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Younes N, Yassine HM, Nizamuddin PB, Kourentzi K, Tang P, Ayoub HH, Khalili M, Coyle PV, Litvinov D, Willson RC, Abu-Raddad LJ, Nasrallah GK. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among male craft and manual workers in Qatar (2020-2021). Heliyon 2023; 9:e21404. [PMID: 38027884 PMCID: PMC10660033 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid growth of Qatar in the last two decades has attracted a large influx of immigrant craft and manual workers (CMWs) seeking employment in jobs associated with food handling, domestic service, and construction. Nearly 60 % of Qatar's population are expatriates CMWs, including many from hyperendemic countries for HEV. Thus, estimating the seroprevalence of HEV in Qatar and understanding its epidemiology is essential for public health efforts to control HEV transmission in Qatar. Methods Blood samples from 2670 CMWs were collected between 2020 and 2021. All samples were tested for HEV-IgG antibodies. Positive HEV-IgG samples were tested for HEV-IgM antibodies, and those positives were also tested for viral antigens using an HEV-Ag ELISA kit and HEV-RNA by RT-PCR to confirm current HEV infections. Results The seroprevalence of HEV-IgG was 27.3 % (729/2670; 95 % CI: 25.6-29.0). Of those HEV-IgG positive, 8.23 % (60/729; 95 % CI: 6.30-10.5) were HEV-IgM positive. Of the IgM-positive samples, 2 were HEV-RNA positive (3.39 %; 95 % CI: 0.40-11.7), and 1 was HEV-Ag positive (1.69 %; 95 % CI: 0.04-9.09). In addition, HEV-IgG seroprevalence was associated with age and nationality, with the highest seroprevalence in participants from Egypt (IgG 60.0 %; IgM 5.56 %), Pakistan (IgG 59.0 %; IgM 2.24 %), Nepal (IgG 29.3 %; IgM 2.70 %), Bangladesh (IgG 27.8 %; IgM 2.45 %), and India (IgG 23.9 %; IgM 2.43 %). Conclusion In this study, we showed that the seroprevalence of HEV among CMWs was slightly higher than what was previously reported among the urban population in Qatar (2013-2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin Younes
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Hadi M. Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | | | - Katerina Kourentzi
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Patrick Tang
- Division of Microbiology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, 26999, Qatar
| | - Houssein H. Ayoub
- Mathematics Program, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Makiyeh Khalili
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, 3050, Qatar
| | - Peter V. Coyle
- Department of Pediatrics, Women's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, 3050, Qatar
| | - Dmitri Litvinov
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Center for Integrated Bio & Nano Systems, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Richard C. Willson
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gheyath K. Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
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2
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Sayed IM, Abdelwahab SF. Is Hepatitis E Virus a Neglected or Emerging Pathogen in Egypt? Pathogens 2022; 11:1337. [PMID: 36422589 PMCID: PMC9697431 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Though Egypt ranks among the top countries for viral hepatitis and death-related liver disease, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a neglected pathogen. Living in villages and rural communities with low sanitation, use of underground well water and contact with animals are the main risk factors for HEV infection. Domestic animals, especially ruminants and their edible products, are one source of infection. Contamination of water by either human or animal stools is the main route of infection. In addition, HEV either alone or in coinfection with other hepatotropic viruses has been recorded in Egyptian blood donors. HEV seropositivity among Egyptian villagers was 60-80%, especially in the first decade of life. Though HEV seropositivity is the highest among Egyptians, HEV infection is not routinely diagnosed in Egyptian hospitals. The initial manifestations of HEV among Egyptians is a subclinical infection, although progression to fulminant hepatic failure has been recorded. With the improvement in serological and molecular approaches and increasing research on HEV, it is becoming clear that HEV represents a threat for Egyptians and preventive measures should be considered to reduce the infection rate and possible complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M. Sayed
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Sayed F. Abdelwahab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Shata MTM, Hetta HF, Sharma Y, Sherman KE. Viral hepatitis in pregnancy. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:844-861. [PMID: 35748741 PMCID: PMC9541692 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is caused by a heterogenous group of viral agents representing a wide range of phylogenetic groups. Many viruses can involve the liver and cause liver injury but only a subset are delineated as 'hepatitis viruses' based upon their primary site of replication and tropism for hepatocytes which make up the bulk of the liver cell population. Since their discovery, beginning with the agent that caused serum hepatitis in the 1960s, the alphabetic designations have been utilized. To date, we have five hepatitis viruses, A through E, though it is postulated that others may exist. This chapter will focus on those viruses. Note that hepatitis D is included as a subset of hepatitis B, as it cannot exist without concurrent hepatitis B infection. Pregnancy has the potential to affect all aspects of these viral agents due to the unique immunologic and physiologic changes that occur during and after the gestational period. In this review, we will discuss the most common viral hepatitis and their effects during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Tarek M. Shata
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Helal F. Hetta
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineAssiut UniversityAssiutEgypt
| | - Yeshika Sharma
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Kenneth E. Sherman
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
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4
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Kasirye R, Hume HA, Bloch EM, Lubega I, Kyeyune D, Shrestha R, Ddungu H, Musana HW, Dhabangi A, Ouma J, Eroju P, de Lange T, Tartakovsky M, White JL, Kakura C, Fowler MG, Musoke P, Nolan M, Grabowski MK, Moulton LH, Stramer SL, Whitby D, Zimmerman PA, Wabwire D, Kajja I, McCullough J, Goodrich R, Quinn TC, Cortes R, Ness PM, Tobian AAR. The Mirasol Evaluation of Reduction in Infections Trial (MERIT): study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial. Trials 2022; 23:257. [PMID: 35379302 PMCID: PMC8978156 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) are a global health challenge. One new approach to reduce TTIs is the use of pathogen reduction technology (PRT). In vitro, Mirasol PRT reduces the infectious load in whole blood (WB) by at least 99%. However, there are limited in vivo data on the safety and efficacy of Mirasol PRT. The objective of the Mirasol Evaluation of Reduction in Infections Trial (MERIT) is to investigate whether Mirasol PRT of WB can prevent seven targeted TTIs (malaria, bacteria, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis E virus, and human herpesvirus 8). METHODS MERIT is a randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Recruitment started in November 2019 and is expected to end in 2024. Consenting participants who require transfusion as medically indicated at three hospitals in Kampala, Uganda, will be randomized to receive either Mirasol-treated WB (n = 1000) or standard WB (n = 1000). TTI testing will be performed on donor units and recipients (pre-transfusion and day 2, day 7, week 4, and week 10 after transfusion). The primary endpoint is the cumulative incidence of one or more targeted TTIs from the Mirasol-treated WB vs. standard WB in a previously negative recipient for the specific TTI that is also detected in the donor unit. Log-binomial regression models will be used to estimate the relative risk reduction of a TTI by 10 weeks associated with Mirasol PRT. The clinical effectiveness of Mirasol WB compared to standard WB products in recipients will also be evaluated. DISCUSSION Screening infrastructure for TTIs in low-resource settings has gaps, even for major TTIs. PRT presents a fast, potentially cost-effective, and easy-to-use technology to improve blood safety. MERIT is the largest clinical trial designed to evaluate the use of Mirasol PRT for WB. In addition, this trial will provide data on TTIs in Uganda. TRIAL REGISTRATION Mirasol Evaluation of Reduction in Infections Trial (MERIT) NCT03737669 . Registered on 9 November 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Kasirye
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Heather A. Hume
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Evan M. Bloch
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Irene Lubega
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Ruchee Shrestha
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Henry Ddungu
- grid.512320.70000 0004 6015 3252Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ouma
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Telsa de Lange
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Michael Tartakovsky
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jodie L. White
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Ceasar Kakura
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Philippa Musoke
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Nolan
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - M. Kate Grabowski
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Lawrence H. Moulton
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of International Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Susan L. Stramer
- grid.281926.60000 0001 2214 8581Department of Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, MD USA
| | - Denise Whitby
- grid.418021.e0000 0004 0535 8394Leidos Biomedical Research, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD USA
| | - Peter A. Zimmerman
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847The Center for Global Health & Diseases, Pathology Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Deo Wabwire
- grid.421981.7MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Kajja
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Orthopaedics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeffrey McCullough
- grid.215654.10000 0001 2151 2636College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ USA
| | - Raymond Goodrich
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Thomas C. Quinn
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of International Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Paul M. Ness
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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5
