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Shayan SJ, Nazari R, Kiwanuka F. Prevalence of HIV and HCV among injecting drug users in three selected WHO-EMRO countries: a meta-analysis. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:59. [PMID: 34044849 PMCID: PMC8161998 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections are responsible for a significant burden of mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. This study sought to determine the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis C among injecting drug users in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. METHODS This review conforms to the Preferred Reporting Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science/Knowledge, SID.ir, and MAGIRAN were searched. Studies that were published from 2003 up to 2018 were considered for analysis. Studies were screened for inclusion in duplicate, and also, that data were narratively synthesized. RESULTS We report on data from 79 articles. The total number of participants in studies that assessed the prevalence of HIV among injecting drug users included 68,926 participants, while those from studies that assessed HCV prevalence were 23,016 participants. Overall HIV and HCV prevalence among injecting drug users in the three selected countries were 9.1% (95% CI 6.9-12.0%) and 48.3% (95% CI 43.9-52.7%), respectively. Iran had the highest HIV prevalence of 11.0% among injectable drug users (95% CI 8.4-14.2%), while Afghanistan had the lowest HIV prevalence of 3.1% (95% CI 1.5-6.3%) among three selected countries. In Pakistan, the prevalence of HIV was 8.6% (95% CI 4.8-15.0%). Regarding HCV prevalence, Pakistan had the highest while Afghanistan had the lowest, 54.4% (95% CI 33.5-73.9%) and 37.3% (95% CI 35.2-39.4%), respectively. HCV prevalence in Iran was 47.7% (95% CI 43.4-52.0%). CONCLUSION Injecting drug users form a special cohort of persons at risk of HIV and Hepatitis C infections. The prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis noted from our findings is significantly high. Awareness of the grave risk of spreading HIV and Hepatitis C associated with sharing needles is recommended among this sub-group of drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jahan Shayan
- Department of Fundamental of Nursing, School of Nursing, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Jamal Mina, 3rd District, Kabul, Afghanistan.
| | - Rajab Nazari
- Department of Fundamental of Nursing, School of Nursing, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Jamal Mina, 3rd District, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Frank Kiwanuka
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Rajabi A, Sharafi H, Alavian SM. Harm reduction program and hepatitis C prevalence in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran: an updated systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:12. [PMID: 33482831 PMCID: PMC7825164 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00441-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran is high. Since 2005, the Iranian government has implemented a harm reduction program to control HCV. We aimed to describe the prevalence of HCV antibody (Ab) in Iranian PWID before and after the implementation of harm reduction with cumulative meta-analysis. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published on the seroprevalence of HCV among PWID. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify eligible studies up to December 2018 in international and national databases. Pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Der Simonian and Laird method, taking into account conceptual heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were performed by harm reduction implementation and studies' characteristics to assess the sources of heterogeneity. We used Cochran-Armitage test for the linear trend of the prevalence of HCV Ab among PWID. RESULTS We reviewed 5966 papers and reports and extracted data from 62 eligible records. The pooled HCV Ab prevalence among PWID in Iran was 46.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 41.1-52.0%). Overall, the Cochran-Armitage test for trend indicated a significant decreasing trend of HCV Ab prevalence (P = 0.04). The cumulative meta-analysis showed a slight decline in the prevalence of HCV Ab between the years 2005 and 2018. CONCLUSIONS The HCV Ab prevalence among PWID in Iran is high, with a considerable geographical variation. The prevalence of HCV Ab among PWID in Iran slightly decreased after 2005 which could be, at least to some extent, related to the implementation of extensive harm reduction programs in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolhalim Rajabi
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (BRCGL), Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Environmental Health Research Center, Faculty of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (BRCGL), Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Middle East Liver Diseases (MELD) Center, Tehran, Iran.
