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Ghazzawi M, Babawo LS, Mohareb AM, James PB, Yendewa SA, Massaquoi SP, Cummings PE, Lakoh S, Salata RA, Yendewa GA. Impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis B screening in Sierra Leone: insights from a community pharmacy model of care. IJID REGIONS 2023; 9:7-13. [PMID: 37711649 PMCID: PMC10498170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To assess the impact of COVID-19-related interruptions and seasonal patterns on hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in a hyperendemic setting in Sierra Leone. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of HBV testing in a community pharmacy in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from October 01, 2019, through September 30, 2022. We compared participant characteristics using Pearson's chi-square test. We evaluated trends in HBV screening and diagnosis using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's or Dunnett's post-test. Results Of 920 individuals screened, 161 had detectable HBV surface antigen (seroprevalence 17.5% [95% CI 14.9-20.4]). There was a 100% decrease in HBV screening during January-June of 2020; however, screening increased by 27% and 23% in the first and second years after COVID-19, respectively. Mean quarterly tests showed a significant upward trend: 55 ± 6 tests during January-March (baseline), 74 ± 16 tests during April-June, 101 ± 3 tests during July-September, and 107 ± 17 tests during October-December (one-way analysis of variance test for trend, F = 7.7, P = 0.0254) but not the mean quarterly number of people diagnosed with HBV (F = 0.34, P = 0.7992). Conclusion Community-based HBV screening dramatically improved following temporary disruptions related to COVID-19. Seasonal variation in HBV screening, but not HBV diagnosis, may have implications for HBV elimination efforts in Sierra Leone and other West African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lawrence S. Babawo
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Amir M. Mohareb
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Peter B. James
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA
| | - George A. Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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El-Mokhtar MA, Elkhawaga AA, Ahmed MSH, El-Sabaa EMW, Mosa AA, Abdelmohsen AS, Moussa AM, Salama EH, Aboulfotuh S, Ashmawy AM, Seddik AI, Sayed IM, Ramadan HKA. High Incidence of Acute Liver Failure among Patients in Egypt Coinfected with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Viruses. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2898. [PMID: 38138042 PMCID: PMC10745896 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are transmitted through the fecal-oral route. HAV outbreaks and one HEV outbreak have been reported in Egypt. However, the impact of HAV-HEV co-infection is not known. In this study, we assessed HEV markers in acute HAV-infected patients (n = 57) enrolled in Assiut University hospitals. We found that 36.8% of HAV-infected patients were also positive for HEV markers (anti-HEV IgM and HEV RNA), while 63.2% of the patients were HAV mono-infected. Demographic and clinical criteria were comparable in both HAV mono-infected patients and HAV-HEV co-infected patients. Although liver enzymes were not significantly different between the two groups, liver transaminases were higher in the co-infected patients. Six patients developed acute liver failure (ALF); five of them were HAV-HEV-co-infected patients. The relative risk of ALF development was 8.5 times higher in HAV-HEV co-infection compared to mono-infection. Three cases of ALF caused by HAV-HEV co-infection were reported in children (below 18 years) and two cases were reported in adults. All patients developed jaundice, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy; all were living in rural communities. In conclusion: HAV-HEV co-infection can be complicated by ALF. The risk of ALF development in HAV-infected patients is higher when coinfection with HEV is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
| | - Amal A. Elkhawaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mona Sedky Hussein Ahmed
- Molecular Biology Researches & Studies Institute (MBRSI), Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Ehsan M. W. El-Sabaa
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Aliaa A. Mosa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Shawkat Abdelmohsen
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Abdelmajeed M. Moussa
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt
| | - Eman H. Salama
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Sahar Aboulfotuh
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Ashmawy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ismail Seddik
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M. Sayed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Haidi Karam-Allah Ramadan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
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3
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Yassin NA, El-Houchi SZ, Abd El-Shafy SF, Soliman NS, Elmonem MA, El-Koofy N. Frequency of Hepatitis A virus as a cause of anicteric hepatitis in children under 5 years: a common yet under-recognized cause. EGYPTIAN PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION GAZETTE 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43054-022-00134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hepatitis A is the most common form of acute viral hepatitis in developing countries. In children < 6 years of age, most infections are asymptomatic, and if illness does occur, it is usually anicteric. This study aimed to determine the frequency of HAV in Egyptian children under 5 years presenting with gastroenteritis-like manifestations and to associate the frequency of HAV with social, demographic, and various risk factors.