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El-Kafrawy SA, El-Daly MM. Hepatitis E virus in Saudi Arabia: more surveillance needed. Future Virol 2022. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small quasi-enveloped ssRNA causing acute hepatitis. HEV is the leading cause of intermittent acute hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure. Risk factors include drinking contaminated water in developing countries and consumption of infected animal products in developed countries. Previous reports on HEV prevalence in Saudi Arabia had small sample sizes. Nationwide systematic seroprevalence studies are needed to investigate risk factors and annual incidence. Camels play a cultural and economic role in the life of Saudi citizens with frequent human contact and potential role in zoonotic transmission. Future research needs to include larger sample-sizes and nationwide studies. Future studies should also focus on raising awareness of HEV infection and the need for wider population testing and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Mohamed El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Raji YE, Toung OP, Taib NM, Sekawi ZB. Hepatitis E Virus: An emerging enigmatic and underestimated pathogen. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:499-512. [PMID: 35002446 PMCID: PMC8716866 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus causing hepatitis E disease. The virus is of one serotype but has diverse genotypes infecting both humans and animals. Based on evidence from seroprevalence studies, about 2 billion people are estimated to have been infected with HEV globally. HEV, therefore, poses a significant public health and economic challenge worldwide. HEV was discovered in the 1980s and was traced back to the 1955 - 1956 outbreak of hepatitis that occurred in India. Subsequently, several HEV epidemics involving thousands of individuals have occurred nearly annually in different countries in Asia and Africa. Initially, the virus was thought to be only enterically transmitted, and endemic in developing countries. Due to the environmental hygiene and sanitation challenges in those parts of the world. However, recent studies have suggested otherwise with the report of autochthonous cases in industrialised countries with no history of travel to the so-called endemic countries. Thus, suggesting that HEV has a global distribution with endemicity in both developing and industrialised nations. Studies have also revealed that HEV has multiple risk factors, and modes of transmission as well as zoonotic potentials. Additionally, recent findings have shown that HEV leads to severe disease, particularly among pregnant women. In contrast to the previous narration of a strictly mild and self-limiting infection. Studies have likewise demonstrated chronic HEV infection among immunocompromised persons. Consequent to these recent discoveries, this pathogen is considered a re - emerging virus, particularly in the developed nations. However, despite the growing public health challenges of this pathogen, the burden is still underestimated. The underestimation is often attributed to poor awareness among clinicians and a lack of routine checks for the disease in the hospitals. Thus, leading to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Hence, this review provides a concise overview of epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of hepatitis E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakubu Egigogo Raji
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 1, Malaysia
- Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria
| | - Ooi Peck Toung
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia 2, Malaysia
| | - Niazlin Mohd Taib
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 1, Malaysia
| | - Zamberi Bin Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 1, Malaysia
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7
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Mbachu CNP, Ebenebe JC, Okpara HC, Chukwuka JO, Mbachu II, Elo-Ilo JC, Ndukwu CI, Egbuonu I. Hepatitis e prevalence, knowledge, and practice of preventive measures among secondary school adolescents in rural Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1655. [PMID: 34507564 PMCID: PMC8434741 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11702-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there is a paucity of data on the knowledge and practice of preventive measures for Hepatitis E infection in Nigerian populations. This study provided data on the prevalence, knowledge and practices of prevention in an adolescent population from Nigeria. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted over 3 months among rural Nigerian secondary school adolescents. An interviewer-based questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic profile, knowledge, and practice of preventive measures for Hepatitis E infection. Blood samples collected from participants were analysed for Hepatitis E IgG using Elisa Kits (Sigma Diagnostics, USA). Data were analysed using SPSS software version 20.0. Tests of association were done with a level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS A total of 9 out of the 414 participants tested positive for Hepatitis E IgG antibodies giving a prevalence of 2.2%. Significant factors for Hepatitis E infection were male gender {P = 0.004} and school {P < 0.001, however logistic regression gave infinite value. Most participants (98.6%) had poor knowledge of Hepatitis E infection, 239(57.7%) had good preventive practices, while 175(42.3%) had average preventive practices. CONCLUSION A low prevalence of HEV infection was recorded among study participants. There was poor knowledge of Hepatitis E, and association could not be established between HEV infection and individual preventive practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joy Chinelo Ebenebe
- Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
| | - Henry Chima Okpara
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
| | - John Onuora Chukwuka
- Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Ifeoma Egbuonu
- Department of Paediatrics, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
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8
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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: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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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9
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Koyuncu A, Mapemba D, Ciglenecki I, Gurley ES, Azman AS. Setting a Course for Preventing Hepatitis E in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Burden and Risk Factors. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab178. [PMID: 34113684 PMCID: PMC8186248 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for outbreaks of acute jaundice in Africa and Asia, many of which occur among displaced people or in crisis settings. Although an efficacious vaccine for HEV has been developed, we lack key epidemiologic data needed to understand how best to use the vaccine for hepatitis E control in endemic countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of articles published on hepatitis E in low-income and lower-middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify articles with data on anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G seroprevalence, outbreaks of HEV, or risk factors for HEV infection, disease, or death, and all relevant data were extracted. Using these data we describe the evidence around temporal and geographical distribution of HEV transmission and burden. We estimated pooled age-specific seroprevalence and assessed the consistency in risk factor estimates. RESULTS We extracted data from 148 studies. Studies assessing anti-HEV IgG antibodies used 18 different commercial assays. Most cases of hepatitis E during outbreaks were not confirmed. Risk factor data suggested an increased likelihood of current or recent HEV infection and disease associated with fecal-oral transmission of HEV, as well as exposures to blood and animals. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity in diagnostic assays used and exposure and outcome assessment methods hinder public health efforts to quantify burden of disease and evaluate interventions over time and space. Prevention tools such as vaccines are available, but they require a unified global strategy for hepatitis E control to justify widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Mapemba
- South African Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Emily S Gurley
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew S Azman
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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10
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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: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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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11
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Aggarwal R, Goel A. Natural History, Clinical Manifestations, and Pathogenesis of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 1 and 2 Infections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:a032136. [PMID: 29735580 PMCID: PMC6601454 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a032136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infection with genotype 1 or 2 hepatitis E virus (HEV) results primarily from human-to-human transmission through the fecal-oral route in low-resource countries. It presents primarily as "acute viral hepatitis" syndrome, usually a self-limiting illness. A few cases progress to acute liver failure, a serious illness with high fatality. Clinical disease is infrequent among children. Infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of symptomatic disease, severe liver injury, and mortality. Severe disease is also encountered in persons with preexisting chronic liver disease. Some cases have associated extrahepatic features, particularly acute pancreatitis and neurological manifestations. Chronic infection appears to be extremely infrequent with these HEV genotypes. The exact pathogenesis of liver injury remains unknown, although the host immune response appears to be important for viral clearance as well as for induction of liver injury. Hormonal and immune factors appear to be responsible for the severe disease during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Aggarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Amit Goel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
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12
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Nelson KE, Labrique AB, Kmush BL. Epidemiology of Genotype 1 and 2 Hepatitis E Virus Infections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:a031732. [PMID: 29735579 PMCID: PMC6546036 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 1 and 2 are responsible for the majority of acute viral hepatitis infections in endemic areas in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to frequent sporadic illnesses throughout the year, these viruses often cause large epidemics in association with monsoon rains in Asia or during humanitarian crises in Africa. Clinical hepatitis commonly involves adults more often than young children, with an overall mortality of ∼1%. However, the mortality among pregnant women is often 30% or higher. HEV infection in pregnant women frequently leads to infant mortality or premature delivery. Hepatitis E is an important, yet largely neglected, global public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenrad E Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Alain B Labrique
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Brittany L Kmush
- Department of Public Health, Food Studies, and Nutrition, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244
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13
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Abdelmawla D, Moemen D, Darwish A, Mowafy W. Hepatitis E virus prevalence in Egyptian children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Braz J Infect Dis 2019; 23:40-44. [PMID: 30826379 PMCID: PMC9427812 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is one of the major public health problems in developing countries. HEV can cause chronic infections in immunocompromised individuals e.g. thalassemic patients with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In addition there is possibility of HEV transmission through blood transfusion. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of HEV infection in β-thalassemic children. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 Egyptian children suffering from β-thalassemia, attending the hematology outpatient clinic from April to October 2016. Serum samples from patients were collected and anti-HEV antibodies; Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The seroprevalence of HEV in β-thalassemic chidren was relatively high (27.15%). Anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 24.29% while that of IgM was 2.86%. There was significant association between HEV infection and age, residence, liver enzymes and amount of blood transfusion per year. Conclusions Thalasemic patients are vulnerable to chronicity and increased risk of morbidity and mortality from HEV infection. Frequent assessment of liver enzymes in thalassemic patients to monitor subclinical HEV is recommended. Close monitoring and HEV screening of blood donations should be taken in consideration. Public awareness about HEV endemicity, modes of transmission, and risk hazards especially in high risk group should be done to reduce the disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Abdelmawla
- Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Dalia Moemen
- Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Ahmad Darwish
- Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Wafaa Mowafy
- Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Mansoura, Egypt
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14
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Ifeorah IM, Faleye TOC, Bakarey AS, Adewumi MO, Akere A, Omoruyi EC, Ogunwale AO, Adeniji JA. Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Two Geographical Regions of Nigeria. J Pathog 2017; 2017:4067108. [PMID: 29387489 PMCID: PMC5745689 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4067108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) remains a major public health concern in resource limited regions of the world. Yet data reporting is suboptimal and surveillance system is inadequate. In Nigeria, there is dearth of information on prevalence of acute HEV infection. This study was therefore designed to describe acute HEV infection among antenatal clinic attendees and community dwellers from two geographical regions in Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty plasma samples were tested for HEV IgM by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. The tested samples were randomly selected from a pool of 1,115 blood specimens previously collected for viral hepatitis studies among selected populations (pregnant women, 272; Oyo community dwellers, 438; Anambra community dwellers, 405) between September 2012 and August 2013. One (0.4%) pregnant woman in her 3rd trimester had detectable HEV IgM, while community dwellers from the two study locations had zero prevalence rates of HEV IgM. Detection of HEV IgM in a pregnant woman, especially in her 3rd trimester, is of clinical and epidemiological significance. The need therefore exists for establishment of a robust HEV surveillance system in Nigeria and especially amidst the pregnant population in a bid to improve maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. M. Ifeorah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - T. O. C. Faleye
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A. S. Bakarey
- Institute for Advanced Medical Research & Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - M. O. Adewumi
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A. Akere
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - E. C. Omoruyi
- Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A. O. Ogunwale
- Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Nigeria
| | - J. A. Adeniji
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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15
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis as well as to extrahepatic manifestations such as neurological and renal disease; it is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Four genotypes are responsible for most infection in humans, of which HEV genotypes 1 and 2 are obligate human pathogens and HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are mostly zoonotic. Until quite recently, HEV was considered to be mainly responsible for epidemics of acute hepatitis in developing regions owing to contamination of drinking water supplies with human faeces. However, HEV is increasingly being recognized as endemic in some developed regions. In this setting, infections occur through zoonotic transmission or contaminated blood products and can cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised individuals. HEV infections can be diagnosed by measuring anti-HEV antibodies, HEV RNA or viral capsid antigen in blood or stool. Although an effective HEV vaccine exists, it is only licensed for use in China. Acute hepatitis E is usually self-limiting and does not require specific treatment. Management of immunocompromised individuals involves lowering the dose of immunosuppressive drugs and/or treatment with the antiviral agent ribavirin.
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16
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is globally prevalent with relatively high percentages of anti-HEV immunoglobulin G-positive individuals in the populations of developing and developed countries. There are two distinct epidemiologic patterns of hepatitis E. In areas with high disease endemicity, primarily developing countries in Asia and Africa, this disease is caused mainly by genotype 1 or 2 HEV, both of which transmit predominantly through contaminated water and occur as either outbreaks or as sporadic cases of acute hepatitis. The acute hepatitis caused by either of these two genotypes has the highest attack rate in young adults, and the disease is particularly severe among pregnant women. In developed countries, sporadic cases of locally acquired genotype 3 or 4 HEV infection are observed. The reservoir of genotype 3 and 4 HEV is believed to be animals, such as pigs, with zoonotic transmission to humans. The affected persons are often elderly, and persistent infection has been well documented among immunosuppressed persons. A subunit vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing clinical disease and has been licensed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Geng
- School of Public Health, Hebei University, No. 342 Yuhuadonglu, Baoding, 071000, China.
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
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17
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Nasrallah GK, Al Absi ES, Ghandour R, Ali NH, Taleb S, Hedaya L, Ali F, Huwaidy M, Husseini A. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among blood donors in Qatar (2013-2016). Transfusion 2017; 57:1801-1807. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gheyath K. Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- Biomedical Research Center; Qatar University; Doha Qatar
| | | | - Rula Ghandour
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University; Birzeit Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Abdullatif Husseini
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University; Birzeit Palestine
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences
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18
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Pelosi E, Clarke I. Hepatitis E: a complex and global disease. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v1i0.7069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Pelosi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Health Protection Agency, Southeast Regional Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; and
| | - I Clarke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Southampton Medical School, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
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19
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Taherkhani R, Farshadpour F. Epidemiology of Hepatitis E in Pregnant Women and Children in Iran: A General Overview. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2016; 4:269-276. [PMID: 27777896 PMCID: PMC5075011 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2016.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
From an epidemiological point of view, hepatitis E is an old infection in Iran, but only recently has its importance as a public health concern been considered from research and public health standpoints. As such, there is still a long road ahead to clarify the real burden of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Iran. According to the available epidemiological studies, the seroprevalence of HEV infection among pregnant women is between 3.6% and 7.4%, and among Iranian children is between 0.9% to 8.5%, varying by geographic regions within the country and directly dependent upon the sanitary status of each. In addition to evaluating the sanitation level of a society, community-based seroprevalence studies of HEV infection demonstrate the most prevalent risk factors, the major routes of transmission, and the epidemiological patterns of HEV among that country's population. In this review, the current knowledge about the pathogenesis and epidemiology of HEV infection in pregnant women and children in Iran, as well as the recent advances in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HEV infection have been summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Taherkhani
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Farshadpour
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- *Correspondence to: Fatemeh Farshadpour, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Moallem Street, P. O. Box 3631, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran. Tel: +98-9171712653, Fax: +98-7714550235, E-mail:
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20
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Ghoneim NH, Abdel-Moein KAA, Hamza DA, Hagag NM. Occurrence of human hepatitis E virus in Norway rats: A zoonotic potential with great public health implications. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(16)61116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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21
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Huang H, Xu C, Zhou X, Liu L, Dai Y, Xu B, Yang J, Chen T, Hu Y, Zhou YH. Incidence and seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in pregnant women infected with hepatitis B virus and antibody placental transfer in infants. J Clin Virol 2016; 82:84-88. [PMID: 27467017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E has poor outcomes in pregnant women. Superinfection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may worsen liver disease. OBJECTIVES To estimate the incidence and seroprevalence of HEV infection among HBV-infected pregnant women, to investigate the transplacental transfer of maternal anti-HEV IgG, and to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes in anti-HEV positive and negative pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN Totally 391 HBV-infected pregnant women were recruited from April 2012 to October 2014. Paired mothers and infants were followed up at an average 9.8 months postpartum. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM were tested by ELISA. RESULTS Of the pregnant women, none was anti-HEV IgM positive and 42 (10.7%) were IgG positive. At the follow-up, 3 seronegative women converted to anti-HEV IgG positive, with an estimated incidence of 17 per 1000 person-years. No significant differences of gestational age, preterm birth rate, Apgar score and birthweight were observed between newborns of anti-HEV IgG positive and negative mothers. Of the 42 neonates born to anti-HEV IgG positive mothers, 38 (90.5%) had anti-HEV IgG in their cord blood. The neonatal and maternal anti-HEV IgG levels were positively correlated (r=0.827, p<0.05). All infants were negative for both anti-HEV IgM and IgG at the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS HBV-infected pregnant women rarely have novel HEV infection during late pregnancy in Jiangsu, China. Maternal anti-HEV IgG efficiently transfers into the fetuses, and disappears in infants before 10 months old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Huang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Chenyu Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhenjiang Fourth People's Hospital, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Lanhua Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taizhou 225400, China.