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Mahmud S, Mumtaz GR, Chemaitelly H, Al Kanaani Z, Kouyoumjian SP, Hermez JG, Abu‐Raddad LJ. The status of hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa. Addiction 2020; 115:1244-1262. [PMID: 32009283 PMCID: PMC7318323 DOI: 10.1111/add.14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS People who inject drugs (PWID) are a key population at high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to delineate the epidemiology of HCV in PWID in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). METHODS Syntheses of data were conducted on the standardized and systematically assembled databases of the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project, 1989-2018. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Meta-regression variables included country, study site, year of data collection and year of publication [to assess trends in HCV antibody prevalence over time], sample size and sampling methodology. Numbers of chronically infected PWID across MENA were estimated. The Shannon Diversity Index was calculated to assess genotype diversity. RESULTS Based on 118 HCV antibody prevalence measures, the pooled mean prevalence in PWID for all MENA was 49.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 44.4-54.1%]. The country-specific pooled mean ranged from 21.7% (95% CI = 4.9-38.6%) in Tunisia to 94.2% (95% CI = 90.8-96.7%) in Libya. An estimated 221 704 PWID were chronically infected, with the largest numbers found in Iran at 68 526 and in Pakistan at 46 554. There was no statistically significant evidence for a decline in HCV antibody prevalence over time. Genotype diversity was moderate (Shannon Diversity Index of 1.01 out of 1.95; 52.1%). The pooled mean percentage for each HCV genotype was highest in genotype 3 (42.7%) and in genotype 1 (35.9%). CONCLUSION Half of people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa appear to have ever been infected with hepatitis C virus, but there are large variations in antibody prevalence among countries. In addition to > 200 000 chronically infected current people who inject drugs, there is an unknown number of people who no longer inject drugs who may have acquired hepatitis C virus during past injecting drug use. Harm reduction services must be expanded, and innovative strategies need to be employed to ensure accessibility to hepatitis C virus testing and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health SciencesAmerican University of BeirutBeirutLebanon
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Joumana G. Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/STIs Unit, World Health Organization,Regional Office for the Eastern MediterraneanCairoEgypt
| | - Laith J. Abu‐Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew YorkNY, USA,College of Health and Life SciencesHamad bin Khalifa UniversityDohaQatar
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Behzadifar M, Behzadifar M, Bragazzi NL. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in people who inject drugs in Iran. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:62. [PMID: 31937278 PMCID: PMC6961327 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major public health challenges generating a relevant burden. High-risk groups, including people who inject drugs (PWID), are at serious risk for developing HCV. In recent years, several investigations have been conducted in Iran to assess the prevalence e of HCV among PWID. The aim of the present study was to synthesize the literature performing a comprehensive search and meta-analysis. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out from January 2000 to September 2019. Several international databases, namely Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, ISI/Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), as well as Iranian databases (Barakathns, SID and MagIran), were consulted. Eligible studies were identified according to the following PECOS (population, exposure, comparison/comparator, outcome and study type) criteria: i) population: Iranian population; ii) exposure: injection drug users; iii) comparison/comparator: type of substance injected and level of substance use, iv) outcome: HCV prevalence; and v) study type: cross-sectional study. After finding potentially related studies, authors extracted relevant data and information based on an ad hoc Excel spreadsheet. Extracted data included the surname of the first author, the study journal, the year of publication, the number of participants examined, the type of diagnostic test performed, the number of positive HCV patients, the number of participants stratified by gender, the reported prevalence, the duration of drug injection practice and the history of using a shared syringe. RESULTS Forty-two studies were included. 15,072 PWID were assessed for determining the prevalence of HCV. The overall prevalence of HCV among PWID in Iran was computed to be 47% (CI 95: 39-56). The prevalence ranged between 7 and 96%. Men and subjects using a common/shared syringe were 1.46 and 3.95 times more likely to be at risk, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study showed that the prevalence of HCV among PWIDs in Iran is high. The support and implementation of ad hoc health-related policies and programs that reduce this should be put into action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Behzadifar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Meysam Behzadifar
