|
1
|
Alhaydar N, Abusaris R, Alwatban N. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Hepatitis C Virus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Large Cross-Sectional Study. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2025; 15:42. [PMID: 40072795 PMCID: PMC11903971 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-025-00383-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral hepatitis stands accountable for approximately 1.34 million deaths worldwide, with the number of fatalities steadily growing with time. This is partly due to the various genotypes of hepatitis C virus and having no vaccination developed yet. However, a paradigm shift in the epidemiology of hepatitis C was notable due to the emergence of direct-acting antiviral drugs. Nevertheless, related literature in the Saudi context still requires further investigations to improve strategies and interventions targeting HCV in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to estimate the lifetime prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HVC) in Riyadh, KSA, and assess factors associated with HCV that include demographics and co-morbidities. METHODS AND MATERIALS This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare facility, located in Riyadh. The patients' database was searched for data regarding hepatitis C screening and treatment in a time window from 2017 to 2022. The study sample was composed of all individuals screened for or diagnosed with hepatitis C infection in the previously mentioned settings. RESULTS Our sample included a total of 16,690 participants, 929 of which had positive test results (5.6%; 95% CI: 5.2-5.9%), with the rate being significantly higher in post-COVID-19 years due to a decreased number of tests performed. Positive test results were associated with male gender (43.4%), chronic kidney disease (11.8%), diabetes mellitus (34.9%), and hypertension (35%). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were obtained, with male gender (aOR: 2.47), widowed (aOR: 7.8) or divorced (aOR: 2.07) marital status, diabetes mellitus (aOR: 1.97), and hypertension (aOR: 2.87). Singles were found to be at lower risk of infection (aOR: 0.38). For each additional year of the study window, the odds of infection increased by 1.18. CONCLUSION Between 2017 and 2022, The HCV RNA positive cases were estimated to be 5.6%. Several risk factors were identified, including male gender, being widowed or divorced, and having diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. These results underline several opportunities to improve public health efforts and clinical practice in Saudi Arabia. That will further enhance the agenda targeting the burden of HCV in the country. CLINICAL TRIAL Not applicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Alhaydar
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- New Najran General Hospital, Najran Health Cluster, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghib Abusaris
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMARC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Noof Alwatban
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMARC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Al-Naamani KM, Omar H, Al Busafi SA, Al Shuaili HH, Al-Naamani Z, Al-Khabori M, Said EA, AlKalbani AH, Kamath BR, Emad B, Daar S, Alhajri L, AlKalbani A, AlFarsi Z, Alzuhaibi H. Real-World Experience, Effectiveness, and Safety of Direct-Acting Antivirals for the Treatment of Hepatitis C in Oman: A Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:7411. [PMID: 39685869 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13237411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2024] [Revised: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 11/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive research study of the real-world effectiveness and safety of DAA treatment, representing the first study conducted in the Omani population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 375 HCV patients with different genotypes, treated using different DAA regimens, with or without ribavirin, between January 2012 and December 2020 at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the medical city for military and security services, two tertiary hospitals in Muscat, Oman. The rate of sustained virologic response 12 weeks after completing the regimen (SVR-12) was analyzed as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included treatment safety and adverse events related to DAA therapy, as reported by patients and treating physicians. Results: A total of 375 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 47.3 ± 15.4 years. Most were male (59.2%) and treatment-naïve (71.7%). The prevalence of liver cirrhosis was 19.7%, while 4.0% had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The SVR-12 rate among treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients was 95.0% and 93.4%, respectively. Several parameters were associated with DAA treatment failure, including liver cirrhosis (p = 0.004) and active HCC (p = 0.009). Following SVR-12, significant improvements were observed in alanine transaminase, bilirubin, and albumin levels, Fibrosis-4 Index, and liver stiffness measurements compared to baseline (p <0.001 each). No significant adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Based on our real-world experience, DAAs are highly effective in treating patients with HCV infection in Oman, with an excellent tolerability and safety profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid M Al-Naamani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The Medical City of Military and Security Services, Muscat 111, Oman
| | - Heba Omar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The Medical City of Military and Security Services, Muscat 111, Oman
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11652, Egypt
| | - Said A Al Busafi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Halima H Al Shuaili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The Medical City of Military and Security Services, Muscat 111, Oman
| | - Zakariya Al-Naamani
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Murtadha Al-Khabori
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Elias A Said
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Abdullah H AlKalbani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The Medical City of Military and Security Services, Muscat 111, Oman
| | - B R Kamath
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The Medical City of Military and Security Services, Muscat 111, Oman
| | - Bashar Emad
- Department of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Ar-Ramtha 22110, Jordan
| | - Shahina Daar
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Lolo Alhajri
- Department of Nursing, The Medical City of Military and Security Services, Muscat 111, Oman
| | - Alya AlKalbani
- Department of Nursing, The Medical City of Military and Security Services, Muscat 111, Oman
| | - Zainab AlFarsi
- Department of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Haifa Alzuhaibi
- Department of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, Muscat 123, Oman
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Adeiza S, Islam M, Mungadi H, Shuaibu A, Sah R. A preregistered meta-meta-analysis on the global distribution of Hepatotropic Viruses. Vopr Virusol 2024; 69:429-440. [PMID: 39527765 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatotropic viruses (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV) significantly impact global health, with varying prevalence across regions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically consolidate data from diverse meta-analyses to provide a contemporary reference on virus distribution and prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the study utilized a mixed effects model for data integration. Quality evaluation was carried out with QUOROM and AMSTAR tools, with heterogeneity assessed via the Higgins I2 statistic, Q-statistic and Tau squared (τ2) values. RESULTS The study analyzed 86 meta-analyses from 56 studies (2017-2022) with minimal overlap. Prevalence rates by region were as follows: MENA - 29.2%, Afghanistan - 9.14%, Africa - 8.10%. Prevalence rates by virus type: HAV - 82.5%, HBV - 8.6%, HCV - 15.1%, HDV - 8.9%, HEV - 13.9%, dual HBV-HCV coinfection - 2.2%. Prevalence rates by risk groups: general population - 8.3%, healthcare workers - 4.0%. Continent-specific HBV-HCV prevalence rates: Africa - 9.2%, China - 6.9%, others. HCVprevalence rates among at-risk groups: healthcare workers - 5.58%, hemodialysis patients - 34.8%. Regional HCV rates: Africa - 7.42%, Middle East - 25.30%. CONCLUSION Diverse global hepatotropic virus prevalence patterns are influenced by multifaceted factors. MENA faces higher rates due to healthcare challenges, while Africa struggles with limited resources. Tailored public health strategies, including vaccination and awareness campaigns, are essential to alleviate burdens and enhance global health. This consolidated data serves as a valuable resource for informed decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Adeiza
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Usmanu Dafodiyo University
| | - M Islam
- President Abdul Hamid Medical College
- Noakhali Science and Technology University
| | | | | | - R Sah
- Institute of Medicine
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
El-Khoury R, Chemaitelly H, Alaama AS, Hermez JG, Nagelkerke N, Abu-Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C risk score as a tool to identify individuals with HCV infection: a demonstration and cross-sectional epidemiological study in Egypt. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085506. [PMID: 38950989 PMCID: PMC11340217 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a global health challenge. By the end of 2021, the WHO estimated that less than a quarter of global HCV infections had been diagnosed. There is a need for a public health tool that can facilitate the identification of people with HCV infection and link them to testing and treatment, and that can be customised for each country. METHODS We derived and validated a risk score to identify people with HCV in Egypt and demonstrated its utility. Using data from the 2008 and 2014 Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys, two risk scores were constructed through multivariable logistic regression analysis. A range of diagnostic metrics was then calculated to evaluate the performance of these scores. RESULTS The 2008 and 2014 risk scores exhibited similar dependencies on sex, age and type of place of residence. Both risk scores demonstrated high and similar areas under the curve of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.78) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.80), respectively. For the 2008 risk score, sensitivity was 73.7% (95% CI: 71.5% to 75.9%), specificity was 68.5% (95% CI: 67.5% to 69.4%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 27.8% (95% CI: 26.4% to 29.2%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 94.1% (95% CI: 93.5% to 94.6%). For the 2014 risk score, sensitivity was 64.0% (95% CI: 61.5% to 66.6%), specificity was 78.2% (95% CI: 77.5% to 78.9%), PPV was 22.2% (95% CI: 20.9% to 23.5%) and NPV was 95.7% (95% CI: 95.4% to 96.1%). Each score was validated by applying it to a different survey database than the one used to derive it. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of HCV risk scores is an effective strategy to identify carriers of HCV infection and to link them to testing and treatment at low cost to national programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rayane El-Khoury
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, 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, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, 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, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ahmed S Alaama
- Department of Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Joumana G Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nico Nagelkerke
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Nasrallah GK, Chemaitelly H, Ismail AIA, Nizamuddin PB, Al-Sadeq DW, Shurrab FM, Amanullah FH, Al-Hamad TH, Mohammad KN, Alabdulmalek MA, Al Kahlout RA, Al-Shaar I, Elshaikh MA, Abouassali MN, Karimeh IW, Ali MM, Ayoub HH, Abdeen S, Abdelkarim A, Daraan F, Ismail AIHE, Mostafa N, Sahl M, Suliman J, Tayar E, Kasem HA, Agsalog MJA, Akkarathodiyil BK, Alkhalaf AA, Alakshar MMMH, Al-Qahtani AAAH, Al-Shedifat MHA, Ansari A, Ataalla AA, Chougule S, Gopinathan AKKV, Poolakundan FJ, Ranbhise SU, Saefan SMA, Thaivalappil MM, Thoyalil AS, Umar IM, Al Kuwari E, Coyle P, Jeremijenko A, Kaleeckal AH, Abdul Rahim HF, Yassine HM, Al Thani AA, Chaghoury O, Al Kuwari MG, Farag E, Bertollini R, Al Romaihi HE, Al Khal A, Al-Thani MH, Abu-Raddad LJ. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among migrant workers in Qatar. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11275. [PMID: 38760415 PMCID: PMC11101619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61725-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Limited data exist on viral hepatitis among migrant populations. This study investigated the prevalence of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and lifetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Qatar's migrant craft and manual workers (CMWs), constituting 60% of the country's population. Sera collected during a nationwide COVID-19 population-based cross-sectional survey on CMWs between July 26 and September 9, 2020, underwent testing for HBsAg and HCV antibodies. Reactive samples underwent confirmatory testing, and logistic regression analyses were employed to explore associations with HBV and HCV infections. Among 2528 specimens tested for HBV infection, 15 were reactive, with 8 subsequently confirmed positive. Three samples lacked sufficient sera for confirmatory testing but were included in the analysis through multiple imputations. Prevalence of current HBV infection was 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.7%). Educational attainment and occupation were significantly associated with current HBV infection. For HCV infection, out of 2607 specimens tested, 46 were reactive, and 23 were subsequently confirmed positive. Prevalence of lifetime HCV infection was 0.8% (95% CI 0.5-1.2%). Egyptians exhibited the highest prevalence at 6.5% (95% CI 3.1-13.1%), followed by Pakistanis at 3.1% (95% CI 1.1-8.0%). Nationality, geographic location, and occupation were significantly associated with lifetime HCV infection. HBV infection is relatively low among CMWs, while HCV infection falls within the intermediate range, both compared to global and regional levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, 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, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed I A Ismail
- Laboratory Section, Medical Commission Department, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Parveen B Nizamuddin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Farah M Shurrab
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fathima H Amanullah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | - Reham A Al Kahlout
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim Al-Shaar
- Laboratory Section, Medical Commission Department, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Manal A Elshaikh
- Laboratory Section, Medical Commission Department, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mazen N Abouassali
- Laboratory Section, Medical Commission Department, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim W Karimeh
- Laboratory Section, Medical Commission Department, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mutaz M Ali
- Laboratory Section, Medical Commission Department, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houssein H Ayoub
- Mathematics Program, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mohamed Sahl
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Coyle
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | - Hanan F Abdul Rahim
