with RPMI-1640 medium. However, splenocytes from mice immunized with BCE-enriched-core-pulsed DCs showed 197 % increase in CD16+ population, 33 % increase in MHCII(+) population, and 43 % decrease in CD3(+) population. In iDCs-core group, 57.9 % greater anti-core cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, up-regulation in interferon gamma and interleukin (IL) -12 expression, and down-regulation in IL-4 and IL-10 were recorded. Moreover, sustained specific anti-core antibodies were detected only in sera of the same group. CONCLUSIONS results indicate that BCE-enriched-core-transduced DCs may serve as a new model for immunotherapy of HCV chronic infection.
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Hepatitis C Virus in North Africa: An Emerging Threat. ScientificWorldJournal 2016; 2016:7370524. [PMID: 27610403 PMCID: PMC5004010 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7370524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus is a major public health threat associated with serious clinical consequences worldwide. North Africa is a unique region composed of seven countries that vary considerably in the predisposing factors to microbial diseases both historically and at the present time. The dynamics of HCV in the region are not well documented. The data are both limited and controversial in most of the countries in the region. In North Africa, the epidemiology of HCV is disparate and understanding it has been hampered by regional "epidemiological homogeneity" concepts. As the dynamics of HCV vary from country to country, context-specific research is needed. In this review, we assess studies performed in each country in the general populations as well as among blood donors and groups exposed to the HCV infection. The reported prevalence of HCV ranges from 0.6% to 8.4% in the Maghreb countries and is predominated by genotype 1. In the Nile valley region, it ranges from 2.2% to 18.9% and is dominated by genotype 4. In North African countries, HCV seems to be a serious problem that is driven by different vectors even in different geographical locations within the same country. Efforts should be combined at both the national and regional levels to implement efficient preventive and treatment strategies.
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28
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Mohamed MS, Sayed AI, Khedr MA, Soror SH. Design, synthesis, assessment, and molecular docking of novel pyrrolopyrimidine (7-deazapurine) derivatives as non-nucleoside hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:2146-57. [PMID: 27052365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly persistent and presents an unmet medical need requiring more effective treatment options. This has spurred intensive efforts to discover novel anti-HCV agents. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), NS5B of HCV, constitutes a selective target for drug discovery due to its absence in human cells; also, it is the centerpiece for viral replication. Here, we synthesized novel pyrrole, pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and pyrrolo[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c]pyrimidine derivatives. The non-toxic doses of these compounds on Huh 7.5 cell line were determined and their antiviral activity against HCVcc genotype 4a was examined. Compounds 7j, 7f, 5c, 12i and 12f showed significant anti HCV activity. The percent of reduction for the non-toxic doses of 7j, 7f, 5c, 12i and 12f were 90%, 76.7±5.8%, 73.3±5.8%, 70% and 63.3±5.8%, respectively. The activity of these compounds was interpreted by molecular docking against HCV NS5B polymerase enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosaad S Mohamed
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira I Sayed
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A Khedr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sameh H Soror
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, University Campus, 11795 Cairo, Egypt; Center for Scientific Excellence 'Helwan Structural Biology Research (HSBR)', Cairo, Egypt.
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29
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Daw MA, Shabash A, El-Bouzedi A, Dau AA, Habas M, Libyan Study Group of Hepatitis and HIV. Modelling the prevalence of hepatitis C virus amongst blood donors in Libya: An investigation of providing a preventive strategy. World J Virol 2016; 5:14-22. [PMID: 26870670 PMCID: PMC4735550 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v5.i1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence among the Libyan population using blood donors and applying the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to predict future trends and formulate plans to minimize the burden of HCV infection.