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Rasekh H, Naimi HM, Mousavi SH. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV Viruses Among People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) in Kabul, Health Care Facilities. Hepat Mon 2019; 19. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.84298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Hashiani AA, Sadeghi F, Ayubi E, Rezaeian S, Moradi Y, Mansori K, Gholamaliei B, Mohammadbeigi A, Khazaei S. Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B and C Virus Co-infections among Iranian High-Risk Groups: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Malays J Med Sci 2019; 26:37-48. [PMID: 31303849 PMCID: PMC6613465 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-infection with hepatitis B and C among HIV infected patients are prevalent among high-risk populations. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV co-infections among high-risk populations in Iran. We systematically searched the national and international electronic databases until 2016. The primary outcome was the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and HIV co-infections in different high-risk populations in Iran. All English and Persian studies conducted on Iranian high-risk groups were included in the study. The review was reported based on PRISMA guidelines and data were analysed at 95% confidence level using random effect models. Overall, 916 relevant papers were recognised and 14 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of HBV/HCV, HCV/HIV, HBV/HIV and HBV/HCV/HIV were 1.3% (95%CI: 0.5–2.1), 16.3% (95%CI: 1.1–31.6), 0.5% (95%CI: 0–1.4) and 0.5% (95%CI: 0.2–0.8), respectively. Based on subgroup analysis, there was a higher proportion of all co-infections from the years 2010–2016 as compared to that of the years 2003–2009. Our results highlighted that HCV/HIV co-infection in Iranian high-risk groups including injection drug users (IDUs) and prisoners is common. In addition, the increasing trend of coinfections should be considered alarming for policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Almasi Hashiani
- Department of Epidemiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran and Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Farzin Sadeghi
- Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Erfan Ayubi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Shahab Rezaeian
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamyar Mansori
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Behzad Gholamaliei
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Salman Khazaei
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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7
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Nematollahi S, Ayubi E, Almasi-Hashiani A, Mansori K, Moradi Y, Veisani Y, Jenabi E, Gholamaliei B, Khazaei S. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among high-risk groups in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health 2018; 161:90-98. [PMID: 29935474 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determination of the true burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among high-risk groups relies heavily on occurrence measures such as prevalence, which are vital for implementation of preventive action plans. Nevertheless, up-to-date data on the prevalence of HCV infection remain scarce in Iran. This study aimed to review the relevant literature systematically and determine the pooled prevalence of HCV infection among high-risk groups in Iran. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review & meta-analysis. METHODS In 2016, electronic scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and local databases were searched using a detailed search strategy with language restricted to English and Farsi. The reference lists of the studies included in this review were also screened. Data were reviewed and extracted independently by two authors. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Sources of heterogeneity among the studies were determined using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS In total, 1817 records were identified in the initial search, and 46 records were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of HCV among high-risk groups was 32.3%. The prevalence was 41.3% in injection drug users (IDUs), 22.9% in prisoners, 16.2% in drug-dependent individuals and 24.6% in drug-dependent prisoners. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed that geographical location and year of publication were the probable sources of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis found a high prevalence of HCV among high-risk groups in Iran, particularly among IDUs. There is a need for prevention strategies to reduce the burden of HCV infection among high-risk groups, particularly IDUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nematollahi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Ayubi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - A Almasi-Hashiani
- Department of Epidemiology and Reproductive Health, Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - K Mansori
- School of Public Health, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Y Moradi
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Y Veisani
- Psychosocial Injuries Research Centre, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - E Jenabi
- Pediatric developmental disorders Research center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - B Gholamaliei
- Department of Health Education, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - S Khazaei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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8
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in Iran and estimate the pooled mean HCV antibody prevalence in different risk populations. We systematically reviewed and synthesized reports of HCV incidence and/or prevalence, as informed by the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook, and reported our findings following the PRISMA guidelines. DerSimonian-Laird random effects meta-analyses were implemented to estimate HCV prevalence in various risk populations. We identified five HCV incidence and 472 HCV prevalence measures. Our meta-analyses estimated HCV prevalence at 0.3% among the general population, 6.2% among intermediate risk populations, 32.1% among high risk populations, and 4.6% among special clinical populations. Our meta-analyses for subpopulations estimated HCV prevalence at 52.2% among people who inject drugs (PWID), 20.0% among populations at high risk of healthcare-related exposures, and 7.5% among populations with liver-related conditions. Genotype 1 was the most frequent circulating strain at 58.2%, followed by genotype 3 at 39.0%. HCV prevalence in the general population was lower than that found in other Middle East and North Africa countries and globally. However, HCV prevalence was high in PWID and populations at high risk of healthcare-related exposures. Ongoing transmission appears to be driven by drug injection and specific healthcare procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vajiheh Akbarzadeh
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA.