| | - Yimin Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Biao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taizhou 225400, China.
| | - Jishi Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taizhou 225400, China.
| | - Tingmei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhenjiang Fourth People's Hospital, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Yi-Hua Zhou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China.
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22
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Behloul N, Zhang M, Meng J. Binding Preference of Anti-HEV Antibodies in Sera Collected in Algeria for Antigens Derived From HEV Genotype 1. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2016; 16:e35312. [PMID: 27795723 PMCID: PMC5070561 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.35312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two hepatitis E virus (HEV) outbreaks occurred in Algeria (1979 - 1980 and 1987 - 1988). However, to date, no study on the prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies has been conducted in Algeria, and the genotype of the circulating strains remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the presence of anti- HEV antibodies among outpatients and blood donors in three different hospitals in Northern Algeria and to determine the genotype of the circulating strains through the characterization of the immunoreactivity of anti-HEV antibodies. METHODS A total of 590 blood samples (379 from blood donors and 211 from outpatients) were collected in three health facilities in Northern Algeria and assessed for anti-HEV antibodies using an in-house double-antigen sandwich immunoassay. HEV open reading frame 2 recombinant proteins p166 (aa 452 - 617) generated from the four HEV genotypes were used as antigens. The genotype of the strains circulating in Algeria was predicted by an indirect ELISA by assessing the anti-HEV antibodies in serially diluted positive sera using the different p166 proteins. RESULTS Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 20.17% of the samples. A significant correlation was found between the age of the subjects and the presence of anti-HEV antibodies (P < 0.001). Among blood donors, 83 (21.9%) were diagnosed positive for anti-HEV antibodies with two cases weakly positive for anti-HEV IgM antibodies. Moreover, 9.9% of the subjects aged less than 25 years old (born after the last HEV outbreak) were positive for anti-HEV antibodies. The indirect ELISA revealed that the anti-HEV antibodies within the positive sera reacted more strongly against the p166 antigens generated from genotype 1. CONCLUSIONS The present findings reveal a relatively high presence of anti-HEV IgGs and clearly indicate that HEV infection is still present in Northern Algeria. Further, the prediction of HEV genotype using different antigens generated from the different HEV genotypes shows that the causative strains are more likely to be of genotype 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouredine Behloul
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jihong Meng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Corresponding Author: Jihong Meng, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China. Tel/Fax: +86-2583272386, E-mail:
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23
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Shimakawa Y, Njai HF, Takahashi K, Berg L, Ndow G, Jeng-Barry A, Ceesay A, Tamba S, Opoku E, Taal M, Akbar SMF, Arai M, D'Alessandro U, Taylor-Robinson SD, Njie R, Mishiro S, Thursz MR, Lemoine M. Hepatitis E virus infection and acute-on-chronic liver failure in West Africa: a case-control study from The Gambia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:375-84. [PMID: 26623967 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, it is unknown whether hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common precipitating event of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). AIMS To estimate the prevalence of HEV infection in general population and assess whether HEV is a common trigger of ACLF in cirrhotic patients in The Gambia, West Africa. METHODS We first conducted an HEV sero-survey in healthy volunteers. We then tested cirrhotic patients with ACLF (cases) and compensated cirrhosis (controls) for anti-HEV IgG as a marker of exposure to HEV, and anti-HEV IgA and HEV RNA as a marker of recent infection. We also described the characteristics and survival of the ACLF cases and controls. RESULTS In the healthy volunteers (n = 204), 13.7% (95% CI: 9.6-19.2) were positive for anti-HEV IgG, and none had positive HEV viraemia. After adjusting for age and sex, the following were associated with positive anti-HEV IgG: being a Christian, a farmer, drinking water from wells, handling pigs and eating pork. In 40 cases (median age: 45 years, 72.5% male) and 71 controls (39 years, 74.6% male), ≥70% were infected with hepatitis B virus. Although hepatitis B flare and sepsis were important precipitating events of ACLF, none had marker of acute HEV. ACLF cases had high (70.0%) 28-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis E virus infection is endemic in The Gambia, where both faecal-oral route (contaminated water) and zoonotic transmission (pigs/pork meat) may be important. However, acute HEV was not a common cause of acute-on-chronic liver failure in The Gambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Shimakawa
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.,Unité d'Épidémiologie des Maladies Émergentes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - H F Njai
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - K Takahashi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Toshiba General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - L Berg
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.,Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - G Ndow
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.,Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - A Ceesay
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - S Tamba
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - E Opoku
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.,Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Taal
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - S M F Akbar
- Department of Medical Sciences, Toshiba General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Arai
- Department of Medical Sciences, Toshiba General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - S D Taylor-Robinson
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - R Njie
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.,The Gambia Hepatitis Intervention Study, IARC, c/o MRC Unit, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - S Mishiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Toshiba General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M R Thursz
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Lemoine
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.,Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Hepatitis E virus in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region: an awareness of an infectious threat to blood safety. Infection 2015; 44:11-22. [PMID: 26112744 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-015-0807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mainly transmitted through contaminated water supplies which make the virus endemic in developing countries including countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Recent reports suggest potential risk of HEV transmission via blood transfusion. METHODS Related articles on HEV were collected by searching through the 25 countries of the MENA region using Pubmed and Medline within the past 14 years: January 2000-August 2014. RESULTS One hundred articles were extracted, of which 25 were not eligible. The articles discussed the seroprevalence of HEV and HEV markers in 12 countries. Eight articles provided data on HEV in blood donors. The seroprevalence of HEV in the general MENA population ranged from 2.0 to 37.5% and was higher in males than in females. Prevalence increased with age, but exposure seems to be in early life. CONCLUSIONS In the MENA region, the role of HEV as an infectious threat to blood safety is under-investigated. More data are needed to quantify the risk of transmission and to assess clinical outcomes. This requires, at least, surveillance screening of donors and recipients for HEV markers using sensitive and specific serological tests. At the present time, serious consideration should be given to selective screening for certain groups of patients (e.g., immunocompromised, pregnant women and others) who commonly require blood transfusion and are at high risk of hepatic failure or chronicity from HEV infection.