Results
Among 450 children aged from 6 months to 5 years of both sexes, presenting with gastroenteritis-like manifestations and anicteric hepatitis, 200/450 children had elevated transaminases (ALT, AST) and were recruited in the study. A total number of 24 (12%) out of 200 children were found to have HAV IgM antibodies. Lower maternal and paternal education, poor sanitary and hygienic conditions, crowding, contaminated water, and lack of sanitary facilities were significantly higher in HAV-positive group (p-value < 0.05). ALT and AST were significantly higher in HAV IgM-positive group (p-value < 0.01).
Conclusion
HAV infection is common in Egyptian children with gastroenteritis-like manifestations and anicteric hepatitis. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease.
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Badur S, Öztürk S, AbdelGhany M, Khalaf M, Lagoubi Y, Ozudogru O, Hanif K, Saha D. Hepatitis A in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a comprehensive review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2073146. [PMID: 35617508 PMCID: PMC9621081 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2073146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction With 583 million inhabitants, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a worldwide hub for travel, migration, and food trade. However, there is a scarcity of data on the epidemiology of the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Methods The MEDLINE and grey literature were systematically searched for HAV epidemiological data relevant to the EMR region published between 1980 and 2020 in English, French, or Arabic. Results Overall, 123 publications were extracted. The proportion of HAV cases among acute viral hepatitis cases was high. HAV seroprevalence rate ranged from 5.7% to 100.0% and it was decreasing over time while the average age at infection increased. Conclusion In the EMR, HAV remains a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis. The observed endemicity shift will likely increase disease burden as the population ages. Vaccinating children and adopting sanitary measures are still essential to disease prevention; vaccinating at-risk groups might reduce disease burden even further.
What is the context?
Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is generally transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water or through contact with an infected person. Disease severity increases with age. Children under 6 years of age are usually asymptomatic, while adults are the most affected. Limited information exists on the number of cases and transmission of hepatitis A in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes 21 countries and Palestine, as defined by the World Health Organization.
What is new?
We performed a literature review to summarize data on hepatitis A disease in the Eastern Mediterranean region over the last 40 years (1980-2020). As information for many countries is scarce or outdated, most of the data is from Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia. We found that:
Hepatitis A virus is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A exposure varied according to the country’s income level. Low- and middle-income countries showed a universal immunity to hepatitis A virus, although this is not the case anymore.
What is the impact?
Hepatitis A infections have decreased worldwide. Lower exposure to the virus has led to an increase in the susceptible population (including adolescent and adults). Hepatitis A vaccination for children and high-risk groups such travelers should be considered in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
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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: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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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6
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Aboubakr H, Goyal S. Involvement of Egyptian Foods in Foodborne Viral Illnesses: The Burden on Public Health and Related Environmental Risk Factors: An Overview. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2019; 11:315-339. [PMID: 31560123 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-019-09406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Foodborne viral diseases are a major public health threat and pose a huge burden on the economies of both developed and developing countries. Enteric viruses are the causative agents of most foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. Egypt is classified by WHO among the regions with intermediate to high endemicity for various enteric viruses. This is manifested by the high prevalence rates of different enteric virus infections among Egyptian population such as Hepatitis A and E viruses, human rotaviruses, human noroviruses, human astroviruses, and human adenovirus. Recently, a number of foodborne gastroenteritis and acute hepatitis outbreaks have occurred in the US, Canada, Australia, and the European Union countries. Some of these outbreaks were attributed to the consumption of minimally processed foods imported from Egypt indicating the possibility that Egyptian foods may also be partially responsible for high prevalence of enteric virus infections among Egyptian population. In the absence of official foodborne-pathogen surveillance systems, evaluating the virological safety of Egyptian foods is a difficult task. In this review, we aim to provide a preliminary evaluation of the virological safety of Egyptian foods. A comprehensive review of prevalence studies on enteric virus infections shows hyperendemicity of several enteric viruses in Egypt and provides strong evidence of implication of Egyptian foods in these infections. We also address possible environmental risk factors that may lead to the contamination of Egyptian foods with enteric viruses. In addition, we describe potential obstacles to any plan that might be considered for improving the virological safety of Egyptian foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamada Aboubakr