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A Al Thani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, 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, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Al-Shuaili HH, Al-Busafi SA, Al-Naamani K, Al-Naamani Z. Predictors of survival among patients with chronic hepatitis C at a tertiary care center in Oman. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:45-52. [PMID: 38190454 PMCID: PMC10852148 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_201_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. This study aimed to determine rates and predictors of survival among Omani patients with CHC at a tertiary hospital in Muscat, Oman. METHODS This ambidirectional cohort study included all CHC patients who presented to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2017. Baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were analyzed. Patients were followed-up until death or the endpoint of the study (April 2022) to determine survival and associations with other parameters. RESULTS A total of 702 CHC patients were included, of which 398 (56.7%) were under 50 years of age and 477 (67.9%) were male. Overall, 180 patients (25.6%) died by the study endpoint. The mean duration of follow-up was 93.3 ± 48.0 months. The 5-year survival rate was estimated to be 80.5%, while the 10-year survival was 73%. Sustained virological response and the absence of diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, HCC, or other malignancies were associated with significantly better overall survival. The 3- and 5-year survival rate of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC was 46.5% and 27.6%, respectively, with a median survival of 29.5 months. Co-infection with hepatitis B was associated with poor survival among this subgroup; conversely, early HCV screening and the presence of a single HCC lesion were associated with better overall survival. CONCLUSIONS National policies for early CHC screening and rapid treatment are needed to improve survival rates in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Said A. Al-Busafi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Waked I, Alsammany S, Tirmazy SH, Rasul K, Bani-Issa J, Abdel-Razek W, Omar A, Shafik A, Eid S, Abdelaal A, Hosni A, Esmat G. Multidisciplinary consensus recommendations for management of hepatocellular carcinoma in Middle East and North Africa region. Liver Int 2023; 43:2062-2077. [PMID: 37553777 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a growing health concern projected to cross over a million cases worldwide by 2025. HCC presents a significant burden of disease in Middle East and North African (MENA) countries due to a high prevalence of risk factors such as hepatitis C and B infections and rising incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In August 2022, an advisory meeting consisting of experts from 5 MENA countries was convened in an attempt to provide consensus recommendations on HCC screening, early diagnosis, current treatment modalities and unmet medical needs in the region. Data were collected from a pre-meeting survey questionnaire and responses analysed and presented during the advisory meeting. This review summarizes the evidence discussed at the meeting and provides expert recommendations on the management of HCC. The 2022 update of Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging and treatment strategy and its implementation in the MENA region was extensively discussed. A key consensus of the expert panel was that multidisciplinary care is crucial to effective patient management that results in better clinical outcomes and overall survival of the patient. The panel recommended the use of predictive and early response biomarkers to guide clinicians in arriving at more effective therapeutic decisions. The experts also emphasized the role of robust screening/surveillance systems, population-based registries, effective referral pathways and standardization of guidelines to ensure the successful management of HCC in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imam Waked
- Department of Medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Sherif Alsammany
- Department of Medical Oncology, King Abdullah Medical City, Mecca, KSA
| | | | - Kakil Rasul
- Department of Medical Oncology, GI Unit, National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jafar Bani-Issa
- Department of Interventional Radiology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Wael Abdel-Razek
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Omar
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepato-Gastroentrology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Shafik
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salem Eid
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Abdelaal
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hosni
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepato-Gastroentrology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
|
8
|
Ayoub HH, Mahmud S, Chemaitelly H, Abu-Raddad LJ. Treatment as prevention for hepatitis C virus in the Middle East and North Africa: a modeling study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1187786. [PMID: 37521971 PMCID: PMC10374017 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1187786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Direct-acting antivirals opened an opportunity for eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the region most affected by HCV infection. Impact of HCV treatment as prevention (HCV-TasP) was investigated in 19 MENA countries. Methods An age-structured mathematical model was used to assess program impact using epidemiologic and programming measures. The model was fitted to a database of systematically gathered HCV antibody prevalence data. Two main scenarios were investigated for the treatment roll-out to achieve (i) 80% reduction in HCV incidence by 2030, and (ii) incidence rate < 1 per 100,000 person-years by 2030. Results In the target-80%-incidence-reduction scenario, number of treatments administrated by 2030 ranged from 2,610 in Lebanon to 180,416 in Sudan with a median of 53,079, and treatment coverage ranged between 40.2 and 78.4% with a median of 60.4%. By 2030, prevalence of chronic infection ranged between 0.0 and 0.3% with a median of 0.1%, and incidence rate, per 100,000 person-years, ranged between 0.9 and 16.3 with a median of 3.2. Program-attributed reduction in incidence rate ranged between 47.8 and 81.9% with a median of 68.5%, and number of averted infections ranged between 401 and 68,499 with a median of 8,703. Number of treatments needed to prevent one new infection ranged from 1.7 in Oman to 25.9 in Tunisia with a median of 6.5. In the target incidence rate < 1 per 100,000 person-years scenario, number of treatments administrated by 2030 ranged from 3,470 in Lebanon to 211,912 in Sudan with a median of 54,479, and treatment coverage ranged between 55.5 and 95.9% with a median of 87.5%. By 2030, prevalence of chronic infection was less than 0.1%, and incidence rate, per 100,000 person-years, reached less than 1. Program-attributed reduction in incidence rate ranged between 61.0 and 97.5% with a median of 90.7%, and number of averted infections ranged between 559 and 104,315 with a median of 12,158. Number of treatments needed to prevent one new infection ranged from 1.3 in Oman to 25.9 in Tunisia with a median of 5.5. Conclusion HCV-TasP is an effective and indispensable prevention intervention to control MENA's HCV epidemic and to achieve elimination by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Houssein H. Ayoub
- Mathematics Program, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarwat Mahmud
- 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, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- 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, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - 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, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
9
|
Albarrak J, Al-Shamsi H. Current Status of Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in The Gulf Region: Challenges and Recommendations. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072001. [PMID: 37046662 PMCID: PMC10093592 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is on the rise in the Gulf region, with most patients being diagnosed in the intermediate or advanced stages. Surgery is a treatment option for only a few, and the majority of patients receive either locoregional treatment (percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization [TACE], radioembolization, radiotherapy, or transarterial radioembolization) or systemic therapy (for those ineligible for locoregional treatments or who do not benefit from TACE). The recent emergence of novel immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors has begun to change the landscape of systemic HCC treatment in the Gulf. The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab is currently the preferred first-line therapy in patients not at risk of bleeding. Additionally, the HIMALAYA trial has demonstrated the superiority of the durvalumab plus tremelimumab combination (STRIDE regimen) therapy in efficacy and safety compared with sorafenib in patients with unresectable HCC. However, there is a lack of data on post-progression treatment after first-line therapy with either atezolizumab plus bevacizumab or durvalumab plus tremelimumab regimens, highlighting the need for better-designed studies for improved management of patients with unresectable HCC in the Gulf region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasem Albarrak
- Kuwait Cancer Control Center, Sabah Health Region, Kuwait City 8WF3+WR8, Kuwait;
| | - Humaid Al-Shamsi
- Burjeel Medical City- Burjeel Holding, Abu Dhabi 92510, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai 22107, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
|
10
|
Hawsawi NM, Saber T, Salama HM, Fouad WS, Hagag HM, Alhuthali HM, Eed EM, Saber T, Ismail KA, Al Qurashi HH, Altowairqi S, Samaha M, El-Hossary D. Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus and Efficacy of Direct-Acting Antiviral Drugs among Chronic Hepatitis C Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:92. [PMID: 36828508 PMCID: PMC9967136 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020092] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection is a major causative factor for several chronic liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis, liver cell failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV has seven major genotypes. Genotype 4 is the most prevalent genotype in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, followed by genotype 1. The HCV genotype affects the response to different HCV treatments and the progression of liver disease. Currently, combinations of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) approved for the treatment of HCV achieve high cure rates with minimal adverse effects. Because real-world data from Saudi Arabia about the efficacy of DAAs are still limited, this study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of DAAs in treating patients with chronic hepatitis C and to identify the variables related to a sustained virologic response (SVR) in a real-world setting in Saudi Arabia. This prospective cohort study included 200 Saudi patients with chronic HCV who were 18 years of age or older and had been treated with DAAs at King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia, between September 2018 and March 2021. The response to treatment was assessed by whether or not an SVR had been achieved at week 12 post treatment (SVR12). An SVR12 was reached in 97.5% of patients. SVR12 rates were comparable for patients of different ages, between men and women, and between patients with and without cirrhosis. In addition, the SVR12 rates did not differ according to the infecting HCV genotype. In this study, the presence of cirrhosis and the patient's gender were independent predictors of who would not reach an SVR12 (known here as the non-SVR12 group) according to the results of univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses based on the determinants of SVR12. In this population of patients with chronic HCV infection, all DAA regimens achieved very high SVR12 rates. The patients' gender and the presence of cirrhosis were independent factors of a poor response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahed Mohammed Hawsawi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamer Saber
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Hussein M. Salama
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Walaa S. Fouad
- Departments of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Howaida M. Hagag
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Hayaa M. Alhuthali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad M. Eed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebinel Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Taisir Saber
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Khadiga A. Ismail
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hesham H. Al Qurashi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samir Altowairqi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohmmad Samaha
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia El-Hossary
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
|
11
|
Mahmud S, Chemaitelly H, Alaama AS, Hermez JG, Abu-Raddad LJ. Characterizing trends and associations for hepatitis C virus antibody prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa: meta-regression analyses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20637. [PMID: 36450850 PMCID: PMC9712517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study characterized population-level trends and associations with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (Ab) prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Data source was the standardized and systematically gathered MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project Database. Random-effects univariable and multivariable meta-regressions were conducted. 2,621 HCV Ab prevalence measures on 49,824,108 individuals were analyzed. In the analysis including all populations, 71% of the variation in prevalence was explained, mostly by at-risk population type. Compared to the general population, prevalence was 23-fold higher among people who inject drugs, and 14-fold higher among high-risk clinical populations. In the analysis including only the general population, 67% of the variation in prevalence was explained, mostly by country/subregion. Compared to Afghanistan, prevalence was highest in Egypt and Pakistan. Prevalence in the general population was declining at a rate of 4% per year, but outside the general population, the decline was at only 1% per year. HCV Ab prevalence in MENA is declining rapidly, but this decline is largely occurring in the general population following introduction of blood and injection safety measures. The decline in populations at higher risk of exposure is slow and below the level needed to achieve HCV elimination by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, P.O. Box 24144, 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, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, P.O. Box 24144, 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, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed S Alaama
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/STIs Unit, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Joumana G Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/STIs Unit, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, P.O. Box 24144, 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, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
|
12
|
Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (HCV, HIV, Syphilis and Malaria) in Blood Donors: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070726. [PMID: 35889972 PMCID: PMC9321235 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood plays a major role in transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, malaria, and many others. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the distribution of HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria among blood donors in Yemen. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted on blood donors at the national center in Yemen. Blood donors’ specimens were serologically tested for the presence of anti-HCV and anti-HIV antibodies, as well as anti-Treponema pallidum, anti-Plasmodium falciparum, and anti-Plasmodium vivax. A total of 16,367 donors were included in this study. Based on the donor’s occupation, the study showed that the relative seroprevalence of anti-HCV Ab among the donors was statistically significant, and relatively high prevalence was found among military donors (2.8%). Positive HIV antibody tests were only reported in 33 male donors (0.2%), who were mostly manual workers. A remarkably high prevalence of anti-Treponema pallidum was observed among manual workers (3.1%). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of anti-malaria Ab based on residency and age groups. This study revealed that the prevalence of HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria among donors was 2.0%, 0.2%, 2.4%, and 0.7%, respectively. Further genotyping studies are necessary to provide a complete picture of the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs).