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Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus among Adults in South-West of Iran. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2015. [PMID: 26199756 PMCID: PMC4493289 DOI: 10.1155/2015/759589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background. Knowledge regarding prevalence of HEV in general population can be an indicator of the public health and hygiene. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of HEV among adults in South-West of Iran. Methods. Blood samples were taken from 510 participants, 206 (40.4%) males and 304 (59.6%) females from February to July 2014. Detection of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies was carried out by ELISA test. Results. The overall anti-HEV IgG and IgM prevalence rates were 46.1% and 1.4%, respectively. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity were not statistically associated with gender and race/ethnicity. Meanwhile, there were significant differences between the age groups regarding HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity. HEV IgG seroprevalence increased with age from 14.3% in subjects aged 18-30 years to 71.4% in persons over 71 years old, and considerably individuals aged 61 to 70 years had the highest HEV prevalence (90.9%). Also, 5.7% in the age group 18-30 years and 2.2% in the age group 31-40 years were positive for anti-HEV IgM antibodies and the highest rate was observed in subjects aged 18-30 years. Conclusion. In conclusion, high HEV IgG seroprevalence of 46.1% was observed among adults in South-West of Iran.
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Kmush BL, Nelson KE, Labrique AB. Risk factors for hepatitis E virus infection and disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 13:41-53. [DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.981158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a worldwide disease. An improved understanding of the natural history of HEV infection has been achieved within the last decade. Several reservoirs and transmission modes have been identified. Hepatitis E is an underdiagnosed disease, in part due to the use of serological assays with low sensitivity. However, diagnostic tools, including nucleic acid-based tests, have been improved. The epidemiology and clinical features of hepatitis E differ between developing and developed countries. HEV infection is usually an acute self-limiting disease, but in developed countries it causes chronic infection with rapidly progressive cirrhosis in organ transplant recipients, patients with hematological malignancy requiring chemotherapy, and individuals with HIV. HEV also causes extrahepatic manifestations, including a number of neurological syndromes and renal injury. Acute infection usually requires no treatment, but chronic infection should be treated by reducing immunosuppression in transplant patients and/or the use of antiviral therapy. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current knowledge about the virus itself, as well as the epidemiology, diagnostics, natural history, and management of HEV infection in developing and developed countries.
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Kim JH, Nelson KE, Panzner U, Kasture Y, Labrique AB, Wierzba TF. A systematic review of the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:308. [PMID: 24902967 PMCID: PMC4055251 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection is a newly recognized serious threat to global public health and Africa is suspected to be among the most severely affected regions in the world. Understanding HEV epidemiology in Africa will expedite the implementation of evidence-based control policies aimed at preventing the spread of HEV including policies for the use of available resources such as HEV vaccines. METHODS Here we present a comprehensive review of HEV epidemiology in Africa based on published data. We searched for articles on HEV epidemiology in Africa from online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science and critically reviewed appropriate publications to extract consistent findings, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest future studies. RESULTS Taking a particularly high toll in pregnant women and their fetuses, HEV has infected human populations in 28 of 56 African countries. Since 1979, 17 HEV outbreaks have been reported about once every other year from Africa causing a reported 35,300 cases with 650 deaths. CONCLUSIONS In Africa, HEV infection is not new, is widespread, and the number of reported outbreaks are likely a significant underestimate. The authors suggest that this is a continent-wide public health problem that deserves the attention of local, regional and international agencies to implement control policies that can save numerous lives, especially those of pregnant women and their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hoon Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, San 4-8, Nakseongdae-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-919, South Korea
| | - Kenrad E Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ursula Panzner
- International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, San 4-8, Nakseongdae-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-919, South Korea
| | - Yogita Kasture
- International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, San 4-8, Nakseongdae-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-919, South Korea
| | - Alain B Labrique
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas F Wierzba
- International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, San 4-8, Nakseongdae-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-919, South Korea
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Junaid SA, Agina SE, Abubakar KA. Epidemiology and associated risk factors of hepatitis e virus infection in plateau state, Nigeria. Virology (Auckl) 2014; 5:15-26. [PMID: 25512696 PMCID: PMC4251053 DOI: 10.4137/vrt.s15422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study in Nigeria was undertaken to determine the epidemiology, seroprevalence, and associated risk factors, of hepatitis E virus (HEV). A total of 462 subjects were used for the study, categorized into four groups: apparently healthy persons, pregnant women, HIV positive subjects, and animal handlers. Information was obtained from subjects using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 statistical software. The overall seroprevalence of IgG and IgM was 42.7 and 0.9%, respectively. Animal handlers had the highest seroprevalence (66.7%). The associated risk factors for IgM seroprevalence were rural dwelling (P = 0.039, odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–15.4), blood transfusion (P < 0.001, OR 9.6, 95% CI 2.6–35.6), attending to animals (P = 0.032, OR 4.9, 95% CI 0.9–26.6), and waste disposal (P < 0.001). Factors associated with IgG were age (P = 0.044), location (P < 0.001), marital status (P < 0.001), formal education (P < 0.001), farming as occupation (P < 0.001), rural dwelling (P = 0.001), waste disposal (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P = 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.0), open defecation (P < 0.001, OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.7), attending to animals (P < 0.001, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.4), consuming unwashed fruits/vegetables (P < 0.001, OR 4.2, 95% CI 0.3–54.1), and stream/river as a source of drinking water (P < 0.001, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.8). Preventive public health measures should be reinforced among all communities, particularly domestic animal handlers and pregnant women. Potable water should be provided for all communities. Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, warranting further attention and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajudeen A Junaid
- Applied Microbiology Unit, Department of Plant Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria. ; Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria
| | - Samuel E Agina
- Applied Microbiology Unit, Department of Plant Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria
| | - Khadijah A Abubakar
- Department of Medical Virology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria
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Verghese VP, Robinson JL. A systematic review of hepatitis E virus infection in children. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:689-97. [PMID: 24846637 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A systematic review was conducted, seeking all literature relevant to the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory features, and outcome of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in children. Transmission is thought to be primarily from fecal-oral transmission, with the role of transmission from animal reservoirs not being clear in children. Worldwide, seroprevalence is <10% up to 10 years of age, with the exception of 1 of 5 studies from India and the sole study from Egypt. Seroprevalence increases with age, but it is not clear if it is increasing over time. The clinical presentation of HEV infection has broad similarities to hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, with most cases being subclinical. However, HEV differs from HAV in that infectivity is lower, perinatal transmission can result in neonatal morbidity and even mortality, and a chronic carrier state exists, accounting for chronic hepatitis in some pediatric solid organ transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joan L Robinson
- Stollery Children's Hospital and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Echevarría JM. Light and Darkness: Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among the General Population. SCIENTIFICA 2014; 2014:481016. [PMID: 24672733 PMCID: PMC3941225 DOI: 10.1155/2014/481016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Human hepatitis E virus (HHEV) spreads early in life among the population in areas endemic for genotype 1 and infects mainly adults in areas endemic for genotype 3, where it would be responsible for about 10% of cases of suspected acute viral hepatitis of unknown etiology and for a number of subclinical, unrecognized infections. The overall prevalence of antibody to HHEV is high in most of the former areas and low in most of the later ones, but wide regional differences have been recorded in both cases. "Hot spots" of HHEV infection would exist for both types of strains in particular regions or among particular populations of the world. Studies on pork derivatives, shellfish bivalves, and vegetables for HHEV contamination at the sale point need to be extended for evaluating the impact of the agent on food safety, and the meaning of the finding of HHEV genotype 1 genomes in urban sewage from developed countries should be established through active surveillance. Consensus about technical issues in regard to anti-HEV testing would improve the knowledge of the HHEV epidemiology. Studies in particular regions and populations, and introduction of molecular diagnosis in the clinical setting as a routine tool, would also be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Manuel Echevarría
- Department of Virology, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Road Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- *José-Manuel Echevarría:
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Krain LJ, Nelson KE, Labrique AB. Host immune status and response to hepatitis E virus infection. Clin Microbiol Rev 2014; 27:139-65. [PMID: 24396140 PMCID: PMC3910912 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00062-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), identified over 30 years ago, remains a serious threat to life, health, and productivity in developing countries where access to clean water is limited. Recognition that HEV also circulates as a zoonotic and food-borne pathogen in developed countries is more recent. Even without treatment, most cases of HEV-related acute viral hepatitis (with or without jaundice) resolve within 1 to 2 months. However, HEV sometimes leads to acute liver failure, chronic infection, or extrahepatic symptoms. The mechanisms of pathogenesis appear to be substantially immune mediated. This review covers the epidemiology of HEV infection worldwide, the humoral and cellular immune responses to HEV, and the persistence and protection of antibodies produced in response to both natural infection and vaccines. We focus on the contributions of altered immune states (associated with pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], and immunosuppressive agents used in cancer and transplant medicine) to the elevated risks of chronic infection (in immunosuppressed/immunocompromised patients) and acute liver failure and mortality (among pregnant women). We conclude by discussing outstanding questions about the immune response to HEV and interactions with hormones and comorbid conditions. These questions take on heightened importance now that a vaccine is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Krain
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenrad E. Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alain B. Labrique
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Pérez-Gracia MT, Mateos Lindemann ML, Caridad Montalvo Villalba M. Hepatitis E: current status. Rev Med Virol 2013; 23:384-98. [PMID: 24038432 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute hepatitis E is a very common disease in developing countries, to the point that, according to World Health Organization estimates, one third of the world's population has been exposed to HEV. It also causes outbreaks in refugee camps or after natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. Sporadic cases of acute hepatitis have been observed in practically all European countries and other developed geographical areas, not only in travelers from endemic countries but also in people with no risk factors. But, lately, new aspects of this infection are appearing in industrialized countries such as the possibility of the disease becoming chronic in transplant patients, the immunocompromised in general, and even in patients with previous liver disease who are immunocompetent. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current knowledge on HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Pérez-Gracia
- Área de Microbiología. Departamento Farmacia. Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Moncada Valencia, Spain
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Ahmadi Ghezeldasht S, Miri R, Hedayatimoghadam M, Shamsian A, Bidkhori H, Fathimoghadam F, Rezaee SA. Population Movement and Virus Spreading: HEV Spreading in a Pilgrimage City, Mashhad in Northeast Iran; an Example. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e10255. [PMID: 24171006 PMCID: PMC3810681 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.10255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection is a significant public health concern and responsible for large outbreaks of acute hepatitis in poor sanitary and living conditions. OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of population movements on virus spreading, a large-scale population-based survey was performed in a pilgrimage- tourism area, the great Mashhad, capital city of Khorasan province. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1582 randomly selected individuals from general population of Mashhad, north east of Iran, between May to September 2009. Serum samples were tested for total anti-HEV antibody using a specific enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. RESULTS The prevalence of HEV infection was 14.2% (225/1582) with a maximum of 25.5 % (14/55) in densely populated areas. The highest prevalence was observed in visitant areas (≥ 20%) near the holly shrine with crowded hotels and inns. The differences between these areas and other districts were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The findings indicated that 13.2% (95/718) of males and 15.0% (130/864) of females were HEV positive; this difference is not significant. Seroprevalence increases with age rising , from 12.8% in subjects less than five years to 28.6% in individuals with more than 65 years old. Although, there were no meaningful differences between HEV seropositivity and socio-economic status, Illiterate individuals were significantly at higher risk for infection than educated persons (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that, high prevalence of HEV is related to populated district, which can reach to the highest rate in hotels and inns close to visitants. Traditional sanitation and water supplying systems are the second important factor for the virus transmission. Therefore, it can be concluded that such areas need efficient surveillance systems to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Ahmadi Ghezeldasht
- Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Rahele Miri
- Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Mohamadreza Hedayatimoghadam
- Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Aliakbar Shamsian
- Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Hamidreza Bidkhori
- Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Fahad Fathimoghadam
- Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Seyyed Abdorrahim Rezaee
- Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Seyyed. Abdorrahim. Rezaee, Research Center for HIV/AIDS, HTLV and Viral Hepatitis, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, IR Iran. Tel: +98-5118821533, Fax: +98-5118810177, E-mail:
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Aggarwal R. Hepatitis e: epidemiology and natural history. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2013; 3:125-33. [PMID: 25755486 PMCID: PMC3940526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a disease caused by infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV). The virus has four genotypes, named 1 to 4, with one shared serotype. Genotypes 1 and 2 infect only humans, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 primarily infect several mammalian animals, with occasional transmission to humans. Evidence of infection with HEV has been found in most parts of the world, with two distinct epidemiological patterns. In areas with high disease endemicity, primarily developing countries in Asia and Africa, the disease occurs as outbreaks and as sporadic cases of acute hepatitis, and is caused exclusively by infection with genotypes 1 or 2 HEV, which is acquired through fecal-oral route, usually through contamination of water supplies. The disease in these areas occurs most commonly in young adults, and is particularly severe in pregnant women and persons with pre-existing chronic liver disease; chronic infection has not been reported. In areas with lower endemicity, which are mainly developed areas with robust water supply and sanitation systems, occasional sporadic cases of locally-acquired genotype 3 or 4 HEV infection are observed. The affected persons are often elderly and have other coexisting illnesses. The reservoir of infection in these areas is believed to be in animals, such as pigs, wild boar and deer, with zoonotic transmission to humans, possibly through consumption of undercooked meat. Also, in these areas, persistent HEV infection has been well documented among immunosuppressed persons such as organ transplant recipients, and is believed to lead to chronic liver injury, including liver cirrhosis. Further work is needed to better understand the biological basis underlying these widely-differing epidemiological patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Aggarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
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Kaba M, Moal V, Gérolami R, Colson P. Epidemiology of mammalian hepatitis E virus infection. Intervirology 2013; 56:67-83. [PMID: 23343760 DOI: 10.1159/000342301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian hepatitis E virus (HEV), the etiological agent of hepatitis E in humans, is a recently discovered infectious agent. It was identified for the first time in 1983 using electron microscopy on a faecal specimen of a person infected with non-A, non-B enterically-transmitted hepatitis. Based on retrospective and prospective studies, HEV was long described as one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis in tropical and subtropical countries, whereas in developed countries hepatitis E was considered an imported disease from HEV hyperendemic countries. Data from studies conducted during the past decade have greatly shifted our knowledge on the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of HEV. Recently, it has been shown that contrary to previous beliefs, hepatitis E is also an endemic disease in several developed countries, particularly in Japan and in Europe, as evidenced by reports of high anti-HEV immunoglobulin G prevalence in healthy individuals and an increasing number of non-travel-related acute hepatitis E cases. Moreover, a porcine reservoir and growing evidence of zoonotic transmission have been reported in these countries. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the epidemiology and prevention of transmission of mammalian HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamadou Kaba
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
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Rodríguez-Frias F, Jardi R, Buti M. [Hepatitis E: molecular virology, epidemiology and pathogenesis]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2012; 30:624-34. [PMID: 22386306 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2012.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E represents a significant proportion of enteric transmitted liver diseases and poses a major public health problem, mainly associated with epidemics due to contamination of water supplies, especially in developing countries. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for self-limiting acute liver oral-faecal infections. In industrialised countries, acute hepatitis E is sporadic, detected in travellers from endemic areas but also in sporadic cases with no risk factors. HEV is a non-enveloped virus with a single-stranded RNA genome classified into 4 genotypes and a single serotype. Genotypes 1 and 2 only infect humans, and are predominant in the developing countries, while 3 and 4 are predominant in industrialised countries, and also infect other species of mammals, especially pigs, and multiple evidence classifies HEV as a zoonotic agent. Some HEV chronic infections have recently been reported in kidney and liver transplant patients. The mortality rate of HEV infection is greater than hepatitis A. In addition to faecal-oral transmission, parenteral transmission of HEV has also been reported. Several vaccines are currently in development. The severity of this infection in some groups of patients, especially pregnant women, and the occurrence of chronic hepatitis, even with progression to cirrhosis, have raised interest in the application of interferon and/or ribavirin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Rodríguez-Frias
- Unidad de Proteínas Hepatitis, Servicio de Bioquímica, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, España.