METHODS: HCV positive cases were collected from 1008214 healthy blood donors over a 6-year period from 2008 to 2013. Data were used to construct the ARIMA model to forecast HCV seroprevalence among blood donors. The validity of the model was assessed using the mean absolute percentage error between the observed and fitted seroprevalence. The fitted ARIMA model was used to forecast the incidence of HCV beyond the observed period for the year 2014 and further to 2055.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HCV among blood donors was 1.8%, varying over the study period from 1.7% to 2.5%, though no significant variation was found within each calendar year. The ARIMA model showed a non-significant auto-correlation of the residuals, and the prevalence was steady within the last 3 years as expressed by the goodness-of-fit test. The forecast incidence showed an increase in HCV seropositivity in 2014, ranging from 500 to 700 per 10000 population, with an overall prevalence of 2.3%-2.7%. This may be extended to 2055 with minimal periodical variation within each 6-year period.
CONCLUSION: The applied model was found to be valuable in evaluating the seroprevalence of HCV among blood donors, and highlighted the growing burden of such infection on the Libyan health care system. The model may help in formulating national policies to prevent increases in HCV infection and plan future strategies that target the consequences of the infection.
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Hanno A, Elwazzan D, Ibrahim M, Hafez R. A Real Life Study on Treatment of Egyptian Patients with HCV Genotype IV with Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir. Health (London) 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2016.89082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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31
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Abdel-Ghaffar TY, Sira MM, El Naghi S. Hepatitis C genotype 4: The past, present, and future. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2792-2810. [PMID: 26668691 PMCID: PMC4670951 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i28.2792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 4 represents 12%-15% (15-18 million) of total global HCV infection. It is prevalent in Northern and Equatorial Africa and the Middle East, and is also present in some countries in Europe. GT-4 (and subtype 4a in particular) dominates the HCV epidemic in Egypt. In underdeveloped countries, risk factors associated with HCV infection may be due to unsafe medical practices or other factors such as familial transmission, mother’s HCV status, or illiteracy. HCV prevention and control programs should include health education, increased community awareness towards the disease, controlling infection distribution in health-care centers, proper sterilization of medical and dental instruments, and ensuring safe supply of blood and blood-products. Response rates to a 48-wk combined pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment range from 40%-69%, and HCV-GT-4 has been considered better than GT-1 but worse than GT-2 and GT-3 in treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV. However, with the introduction of the HCV-GT-1 effective protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir in 2011, HCV-GT-4 became the “most difficult (GT) to treat”. Recently, the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with pan- genotypic activities simeprevir, sofosbuvir, and daclatasvir have been recommended in triple regimens with PEG-IFN/RBV for the treatment of HCV-GT-4. An IFN-free regimen will be available for treatment of all genotypes of HCV in the near future. To date, several DAAs have been developed and are currently being evaluated in various combinations in clinical trials. As new regimens and new agents are being approved by the Food and Drug Administration, we can expect the guidelines for HCV treatment to be changed. The availability of shorter, simpler, and more tolerable treatment regimens can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HCV infection. With such a large number of therapeutic agents available, we can end up with a range of choices that we can select from to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Jansson
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David P Wilson
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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33
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Monoclonal antibodies: Principles and applications of immmunodiagnosis and immunotherapy for hepatitis C virus. World J Hepatol 2015. [PMID: 26464752 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i22.2369.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. Early detection of the infection will help better management of the infected cases. The monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of mice are predominantly used for the immunodiagnosis of several viral, bacterial, and parasitic antigens. Serological detection of HCV antigens and antibodies provide simple and rapid methods of detection but lack sensitivity specially in the window phase between the infection and antibody development. Human mAb are used in the immunotherapy of several blood malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as for autoimmune diseases. In this review article, we will discuss methods of mouse and human monoclonal antibody production. We will demonstrate the role of mouse mAb in the detection of HCV antigens as rapid and sensitive immunodiagnostic assays for the detection of HCV, which is a major health problem throughout the world, particularly in Egypt. We will discuss the value of HCV-neutralizing antibodies and their roles in the immunotherapy of HCV infections and in HCV vaccine development. We will also discuss the different mechanisms by which the virus escape the effect of neutralizing mAb. Finally, we will discuss available and new trends to produce antibodies, such as egg yolk-based antibodies (IgY), production in transgenic plants, and the synthetic antibody mimics approach.