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Melhem NM, Rahhal N, Charide R, Kreidieh K, El-Khatib R. Human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis among high-risk groups: Understanding the knowledge gap in the Middle East and North Africa Region. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2619-30. [PMID: 26557955 PMCID: PMC4635148 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i25.2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify gaps in the existing knowledge on single, dual and triple infections of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region among men who have sex with men (MSMs), female sex workers (FSWs), injecting drug users (IDUs) and prisoners. METHODS We performed an extensive literature search on articles published on the topic in the 25 countries of the MENA region. PubMed database was used as the main search engine. Case reports, case series, qualitative studies, editorials, commentaries, authors' replies and animal studies were excluded. Original articles and reviews dealing with the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV and their co-infection were included. Data on population type, sample size, age and markers of infections were extracted from the relevant studies. RESULTS HIV, HBV and HCV are blood-borne viruses with similar modes of transmission. The categories of people at high risk of acquiring HIV-1, HBV and HCV commonly include: MSMs, FSW and IDUs. It is well established that HIV-positive individuals co-infected with HBV or HCV suffer from liver pathology associated with morbidity and mortality. Moreover, HIV-infected individuals do not respond well to treatment for HBV or HCV and hence are at increased risk of hepatic toxicity. Consequently, co-infection of HIV-positive individuals with HBV and/or HCV is a global health problem of significant magnitude. Our review reveals the paucity of epidemiological data for key populations in many countries of the region. Limited number of studies exists in the MENA region on the status of HIV, HBV and HCV and their co-infections among prisoners, MSMs and FSWs. Evidence support the continued increase of the HIV epidemic among MSMs. In addition to the lack of studies on MSMs and FSWs in the MENA region, our review highlights the lack of data on the practices, characteristics, or the status of HIV infection and viral hepatitis among male sex workers selling or exchanging sex for money. CONCLUSION The MENA countries are in urgent need of advanced research and strengthening of the data collection systems and reporting practices of these infections among key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada M Melhem
- Nada M Melhem, Khalil Kreidieh, Rolla El-Khatib, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Nour Rahhal
- Nada M Melhem, Khalil Kreidieh, Rolla El-Khatib, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Rana Charide
- Nada M Melhem, Khalil Kreidieh, Rolla El-Khatib, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Khalil Kreidieh
- Nada M Melhem, Khalil Kreidieh, Rolla El-Khatib, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Rolla El-Khatib
- Nada M Melhem, Khalil Kreidieh, Rolla El-Khatib, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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Mumtaz GR, Weiss HA, Vickerman P, Larke N, Abu-Raddad LJ. Using hepatitis C prevalence to estimate HIV epidemic potential among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa. AIDS 2015; 29:1701-10. [PMID: 26372281 PMCID: PMC4541475 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to understand the association between HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and to estimate HIV epidemic potential among PWIDs using HCV prevalence. DESIGN/METHODS Using data from a systematic review of HIV and HCV among PWID in MENA, we conducted two analyses, stratified by HIV epidemic state: a meta-analysis of the risk ratio of HCV to HIV prevalence (RRHCV/HIV) using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models, and multivariable linear regression predicting log HIV prevalence. The HCV-HIV association from both analyses was used to estimate HIV prevalence at endemic equilibrium. We compared predicted with current HIV prevalence to classify HIV epidemic potential at country-level as low, medium or high, using predefined criteria. RESULTS The review identified 88 HCV prevalence measures among PWID in MENA, of which 54 had a paired HIV prevalence measure. The pooled RRHCV/HIV were 16, 4 and 3 in low-level, emerging and established HIV epidemics, respectively. There was a significant linear relationship between HCV and HIV at endemic equilibrium (P = 0.002). The predicted endemic HIV prevalence ranged between 8% (Tunisia) and 22% (Pakistan). Of the nine countries with data, five have high and three medium HIV epidemic potential. Only one country, Pakistan, appears to have reached saturation. CONCLUSION HCV prevalence could be a predictor of future endemic HIV prevalence. In MENA, we predict that there will be further HIV epidemic growth among PWID. The proposed methodology can identify PWID populations that should be prioritized for HIV prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Peter Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Natasha Larke
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mumtaz GR, Weiss HA, Thomas SL, Riome S, Setayesh H, Riedner G, Semini I, Tawil O, Akala FA, Wilson D, Abu-Raddad LJ. HIV among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic review and data synthesis. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001663. [PMID: 24937136 PMCID: PMC4061009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is perceived that little is known about the epidemiology of HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The primary objective of this study was to assess the status of the HIV epidemic among PWID in MENA by describing HIV prevalence and incidence. Secondary objectives were to describe the risk behavior environment and the HIV epidemic potential among PWID, and to estimate the prevalence of injecting drug use in MENA. METHODS AND FINDINGS This was a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and covering 23 MENA countries. PubMed, Embase, regional and international databases, as well as country-level reports were searched up to December 16, 2013. Primary studies reporting (1) the prevalence/incidence of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) among PWIDs; or (2) the prevalence of injecting or sexual risk behaviors, or HIV knowledge among PWID; or (3) the number/proportion of PWID in MENA countries, were eligible for inclusion. The quality, quantity, and geographic coverage of the data were assessed at country