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Shata MT, Daef EA, Zaki ME, Abdelwahab SF, Marzuuk NM, Sobhy M, Rafaat M, Abdelbaki L, Nafeh MA, Hashem M, El-Kamary SS, Shardell MD, Mikhail NN, Strickland GT, Sherman KE. Protective role of humoral immune responses during an outbreak of hepatitis E in Egypt. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2012; 106:613-8. [PMID: 22938992 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is approximately 80% in adult Egyptians living in rural areas, symptomatic HEV-caused acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is sporadic and relatively uncommon. To investigate the dichotomy between HEV infection and clinical AVH, HEV-specific immune responses in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic HEV infection during a waterborne outbreak in Egypt were examined. Of 235 acute hepatitis patients in Assiut hospitals screened for HEV infection, 42 (17.9%) were acute hepatitis patients confirmed as HEV-caused AVH; 37 (88%) of the 42 patients were residents of rural areas, and 14 (33%) were from one village (Kom El-Mansoura). Another 200 contacts of AVH cases in this village were screened for HEV and 14 (7.0%), all of whom were family members of AVH cases, were asymptomatic HEV IgM-positive. HEV infections in this village peaked during the summer. Asymptomatic HEV seroconverters had significantly higher levels of epitope-specific neutralising (p=0.006) and high avidity (p=0.04) anti-HEV antibodies than the corresponding AVH cases. In conclusion, naturally acquired humoral immune responses appear to protect HEV-exposed subjects from AVH during an HEV outbreak in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed T Shata
- Digestive Diseases Division, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA.
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Meldal BHM, Sarkodie F, Owusu-Ofori S, Allain JP. Hepatitis E virus infection in Ghanaian blood donors - the importance of immunoassay selection and confirmation. Vox Sang 2012; 104:30-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2012.01637.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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El-Tras WF, Tayel AA, El-Kady NN. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in humans and geographically matched food animals in Egypt. Zoonoses Public Health 2012; 60:244-51. [PMID: 22812407 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2012.01516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of current study was to investigate the epidemiology of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in humans and geographically matched food animals as a novel zoonotic assessment in Egypt. Blood samples were collected from patients who had a history of jaundice and attended to fever and general hospitals. Animal blood samples were collected from cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats convenient to HEV seropositive humans. Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) protocol was used to determine IgG anti-HEV. Sex and pregnancy were investigated as potential risk factors for HEV infection. Of 134 examined humans, 51 (38.1%) were positive for IgG anti-HEV. The males showed 26.8% seropositivity while the recorded female seropositivity was 50.8%, with a significant difference at P = 0.005, Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.35 at 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17-0.73. There was a significant difference at P = 0.02 between seropositivity in pregnant (25%) and non-pregnant women (59.6%); OR was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.06-0.81). Anorexia was the most common symptom whereas paraesthesia and back pain were the least within icteric seropositive HEV humans. Hepatitis E virus seropositivity was recorded in 21.6%, 14%, 4.4% and 9.4% from examined cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats, respectively. The infected food animals were convenient to positive HEV humans who may declare the epidemiological picture of potential zoonotic HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- W F El-Tras
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (Zoonoses), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt.
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L’hépatite virale E : une maladie émergente. Rev Med Interne 2012; 33:328-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2012.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Bajpai M, Gupta E. Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E: is screening warranted? Indian J Med Microbiol 2012; 29:353-8. [PMID: 22120793 DOI: 10.4103/0255-0857.90158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging infectious threat to blood safety. In recent years, there have been a number of publications delineating this threat by providing evidence of the transmissibility of this virus through transfusions. The extent of transmission and its clinical relevance are issues under debate at present. HEV usually causes a self-limiting illness which subsides in a few weeks barring a few cases where fulminant hepatic failure occurs. The virus poses a risk of higher morbidity and mortality in pregnant females, patients with pre-existing liver disease and solid organ transplant recipients. As these categories of patient often require repeated transfusions or massive transfusions, they are exposed to a greater risk of transmission of HEV. At present, there is little evidence to advocate universal screening for this virus but considering that there is no definitive treatment for HEV induced hepatitis, selective screening should be advocated in blood products for high risk recipients in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bajpai
- Department of Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Sector D1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110 070, India
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Delarocque-Astagneau E, Abravanel F, Moshen A, Le Fouler L, Gad RR, El-Daly M, Ibrahim EM, El-Aidy S, Lashin T, El-Hoseiny M, Izopet J, Mohamed MK, Fontanet A, Abdel Hamid M. Epidemiological and virological characteristics of symptomatic acute hepatitis E in Greater Cairo, Egypt. Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18:982-8. [PMID: 22264267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03727.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of acute hepatitis E in Greater Cairo. Patients with acute hepatitis E were identified through a surveillance of acute hepatitis using the following definition: recent (<3 weeks) onset of fever or jaundice, alanine aminotransferase at least three times the upper limit of normal (uln), negative markers for other causes of viral hepatitis and detectable hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA. Comparison of the liver tests between acute hepatitis E and hepatitis A virus (HAV), case-control analysis (four sex-matched and age-matched (±1 year) HAV controls per case) to explore risk factors and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Of the 17 acute HEV patients identified between 2002 and 2007, 14 were male. Median age was 16 years (interquartile range 13-22). Compared with HAV (n = 68 sex-matched and ±1 year age-matched), HEV patients had higher bilirubin (mean (SD) 10.9 (5.7) uln versus 7.5 (4.4) uln, p 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase levels (38.6 (27.1) uln versus 18.3 (18.1) uln, p 0.02). Co-infection (hepatitis C virus RNA or hepatitis B surface (HBs) -antigen positive/IgM anti-hepatitis B core (HBc) anitgen negative) was diagnosed in four patients. In univariate matched analysis (17 cases, 68 matched controls), HEV cases were more likely to live in a rural area than HAV controls (matched OR 7.9; 95% CI 2.0-30.4). Of the 16 isolates confirmed as genotype 1, 15 belonged to the same cluster with 94-98.5% identity in the open-reading frame 2 region. Our findings documented the sporadic nature of HEV in Greater Cairo, characterized a large number of Egyptian HEV genotype 1 strains and identified living in a rural area as a potential risk factor for infection.