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34
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Tabll A, Abbas AT, El-Kafrawy S, Wahid A. Monoclonal antibodies: Principles and applications of immmunodiagnosis and immunotherapy for hepatitis C virus. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2369-2383. [PMID: 26464752 PMCID: PMC4598607 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i22.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. Early detection of the infection will help better management of the infected cases. The monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of mice are predominantly used for the immunodiagnosis of several viral, bacterial, and parasitic antigens. Serological detection of HCV antigens and antibodies provide simple and rapid methods of detection but lack sensitivity specially in the window phase between the infection and antibody development. Human mAb are used in the immunotherapy of several blood malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as for autoimmune diseases. In this review article, we will discuss methods of mouse and human monoclonal antibody production. We will demonstrate the role of mouse mAb in the detection of HCV antigens as rapid and sensitive immunodiagnostic assays for the detection of HCV, which is a major health problem throughout the world, particularly in Egypt. We will discuss the value of HCV-neutralizing antibodies and their roles in the immunotherapy of HCV infections and in HCV vaccine development. We will also discuss the different mechanisms by which the virus escape the effect of neutralizing mAb. Finally, we will discuss available and new trends to produce antibodies, such as egg yolk-based antibodies (IgY), production in transgenic plants, and the synthetic antibody mimics approach.
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Doss W, Shiha G, Hassany M, Soliman R, Fouad R, Khairy M, Samir W, Hammad R, Kersey K, Jiang D, Doehle B, Knox SJ, Massetto B, McHutchison JG, Esmat G. Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for treating Egyptian patients with hepatitis C genotype 4. J Hepatol 2015; 63:581-5. [PMID: 25937436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Egypt has the highest prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world, and more than 90% of patients are infected with genotype 4 virus. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the HCV polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin in HCV genotype 4 patients in Egypt. METHODS Treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced patients with genotype 4 HCV infection (n=103) were randomly assigned to receive either 12 or 24 weeks of sofosbuvir 400 mg and ribavirin 1000-1200 mg daily. Randomization was stratified by prior treatment experience and by presence or absence of cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with HCV RNA <25 IU/ml 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). RESULTS Among all patients, 52% had received prior HCV treatment and 17% had cirrhosis at baseline. SVR12 rates were 90% (46/51) with 24 weeks and 77% (40/52) with 12 weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin therapy. Patients with cirrhosis at baseline had lower rates of SVR12 (63% 12 weeks, 78% 24 weeks) than those without cirrhosis (80% 12 weeks, 93% 24 weeks). The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, insomnia, and anemia. Two patients experienced serious adverse events (cerebral ischemia, dyspnea). No adverse events resulted in treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks is effective in treating both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced Egyptian patients with genotype 4 HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahid Doss
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamal Shiha
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Hassany
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Soliman
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | | | - Waleed Samir
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Radi Hammad
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Deyuan Jiang
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Brian Doehle
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Steven J Knox
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, United States
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El-Mahallawy HA, Mohsen LM, Wassef M. Milestones along the road of infection prevention in Egypt. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 34:1923-8. [PMID: 26231169 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-015-2444-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sequela of infectious diseases include not only morbidity and mortality, but are also associated with chronic illnesses that has long constituted public health problems and huge economic burdens. This review gives a brief idea about important infectious diseases (ID) in Egypt, the main lines taken to combat them, the challenges still existing, and the possible barriers keeping IDs still forming threats to the community. Egypt has the highest prevalence rates of HCV infection worldwide. Significant evidence points towards that the HCV epidemic was initiated and propagated by the anti-schistosomal mass campaigns during the last century. Though the rates of HCV infection are declining, still the decline has not yet met the full expectations. Therefore, infection control programs are gaining more ground all over the country, especially with the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance complicating healthcare-associated infections (HAI) worldwide. Also, mass immnunization of childhood, mycobacterial tuberculosis infections, and avian influenza will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A El-Mahallawy
- National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr el-Eini, Kornish el-Nil, Fom el-Khalig, Cairo, 11796, Egypt.