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, El-Shatby, 21545, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Sagar Goyal
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, El-Shatby, 21545, Alexandria, Egypt
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7
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Hayashi T, Hutin YJF, Bulterys M, Altaf A, Allegranzi B. Injection practices in 2011-2015: a review using data from the demographic and health surveys (DHS). BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:600. [PMID: 31455315 PMCID: PMC6712605 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4366-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reuse of injection devices to give healthcare injections decreased from 39.8 to 5.5% between 2000 and 2010, but trends since 2011 have not been described. We reviewed results of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to describe injection practices worldwide from 2011 to 2015. Methods We searched the DHS Internet site for data published on injection practices conducted in countries from 2011 to 2015, extracted information on frequency (number of healthcare injections per person in the last 12 months) and safety (proportion of syringes and needles taken from a new, unopened package). We compared gender groups and WHO regions in terms of frequency and safety. For countries with data available, we compared injection practices 2004–2010 and 2011–2015. Results Since 2011, 40 of 92 countries (43%) that conducted DHS surveys reported on injection practices. On average, the frequency of injection was 1.64 per person per year (from 3.84 in WHO Eastern Mediterranean region to 1.18 in WHO African region). Among those, 96.1% of injections reportedly used new injection devices (from 90.2% in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region to 98.8% in the WHO Western Pacific region). On average, women received more injections per year (1.85) than men (1.41). Among 16 (40%) countries with data in 2004–2010 and 2011–2015, 69% improved in terms of safety. The annual number of unsafe injections reduced in 81% of countries. In Pakistan, the number of unsafe injections was the highest and did not decrease between 2006 and 2012. Conclusions Injection practices have continued to improve in most countries worldwide, although the Eastern Mediterranean region in particular still faces unsafe practices that are not improving. Further efforts are needed to eliminate unsafe injection practices in health care settings, including through the use of reuse-prevention devices. Despite some limitations, DHS is an easily available method to measure progress over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Hayashi
- Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University and WHO Collaborating Center for Chronic Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.
| | - Yvan J-F Hutin
- Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bulterys
- Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arshad Altaf
- Integrated Service Delivery, World Health Organization, Western Pacific Region, Manila, Philippines
| | - Benedetta Allegranzi
- Infection Prevention and Control, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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8
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Talaat M, Afifi S, Reaves EJ, Abu Elsood H, El-Gohary A, Refaey S, Hammad R, Abdel Fadeel M, Kandeel A. Evidence of sustained reductions in the relative risk of acute hepatitis B and C virus infections, and the increasing burden of hepatitis a virus infection in Egypt: comparison of sentinel acute viral hepatitis surveillance results, 2001-17. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:159. [PMID: 30764780 PMCID: PMC6376689 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egypt ranks fifth for the burden of viral hepatitis worldwide. As part of Egypt's renewed national strategy for the elimination of viral hepatitis, surveillance for acute viral hepatitis (AVH) was re-established during 2014-2017 to describe the current epidemiology and associated risk factors, and changes from surveillance conducted during 2001-2004. METHODS Patients with suspected AVH were enrolled, completed a questionnaire, and provided blood for testing for hepatitis viruses A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D, and E (HEV) infections by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Odds ratios and Chi2 were used to detect differences between hepatitis types by patient characteristics and exposures. Newcombe-Wilson method was used to compare results between surveillance periods 2001-2004 and 2014-2017. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2017, among 9321 patients enrolled, 8362 (89.7%) had one or more markers of AVH including 7806 (93.4%) HAV, 252 (3.0%) HCV, 238 (2.8%) HBV, and 31 (0.4%) HEV infection. HAV infection occurred most commonly among children < 16 years age, while HBV infection occurred among ages 16-35 years and HCV infection in ages greater than 45 years. Healthcare-associated exposures were significantly associated with HBV and HCV infections compared to HAV infection including receiving therapeutic injections, surgery, wound suture, or urinary catheter and IV line insertions, while significant lifestyle exposures included exposure to blood outside the healthcare system, IV drug use, or incarceration. Exposures significantly associated with HAV infection were attending nursery or pre-school, contact with person attending nursery or pre-school, having meals outside the home, or contact with HAV case. Compared with AVH surveillance during 2001-2004, there was a significant increase in the proportion of HAV infections from 40.2 to 89.7% (RR = 2.3) with corresponding reductions in the proportions of HBV and HCV infections from 30.0 to 2.8% (RR = 0.1) and 29.8 to 3.0% (RR = 0.1), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare-associated exposures were significantly association with and remain the greatest risk for HBV and HCV infections in Egypt. Additional studies to evaluate factors associated with the reductions in HBV and HCV infections, and cost effectiveness of routine HAV immunization might help Egypt guide and evaluate control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Talaat