level. Risk of bias in predefined quality domains was described to assess the quality of available HIV prevalence measures. After multiple level screening, 192 eligible reports were included in the review. There were 197 HIV prevalence measures on a total of 58,241 PWID extracted from reports, and an additional 226 HIV prevalence measures extracted from the databases. We estimated that there are 626,000 PWID in MENA (range: 335,000-1,635,000, prevalence of 0.24 per 100 adults). We found evidence of HIV epidemics among PWID in at least one-third of MENA countries, most of which are emerging concentrated epidemics and with HIV prevalence overall in the range of 10%-15%. Some of the epidemics have however already reached considerable levels including some of the highest HIV prevalence among PWID globally (87.1% in Tripoli, Libya). The relatively high prevalence of sharing needles/syringes (18%-28% in the last injection), the low levels of condom use (20%-54% ever condom use), the high levels of having sex with sex workers and of men having sex with men (15%-30% and 2%-10% in the last year, respectively), and of selling sex (5%-29% in the last year), indicate a high injecting and sexual risk environment. The prevalence of HCV (31%-64%) and of sexually transmitted infections suggest high levels of risk behavior indicative of the potential for more and larger HIV epidemics. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a large volume of HIV-related biological and behavioral data among PWID in the MENA region. The coverage and quality of the data varied between countries. There is robust evidence for HIV epidemics among PWID in multiple countries, most of which have emerged within the last decade and continue to grow. The lack of sufficient evidence in some MENA countries does not preclude the possibility of hidden epidemics among PWID in these settings. With the HIV epidemic among PWID in overall a relatively early phase, there is a window of opportunity for prevention that should not be missed through the provision of comprehensive programs, including scale-up of harm reduction services and expansion of surveillance systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara L. Thomas
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Riome
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamidreza Setayesh
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gabriele Riedner
- Regional Office of the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iris Semini
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Oussama Tawil
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Francisca Ayodeji Akala
- Human Development Sector, Middle East and North Africa Region, World Bank, Washington (D.C.), United States of America
| | - David Wilson
- Global HIV/AIDS Program, World Bank, Washington (D.C.), United States of America
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Assari S, Ahmadi K, Rezazade M. Socio-Economic Status Determines Risk of Receptive Syringe Sharing Behaviors among Iranian Drug Injectors; A National Study. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:194. [PMID: 25852577 PMCID: PMC4369970 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although needle and syringe sharing is one of the main routs of transmission of HIV in several countries in the middle east, very little is known about how socio-economic status of injecting drug users (IDUs) is linked to the receptive syringe sharing behaviors in these countries. AIM To study socio-economic correlates of receptive needle and syringe sharing among IDUs in Iran. METHODS The study used data from the Unhide Risk Study, a national survey of IDUs. This study sampled 636 IDUs (91% male) via snowball sampling from eight provinces in Iran in 2009. Socio-demographic and drug use characteristics were collected. We used a logistic regression to determine factors associated with receptive needle and syringe sharing during the past 6 months. RESULTS From 636 IDUs enrolled in this study, 68% (n = 434) reported receptive needle and syringe sharing behaviors in the past 6 months. Odds of receptive needle and syringe sharing in the past 6 months was lower among IDUs who were male [odds ratios (OR) = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12-0.70], had higher education (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.64-0.86) but higher among those who were unemployed (OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.50-10.94), and were single (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.02-2.11). CONCLUSION This study presented factors associated with risk of receptive needle and syringe sharing among Iranian IDUs. This information may be used for HIV prevention and harm reduction purposes. Socio-economic status of Iranian IDUs may be closely linked to high-risk injecting behaviors among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI , USA ; Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture, and Health (CRECH), School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI , USA ; Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation , Tehran , Iran
| | - Khodabakhsh Ahmadi
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Majid Rezazade
- AIDS Prevention and Control Committee of Welfare Organization State , Tehran , Iran
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kandelouei T, Hosseini SM, Gachkar L, Keyvani H, Davoodbeglou F, Vaezjalali M. Reduction in Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Among Intravenous Drug Users in Tehran Drop-in-Centers. Arch Clin Infect Dis 2013; 8. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.15531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Alam Mehrjerdi Z. Norjizak injection: a critical risk for transmitting blood-borne infectious diseases. Hepat Mon 2013; 13:e8272. [PMID: 23805160 PMCID: PMC3693537 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.8272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alam Mehrjerdi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Zahra Alam Mehrjerdi, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 669, South Karegar Ave, 1336616357, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel.: +98-2155421177, Fax: +98-2155421177, E-mail:
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Tahaei SME, Mohebbi SR, Azimzadeh P, Vahedi M, Almasi S, Romani S, Sharifian A, Derakhshan F, Zali MR. Frequency of HIV and HCV Co-Infections in Chronic HBV Patients Referred to Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2006 to 2010. Hepat Mon 2011; 11:993-996. [DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1735143x.4148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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