Collapse
|
|
13
|
Knowledge and Perception of and Attitude toward a Premarital Screening Program in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074418. [PMID: 35410099 PMCID: PMC8998822 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Premarital screening (PMS) is a primary preventive measure to decrease the incidence of certain genetic disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and perception of and the attitude toward PMS and predictors of knowledge and attitude. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Qatar University students using an online survey. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PMS knowledge and attitude. A total of 476 students participated in the study; 424 (89.1%) were females; two-thirds were 18–21 years old. Only 100 participants had heard about PMS. Knowledge of PMS was significantly associated with females, students enrolled in a health-related college, and non-consanguineous marriage of a participant’s parents. The majority of the participants agreed that genetic diseases are psychological and economic burdens. For attitude, only 178 participants were willing to cancel marriages, given incompatible PMS results. The following factors were positively associated with attitude: PMS knowledge, enrollment in a health-related college, and the belief that PMS does not interfere with destiny. Our study findings revealed that despite the mandatory PMS in Qatar, the study participants, future couples, had low knowledge about the program. Therefore, strategies to increase awareness of PMS should be considered toward improving its outcomes.
Collapse
|
|
14
|
Mahmud S, Chemaitelly H, Alaama AS, Hermez JG, Abu-Raddad L. Hepatitis C virus among blood donors and general population in Middle East and North Africa: Meta-analyses and meta-regressions. World J Meta-Anal 2022; 10:12-24. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v10.i1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region reported to have the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally, HCV infection levels in the majority of MENA countries remain inadequately characterized. Blood donor data have been previously used as a proxy to assess levels and trends of HCV in the general population, however, it is unclear how comparable these populations are in MENA and whether blood donors provide an appropriate proxy.
AIM To delineate HCV epidemiology among blood donors and the general population in the MENA.
METHODS The data source was the systematically gathered MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project Database. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted. For comparison, analyses were conducted for Europe, utilizing the Hepatitis C Prevalence Database of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
RESULTS One thousand two hundred and thirteen HCV antibody prevalence measures and 84 viremic rate measures were analyzed for MENA. Three hundred and seventy-seven antibody prevalence measures were analyzed for Europe. In MENA, pooled mean prevalence was 1.58% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48%–1.69%] among blood donors and 4.49% (95%CI: 4.10%–4.90%) in the general population. In Europe, pooled prevalence was 0.11% (95%CI: 0.10%–0.13%) among blood donors and 1.59% (95%CI: 1.25%–1.97%) in the general population. Prevalence in the general population was 1.72-fold (95%CI: 1.50–1.97) higher than that in blood donors in MENA, but it was 15.10-fold (95%CI: 11.48–19.86) higher in Europe. Prevalence was declining at a rate of 4% per year in both MENA and Europe [adjusted risk ratio: 0.96 (95%CI: 0.95–0.97) in MENA and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.92–0.99) in Europe]. Pooled mean viremic rate in MENA was 76.29% (95%CI: 67.64%–84.02%) among blood donors and 65.73% (95%CI: 61.03%–70.29%) in the general population.
CONCLUSION Blood donor data provide a useful proxy for HCV infection in the wider population in MENA, but not Europe, and could improve HCV burden estimations and assess progress toward HCV elimination by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Ahmed S Alaama
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/ STIs Unit, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo 11371, Egypt
| | - Joumana G Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/ STIs Unit, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo 11371, Egypt
| | - Laith Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
15
|
Al-Amad SH. Willingness of dentists in the United Arab Emirates to perform restorative and surgical treatments for patients infected with hepatitis C. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:230. [PMID: 34933688 PMCID: PMC8692077 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dentists' refusal to treat patients infected with hepatitis C (HCV) continues to raise ethical concerns, particularly in countries where HCV is prevalent. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess dentists' willingness to treat patients infected with HCV and the socio-demographic variables that influence their decision. METHODS An online questionnaire was disseminated to dentists practicing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and enquired about their willingness to perform two dental treatments: restorative and surgical, to patients infected with HCV, while hypothetically being equipped with optimal personal protective equipment. Binary logistic regression test was used to assess socio-demographic factors that predict dentists' unwillingness decision. RESULTS Two-hundred and forty-five dentists participated in this survey. Among those, 25.6 and 19.3% were unwilling to perform dental extractions and aerosol-generating restorative dental treatments for patients infected with HCV, respectively. Dentists' clinical experience was a significant predictor of their unwillingness decision, with those of shorter clinical experience expressing greater reluctance than their counterparts (OR:1.61; 95% CI: 1.02-2.54; p = 0.042). CONCLUSION Patients infected with HCV who need dental care could face rejection by early career dentists, particularly if that treatment is a surgical one. Fresh dental graduates should be made aware of their ethical and legal responsibilities towards patients with infectious diseases, particularly HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhail H Al-Amad
- College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
|
16
|
Worldwide prevalence, genotype distribution and management of hepatitis C. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2021; 84:637-656. [PMID: 34965046 DOI: 10.51821/84.4.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in major global public health concerns. The HCV infection is unevenly distributed worldwide, with variations in prevalence across and within countries. The studies on molecular epidemiology conducted in several countries provide an essential supplement for a comprehensive knowledge of HCV epidemiology, genotypes, and subtypes, along with providing information on the impact of current and earlier migratory flows. HCV is phylogenetically classified into 8 major genotypes and 57 subtypes. HCV genotype and subtype distribution differ according to geographic origin and transmission risk category. Unless people with HCV infection are detected and treated appropriately, the number of deaths due to the disease will continue to increase. In 2015, 1.75 million new viral infections were mostly due to unsafe healthcare procedures and drug use injections. In the same year, access to direct-acting antivirals was challenging and varied in developing and developed countries, affecting HCV cure rates based on their availability. The World Health Assembly, in 2016, approved a global strategy to achieve the elimination of the HCV public health threat by 2030 (by reducing new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%). Globally, countries are implementing policies and measures to eliminate HCV risk based on their distribution of genotypes and prevalence.
Collapse
|
|
17
|
Hashim A, Almahdi F, Albaba EA, Barkia O, Alkasam R, Almahmoud A, Nabil A, Alsulaimani A, Mosli M. Efficacy of DAAs in the Treatment of Chronic HCV: Real-World Data from the Private Health-Care Sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2021; 10:178-183. [PMID: 32538035 PMCID: PMC7310777 DOI: 10.2991/jegh.k.200117.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered a global health challenge that requires urgent interventions for prevention and control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV-infected patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we ascertained data of patients treated with DAA-based regimens for chronic HCV in the private health-care sector hospitals of KSA between April 2015 and December 2017. Data regarding presence or absence of liver cirrhosis, virus genotype, quantitative HCV RNA test, fibrosis stage, and history of liver disease were included. The primary end point of the study was the overall cure rate, defined as the number of patients achieving sustained viral response (SVR) rate at least 12 weeks following completion of treatment, divided by the total number of patients included in the study. Results: A total of 262 patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Adult patients were enrolled, of which 114 (44%) were females and 148 (56%) were males. About 105 of the patients (40%) were cirrhotic and 156 were treatment-naïve patients (60%), 84 patients were interferon (INF) experienced, and 22 patients had previously received new DAAs but failed to achieve SVR. The majority of patients received ledipasvir–sofosbuvir±RBV (57%) with SVR rate of approximately 97%. Conclusions: Our local real-world data indicate an overall HCV cure rate of 97% following treatment with DDA#x2019;s when prescribed in the private sector. This estimate is acquiescence with previously reported global cure rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Almoutaz Hashim
- Department of Medicine, The University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadia Almahdi
- Pharmaceutical Care and Management Unit, Bupa Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad Aldin Albaba
- Department of Medicine, Almana General Hospital, Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ohoud Barkia
- Clinical Governance, Bupa Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alkasam
- Clinical Governance, Bupa Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa Almahmoud
- Pharmaceutical Care and Management Unit, Bupa Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nabil
- Pharmaceutical Care and Management Unit, Bupa Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mahmoud Mosli
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
|
18
|
Khalsa JH, Mathur P. Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Persons Who Inject Drugs in the Middle East and North Africa: Intervention Strategies. Viruses 2021; 13:1363. [PMID: 34372569 PMCID: PMC8310161 DOI: 10.3390/v13071363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a high incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection in persons with or without substance use disorders (SUDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but only a small number receive comprehensive care. Highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications are available at substantially lower costs; however, complete elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can only be achieved if integrated care strategies target those at highest risk for HCV infection and transmission and improve access to care. Due to the high prevalence of SUD in the MENA region, strategies to eliminate HCV must focus on integrated healthcare across multiple subspecialties, including addiction medicine, psychiatry, infectious diseases, hepatology, and social work. In this invited manuscript, we review the epidemiology of HCV in the MENA region and highlight intervention strategies to attain the WHO's goal of HCV eradication by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jag H. Khalsa
- Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse and Infections Branch, Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Poonam Mathur
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
|
19
|
Hasan F, Alfadhli A, Al-Gharabally A, Alkhaldi M, Colombo M, Lazarus JV. Accelerating the elimination of hepatitis C in Kuwait: An expert opinion. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4415-4427. [PMID: 32874054 PMCID: PMC7438195 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i30.4415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to affect 71 million people worldwide. In 2016, the World Health Organization adopted the first global health sector strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. In December 2018, the European Association for the Study of the Liver, International Liver Foundation convened an expert panel to address the elimination of HCV in Kuwait. Several steps have already been taken to eliminate HCV in Kuwait, including free HCV treatment for Kuwait's citizens, high blood safety standards, and the implementation of screening and awareness programs. The expert panel made several recommendations aimed at accelerating the elimination of HCV in Kuwait: The development of a national strategy and action plan to guide all HCV elimination activities; the formation of a coordination mechanism to support collaboration between hepatitis working committees; the prioritization of micro-elimination at primary, secondary or tertiary facilities, in prisons and rehabilitation centers; and ensuring the involvement of multiple stakeholders - including relevant civil society groups - in all activities. Enhanced screening and linkage to care should be prioritized in Kuwait, with the expansion of the prescriber base to primary healthcare providers and nurse practitioners to be considered. Raising awareness and educating people about HCV infection also remain essential to achieve the goal of HCV elimination. Lastly, a national HCV registry should be developed to help monitor the implementation of viral hepatitis plans and progress towards achieving national and international targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuad Hasan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait 12037, Kuwait
| | - Ahmad Alfadhli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait 12037, Kuwait
| | | | - Mahmoud Alkhaldi
- Public Health Department, Ministry of Health, Kuwait 13110, Kuwait
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Head Center of Translational Research in Hepatology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano 20089, Italy
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
|
20
|