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Motte A, Roquelaure B, Galambrun C, Bernard F, Zandotti C, Colson P. Hepatitis E in three immunocompromized children in southeastern France. J Clin Virol 2011; 53:162-6. [PMID: 22177988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2011.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes an emerging autochthonous disease in developed countries where links with a viral porcine reservoir have been evidenced. Moreover, chronic HEV infection and associated-cirrhosis have been described in severely immunocompromized patients. Nonetheless, only few studies have focused on pediatric HEV infections worldwide and only four autochthonous cases have been reported in children in developed countries. We describe here acute hepatitis E in three immunocompromized children. Case no. 1 was a 9-year-old liver transplant recipient girl in whom H1N1 2009 flu infection was diagnosed concurrently with hepatitis E. Case no. 2 was a 12-year-old boy presenting early medullar relapse of lymphoblastic leukemia of type B and in whom HEV RNA was detected over a 29-week period. Case no. 3 was a 9-year-old boy with a rare primary immunodeficiency due to XIAP deficiency. HEV infections were all autochthonously acquired and involved different viruses classified as subtype f, c, and e of genotype 3, which are those described in autochthonous cases in Europe. These three observations prompt to consider HEV as a causative agent of hepatitis in children in developed countries, and to perform particularly HEV testing in those severely immunocompromized who may develop chronic hepatitis E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Motte
- Pôle des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Clinique et Biologique, Fédération de Bactériologie-Hygiène-Virologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille CEDEX 05, France
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of patients who are referred to a specialist hepatological centre suffer from acute deterioration of their chronic liver disease. Yet, this entity of acute on chronic liver failure remains poorly defined. AIM The aim of the present study was to highlight the occurrence of hepatitis E viraemia by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in patients with acute on chronic liver failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 100 patients with acute on chronic liver disorders admitted to Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. Blood samples were obtained from patients and sera were separated. Sera were subjected to a study of viral hepatitis markers for hepatitis A by IgM, for hepatitis B by S antigen and core IgM and for hepatitis C virus by IgG and RT-PCR for HCV. Liver function tests were evaluated including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and bilirubin total and direct by an autoanalyser. Study for hepatitis E virus (HEV) was performed using a molecular technique. Nested RT-PCR was performed for each serum sample. RESULTS HEV RNA was detected in the sera of 13 patients (13%) of the patients with chronic liver disorders. The majority of the positive cases were among patients with cirrhosis (29.9%) followed by patients with HCC (15.4%). On multirisk analysis for the factors associated with the presence of HEV viraemia, younger age < 45 years and lower albumin level < 3.5 g/dl were significantly (P = 0.04, P = 0.03) associated with HEV viraemia. DISCUSSION From this study it appears that HEV viraemia is a common cause of acute on chronic liver disorders in Egypt. CONCLUSION There is no effective vaccine is available against HEV, mass awareness and preventive measures are important to the related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaa El Sayed Zaki
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Goumba AI, Konamna X, Komas NP. Clinical and epidemiological aspects of a hepatitis E outbreak in Bangui, Central African Republic. BMC Infect Dis 2011; 11:93. [PMID: 21492477 PMCID: PMC3089785 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-11-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Outbreaks of hepatitis E frequently occur in tropical developing countries during the rainy season due to overflowing drains, short-circuiting of networks of clean water and use of contaminated water from wells. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are usually accompanied by general symptoms of acute liver disease. This study was conducted to define the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the HEV outbreak that occurred in May 2004 in Bangui. Methods Blood samples were collected from 411 patients aged 1-87 years, most of whom presented with jaundice, asthenia or signs of uncomplicated malaria, for a transversal study from June 2004 to September 2005. Patients were recruited at 11 health care centres, including two referral hospitals, after they had given informed consent. The diagnosis of HEV was made with a commercial ELISA test to detect IgM and/or IgG antibodies. HEV RNA was amplified by RT-PCR to confirm the presence of the viral genome. Results The most frequent clinical signs found were jaundice (93.4%), vomiting (50.7%), hepatalgia (47.4%), hepatomegaly (30.9%) and asthenia (26.8%), which are the general clinical signs of hepatic disease. Acute hepatitis E was found in 213 patients (51.8%) who were positive for HEV IgM antibodies. The IgG anti-HEV seroprevalence during this outbreak was high (79.5%). The age group 18-34 years was more frequently infected (91.2%) than those aged 1-17 (78.0%) or over 34 (64.9%) (p < 10-6). RT-PCR performed on 127 sera from the 213 IgM-HEV-positive patients was amplified, and the presence of the viral genome was found in 65 samples. Conclusion Although no specific clinical signs exist for hepatitis E infection, people presenting with jaundice, vomiting, hepatalgia, asthenia, hepatomegaly or distended abdomen with no signs of uncomplicated malaria in tropical developing countries should be sent to a laboratory for testing for hepatitis E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice I Goumba
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, PO Box 923, Bangui, Central African Republic
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Adjei AA, Tettey Y, Aviyase JT, Adu-Gyamfi C, Mingle JA, Nartey ET. Unexpected elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase levels and hepatitis E virus infection among persons who work with pigs in accra, Ghana. Virol J 2010; 7:336. [PMID: 21092196 PMCID: PMC2995795 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-7-336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have suggested that elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and asparte aminotransferase (AST) may be markers of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Thus, individuals with elevated ALT and AST may have ongoing subclinical infection of HEV. We estimated the prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies and serum ALT and AST levels among persons who work with pigs in Accra, Ghana. RESULTS Three hundred and fifty- persons who work with pigs provided blood samples for unlinked anonymous testing for the presence of antibodies to HEV, ALT and AST levels. The median age of participants was 32.85±11.38 years (range 15-70 years). HEV seroprevelance was 34.84%. Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 19.26% while anti-HEV IgM was detected in 15.58% of the persons who tested positive. On multivariate analysis, the independent determinants of HEV infection were, being employed on the farm for less than six months [odds ratio (OR) 8.96; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 5.43-14.80], having piped water in the household and/or on the farm (OR 13.33; 95% CI 5.23-33.93) and consumption of alcohol (OR 4.91: 95% CI 2.65-9.10). Levels>3× the expected maximum were found for both ALT and AST among individuals who tested positive for anti-HEV IgG (ALT, 210.17±11.64 U/L; AST, 127.18±11.12 U/L) and anti-HEV IgM (ALT, 200.97±10.76 U/L; AST, 120.00±15.96 U/L). CONCLUSION Consistent with similar studies worldwide, the results of our studies revealed a high prevalence of HEV infection, ALT and AST values in pig handlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Adjei
- Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yao Tettey
- Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - John T Aviyase
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clement Adu-Gyamfi
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julius A Mingle
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Edmund T Nartey
- Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to hepatitis E in urban and rural southern India. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2010; 104:307-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2009.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2009] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Teo CG. Much meat, much malady: changing perceptions of the epidemiology of hepatitis E. Clin Microbiol Infect 2010; 16:24-32. [PMID: 20002688 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.03111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E, which is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV), may now be considered a zoonosis as well as an anthroponosis. Pigs, boars and deer have been identified as reservoirs, and their flesh and entrails--as meat and offal--as vehicles of HEV transmission. Shellfish also act as vehicles. Dietary, gastronomic and culinary preferences influence how extensively HEV conveyed by these vehicles can be inactivated before their ingestion by the host. Another route of infection is paved by HEV that is enterically shed by humans and by live animals into the environment. Although anthroponotic transmission of HEV is primarily environmental, zoonotic transmission may proceed along both foodborne and environmental routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Teo
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Kamal SM, Mahmoud S, Hafez T, EL-Fouly R. Viral hepatitis a to e in South mediterranean countries. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2010; 2:e2010001. [PMID: 21415943 PMCID: PMC3033107 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2010.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis represents an important health problem in the South Mediterranean countries, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Emerging natural history and epidemiological information reveal differences in the overall epidemiology, risk factors and modes of transmission of viral hepatitis A, B, C, D, E infections in the South Mediterranean region. The differences in the in incidence and prevalence of viral hepatitis across North African countries is attributed to variations in health care and sanitation standards, risk factors and immunization strategies. The active continuous population movement through travel, tourism and migration from and to the South Mediterranean countries contribute to the spread of infections due to hepatitis viruses across borders leading to outbreaks and emergence of new patterns of infection or introduction of uncommon genotypes in other countries, particularly in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa M. Kamal
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Mahmoud
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer Hafez
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Runia EL-Fouly
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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