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cairo, Egypt
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salma Afifi
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cairo, Egypt
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Erik J. Reaves
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Radi Hammad
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Amr Kandeel
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Mahmud S, Kouyoumjian SP, Al Kanaani Z, Chemaitelly H, Abu-Raddad LJ. Individual-level key associations and modes of exposure for hepatitis C virus infection in the Middle East and North Africa: a systematic synthesis. Ann Epidemiol 2018; 28:452-461. [PMID: 29661680 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify, map, and synthesize the individual-level key associations and modes of exposure for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the most affected region by HCV. METHODS Source of data was the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project database, populated through systematic literature searches. Risk factors determined to be statistically significant after adjustment for confounders were extracted and categorized into key associations or modes of exposure. RESULTS In total, 329 risk factors were identified from 109 articles in 14 of 24 MENA countries. Among key associations, age was most frequently reported (n = 39; 34.2%), followed by other infections/diseases (n = 20; 17.5%), and incarceration (n = 17; 14.9%). Among modes of exposure, health care-related exposures were most frequently reported (n = 127; 59.5%), followed by injecting drug use exposures (n = 45; 20.9%), community-related exposures (n = 34; 15.8%), and sexual-related exposures (n = 8; 3.7%). Blood transfusion, hemodialysis, surgical and other medical procedures, dental work, and medical injections were identified as key health care-related exposures. CONCLUSIONS Health care appears to be the primary driver of prevalent (and possibly incident) infections in MENA, followed by injecting drug use. HCV screening should target the identified modes of exposure. Commitment to prevention should be an integral component of HCV response to achieve HCV elimination by 2030, with focus on strengthening infection control in health care facilities, improving injection safety and blood screening, and expanding harm reduction services for people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation -Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Silva P Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation -Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation -Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation -Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation -Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York.
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10
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Matloub AA, Salama AH, Aglan HA, AbouSamra MM, ElSouda SSM, Ahmed HH. Exploiting bilosomes for delivering bioactive polysaccharide isolated from Enteromorpha intestinalis for hacking hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2017; 44:523-534. [PMID: 29115890 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1402922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bile salts containing vesicles (bilosomes) represent a portentous vesicular carrier that showed prosperous results in delivering active moieties in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, bilosomes were exploited to deliver sulfated polysaccharide-protein complexes of Enteromorpha intestinalis (EHEM) and enhance its activity against hepatocellular carcinoma as well as resist harsh GIT conditions. Bilosomes were prepared using the sodium salt of three different bile acids (cholic, deoxycholic, taurodeoxycholic) and two different nonionic surfactants (Span 40 and 65). The effects of experimental variables were thoroughly studied to obtain an optimum formulation loading EHEM. The selected formulation (EH-Bilo-2) prepared with sodium cholate and Span 65 displayed nano-sized (181.1 ± 16.80 nm) spherical vesicles with reasonable entrapment efficiency (71.60 ± 0.25%) and controlled release properties; and thus was investigated as anti-hepatocarcinogenic candidate for in vivo studies. Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bearing rats with EH-Bilo-2 experienced significant decrease in serum α-fetoprotein, endoglin, lipocalin-2, and heat shock protein 70 levels vs. the untreated counterparts. Furthermore, the photomicrographs of their liver tissue sections showed focal area of degenerated pleomorphic hepatocytes with fine fibrosis originating from the portal area. Thus, the optimized bilosomal formulation is a promising delegate for tackling hepatocellular carcinoma owing to its powerful anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaa Hamed Salama
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , National Research Centre , Cairo , Egypt
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11