Noibi S, Mohy A, Gouhar R, Shaker F, Lukic T, Al-Jahdali H. Asthma control factors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the effectiveness of ICS/LABA fixed dose combinations: a dual rapid literature review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1211. [PMID: 32770967 PMCID: PMC7414753 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09259-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma control is influenced by multiple factors. These factors must be considered when appraising asthma interventions and their effectiveness in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates [UAE]). Based on published studies, the most prevalent asthma treatment in these countries are fixed dose combinations (FDC) of inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS/LABA). This study is a rapid review of the literature on: (a) factors associated with asthma control in the GCC countries and (b) generalisability of ICS/LABA FDC effectiveness studies. Methods To review local factors associated with asthma control and, generalisability of published ICS/LABA FDC studies, two rapid reviews were conducted. Review 1 targeted literature pertaining to asthma control factors in GCC countries. Eligible studies were appraised, and clustering methodology used to summarise factors. Review 2 assessed ICS/LABA FDC studies in conditions close to actual clinical practice (i.e. effectiveness studies). Eligibility was determined by reviewing study characteristics. Evaluation of studies focused on randomised controlled trials (RCTs). In both reviews, initial (January 2018) and updated (November 2019) searches were conducted in EMBASE and PubMed databases. Eligible studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. Results We identified 51 publications reporting factors associated with asthma control. These publications reported studies conducted in Saudi Arabia (35), Qatar (5), Kuwait (5), UAE (3), Oman (1) and multiple countries (2). The most common factors associated with asthma control were: asthma-related education (13 articles), demographics (11articles), comorbidities (11 articles) and environmental exposures (11 articles). Review 2 identified 61 articles reporting ICS/LABA FDC effectiveness studies from countries outside of the GCC. Of these, six RCTs were critically appraised. The adequacy of RCTs in informing clinical practice varied when appraised against previously published criteria. Conclusions Asthma-related education was the most recurring factor associated with asthma control in the GCC countries. Moreover, the generalisability of ICS/LABA FDC studies to this region is variable. Hence, asthma patients in the region, particularly those on ICS/LABA FDC, will continue to require physician review and oversight. While our findings provide evidence for local treatment guidelines, further research is required in GCC countries to establish the causal pathways through which asthma-related education influence asthma control for patients on ICS/LABA FDC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Noibi
- Medical Affairs Department, GSK Saudi Arabia, 22nd Floor Head Quarters Business Park, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed Mohy
- Medical Affairs Department, GSK Saudi Arabia, 22nd Floor Head Quarters Business Park, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raef Gouhar
- Medical Affairs Department, GSK Gulf Countries, Arenco Towers, Dubai Medial City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fadel Shaker
- Medical Affairs Department, GSK Saudi Arabia, 22nd Floor Head Quarters Business Park, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamara Lukic
- Medical Affairs Department, GSK Gulf Countries, Arenco Towers, Dubai Medial City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Al-Jahdali
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences I KSAU-HS, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
|
21
|
Omar AM, Elfaky MA, Arold ST, Soror SH, Khayat MT, Asfour HZ, Bamane FH, El-Araby ME. 1 H-Imidazole-2,5-Dicarboxamides as NS4A Peptidomimetics: Identification of a New Approach to Inhibit HCV-NS3 Protease. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E479. [PMID: 32245218 PMCID: PMC7175367 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonstructural (NS) protein NS3/4A protease is a critical factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) maturation that requires activation by NS4A. Synthetic peptide mutants of NS4A were found to inhibit NS3 function. The bridging from peptide inhibitors to heterocyclic peptidomimetics of NS4A has not been considered in the literature and, therefore, we decided to explore this strategy for developing a new class of NS3 inhibitors. In this report, a structure-based design approach was used to convert the bound form of NS4A into 1H-imidazole-2,5-dicarboxamide derivatives as first generation peptidomimetics. This scaffold mimics the buried amino acid sequence Ile-25` to Arg-28` at the core of NS4A21`-33` needed to activate the NS3 protease. Some of the synthesized compounds (Coded MOC) were able to compete with and displace NS4A21`-33` for binding to NS3. For instance, N5-(4-guanidinobutyl)-N2-(n-hexyl)-1H-imidazole-2,5-dicarboxamide (MOC-24) inhibited the binding of NS4A21`-33` with a competition half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.9 ± 0.12 µM in a fluorescence anisotropy assay and stabilized the denaturation of NS3 by increasing the aggregation temperature (40% compared to NS4A21`-33`). MOC-24 also inhibited NS3 protease activity in a fluorometric assay. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to rationalize the differences in structure-activity relationship (SAR) between the active MOC-24 and the inactive MOC-26. Our data show that MOC compounds are possibly the first examples of NS4A peptidomimetics that have demonstrated promising activities against NS3 proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelsattar M. Omar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.O.); (M.T.K.)
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A. Elfaky
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Stefan T. Arold
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sameh H. Soror
- Center for Scientific Excellence Helwan Structural Biology Research (HSBR), Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Maan T. Khayat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.O.); (M.T.K.)
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Faida H. Bamane
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Moustafa E. El-Araby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.O.); (M.T.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
22
|
Mahmud S, Chemaitelly HS, Kouyoumjian SP, Al Kanaani Z, Abu‐Raddad LJ. Key associations for hepatitis C virus genotypes in the Middle East and North Africa. J Med Virol 2020; 92:386-393. [PMID: 31663611 PMCID: PMC7003848 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through an analytical and quantitative meta-regression methodology. For the most common genotypes 1, 3, and 4, country/subregion explained more than 77% of the variation in the distribution of each genotype. Genotype 1 was common across MENA, and was more present in high-risk clinical populations than in the general population. Genotype 3 was much more present in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan than the rest of countries, and was associated with transmission through injecting drug use. Genotype 4 was broadly disseminated in Egypt in all populations, with overall limited presence elsewhere. While genotype 2 was more present in high-risk clinical populations and people who inject drugs, most of the variation in its distribution remained unexplained. Genotypes 5, 6, and 7 had low or no presence in MENA, limiting the epidemiological inferences that could be drawn. To sum up, geography is the principal determinant of HCV genotype distribution. Genotype 1 is associated with transmission through high-risk clinical procedures, while genotype 3 is associated with injecting drug use. These findings demonstrate the power of such analytical approach, which if extended to other regions and globally, can yield relevant epidemiological inferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Hiam S. Chemaitelly
- 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
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Laith J. Abu‐Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew YorkNew York
- College of Health and Life SciencesHamad Bin Khalifa UniversityDohaQatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
23
|
Mahmud S, Chemaitelly H, Al Kanaani Z, Kouyoumjian SP, Abu‐Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Populations With Liver-Related Diseases in the Middle East and North Africa. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:577-587. [PMID: 32258952 PMCID: PMC7109336 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in populations with liver‐related diseases (LRDs) in the Middle East and North Africa. The data source was standardized databases of HCV measures populated through systematic reviews. Random‐effects meta‐analyses and meta‐regressions were performed, and genotype diversity was assessed. Analyses were based on 252 HCV antibody prevalence measures, eight viremic rate measures, and 30 genotype measures on 132,358 subjects. Pooled mean prevalence in LRD populations was 58.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51.5%‐66.0%) in Egypt and 55.8% (95% CI, 49.1%‐62.4%) in Pakistan; these values were higher than in other countries, which had a pooled prevalence of only 15.6% (95% CI, 12.4%‐19.0%). Mean prevalence was highest in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at 56.9% (95% CI, 50.2%‐63.5%) and those with cirrhosis at 50.4% (95% CI, 40.8%‐60.0%). Type of LRD population and country were the strongest predictors of prevalence, explaining 48.6% of the variation. No evidence for prevalence decline was found, but there was strong evidence for prevalence increase in Pakistan. A strong, positive association was identified between prevalence in the general population and that in LRD populations; the Pearson correlation coefficient ranged between 0.605 and 0.862. The pooled mean viremic rate was 75.5% (95% CI, 61.0%‐87.6%). Genotype 4 was most common (44.2%), followed by genotype 3 (34.5%), genotype 1 (17.0%), genotype 2 (3.5%), genotype 6 (0.5%), and genotype 5 (0.3%). Conclusion: HCV appears to play a dominant role in liver diseases in Egypt and Pakistan and has a growing role in Pakistan. Testing and treatment of LRD populations are essential to reduce disease burden and transmission and to reach HCV elimination by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Laith J. Abu‐Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and ResearchWeill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew YorkNY
- College of Health and Life SciencesHamad bin Khalifa UniversityDohaQatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
24
|
El-Araby ME, Omar AM, Soror SH, Arold ST, Khayat MT, Asfour HZ, Bamane F, Elfaky MA. Synthetic bulky NS4A peptide variants bind to and inhibit HCV NS3 protease. J Adv Res 2020; 24:251-259. [PMID: 32373358 PMCID: PMC7195562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
NS4A is a non-structural multi-tasking small peptide that is essential for HCV maturation and replication. The central odd-numbered hydrophobic residues of NS4A (Val-23‘ to Leu-31‘)i are essential for activating NS3 upon NS3/4A protease complex formation. This study aims to design new specific allosteric NS3/4A protease inhibitors by mutating Val-23‘, Ile-25‘, and Ile-29‘ into bulkier amino acids. Pep-15, a synthetic peptide, showed higher binding affinity towards HCV-NS3 subtype-4 than native NS4A. The Kd of Pep-15 (80.0 ± 8.0 nM) was twice as high as that of native NS4A (169 ± 37 nM). The mutant Pep-15 inhibited the catalytic activity of HCV-NS3 by forming an inactive complex. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that a cascade of conformational changes occurred, especially in the catalytic triad arrangements, thereby inactivating NS3. A large shift in the position of Ser-139 was observed, leading to loss of critical hydrogen bonding with His-57. Even though this study is not a classic drug discovery study—nor do we propose Pep-15 as a drug candidate—it serves as a stepping stone towards developing a potent inhibitor of hitherto untargeted HCV subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa E El-Araby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelsattar M Omar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Sameh H Soror
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, P.O. 11795, Cairo, Egypt.,Center for Scientific Excellence Helwan Structural Biology Research (HSBR), Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, P.O. 11795, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Stefan T Arold
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Computational Bioscience Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maan T Khayat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Z Asfour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faida Bamane
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A Elfaky
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Alsulaymanyah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
|
25
|
Sallam M, Batarseh R, Natsheh A, Abbadi J, Al-Fraihat E, Yaseen A, Kaddomi D, Khamees N, Mahafzah A, Şahin GÖ. An update on hepatitis C virus genotype distribution in Jordan: a 12-year retrospective study from a tertiary care teaching hospital in Amman. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 20:3. [PMID: 31892307 PMCID: PMC6938611 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4735-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nucleic acid hybridization (NAH) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a practical and reliable tool for virus genotyping. Genotype assignment is an important factor in the prediction of treatment success in chronic hepatitis C patients. The aim of this study was to determine the genotype distribution among HCV clinical isolates in Jordan between 2007 and 2018. Methods Electronic and paper-based clinical data registry records from 2007 to 2018 at the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) were retrospectively examined for individuals with HCV genotype, HCV viral load, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing results. Genotype determination was based on NAH technique using the HCV 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) with 386 requests available from 342 unique individuals. Results A total of 263 out of 342 unique individuals (76.9%) had genotyping results available for final analysis with 259 individuals each having a single genotyping result. The most common HCV genotypes in the study were: genotype 4 (n = 142, 54.0%), genotype 1 (n = 87, 33.1%), genotype 3 (n = 16, 6.1%), genotype 2 (n = 9, 3.4%), other undetermined genotypes (n = 5, 1.9%) and mixed infections (n = 4, 1.5%). Sub-genotyping results were available for 46 individuals as follows: sub-genotype 4c/d (n = 13, 28.3%), sub-genotype 1a (n = 11, 23.9%), sub-genotype 1b (n = 10, 21.7%), sub-genotype 4a (n = 8, 17.4%), sub-genotype 3a (n = 2, 4.3%), sub-genotypes 2a/c and 4 h (n = 1, 2.2% for both). Individuals infected with genotype 1 showed higher viral load when compared to those infected with genotype 4 (p = 0.048, t-test). Younger HCV-infected individuals (< 52 years) had higher ALT levels compared to older individuals (p = 0.036, t-test). Self-reported risk factors for HCV acquisition included: history of previous surgery, invasive dental procedures, and blood transfusion, delivery at home, circumcision at home and wet cupping therapy (hijama). Conclusions High genetic diversity of HCV was found in Jordan, with genotypes 4 and 1 as the most prevalent genotypes co-circulating in the country. Potential impact of virus genotype on disease markers (viral load, ALT) was detected and needs further assessment. The study can be helpful to plan for future prevention and management of HCV infection in Jordan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan. .,Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan. .,Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22100, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Rawan Batarseh
