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Kandeel A, Fahim M, Abukamar S, BahaaEldin H, Abuelsood H, Samy S, Deghedy O, Sheta A, Naguib A, El Guindy N, Youssef A, Kamel R, Afifi S, El-Kassas M, Abdelghaffar K. Evidence for the elimination of viral hepatitis B and C in Egypt: Results of a nationwide survey in 2022. Liver Int 2024; 44:955-965. [PMID: 38291807 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) were at the top of Egypt's most significant public health challenges, with an estimated 14.7% of its population having antibodies to HCV in 2008. Egypt issued an ambitious action plan in 2014 to eliminate viral hepatitis through strengthening infection control and improving patient care. In 2018, an extensive HCV mass screening campaign was conducted for the entire country's population with treating more than 4 million patients with antivirals. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of viral hepatitis in Egypt after all these efforts. METHODS A cross-sectional household cluster survey was conducted in all 27 Egyptian governorates to obtain a representative sample of Egypt's population. Subjects aged 1-70 years were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire that included demographics, viral hepatitis knowledge, previous infection and risk factors data. Laboratory testing was performed for all subjects for anti-HCV and HBsAg using chemiluminescence. Subjects positive for anti-HCV were further tested for HCV-RNA by RT-PCR. Prevalence rates were calculated by demographic groups and compared to the demographic health survey 2015 results. RESULTS Of 20 881 subjects interviewed, 48.8% were males, 20.2% were children <15 years of age, and 53.7% were residents of rural areas. Of all subjects, 92 (0.4%) were HCV-infected, 1577 (7.6%) were anti-HCV positive and 177 (0.8%) were HBV-chronically infected, including one patient who had mixed HBV and HCV current infection. The prevalence of HCV-current and HBV chronic infections decreased by 93% and 20%, respectively, compared to 2015. CONCLUSIONS Egypt achieved the elimination of the viral hepatitis goal. To maintain low rates of viral hepatitis, community health education, in addition to maintaining infection control and blood safety programs, is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Kandeel
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal Fahim
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abukamar
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala BahaaEldin
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Abuelsood
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sahar Samy
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ola Deghedy
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Sheta
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amel Naguib
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nancy El Guindy
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Youssef
- Central Administration for Research and Health Development, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Kamel
- Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salma Afifi
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Moahmed El-Kassas
- Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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Henriot P, Castry M, Luong Nguyen LB, Shimakawa Y, Jean K, Temime L. Meta-analysis: risk of hepatitis C virus infection associated with hospital-based invasive procedures. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:558-569. [PMID: 35758763 PMCID: PMC9543323 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare settings, where invasive procedures are frequently performed, may play an important role in the transmission dynamics of blood-borne pathogens when compliance with infection control precautions is suboptimal. AIMS To understand and quantify the role of hospital-based invasive procedures on hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify recent studies reporting association measures of HCV infection risk that are linked to iatrogenic procedures. Based on expert opinion, invasive procedures were categorised into 10 groups for which pooled measures were calculated. Finally, the relationship between pooled measures and the country-level HCV prevalence or the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) index was assessed by meta-regression. RESULTS We included 71 studies in the analysis. The most frequently evaluated procedures were blood transfusion (66 measures) and surgery (43 measures). The pooled odds ratio (OR) of HCV infection varied widely, ranging from 1.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.88) for dental procedures to 3.22 (1.7-6.11) for transplantation. The OR for blood transfusion was higher for transfusions performed before 1998 (3.77, 2.42-5.88) than for those without a specified/recent date (2.20, 1.77-2.75). In procedure-specific analyses, the HCV infection risk was significantly negatively associated with the HAQ for endoscopy and positively associated with HCV prevalence for endoscopy and surgery. CONCLUSIONS Various invasive procedures were significantly associated with HCV infection. Our results provide a ranking of procedures in terms of HCV risk that may be used for prioritisation of infection control interventions, especially in high HCV prevalence settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Henriot
- MESuRS LaboratoryConservatoire National des Arts et MétiersParisFrance
- PACRI UnitConservatoire National des Arts et Métiers/Institut PasteurParisFrance
| | | | | | - Yusuke Shimakawa
- PACRI UnitConservatoire National des Arts et Métiers/Institut PasteurParisFrance
- Unité d'Epidémiologie des Maladies ÉmergentesInstitut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Kévin Jean
- MESuRS LaboratoryConservatoire National des Arts et MétiersParisFrance
- PACRI UnitConservatoire National des Arts et Métiers/Institut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Laura Temime
- MESuRS LaboratoryConservatoire National des Arts et MétiersParisFrance
- PACRI UnitConservatoire National des Arts et Métiers/Institut PasteurParisFrance