| | - L M Mohsen
- Kasr Al-Aini School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Wassef
- Kasr Al-Aini School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Jhaveri R, Hashem M, El-Kamary SS, Saleh DA, Sharaf SA, El-Mougy F, Abdelsalam L, Ehab M, El-Ghazaly H. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Vertical Transmission in 12-Month-Old Infants Born to HCV-Infected Women and Assessment of Maternal Risk Factors. Open Forum Infect Dis 2015; 2:ofv089. [PMID: 26180831 PMCID: PMC4498289 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We summarize the results of HCV RNA testing of 12 month old infants born to HCV infected mothers in Cairo, Egypt. We used real-time PCR testing and demonstrated a transmission rate of 14.3%. Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an underappreciated cause of pediatric liver disease, most frequently acquired by vertical transmission (VT). Current guidelines that include the option of screening infants for HCV RNA at 1–2 months are based on data prior to current real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing. Previous studies have demonstrated VT rates of 4%–15% and an association with high maternal viral load. We evaluated HCV RNA in infants with HCV VT and assessed maternal risk factors in a prospective cohort in Cairo, Egypt. Methods. Pregnant women were screened for HCV from December 2012 to March 2014. For those with HCV viremia, their infants were tested at 12 months for HCV RNA using real-time PCR. Maternal risk factors assessed for HCV VT association included HCV RNA levels, mode of delivery, and maternal IL28B genotype. Results. Of 2514 women screened, a total of 54 women were viremic (2.1%) and delivered 56 infants. Of those, 51 infants of 49 women were tested at 12 months of age. Only 7 infants were viremic, with an HCV VT rate of 14.3% (7 of 49). Median HCV RNA in the infants was 2100 IU/mL. None of the maternal risk factors analyzed were associated with transmission. Conclusions. In Egypt where HCV is highly endemic, we observed an overall 12-month HCV VT rate of 14.3%. Further studies should focus on better identification of pregnant women more likely to vertically transmit HCV and earlier testing of infants to identify those likely to develop chronicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
| | - Mohamed Hashem
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , University of Maryland , School of Medicine , Baltimore
| | - Samer S El-Kamary
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , University of Maryland , School of Medicine , Baltimore
| | | | | | | | | | - Mohamed Ehab
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University , Egypt
| | - Hesham El-Ghazaly
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University , Egypt
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Hullegie SJ, Arends JE, Rijnders BJA, Irving WL, Salmon D, Prins M, Wensing AM, Klenerman P, Leblebicioglu H, Boesecke C, Rockstroh JK, Hoepelman AIM. Current knowledge and future perspectives on acute hepatitis C infection. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:797.e9-797.e17. [PMID: 25892133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are frequently seen worldwide in certain risk groups, with an annual incidence rate varying between 0.08% and 66%. Although this incidence is substantial, a delayed diagnosis during chronic infection is most often made in the absence of clinical symptoms in the acute phase of the infection. Currently used methods to diagnose acute HCV infection are IgG antibody seroconversion and repeated HCV RNA measurements, although no definitive diagnostic test is currently available. Progress in the field of adaptive and innate immune responses has aided both advances in the field of HCV vaccine development and a more basic understanding of viral persistence. The rapid changes in the treatment of chronic HCV infection will affect therapeutic regimens for acute HCV infection in the coming years, leading to shorter treatment courses and pegylated interferon-free modalities. This review gives an overview of the current knowledge and uncertainties, together with some future perspectives on acute hepatitis C epidemiology, virology, immunology, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hullegie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J E Arends
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; The European Study Group of Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH), UK.