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Anas Natsheh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan.,Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Jumana Abbadi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan.,Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Esraa Al-Fraihat
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan.,Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Alaa' Yaseen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Doaa Kaddomi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Nadia Khamees
- Gastroenterology and Liver Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Azmi Mahafzah
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan.,Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Street-Aljubeiha, /P.O. Box: 13046, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Gülşen Özkaya Şahin
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22100, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, 22100, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
|
26
|
Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV in Multiply Transfused Sickle Cell Disease Patients from Oman. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2019; 11:e2019058. [PMID: 31700583 PMCID: PMC6827606 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2019.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Oman, the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) infection is 5.8%, with 2.8–7.1% HBV carriers. Hepatitis C (HCV) prevalence among Omanis is 0.41%. A total of 2917 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were notified among Omanis by 2017. This study was performed as there was no data on the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients from Oman. Study Design and Methods In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, medical records of all SCD patients who attended our hospital between 2011 to 2017 were retrieved from the hospital information system. Following approval by the local medical research and ethics committee, data on HIV, HBV, and HCV exposure were recorded to estimate the prevalence. Results Among a total of 1000 SCD patients (491 males and 509 females), twenty-three (2.3%) patients showed positive serology for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), of whom sixteen (1.6%) were HBV DNA positive. 126 (12.6%) had anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), of whom fifty-two (5.2%) were HCV RNA positive. None of the patients had positive serology for HIV. A normal liver was observed on abdominal ultrasound in 788 (78.8%) patients, whereas 208 (20.8%) had hepatomegaly, and 4 (0.4%) had liver cirrhosis. Thirty-six (3.6%) patients died, but in only two patients, the mortality was due to cirrhosis of liver. Conclusions This study provides the first comprehensive data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among Omani SCD patients exposed to blood transfusions. Reassuringly, no case with HIV was observed.
Collapse
|
|
27
|
Mahmud S, Al Kanaani Z, Abu-Raddad LJ. Characterization of the hepatitis C virus epidemic in Pakistan. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:809. [PMID: 31521121 PMCID: PMC6744714 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4403-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With one in every 20 Pakistanis already infected, Pakistan has the second largest number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections globally. The aim of this study was to present a quantitative and analytical characterization of the HCV epidemic in Pakistan. Methods A standardized database of HCV antibody incidence and prevalence and HCV genotypes in all subpopulations was systematically assembled. Random-effects meta-analyses and random-effects meta-regressions were performed. Shannon Diversity Index was calculated to determine genotype diversity. Results The database included two incidence, 309 prevalence, and 48 genotype measures. Pooled mean HCV prevalence ranged between 7.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.8–8.3%) in Sindh and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.1–2.4%) in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (F.A.T.A). Estimated number of chronically-infected persons ranged between 4.2 million in Punjab and 0.03 million in F.A.T.A. HCV prevalence was stable over time [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.0 (95% CI: 1.0–1.0)]. Population classification was the strongest predictor of HCV prevalence, explaining 51.8% of prevalence variation. Relative to the general population, HCV prevalence was higher in people who inject drugs [AOR of 23.8 (95% CI: 13.0–43.6)], populations with liver-related conditions [AOR of 22.3 (95% CI: 15.7–31.6)], and high-risk clinical populations [AOR of 7.8 (95% CI: 4.8–12.7)]. Low genotype diversity was observed (Shannon diversity index of 0.67 out of 1.95; 34.5%). There were only minor differences in genotype diversity by province, with genotype 3 being most common in all provinces. Conclusion Pakistan’s HCV epidemic shows homogeneity across the provinces, and over time. HCV prevalence is strikingly persistent at high level, with no evidence for a decline over the last three decades. Scale up of HCV treatment and prevention is urgently needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4403-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, USA. .,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
|
28
|
Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among people who inject drugs in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6292. [PMID: 31000775 PMCID: PMC6472359 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42810-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Injection drug use (IDU) is one of the most significant risk factors for viral hepatitis (B and C) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. This study assessed seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kuwait. We conducted a cross-sectional study from April to September 2017. A total of 521 consecutive subjects, admitted at Al-Sabah Hospital. The serological and virological markers of HBV, HCV, and HIV were tested using automated platforms. The mean age of the participants was 32.26 yrs, and the sex ratio (Male/Female) was 15.28. The prevalence rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies were 0.38% (95% CI: 0.07-1.53%), 12.28% (95% CI: 9.65-15.48), and 0.77% (95% CI: 0.25-2.23%), respectively. HCV-RNA was evident in 51.72% (95% CI: 38.34-64.87%) among anti-HCV positive participants. Multivariate analysis showed that the high prevalence of HCV infection amongst PWID is associated with age. Whereas, multivariate analysis revealed no significant associations with age and gender regarding HIV and HBV infections. The results suggest that high rates of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections among injecting drug users than the general population. These findings emphasize the importance of introducing interventions and harm reduction initiatives that have a high impact on reducing needle sharing.
Collapse
|
|
29
|
Hoseini H. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Patients with Thalassemia Major in Zahedan, Southeast of Iran. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BASIC RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.29252/jcbr.3.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
|
30
|
Chemaitelly H, Mahmud S, Kouyoumjian SP, Al‐Kanaani Z, Hermez JG, Abu‐Raddad LJ. Who to Test for Hepatitis C Virus in the Middle East and North Africa?: Pooled Analyses of 2,500 Prevalence Measures, Including 49 Million Tests. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:325-339. [PMID: 30859146 PMCID: PMC6396361 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Expanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment coverage is challenged by limited testing and diagnosis. This study assessed the risk of exposure, for the Middle East and North Africa, by population, yields of testing, and program efficiency of testing strategies. A standardized and systematically assembled database of 2,542 HCV antibody prevalence studies on 49 million individuals was analyzed. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled measures for risk of exposure, risk ratio (RR) of exposure, and yields of testing. Program expansion path curves were calculated to assess program efficiency. Countries clustered into two patterns: generalized versus concentrated epidemics. In generalized epidemics (Egypt and Pakistan) relative to general populations, RR of exposure was 6.8 for people who inject drugs (PWID), 6.7 for populations with liver conditions, and 5.0 for populations with high-risk health care exposures. In concentrated epidemics (remaining countries), corresponding RRs were 97.2, 45.1, and 22.2, respectively. In generalized epidemics, the number of tests needed to identify a chronic infection was 2.5 for PWID, 2.4 for populations with liver conditions, 2.7 for populations with high-risk health care exposures, and 14.2 for general populations. In concentrated epidemics, corresponding numbers were 2.8, 8.6, 5.1, and 222.2, respectively. Program expansion path curves demonstrated major gains in program efficiency by targeting specific populations. Risk of exposure varies immensely by population and shows a distinctive hierarchy, particularly in concentrated epidemics. Testing strategies can be much more efficient through population prioritization by risk of exposure. General population testing is not programmatically efficient in concentrated epidemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Zaina Al‐Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Joumana G. Hermez
- Department of Communicable DiseasesHIV/Hepatitis/STIs Unit, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern MediterraneanCairoEgypt
| | - Laith J. Abu‐Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology GroupWeill Cornell Medicine‐Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation‐Education CityDohaQatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew YorkNY
- College of Health and Life SciencesHamad bin Khalifa UniversityDohaQatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
31
|
Botheju WSP, Zghyer F, Mahmud S, Terlikbayeva A, El-Bassel N, Abu-Raddad LJ. The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Central Asia: Systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regression analyses. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2090. [PMID: 30765844 PMCID: PMC6376025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective was to delineate hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in countries of Central Asia (CA), specifically Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. A systematic review was conducted guided by the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook, and reported using PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. Random-effects meta-regression analyses were performed on general population studies. The systematic review identified a total of 208 HCV prevalence measures. No incidence or Turkmenistan studies were identified. Meta-analyses estimated HCV prevalence among the general population at 0.7% (95%CI: 0.7-0.8%) in Kazakhstan, 2.0% (95%CI: 1.7-2.4%) in Kyrgyzstan, 2.6% (95%CI: 1.7-3.6%) in Tajikistan, and 9.6 (95%CI: 5.8-14.2%) in Uzbekistan. Across CA, the pooled mean prevalence was 13.5% (95%CI: 10.9-16.4%) among non-specific clinical populations, 31.6% (95%CI: 25.8-37.7%) among populations with liver-related conditions, and 51.3% (95%CI: 46.9-55.6%) among people who inject drugs. Genotypes 1 (52.6%) and 3 (38.0%) were most frequent. Evidence was found for statistically-significant differences in prevalence by country, but not for a temporal decline in prevalence. CA is one of the most affected regions by HCV infection with Uzbekistan enduring one of the highest prevalence levels worldwide. Ongoing HCV transmission seems to be driven by injecting drug use and healthcare exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fawzi Zghyer
- Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Assel Terlikbayeva
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia in Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
|
32
|
Hepatitis C Virus Infection at Primary Healthcare Level in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia: Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus an Associated Factor? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15112513. [PMID: 30423991 PMCID: PMC6267576 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: There is an increasing concern about the relation between hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aims to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among T2DM patients and non-diabetic patients attending primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Abha city, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and to explore the possible association between T2DM and HCV infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting a random sample of T2DM and non-diabetic patients attending PHCCs in Abha City was conducted. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and screened for HCV infection using fourth-generation ELISA kits. All positive cases were confirmed by qualitative RT-PCR immune assay. Results: The study revealed an overall seroprevalence of HCV infection of 5% (95% CI: 2.9–7.9%). Among T2DM and non-diabetics, a seroprevalence of 8.0% and 2.0% was found, respectively. Using multivariable regression analysis, the only significant associated factor for HCV infection was T2DM (aOR = 4.185, 95% CI: 1.074–16.305). Conclusions: There is strong positive association between T2DM and HCV infection. Yet, the direction of relationship is difficult to establish. Patients with T2DM have higher prevalence of HCV infection than non-diabetic group. It is highly recommended for primary health care providers to screen for HCV infection among T2DM patients and to increase the level of HCV awareness among them.