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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: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [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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Nakhla IA, Sanders JW, Mohareb EW, Samy S, Cosby MT, Mostafa MM, Riddle MS, Frenck RW. A cross-sectional household cluster serosurvey of hepatitis C virus antibodies in an urban slum of Cairo, Egypt in 2004. TROPICAL DISEASES TRAVEL MEDICINE AND VACCINES 2015; 1:9. [PMID: 28883941 PMCID: PMC5531004 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-015-0012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continues to be a burden to the Egyptian population and its economy. Despite all efforts, the prevalence of infection continues to be one of the highest in the world. The high national prevalence has been attributed to unintentional, nosocomial spread during an anti-schistosomiasis campaign conducted in the 1970’s, but that does not fully explain the persistent infection rates. Work is needed to further clarify risk associations. A serosurvey was performed in Manshiet Nasser, a slum in Cairo sometimes referred to as Mokattem Hills where a primary occupation is garbage collection and sorting, to characterize potential risk factors for infection. Methods Following a detailed mapping and census of the area, a cluster sampling was performed and demographic and risk behavior data and a blood sample were collected from subjects older than 6 months. Blood samples were tested using 4th generation anti-HCV EIA kit. Results The slum was estimated to house 45,000 residents. Blood samples were obtained from 2169 subjects. The age adjusted anti-HCV seroprevalence was 9.1 %. Participants with HCV antibodies were more likely to be male, heads of households, subjects without formal education, and those with a lower standard of living. After adjustment of all prevalence ratios (aPR) for age, the following risk factors were significantly associated with higher risk of HCV infection: Garbage collection (aPR 1.5), history of blood transfusion (aPR 2.0), tattooing (aPR 1.4), history of schistosomiasis (aPR 1.5), and use of traditional latrines (aPR 2.0) or pits for sanitation (aPR 1.3). The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that age (p < 0.01), history of schistosomiasis (p < 0.05), garbage sorting (p = 0.05), blood transfusions (<0.001), and the use of traditional latrines for sanitation (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with infection. Conclusion While HCV prevalence among those over 30 could be attributed to anti-schistosomiasis injections, the prevalence in younger age indicates ongoing transmission. Although specific behavioral risks were not identified, HCV infection appears to be an occupational hazard of garbage collection and sorting in this environment. Given the large reservoir of HCV infection in the population, further effort needs to be made to identify and mitigate new infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle A Nakhla
- Naval Medical Research Unit #3, PSC 452, Box 5000, FPO AE 09835-9998 Cairo, Egypt
| | - John W Sanders
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Emad W Mohareb
- Naval Medical Research Unit #3, PSC 452, Box 5000, FPO AE 09835-9998 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sahar Samy
- Egyptian Ministry of Health, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Michael T Cosby
- Naval Medical Research Unit #3, PSC 452, Box 5000, FPO AE 09835-9998 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal M Mostafa
- Naval Medical Research Unit #3, PSC 452, Box 5000, FPO AE 09835-9998 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mark S Riddle
- Naval Medical Research Unit #3, PSC 452, Box 5000, FPO AE 09835-9998 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Robert W Frenck
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
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13
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Mohamed RA, Maghraby HM, Abd El Salam EM, Nageb HM, Ahmad EE, Mohamed NA. Evaluation of serum endoglin as noninvasive marker in hepatocellular carcinoma. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.4103/1110-7782.155832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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14
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Dynamics of HCV genotype 4 resistance-associated variants during virologic escape with pIFN/RBV+daclatasvir: a case study using ultra deep pyrosequencing. J Clin Virol 2015; 66:38-43. [PMID: 25866334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daclatasvir (DCV) is an approved NS5A inhibitor with potent anti-HCV activity and broad genotype coverage. DCV resistance-associated variants (RAVs) have been described for patients infected with genotype (GT) 1, but increased GT4 prevalence in European countries as a result of immigration has boosted interest in this genotype. OBJECTIVES Establishment of NS5A variability in treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 4 infection and a case study of the dynamics of resistance-associated variants in a virologic failure receiving pIFN/RBV+DCV, as assessed by ultra-deep sequencing. STUDY DESIGN Five treatment-naïve GT4 patients (GT4a [n = 1], GT4d [n = 3], GT4o [n = 1]) were evaluated for inclusion in the COMMAND-4 study and treatment with pIFN/RBV±DCV. RESULTS Patient (Pt) 1 received pIFN/RBV; Pts2-4 received pIFN/RBV + DCV; Pt5 was a screening failure. Pt1 relapsed; Pt2 experienced breakthrough at Wk4; Pts3 and 4 achieved a sustained virologic response. No substitutions associated with DCV-resistance were detected at baseline. In terms of viremic time points for Pts1 and 2, the extent of NS5A diversity pre-treatment was not significantly related to viral load (r = -0568; p = 0.035). In Pt2, multiple substitutions associated with DCV-resistance were observed after breakthrough at NS5A amino acid positions 28, 31 and 93. These substitutions were frequently observed on the same haplotype (L28S + M31I = 55.52, 82.50, and 99.36% at Wk4, 8 and 9; L28S + M31I + Y93H = 11.77, 5.01 and <0.6% at Wk4, 8 and 9). CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to describe DCV-resistance in patients infected with GT4d, supporting a possible role for a recently described RAV (L28S), and presenting the dynamics of HCV quasispecies during therapy failure, with indications of changes of diversity and association of mutations.