| | - B J A Rijnders
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W L Irving
- The European Study Group of Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH), UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Unit in Gastroenterology and the Liver, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - D Salmon
- The European Study Group of Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH), UK; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - M Prins
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, CINIMA, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A M Wensing
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; The European Study Group of Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH), UK
| | - P Klenerman
- NDM and Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - H Leblebicioglu
- The European Study Group of Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH), UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - C Boesecke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J K Rockstroh
- The European Study Group of Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH), UK; Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - A I M Hoepelman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; The European Study Group of Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH), UK
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Benova L, Awad SF, Miller FD, Abu-Raddad LJ. Estimation of hepatitis C virus infections resulting from vertical transmission in Egypt. Hepatology 2015; 61:834-42. [PMID: 25366418 PMCID: PMC4365684 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Despite having the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in the world, the ongoing level of HCV incidence in Egypt and its drivers are poorly understood. Whereas HCV mother-to-child infection is a well-established transmission route, there are no estimates of HCV infections resulting from vertical transmission for any country, including Egypt. The aim of this study was to estimate the absolute number of new HCV infections resulting from vertical transmission in Egypt. We developed a conceptual framework of HCV vertical transmission, expressed in terms of a mathematical model and based on maternal HCV antibody and viremia. The mathematical model estimated the number of HCV vertical infections nationally and for six subnational areas. Applying two vertical transmission risk estimates to the 2008 Egyptian birth cohort, we estimated that between 3,080 and 5,167 HCV infections resulted from vertical transmission among children born in 2008. HCV vertical transmission may account for half of incident cases in the <5-year age group. Disproportionately higher proportions of vertical infections were estimated in Lower Rural and Upper Rural subnational areas. This geographical clustering was a result of higher-area-level HCV prevalence among women and higher fertility rates. CONCLUSION Vertical transmission is one of the primary HCV infection routes among children<5 years in Egypt. The absolute number of vertical transmissions and the young age at infection highlight a public health concern. These findings also emphasize the need to quantify the relative contributions of other transmission routes to HCV incidence in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Benova
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Cornell UniversityQatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne F Awad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Cornell UniversityQatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - F DeWolfe Miller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of HawaiiHonolulu, HI
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Cornell UniversityQatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell UniversityNew York, NY,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattle, WA
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Bonnard P, Elsharkawy A, Zalata K, Delarocque-Astagneau E, Biard L, Le Fouler L, Hassan AB, Abdel-Hamid M, El-Daly M, Gamal ME, El Kassas M, Bedossa P, Carrat F, Fontanet A, Esmat G. Comparison of liver biopsy and noninvasive techniques for liver fibrosis assessment in patients infected with HCV-genotype 4 in Egypt. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:245-53. [PMID: 25073725 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In Egypt, as elsewhere, liver biopsy (LB) remains the gold standard to assess liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and is required to decide whether a treatment should be proposed. Many of its disadvantages have led to develop noninvasive methods to replace LB. These new methods should be evaluated in Egypt, where circulating virus genotype 4 (G4), increased body mass index and co-infection with schistosomiasis may interfere with liver fibrosis assessment. Egyptian CHC-infected patients with G4 underwent a LB, an elastometry measurement (Fibroscan(©)), and serum markers (APRI, Fib4 and Fibrotest(©)). Patients had to have a LB ≥15 mm length or ≥10 portal tracts with two pathologists blinded readings to be included in the analysis. Patients with hepatitis B virus co-infection were excluded. Three hundred and twelve patients are reported. The performance of each technique for distinguishing F0F1 vs F2F3F4 was compared. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.70, 0.76, 0.71 and 0.75 for APRI, Fib-4, Fibrotest© and Fibroscan©, respectively (no influence of schistosomiasis was noticed). An algorithm using the Fib4 for identifying patients with F2 stage or more reduced by nearly 90% the number of liver biopsies. Our results demonstrated that noninvasive techniques were feasible in Egypt, for CHC G4-infected patients. Because of its validity and its easiness to perform, we believe that Fib4 may be used to assess the F2 threshold, which decides whether treatment should be proposed or delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bonnard
- Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Tenon (AP-HP), Paris, France; Unité INSERM U707, UPMC, Paris, France
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Cuadros DF, Branscum AJ, Miller FD, Abu-Raddad LJ. Spatial epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Egypt: analyses and implications. Hepatology 2014; 60:1150-9. [PMID: 24913187 PMCID: PMC4282472 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Egypt has the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in the world (14.7%). The drivers of the HCV epidemic in Egypt are not well understood, but the mass parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) campaigns in the second half of the 20th century are believed to be the determinant of the high prevalence. We studied HCV exposure in Egypt at a microscale through spatial mapping and epidemiological description of HCV clustering. The source of data was the 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey. We identified clusters with high and low HCV prevalence and high and low PAT exposure using Kulldorff spatial scan statistics. Correlations across clusters were estimated, and each cluster age-specific HCV prevalence was described. We identified six clusters of high HCV prevalence, three clusters of low HCV prevalence, five clusters of high PAT exposure, and four clusters of low PAT exposure. HCV prevalence and PAT exposure were not significantly associated across clusters (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC] = 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.12 to 0.71). Meanwhile, there was a strong association between HCV prevalence in individuals older than 30 years of age (who could have been exposed to PAT) and HCV prevalence in individuals 30 years of age or younger (who could not have been exposed to PAT) (PCC = 0.81; 95% CI 0.55-0.93). CONCLUSION The findings illustrate a spatial variation in HCV exposure in Egypt. The observed clustering was suggestive of an array of iatrogenic risk factors, besides past PAT exposure, and ongoing transmission. The role of PAT exposure in the HCV epidemic could have been overstated. Our findings support the rationale for spatially prioritized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education CityDoha, Qatar,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell UniversityNew York, NY, USA
| | - Adam J Branscum
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State UniversityCorvallis, OR, USA
| | - F DeWolfe Miller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of HawaiiHonolulu, HI, USA
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education CityDoha, Qatar,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell UniversityNew York, NY, USA,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattle, WA, USA
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Breban R, Arafa N, Leroy S, Mostafa A, Bakr I, Tondeur L, Abdel-Hamid M, Doss W, Esmat G, Mohamed MK, Fontanet A. Effect of preventive and curative interventions on hepatitis C virus transmission in Egypt (ANRS 1211): a modelling study. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2014; 2:e541-e549. [PMID: 25304421 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(14)70188-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in Egypt is related to medical injections and procedures. To control the spread of HCV, the Egyptian Ministry of Health initiated awareness and education campaigns, strengthened infection control in health-care facilities, and subsidised anti-HCV treatment. We aimed to investigate the effect of these interventions on the spread of HCV by mathematical modelling. METHODS We developed a mathematical model of HCV transmission in Zawyat Razin, a typical rural community. Our model assumes that each individual has two distinct types of medical procedures: injections and more invasive medical procedures. To quantify the severity of the spread of HCV, we used the notion of the basic reproduction number R0, a standard threshold parameter signalling whether transmission of an infectious disease is self-sustained and maintains an epidemic. If R0 is greater than 1, HCV is self-sustained; if R0 is 1 or less, HCV transmission is not self-sustained. We investigated whether heterogeneity in the rate of injection or invasive medical procedures is the determinant factor for HCV transmission and whether most iatrogenic transmission is caused by a small group of individuals who receive health-care interventions frequently. We then assessed whether interventions targeted at this group could reduce the spread of HCV. FINDINGS The R0 of the spread of HCV without treatment was 3·54 (95% CI 1·28-6·18), suggesting a self-sustained spread. Furthermore, the present national treatment programme only decreased R0 from 3·54 to 3·03 (95% CI 1·10-5·25). Individuals with high rates of medical injections seem to be responsible for the spread of HCV in Egypt; the R0 of the spread of HCV without treatment would be 0·64 (95% CI 0·41-0·93) if everybody followed the average behaviour. The effect of treatment on HCV transmission is greatly enhanced if treatment is provided a mean of 2·5 years (95% CI 0·1-9·2) after chronic infection and with drug regimens with more than 80% efficacy. With these treatment parameters, preventive and curative interventions targeting individuals with high rates of medical injections might decrease R0 below 1 for treatment coverage lower than 5%. INTERPRETATION Targeting preventive and curative interventions to individuals with high rates of medical injections in Egypt would result in a greater reduction the spread of HCV than would untargeted allocation. Such an approach might prove beneficial in other resource-limited countries with health-care-driven epidemics. FUNDING Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS 1211), ANR grant Labex Integrative Biology of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romulus Breban
- Institut Pasteur, Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Paris, France.