Collapse
|
|
33
|
Khaliq S, Raza SM. Current Status of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents against Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Pakistan. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2018; 54:E80. [PMID: 30400604 PMCID: PMC6262417 DOI: 10.3390/medicina54050080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In Pakistan, the burden of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the second highest in the world with the development of chronic hepatitis. Interferon-based combination therapy with ribavirin was the only available treatment until a few years back, with severe side-effects and high failure rates against different genotypes of HCV. Interferon-free all-oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) approved by the FDA have revolutionized the HCV therapeutic landscape due to their efficiency in targeting different genotypes in different categories of patients, including treatment naïve, treatment failure and relapsing patients, as well as patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. The availability and use of these DAAs is limited in the developing world. Sofosbuvir (SOF), a uridine nucleotide analogue and inhibitor of HCV encoded NS5B polymerase, is now a widely available and in-use DAA in Pakistan; whereas daclatasvir was recently added in the list. According to the documented results, there is hope that this disease can be effectively cured in Pakistan, although a few concerns still remain. The aim of this article is to review the effectiveness of DAAs and the current status of this treatment against HCV genotype 3 infection in Pakistan; various factors associated with SVR; its limitations as an effective treatment regime; and future implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saba Khaliq
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Mohsin Raza
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
|
34
|
Alkaaby BA, Al-Ethawi AES. The effectiveness of oral antiviral (Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir) in treating children with HCV infection. Pak J Med Sci 2018; 34:1353-1356. [PMID: 30559784 PMCID: PMC6290209 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.346.15722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of (Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir) in treating children with HCV infection. METHODS This study was conducted at Gastroenterology, Hepatology Center /Pediatrics department and the Central Child Teaching Hospital, Baghdad / Iraq from April 2017 to January 2018. Patients with positive HCV PCR, aged 7 to 18 years were enrolled. History, clinical examinations and investigations were conducted. HCV genotyping was done (if affordable). Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir was given to all patients once daily. Ribavirin was added for INF-experienced patients or with established cirrhosis. Follow up with liver function and renal function and PCR was done at 12 weeks (end of treatment); then after 12 weeks post treatment (SVR12). Total duration of therapy was 12 weeks, extended to 24 in cases with established cirrhosis. Computer program SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS The number of patients was 22, with mean age of 12.5 years, 14 boys (63.6%), and 8 girls (36.4%). Genotype 1 was the dominant type (75%). SVR 12 was achieved in 20 patients (90.9%), the remaining two (9.1%) had partial virological response. HBV co-infection was found in five cases; they were kept on Entecavir during the course of treatment. All achieved SVR12 for HCV with decrease in titer of HBV. Even INF-experienced patients (7 patients 31.8%) were responsive with SVR12. The treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir is effective in treating HCV in children, and is well tolerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ban Adil Alkaaby
- Ban Adil Al-Kaaby, MRCPCh, FICMS-Ped., Senior Lecturer, Paediatrics Department, Al-Mustansiryah Medical College, Specialist Pediatrician at Central Child Teaching Hospital & Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Abd El-Salam Al-Ethawi
- Abd El-Salam Al-Ethawi, Senior Lecturer, Pediatrics Department, Al-Mustansiryah Medical College, Paediatrics Cardiologist at Ibn Al-Bittar Center for Cardiac Surgery and Central Child Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq
| |
Collapse
|
|
35
|
Al-Amad SH. Prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and HIV among patients attending a teaching dental hospital. A 7-year retrospective study from the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Med J 2018; 39:500-505. [PMID: 29738011 PMCID: PMC6118177 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.5.22116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To determine the seroprevalence and case characteristics of hepatitis B, C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and their transmissibility from patients to dental personnel following percutaneous and mucocutaneous injuries. Methods All incidents of sharp and splash injuries reported between January 2010 and January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Prevalence was calculated as percentages, and chi-square test was used to assess categorical variables where a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results Among the 436 reported incidents, 372 patients underwent serological screening. Fourteen patients (3.8%) had antibodies against hepatitis C virus, and 8 patients (2.2%) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigens. All positive cases were clinically asymptomatic. There were no positive cases for HIV. Three of the 14 hepatitis C positive patients were actively infectious upon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, but none of the injured dental personnel seroconverted upon a 6-month follow up. Approximately 88% of dental personnel were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Female personnel showed better vaccination rate by comparison to male personnel (p=0.005). Among the 5 different categories of professional status, cleaners showed a significantly low hepatitis B vaccination rate (p<0.000). Conclusion The prevalence of hepatitis B and C is higher than that previously reported from the United Arab Emirates, but transmissibility of viral hepatitis seems to be negligible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhail H Al-Amad
- College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. E-mail.
| |
Collapse
|
|
36
|
Badawi MM, Atif MS, Mustafa YY. Systematic review and meta-analysis of HIV, HBV and HCV infection prevalence in Sudan. Virol J 2018; 15:148. [PMID: 30253805 PMCID: PMC6157049 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-018-1060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis constitutes a global health problem; previous studies have affirmed a considerable morbidity and mortality from both acute infections and chronic complications. On the other hand, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is also of known burden. Determining prevalence measures of these viruses is crucial for establishing appropriate country specific strategies regarding prevention, diagnosis, and containment. This systematic review was aimed to provide pooled seroprevalence estimates of the three viruses in Sudan. Structured review of the literature was conducted to obtain relevant studies published in both national and international databases. After assessment of quality and bias in all proposed studies, 57 prevalence studies were included. Meta-analysis was conducted for all studies and subgroup analysis was also approached. The total sample size of participants in included studies providing HIV antibodies prevalence was 15,479. Based on information retrieved from these studies, HIV prevalence ranged from 0 to 18.3% among different study populations. However, pooled prevalence estimate for HIV antibodies was 1%. Kassala, Eastern Sudan was the most endemic State (4.18%). The HBV reported seroprevalence rates ranged from 5.1 up to 26.81% among different populations and the overall pooled prevalence was 12.07%. For HCV antibodies; 2.74% was determined to be the pooled prevalence. Khartoum State was the most endemic State of both HBV and HCV with seroprevalence of 12.69% and 6.78%, respectively.Based on data reviewed and synthesized; there is no evidence for an HIV endemic in the general population of Sudan. However, both HBV and HCV seroprevalence rates are indicating otherwise. Reducing the overall burden of HIV, HBV and HCV infections will require new measures and national strategies and the recognition of the infections as one of the country's priority issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. M. Badawi
- Medical Microbiology department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Elrazi University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - M. S. Atif
- Medical Microbiology department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Y. Y. Mustafa
- Medical Microbiology department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| |
Collapse
|
|
37
|
Chaabna K, Cheema S, Abraham A, Alrouh H, Lowenfels AB, Maisonneuve P, Mamtani R. Systematic overview of hepatitis C infection in the Middle East and North Africa. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:3038-3054. [PMID: 30038471 PMCID: PMC6054949 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i27.3038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the quality of and to critically synthesize the available data on hepatitis C infections in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to map evidence gaps. METHODS We conducted an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) following an a priori developed protocol (CRD42017076736). Our overview followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines for reporting SRs and abstracts and did not receive any funding. Two independent reviewers systematically searched MEDLINE and conducted a multistage screening of the identified articles. Out of 5758 identified articles, 37 SRs of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in populations living in 20 countries in the MENA region published between 2008 and 2016 were included in our overview. The nine primary outcomes of interest were HCV antibody (anti-) prevalences and incidences in different at-risk populations; the HCV viremic (RNA positive) rate in HCV-positive individuals; HCV viremic prevalence in the general population (GP); the prevalence of HCV co-infection with the hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, or schistosomiasis; the HCV genotype/subtype distribution; and the risk factors for HCV transmission. The conflicts of interest declared by the authors of the SRs were also extracted. Good quality outcomes reported by the SRs were defined as having the population, outcome, study time and setting defined as recommended by the PICOTS framework and a sample size > 100. RESULTS We included SRs reporting HCV outcomes with different levels of quality and precision. A substantial proportion of them synthesized data from mixed populations at differing levels of risk for acquiring HCV or at different HCV infection stages (recent and prior HCV transmissions). They also synthesized the data over long periods of time (e.g., two decades). Anti-HCV prevalence in the GP varied widely in the MENA region from 0.1% (study dates not reported) in the United Arab Emirates to 2.1%-13.5% (2003-2006) in Pakistan and 14.7% (2008) in Egypt. Data were not identified for Bahrain, Jordan, or Palestine. Good quality estimates of anti-HCV prevalence in the GP were reported for Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Anti-HCV incidence estimates in the GP were reported only for Egypt (0.8-6.8 per 1000 person-year, 1997-2003). In Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, viremic rates in anti-HCV-positive individuals from the GP were approximately 70%. In the GP, the viremic prevalence varied from 0.7% (2011) in Saudi Arabia to 5.8% (2007-2008) in Pakistan and 10.0% (2008) in Egypt. Anti-HCV prevalence was lower in blood donors than in the GP, ranging from 0.2% (1992-1993) in Algeria to 1.7% (2005) in Yemen. The reporting quality of the outcomes in blood donors was good in the MENA countries, except in Qatar where no time framework was reported for the outcome. Some countries had anti-HCV prevalence estimates for children, transfused patients, contacts of HCV-infected patients, prisoners, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of the reported outcomes may not help policymakers to develop micro-elimination strategies with precise HCV infection prevention and treatment programs in the region, as nowcasting HCV epidemiology using these data is potentially difficult. In addition to providing accurate information on HCV epidemiology, outcomes should also demonstrate practical and clinical significance and relevance. Based on the available data, most countries in the region have low to moderate anti-HCV prevalence. To achieve HCV elimination by 2030, up-to-date, good quality data on HCV epidemiology are required for the GP and key populations such as people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karima Chaabna
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Sohaila Cheema
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Amit Abraham
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Hekmat Alrouh
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Albert B Lowenfels
- Department of Surgery and the Department of Family Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Patrick Maisonneuve
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, European Institute of Oncology, Milan 20141, Italy
| | - Ravinder Mamtani
- Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
38
|