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Kamal SM, Kassim SK, Ahmed AI, Mahmoud S, Bahnasy KA, Hafez TA, Aziz IA, Fathelbab IF, Mansour HM. Host and viral determinants of the outcome of exposure to HCV infection genotype 4: a large longitudinal study. Am J Gastroenterol 2014; 109:199-211. [PMID: 24445571 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2013.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to characterize the factors that influence the outcome of exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 (HCV-G4) and the course of recent infection. METHODS In this longitudinal study, we prospectively assessed the clinical, genetic, virological, and immunological parameters and retrospectively determined single-nucleotide polymorphisms at interleukin-28B (IL-28B) rs12979860 in a well-characterized large cohort recently exposed to HCV-G4. RESULTS A total of 136 subjects with acute HCV (new viremia, seroconversion, and HCV-specific T-cell responses) were identified. Forty-eight subjects (35%) had spontaneous viral clearance and 88 subjects developed chronic HCV of which 42 subjects were treated with pegylated interferon monotherapy, with a sustained virologic response (SVR) rate of 88%. Twenty-six subjects developed HCV-specific T-cell immune responses without detectable viremia or seroconversion. IL-28B-CC (odds ratio (OR) 14.22; P<0.0001), multispecific T-cell responses (OR=11.66; P<0.0001), >300 IU/l alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decline within 4 weeks (OR=6.83; P<0.0001), jaundice (OR=3.54; P=0.001), female gender (OR=2.39; P=0.007), and >2.5 log10 HCV-RNA drop within 8 weeks (OR=2.48; P=0.016) were independently associated with spontaneous clearance. ALT normalization and undetectable HCV-RNA predicted SVR. Exposed apparently uninfected participants had a higher frequency of IL-28B-CC than patients with unresolved acute HCV (P<0.001). IL-28B-CC was associated with multispecific T-cell response (r(2)=0.0.835; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS IL-28B-CC genotype, multispecific HCV T-cell responses, rapid decline in ALT, and viral load predict spontaneous clearance and response to acute HCV-G 4 therapy. IL-28B-CC genotype correlates with developing early multispecific T-cell responses. These findings have important implications for predicting the outcome of HCV exposure and acute infection and identifying patients likely to benefit from therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa M Kamal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samar K Kassim
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany I Ahmed
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Mahmoud
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled A Bahnasy
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer A Hafez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, The American University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahiem A Aziz
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Al Azhar Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
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Mohamoud YA, Mumtaz GR, Riome S, Miller D, Abu-Raddad LJ. The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Egypt: a systematic review and data synthesis. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:288. [PMID: 23799878 PMCID: PMC3702438 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the world, estimated nationally at 14.7%. Our study's objective was to delineate the evidence on the epidemiology of HCV infection among the different population groups in Egypt, and to draw analytical inferences about the nature of HCV transmission in this country. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of all data on HCV prevalence and incidence in Egypt following PRISMA guidelines. The main sources of data included PubMed and Embase databases. We also used a multivariate regression model to infer the temporal trend of HCV prevalence among the general population and high risk population in Egypt. RESULTS We identified 150 relevant records, four of which were incidence studies. HCV incidence ranged from 0.8 to 6.8 per 1,000 person-years. Overall, HCV prevalence among pregnant women ranged between 5-15%, among blood donors between 5-25%, and among other general population groups between 0-40%. HCV prevalence among multi-transfused patients ranged between 10-55%, among dialysis patients between 50-90%, and among other high risk populations between 10% and 85%. HCV prevalence varied widely among other clinical populations and populations at intermediate risk. Risk factors appear to be parenteral anti-schistosomal therapy, injections, transfusions, and surgical procedures, among others. Results of our time trend analysis suggest that there is no evidence of a statistically significant decline in HCV prevalence over time in both the general population (p-value: 0.215) and high risk population (p-value: 0.426). CONCLUSIONS Egypt is confronted with an HCV disease burden of historical proportions that distinguishes this nation from others. A massive HCV epidemic at the national level must have occurred with substantial transmission still ongoing today. HCV prevention in Egypt must become a national priority. Policymakers, and public health and medical care stakeholders need to introduce and implement further prevention measures targeting the routes of HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra A Mohamoud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ghina R Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suzanne Riome