| | | | - Sandrine Leroy
- Institut Pasteur, Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Laura Tondeur
- Institut Pasteur, Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Hamid
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt; Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Arnaud Fontanet
- Institut Pasteur, Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Paris, France; Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France
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Daw MA, Shabash A, El-Bouzedi A, Dau AA. Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV & HIV co-infection and risk factors analysis in Tripoli-Libya. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98793. [PMID: 24936655 PMCID: PMC4060988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In 1998 Libya experienced a major outbreak of multiple blood borne viral hepatitis and HIV infections. Since then, no studies have been done on the epidemic features and risk factors of HBV, HCV, HIV and co-infection among the general population. Methods A prospective study was carried out using a multi-centre clustering method to collect samples from the general population. The participants were interviewed, and relevant information was collected, including socio-demographic, ethnic, and geographic variables. This information was correlated with the risk factors involved in the transmission of HBV, HCV and HIV. Blood samples were collected and the sera were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV using enzyme immunoassay. Results A total of 9,170 participants from the nine districts of Tripoli were enrolled. The average prevalence of HBsAg was 3.7%, anti-HCV 0.9%, anti-HIV 0.15% and co-infection 0.02%. The prevalence varied from one district to another. HBV was more prevalent among those aged over 50 years and was associated with family history. Anti-HCV and anti-HIV were more prevalent among those aged 20–40 years. Intravenous drug use and blood transfusion were the main risk factors for HCV and HIV infection. Conclusion HBV, HCV, HIV and co-infection are relatively common in Libya. High prevalence was associated with geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic variability within the community. HCV and HIV infections among the younger age groups are becoming an alarming issue. Regulations and health care education need to be implemented and longer term follow-up should be planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
- Department of Surgery, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
- * E-mail:
| | - Amira Shabash
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
| | | | - Aghnya A. Dau
- Department of Surgery, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
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Waked I, Doss W, El-Sayed MH, Estes C, Razavi H, Shiha G, Yosry A, Esmat G. The current and future disease burden of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Egypt. Arab J Gastroenterol 2014; 15:45-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Razavi H, Waked I, Sarrazin C, Myers RP, Idilman R, Calinas F, Vogel W, Mendes Correa MC, Hézode C, Lázaro P, Akarca U, Aleman S, Balık I, Berg T, Bihl F, Bilodeau M, Blasco AJ, Brandão Mello CE, Bruggmann P, Buti M, Calleja JL, Cheinquer H, Christensen PB, Clausen M, Coelho HSM, Cramp ME, Dore GJ, Doss W, Duberg AS, El-Sayed MH, Ergör G, Esmat G, Falconer K, Félix J, Ferraz MLG, Ferreira PR, Frankova S, García-Samaniego J, Gerstoft J, Giria JA, Gonçales FL, Gower E, Gschwantler M, Guimarães Pessôa M, Hindman SJ, Hofer H, Husa P, Kåberg M, Kaita KDE, Kautz A, Kaymakoglu S, Krajden M, Krarup H, Laleman W, Lavanchy D, Marinho RT, Marotta P, Mauss S, Moreno C, Murphy K, Negro F, Nemecek V, Örmeci N, Øvrehus ALH, Parkes J, Pasini K, Peltekian KM, Ramji A, Reis N, Roberts SK, Rosenberg WM, Roudot-Thoraval F, Ryder SD, Sarmento-Castro R, Semela D, Sherman M, Shiha GE, Sievert W, Sperl J, Stärkel P, Stauber RE, Thompson AJ, Urbanek P, Van Damme P, van Thiel I, Van Vlierberghe H, Vandijck D, Wedemeyer H, Weis N, Wiegand J, Yosry A, Zekry A, Cornberg M, Müllhaupt B, Estes C. The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with today's treatment paradigm. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21 Suppl 1:34-59. [PMID: 24713005 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is expected to increase as the infected population ages. A modelling approach was used to estimate the total number of viremic infections, diagnosed, treated and new infections in 2013. In addition, the model was used to estimate the change in the total number of HCV infections, the disease progression and mortality in 2013-2030. Finally, expert panel consensus was used to capture current treatment practices in each country. Using today's treatment paradigm, the total number of HCV infections is projected to decline or remain flat in all countries studied. However, in the same time period, the number of individuals with late-stage liver disease is projected to increase. This study concluded that the current treatment rate and efficacy are not sufficient to manage the disease burden of HCV. Thus, alternative strategies are required to keep the number of HCV individuals with advanced liver disease and liver-related deaths from increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis, Louisville, Colorado, USA
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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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Abstract
HCV is a blood-borne virus transmitted by percutaneous exposure to infected blood or blood-derived body fluids. The main routes of transmission are blood transfusions, medical procedures and injection drug use. In industrialized countries, HCV transmission through blood transfusions has been virtually eliminated and iatrogenic transmission occurs only sporadically during local breaches of infection control procedures. As most new cases originate from injection drug use, harm-reduction programmes (including opiate substitution, needle exchange and health education) can greatly reduce HCV transmission. Currently, the main approach to reduce the HCV disease burden is by increasing awareness of both the public and health-care providers to hepatitis C, enhancing screening opportunities and treatment of the infected population. In resource-limited countries, the priority is reducing transmission through blood transfusions and invasive medical procedures. This approach requires training of health-care providers and also structural changes and financial investments in countries where antibody screening, disposable materials and effective sterilization procedures are not routinely available. In these countries, reducing the HCV burden has been hampered by limited access to treatment, largely owing to the cost of drugs. Access to treatment is moving up on the agenda of international and non-governmental organizations in conjunction with the future availability of highly efficacious oral drug regimens.
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The Association between Female Genital Cutting and Spousal HCV Infection in Egypt. Int J Hepatol 2014; 2014:164357. [PMID: 24778883 PMCID: PMC3980990 DOI: 10.1155/2014/164357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. To identify the risk factors for HCV infection within married couples in Egypt. Methods. In 2008 Egypt conducted its first nationally representative survey of HCV prevalence. 11126 of the 12780 individuals aged 15-59 year who were sampled agreed to participate and provided information via a questionnaire about demographic and behavioural characteristics and blood for HCV antibody and RNA analysis. We assessed the risk factors for HCV infection in a subsample of 5182 married individuals via multivariate logistic regression. Results. Overall HCV antibody prevalence in the married couples was 18.2% (95% CI, 16.8-19.6). HCV antibody prevalence was higher in the husbands (23.7%) than the wives (12.1%; P < 0.001). Having a spouse who was infected with HCV was an independent risk factor for HCV infection with odds ratios of 2.1 (95% CI, 1.6-2.9) and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.6-3.1) for women and men, respectively. Husbands whose wives had experienced female genital cutting (FGC) had a higher prevalence of HCV and this relationship was driven by a strong association in urban areas. Amongst the women there was no association between FGC and HCV overall but in urban areas only women who had experienced FGC were HCV infected. Conclusions. This study provides additional evidence of the importance of intrafamilial transmission of HCV in Egypt.
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Breban R, Doss W, Esmat G, Elsayed M, Hellard M, Ayscue P, Albert M, Fontanet A, Mohamed MK. Quantifying current hepatitis C virus incidence in Egypt - Response to letter by Miller and Abu-Raddad. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:668. [PMID: 23910653 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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