Al Kanaani Z, Mahmud S, Kouyoumjian SP, Abu-Raddad LJ. The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Pakistan: systematic review and meta-analyses. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180257. [PMID: 29765698 PMCID: PMC5936963 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in Pakistan and estimate the pooled mean HCV antibody prevalence in different risk populations, we systematically reviewed all available records of HCV incidence and/or prevalence from 1989 to 2016, as informed by the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. This systematic review was reported following the PRISMA guidelines. Populations were classified into six categories based on the risk of exposure to HCV infection. Meta-analyses were performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. The search identified one HCV incidence study and 341 prevalence measures/strata. Meta-analyses estimated the pooled mean HCV prevalence at 6.2% among the general population, 34.5% among high-risk clinical populations, 12.8% among populations at intermediate risk, 16.9% among special clinical populations, 55.9% among populations with liver-related conditions and 53.6% among people who inject drugs. Most reported risk factors in analytical epidemiologic studies related to healthcare procedures. Pakistan is enduring an HCV epidemic of historical proportions-one in every 20 Pakistanis is infected. HCV plays a major role in liver disease burden in this country, and HCV prevalence is high in all-risk populations. Most transmission appears to be driven by healthcare procedures. HCV treatment and prevention must become a national priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, PO Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, PO Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, PO Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, PO Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
39
|
Characterizing hepatitis C virus epidemiology in Egypt: systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1661. [PMID: 29374178 PMCID: PMC5785953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17936-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Egypt is the most affected nation by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and needs a comprehensive characterization of HCV epidemiology to inform the scale-up of treatment and prevention programs. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions were conducted. A total of 25 incidence, 259 prevalence, and 47 genotype studies were identified. Incidence and prevalence levels were high across all populations. Genotype 4 accounted for 94.1% of infections with a relative Shannon Diversity Index of only 14.4%. Pooled mean HCV prevalence was estimated at 11.9% (95% CI = 11.1–12.6%) among the general population, 55.6% (95% CI = 49.4–61.7%) among populations at high risk, 14.3% (95% CI = 10.3–18.8%) among populations at intermediate risk, 56.0% (95% CI = 50.4–61.6%) among populations with liver-related conditions, and 35.0% (95% CI = 27.3–43.1%) among special clinical populations. Mean HCV viremic rate was estimated at 66.7% (95% CI = 61.7–71.5%). Meta-regression indicated 6% lower odds for HCV prevalence for each one-year increment in publication year (AOR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.92–0.96). HCV prevalence is high with evidence for ongoing transmission mainly through healthcare. Genotype diversity is low with genotype 4 dominance. Two-thirds of antibody-positive Egyptians are chronically infected and need treatment. Clinical populations should be prioritized for screening. Despite the large-scale epidemic, prevalence appears to be declining rapidly consistent with a contracting epidemic.
Collapse
|
|
40
|
Mahmud S, Akbarzadeh V, Abu-Raddad LJ. The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Iran: Systematic review and meta-analyses. Sci Rep 2018; 8:150. [PMID: 29317673 PMCID: PMC5760657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18296-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
|
41
|
Mahmud S, Al‐Kanaani Z, Chemaitelly H, Chaabna K, Kouyoumjian SP, Abu‐Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C virus genotypes in the Middle East and North Africa: Distribution, diversity, and patterns. J Med Virol 2018; 90:131-141. [PMID: 28842995 PMCID: PMC5724492 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to characterize the distribution, diversity and patterns of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Source of data was a database of HCV genotype studies in MENA populated using a series of systematic literature searches. Pooled mean proportions were estimated for each genotype and by country using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses. Genotype diversity within countries was assessed using Shannon Diversity Index. Number of chronic infections by genotype and country was calculated using the pooled proportions and country-specific numbers of chronic infection. Analyses were conducted on 338 genotype studies including 82 257 genotyped individuals. Genotype 1 was dominant (≥50%) in Algeria, Iran, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, and UAE, and was overall ubiquitous across the region. Genotype 2 was common (10-50%) in Algeria, Bahrain, Libya, and Morocco. Genotype 3 was dominant in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Genotype 4 was dominant in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Genotypes 5, 6, and 7 had limited or no presence across countries. Genotype diversity varied immensely throughout MENA. Weighted by population size, MENA's chronic infections were highest among genotype 3, followed by genotype 4, genotype 1, genotype 2, genotype 5, and genotype 6. Despite ubiquitous presence of genotype 1, the vast majority of chronic infections were of genotypes 3 or 4, because of the sizable epidemics in Pakistan and Egypt. Three sub-regional patterns were identified: genotype 3 pattern centered in Pakistan, genotype 4 pattern centered in Egypt, and genotype 1 pattern ubiquitous in most MENA countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine—QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation—Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Zaina Al‐Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine—QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation—Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine—QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation—Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Karima Chaabna
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine—QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation—Education CityDohaQatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew York
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine—QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation—Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Laith J. Abu‐Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine—QatarCornell UniversityQatar Foundation—Education CityDohaQatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew York
| |
Collapse
|
|
42
|
Bawazir A, AlGusheri F, Jradi H, AlBalwi M, Abdel-Gader AG. Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Saudi Arabia: a future prediction and laboratory profile. Virol J 2017; 14:208. [PMID: 29096662 PMCID: PMC5667522 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0873-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes are considered an important tool for epidemiological and clinical studies and valuable markers for disease progression and response to antiviral therapy. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of HCV genotypes and their relation to socio-demographic factors particularly age and sex, various biochemical profiles and viral load. METHODS The records (630) of Saudi patients positive for HCV (2007-2011) reported in the system of the Molecular Pathology Laboratory at a tertiary reference hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were analyzed. Socio-demographic characteristics, liver biochemical profile, viral load and co-infection with HBV and HIV were retrieved from the hospital database. The associations of continuous and categorical variables with genotypes were analyzed. RESULT The overall mean age of the surveyed patients was 59 years ±0.5 years (21% were <50 years (p = 0.02). The rate of infection is lower in males than in females (47.6% vs. 52.4%). HCV genotype 4 was the most prevalent (60.7%), followed by genotype 1 (24.8%). However, genotype 1 and 3 were found more in males (29.7% vs. 20.3% and 6% vs. 2.1%, respectively, p = 0.001), while genotype 2 and 4 were more among females (4.8% vs. 2% and 68.5% vs. 52.3%, respectively). In addition, genotype 1 was found dominant in younger males (33.8%). Biochemical parameters across gender showed significant variation in particular for the ALT (p = 0.007). The mean viral load was significantly higher in genotype 1 than genotype 4 (4,757,532 vs. 1,435,012, p = <001). There is a very low overall percentage of co-infection of HBV or HIV in this study (around 2% for each). CONCLUSION Although HCV genotype 4 shows an overall high prevalence in this study, a clear decline in the rate of this genotype was also demonstrated in particular among the younger age group who displayed increasing trends toward the global trend of genotype 1, rather than genotype 4. This finding would be of clinical interest in relation to future planning of the therapy for HCV infected patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amen Bawazir
- The King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Community and environmental Health,College of Public Health & Health Informatics. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, 11481 Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad AlGusheri
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Genetics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hoda Jradi
- The King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Community and environmental Health,College of Public Health & Health Informatics. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, 11481 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed AlBalwi
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, 3660, Riyadh, 11481 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdel-Galil Abdel-Gader
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
|
43
|
Harfouche M, Chemaitelly H, Kouyoumjian SP, Mahmud S, Chaabna K, Al-Kanaani Z, Abu-Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C virus viremic rate in the Middle East and North Africa: Systematic synthesis, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187177. [PMID: 29088252 PMCID: PMC5663443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremic rate, defined as the proportion of HCV chronically infected individuals out of all ever infected individuals, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). METHODS Sources of data were systematically-gathered and standardized databases of the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project. Meta-analyses were conducted using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models to determine pooled HCV viremic rate by risk population or subpopulation, country/subregion, sex, and study sampling method. Random-effects meta-regressions were conducted to identify predictors of higher viremic rate. RESULTS Analyses were conducted on 178 measures for HCV viremic rate among 19,593 HCV antibody positive individuals. In the MENA region, the overall pooled mean viremic rate was 67.6% (95% CI: 64.9-70.3%). Across risk populations, the pooled mean rate ranged between 57.4% (95% CI: 49.4-65.2%) in people who inject drugs, and 75.5% (95% CI: 61.0-87.6%) in populations with liver-related conditions. Across countries/subregions, the pooled mean rate ranged between 62.1% (95% CI: 50.0-72.7%) and 70.4% (95% CI: 65.5-75.1%). Similar pooled estimates were further observed by risk subpopulation, sex, and sampling method. None of the hypothesized population-level predictors of higher viremic rate were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Two-thirds of HCV antibody positive individuals in MENA are chronically infected. Though there is extensive variation in study-specific measures of HCV viremic rate, pooled mean estimates are similar regardless of risk population or subpopulation, country/subregion, HCV antibody prevalence in the background population, or sex. HCV viremic rate is a useful indicator to track the progress in (and coverage of) HCV treatment programs towards the set target of HCV elimination by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manale Harfouche
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karima Chaabna
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, United States of America
| | - Zaina Al-Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
|
44
|
Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus among hemodialysis patients in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic syntheses, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:3243-3263. [PMID: 28988562 PMCID: PMC9148758 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817002242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology among hemodialysis (HD) patients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Our data source was an HCV biological measures database populated through systematic literature searches. Descriptive epidemiologic syntheses, effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions, and genotype analyses were conducted. We analyzed 289 studies, including 106 463 HD patients. HCV incidence ranged between 0 and 100% as seroconversion risk, and between 0 and 14·7 per 1000 person-years as incidence rate. The regional pooled mean estimate was 29·2% (95% CI: 25·6–32·8%) for HCV antibody positive prevalence and 63·0% (95% CI: 55·4–70·3%) for the viremic rate. Region within MENA, country income group, and year of data collection were associated with HCV prevalence; year of data collection adjusted odds ratio was 0·92 (95% CI: 0·90–0·95). Genotype diversity varied across countries with four genotypes documented regionally: genotype 1 (39·3%), genotype 2 (5·7%), genotype 3 (29·6%), and genotype 4 (25·4%). Our findings showed that one-third of HD patients are HCV antibody positive and one-fifth are chronic carriers and can transmit the infection. However, HCV prevalence is declining. In context of growing HD patient population and increasing HCV treatment availability, it is critical to improve standards of infection control in dialysis and expand treatment coverage.