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - DeWolfe Miller
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, Hawaii
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Youssef A, Yano Y, El-Sayed Zaki M, Utsumi T, Hayashi Y. Characteristics of hepatitis viruses among Egyptian children with acute hepatitis. Int J Oncol 2013; 42:1459-65. [PMID: 23404231 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis viral infection is hyperendemic in Egypt, western Asia and Africa. However, little is known about the status of hepatitis viruses among rural Egyptian children. Therefore, this study sought to examine the prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis viruses among symptomatic Egyptian children. Serological and molecular analyses of hepatitis viral infection were conducted in 33 children hospitalised at Mansoura University with symptomatic hepatic dysfunction (mean ± standard deviation age, 9.7±3.4 years; alanine aminotransferase level, 130±68 IU/ml). Eleven children (33%) were positive for anti-haemagglutination-IgM and were diagnosed with acute hepatitis A. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti‑hepatitis C virus (HCV) were detected in 9 (27%) and 7 (21%) children, respectively, indicating acute-on-chronic infection with hepatitis viruses. None of the children was positive for anti‑hepatitis B core antigen-IgM. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all HBVs belonged to genotype D (subgenotype D1) and that HCV belonged to genotypes 4a and 1g. HBV-DNA was detected in 9 children (27%) in the pre-S/S region and in 16 children (48%) in the core promoter/precore region. The Y134F amino acid mutation in the 'α' determinant region was detected in all of the patients. The A1762T/G1764A double mutation, and the T1846A and G1896A single mutations were common in children with occult HBV infection. In conclusion, hepatitis viral infection, including acute-on-chronic infection with HCV and HBV, is common in Egyptian children hospitalised with acute hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Youssef
- Center for Infectious Diseases (CID), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
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Identifying newly acquired cases of hepatitis C using surveillance: a literature review. Epidemiol Infect 2012; 140:1925-34. [PMID: 22651915 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812001033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of newly acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of HCV and informing public health practice. However, monitoring such infections via surveillance systems is challenging because they are commonly asymptomatic. A literature review was conducted to identify methodologies used by HCV surveillance systems to identify newly acquired infections; relevant surveillance systems in 15 countries were identified. Surveillance systems used three main strategies to identify newly acquired infections: (1) asking physicians to classify cases; (2) identifying symptomatic cases or cases with elevated alanine aminotransferases; and (3) identifying cases with documented evidence of anti-HCV antibody seroconversion within a specific time-frame. Case-ascertainment methods varied with greater completeness of data in enhanced compared to passive surveillance systems. Automated systems that extract and link testing data from multiple laboratory and clinic databases may provide an opportunity for collecting testing histories for individuals that is less resource intensive than enhanced surveillance.
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Daw MA, Dau AA. Hepatitis C virus in Arab world: a state of concern. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:719494. [PMID: 22629189 PMCID: PMC3354686 DOI: 10.1100/2012/719494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus has been considered to be one of the most important devastating causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic cellular carcinoma. The prevalence of such virus varies greatly over the world. Arab world has a unique geography and consists over nineteen countries who share the same heritage and customs and do speak the same language. In this area, the epidemiology of hepatitis C is not well understandable. Hepatitis C virus was found to be endemic in Arabia. The serostatus of such virus was found to be variable among these countries with uniform patterns of genotypes. Such prevalence varies tremendously according to the risk factors involved. Blood and blood products, haemodialysis, intravenous, and percutaneous drug users, and occupational, habitual, and social behavior were found to be the important factors involved. Hepatitis C will have major social, economic, and even political burdens on such young and dynamic societies. Thus, strategies and clear policy of intervention are urgently needed to combat the consequences of HCV both regionally and at state level of each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine Tripoli, PO Box 82668, Tripoli, Libya.
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Tantawy AA, Algohary EA, El-Ghany SM, Elhadary SF. Haemophilia A patients are not at increased risk of hepatitis A virus infection: An Egyptian experience. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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