Collapse
|
|
45
|
Chaabna K, Abu-Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C infection epidemiology in Mongolia: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2017; 6:160. [PMID: 28789671 PMCID: PMC5549321 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-017-0558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) morbidity appears to be high in Mongolia. Yet, the scale and nature of the infection burden is not well-understood. Our study's objective is to systematically review and synthetize all available epidemiological data on HCV antibody (Ab) prevalence, ribonucleic acid (RNA) prevalence, incidence, risk factors to HCV exposure, and circulating HCV genotypes/subtypes among different at-risk populations. Additionally, we aim to estimate national population-level HCV-Ab prevalence and the number of HCV chronically infected individuals in the population of Mongolia. METHODS Our systematic review will be reported based on the items outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2009) statement. All reports with primary data collected from surveillance or observational studies on Mongolian populations will be eligible for inclusion if the study sample size is greater than 25. Included reports need to present studies that use biological assay for HCV-Ab ascertainment. We will consider three primary outcomes of interest: HCV-Ab incidence, HCV-Ab prevalence, and HCV genotypes/subtypes among different at-risk populations. In addition, two secondary outcomes of interests will be also collected: HCV RNA prevalence, and unadjusted and/or adjusted statistically significant risk factors for HCV exposure (p value ≤0.05). In order to identify relevant reports, we will search PubMed, Embase, and Index Medicus for the Southeast Asian region. Additionally, we will search Mongolian scientific and medical journals not indexed in PubMed or Embase and the archives of Mongolian local conferences. Lastly, the literature search will be supplemented by checking references of the included reports and identified reviews. We will use broad search criteria with no language or time restrictions. Meta-analyses will estimate pooled HCV-Ab prevalence (by at-risk population, sex, age group, and period), and pooled RNA prevalence among HCV-Ab positive individuals in the general population. Age-adjustment of estimates will be conducted. DISCUSSION The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will produce a comprehensive synthesis of HCV epidemiology in Mongolia. The study will provide empirical evidence to inform health policy decision-making, resource allocation, and planning and implementation of relevant public health interventions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION We have not registered with PROSPERO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karima Chaabna
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, USA
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
46
|
Khubaib B, Idrees M, Fatima Z, Akram M, Afzal S, Amin I, Shahid M, Wasim M. Evaluation of three techniques for detection of IL28B SNP: A prognostic tool for HCV treatment outcome. J Dig Dis 2017; 18:404-409. [PMID: 28608576 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was aimed to evaluate the specificity, cost and turnaround time of three different techniques that can be used for analyzing the single nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin 28B (IL28B) rs129796860. METHODS DNA from peripheral blood samples of 111 patients with chronic hepatitis C were genotyped using three types of genotyping methods: direct sequencing, SNaPshot polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS Three distinct profiles for IL28B rs12979860 alleles (CC, CT and TT) were obtained with direct sequencing, SNaPshot PCR and PCR-RFLP and the results were consistent among all three methods. CONCLUSION For routine medical practice, screening IL28B rs12979860 can be performed by PCR-RFLP, which is efficient and reliable as well as cost-effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Khubaib
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zareen Fatima
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Madiha Akram
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samia Afzal
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iram Amin
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Wasim
- Genome Center for Molecular-based Diagnostics & Research, CL-25, Abdalian Cooperative Housing Society Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
|
47
|
Capileno YA, Van den Bergh R, Donchunk D, Hinderaker SG, Hamid S, Auat R, Khalid GG, Fatima R, Yaqoob A, Van Overloop C. Management of chronic Hepatitis C at a primary health clinic in the high-burden context of Karachi, Pakistan. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175562. [PMID: 28448576 PMCID: PMC5407611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of hepatitis C (HCV) infection in Pakistan is among the highest in the world, with a reported national HCV prevalence of 6.7% in 2014. In specific populations, such as in urban communities in Karachi, the prevalence is suspected to be higher. Interferon-free treatment for chronic HCV infection (CHC) could allow scale up, simplification and decentralization of treatment to such communities. We present an interim analysis over the course of February-December 2015 of an interferon-free, decentralised CHC programme in the community clinic in Machar Colony, Karachi, Pakistan. Design A retrospective analysis of a treatment cohort. Results There were 1,089 patients included in this analysis. Aspartate to platelet ratio index score was used to prioritize patients in terms of treatment initiation, with 242 patients placed in high priority for treatment and 202 starting treatment as scheduled. 169 patients started HCV treatment with Sofosbuvir-Ribavirin regimen according to HCV genotype over the course of 2015: of these, 35% had Hemoglobin reductions below 11.0 g/dl during the treatment course. Among the 153 patients (85%) with genotype 3 HCV infection, 84% of patients achieved sustained virologic response at 12 weeks following treatment completion (SVR 12). Conclusion Outcomes of HCV treatment with all oral combination in an integrated, decentralized model of care for CHC in a primary care setting, using simplified diagnostic and treatment algorithms, are comparable to the outcomes achieved in clinical trial settings for Sofosbuvir-based regimens. Our results suggest the feasibility and the pertinence if including interferon-free treatment regimens in the national programme, at both provincial and national levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sven Gudmund Hinderaker
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
- University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Saeed Hamid
- The Aga Khan University and Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rosa Auat
- Medecins sans Frontieres, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Razia Fatima
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
- National TB Control Program, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
48
|
Ashkani-Esfahani S, Alavian SM, Salehi-Marzijarani M. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among hemodialysis patients in the Middle-East: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:151-166. [PMID: 28104991 PMCID: PMC5221279 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i1.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence in each country of the Middle-East and the overall prevalence of the region. METHODS In this systematic review, we gathered all documents related to HCV infection prevalence among hemodialysis patients in 17 middle-east countries from April 2006 to March 2016. We selected only cross-sectional studies that had proper sampling and measurement methods as well as a valid statistical analysis. RESULTS After screening of 7311 documents, 56 studies were selected reporting the prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients from 10 countries of the region. Seven countries including United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Israel, and Cyprus did not have any relevant document; thus, their latest reports were just mentioned. We performed the meta-analysis and determined the prevalence rates for each country as well as the whole region. The overall HCV infection prevalence among hemodialysis patients in the region was reported to be 25.3%; Egypt and Syria had the highest reported rates while Iran and Lebanon had the lowest. Further investigations are still needed to provide more reliable databases, find main risk factors, and to improve diagnosis and treatment plans, particularly in higher prevalent countries. CONCLUSION Controlling the prevalence and improving the management methods of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients are of a great concern in the Middle-East region.
Collapse
|
|
49
|
Heijnen M, Mumtaz GR, Abu-Raddad LJ. Status of HIV and hepatitis C virus infections among prisoners in the Middle East and North Africa: review and synthesis. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20873. [PMID: 27237131 PMCID: PMC4884676 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.1.20873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The status of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among incarcerated populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the links between prisons and the HIV epidemic are poorly understood. This review synthesized available HIV and HCV data in prisons in MENA and highlighted opportunities for action. METHODS The review was based on data generated through the systematic searches of the MENA HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2003 to December 15, 2015) and the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2011 to December 15, 2015). Sources of data included peer-reviewed publications and country-level reports and databases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We estimated a population of 496,000 prisoners in MENA, with drug-related offences being a major cause for incarceration. Twenty countries had data on HIV among incarcerated populations with a median prevalence of 0.6% in Afghanistan, 6.1% in Djibouti, 0.01% in Egypt, 2.5% in Iran, 0% in Iraq, 0.1% in Jordan, 0.05% in Kuwait, 0.7% in Lebanon, 18.0% in Libya, 0.7% in Morocco, 0.3% in Oman, 1.1% in Pakistan, 0% in Palestine, 1.2% in Saudi Arabia, 0% in Somalia, 5.3% in Sudan and South Sudan, 0.04% in Syria, 0.05% in Tunisia, and 3.5% in Yemen. Seven countries had data on HCV, with a median prevalence of 1.7% in Afghanistan, 23.6% in Egypt, 28.1% in Lebanon, 15.6% in Pakistan, and 37.8% in Iran. Syria and Libya had only one HCV prevalence measure each at 1.5% and 23.7%, respectively. There was strong evidence for injecting drug use and the use of non-sterile injecting-equipment in prisons. Incarceration and injecting drugs, use of non-sterile injecting-equipment, and tattooing in prisons were found to be independent risk factors for HIV or HCV infections. High levels of sexual risk behaviour, tattooing and use of non-sterile razors among prisoners were documented. CONCLUSIONS Prisons play an important role in HIV and HCV dynamics in MENA and have facilitated the emergence of large HIV epidemics in at least two countries, Iran and Pakistan. There is evidence for substantial but variable HIV and HCV prevalence, as well as risk behaviour including injecting drug use and unprotected sex among prisoners across countries. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive harm-reduction strategies in prisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Heijnen
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; ;
| | - Ghina R Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- College of Public Health, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
|
50
|
Chaabna K, Kouyoumjian SP, Abu-Raddad LJ. Hepatitis C Virus Epidemiology in Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016. [PMID: 26900839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149966]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology and assess country-specific population-level HCV prevalence in four countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. METHODS Reports of HCV prevalence were systematically reviewed as per PRISMA guidelines. Pooled HCV prevalence estimates in different risk populations were conducted when the number of measures per risk category was at least five. RESULTS We identified 101 prevalence estimates. Pooled HCV antibody prevalence in the general population in Somalia, Sudan and Yemen was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.3%-1.9%), 1.0% (95%CI: 0.3%-1.9%) and 1.9% (95%CI: 1.4%-2.6%), respectively. The only general population study from Djibouti reported a prevalence of 0.3% (CI: 0.2%-0.4%) in blood donors. In high-risk populations (e.g., haemodialysis and haemophilia patients), pooled HCV prevalence was 17.3% (95%CI: 8.6%-28.2%) in Sudan. In Yemen, three studies of haemodialysis patients reported HCV prevalence between 40.0%-62.7%. In intermediate-risk populations (e.g.. healthcare workers, in patients and men who have sex with men), pooled HCV prevalence was 1.7% (95%CI: 0.0%-4.9%) in Somalia and 0.6% (95%CI: 0.4%-0.8%) in Sudan. CONCLUSION National HCV prevalence in Yemen appears to be higher than in Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan as well as most other MENA countries; but otherwise prevalence levels in this subregion are comparable to global levels. The high HCV prevalence in patients who have undergone clinical care appears to reflect ongoing transmission in clinical settings. HCV prevalence in people who inject drugs remains unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karima Chaabna
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in 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
| | - Silva P Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College in 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
- College of Public Health, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|