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Kouroumalis E, Voumvouraki A. Hepatitis C virus: A critical approach to who really needs treatment. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1-44. [PMID: 35126838 PMCID: PMC8790391 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction of effective drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global eradication target by 2030. Propositions have been made to screen the general population and treat all HCV carriers irrespective of the disease status. A year ago the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus appeared causing a worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 disease. Huge financial resources were redirected, and the pandemic became the first priority in every country. In this review, we examined the feasibility of the World Health Organization elimination program and the actual natural course of HCV infection. We also identified and analyzed certain comorbidity factors that may aggravate the progress of HCV and some marginalized subpopulations with characteristics favoring HCV dissemination. Alcohol consumption, HIV coinfection and the presence of components of metabolic syndrome including obesity, hyperuricemia and overt diabetes were comorbidities mostly responsible for increased liver-related morbidity and mortality of HCV. We also examined the significance of special subpopulations like people who inject drugs and males having sex with males. Finally, we proposed a different micro-elimination screening and treatment program that can be implemented in all countries irrespective of income. We suggest that screening and treatment of HCV carriers should be limited only in these particular groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kouroumalis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion 71500, Crete, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki 54621, Greece
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Ezzat R, Eltabbakh M, El Kassas M. Unique situation of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt: A review of epidemiology and control measures. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1919-1938. [PMID: 35070033 PMCID: PMC8713321 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i12.1919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common primary malignancy worldwide, and the third most common cause of death among cancers worldwide. HCC occurs in several pre-existing conditions, including hepatitis C, hepatitis B virus, and non-alcoholic cirrhosis. Egypt used to be the country with the heaviest hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden. The relationship between HCV and HCC is an important research area. In Egypt, HCC is a significant public health problem. A possible cause for the increasing rates of detection of HCC in Egypt is the mass screening program that was carried by the government for detecting and treating HCV. A multidisciplinary approach is now widely applied to HCC management in health centers all over Egypt. Different treatment modalities are available in Egypt, with success rates comparable to global rates. The Egyptian health authorities have made the elimination of HCV from Egypt a special priority, and this approach should lead to a decrease in number of HCC cases in the near future. In this article we review the current situation of HCC in Egypt, including epidemiological aspects, relevant risk factors for HCC development, strategies, and efforts established by health authorities for the screening and prevention of both HCV and HCC in Egypt. We highlight the different modalities for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Ezzat
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Eltabbakh
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El Kassas
- Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Cairo, Egypt
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Ali Khan A, Munir M, Miraj F, Imran S, Arif Siddiqi D, Altaf A, Khan AJ, Chandir S. Examining unsafe injection practices associated with auto-disable (AD) syringes: a systematic review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3247-3258. [PMID: 33989509 PMCID: PMC8381785 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1911514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Auto-disable (AD) syringes are specifically designed to prevent syringe reuse. However, the notion that specific AD syringe designs may be unsafe due to reuse concerns related to the syringe's activation point has surfaced. We conducted a systematic review for evidence on the association between AD syringe design and syringe reuse, adverse events following immunization (AEFI), or blood borne virus (BBV) transmission. We found no evidence of an association between AD syringe design and unsafe injection practices including syringe reuse, AEFIs, or BBVs. Authors of three records speculated about the possibility of AD syringe reuse through intentionally defeating the disabling mechanism, and one hinted at the possibility of reuse of larger-than-required syringes, but none reported any actual reuse instance. In contrast to AD syringes, standard disposable syringes continue to be reused; therefore, the global health community should expand the use of AD syringes in both immunization and therapeutic context as an essential strategy for curbing BBV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Subhash Chandir
- IRD Global, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Shiha G, Soliman R, Mikhail NNH, Easterbrook P. Reduced incidence of hepatitis C in 9 villages in rural Egypt: Progress towards national elimination goals. J Hepatol 2021; 74:303-311. [PMID: 32931878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Egypt has a major HCV burden and a well established treatment programme, with an ambitious goal of HCV elimination. Our aim was to assess the impact of a comprehensive HCV prevention, test and treat programme on the incidence of new HCV infections in 9 villages in rural Egypt. METHODS An HCV "educate, test and treat" project was implemented in 73 villages across 7 governorates in Egypt between 06/2015 and 06/2018. In 2018, in 9 of the villages we re-tested individuals who originally tested HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) and HBsAg negative using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs); confirmatory HCV RNA testing was performed for positive cases. The incidence rate per 1,000 person-years (py) was calculated, and risk factors for incident HCV infections assessed through an interviewer-administered questionnaire in 1:3 age- and gender-matched cases and controls. RESULTS Out of 20,490 individuals who originally tested HCV-Ab negative in the 9 villages during the 2015-2016 implementation of the "educate, test and treat" programme, 19,816 (96.7%) were re-tested in 2018. Over a median of 2.4 years (IQR 2.1-2.7), there were 19 new HCV infections all of which were HCV RNA positive (incidence rate 0.37/1,000 py) (95% CI 0.24-0.59). Compared to a previous estimate of incidence in the Nile Delta region (2.4/1,000 py) from 2006, there was a substantial reduction in overall incidence of new HCV infections. Exposures through surgery (odds ratio 51; 95% CI 3.5-740.1) and dental procedures (odds ratio 23.8; 95% CI 2.9-194.9) were significant independent predictors of incident infections. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show a substantial reduction in incidence of new HCV infections in a sample of the general population in Egypt following attainment of high testing and treatment coverage. New infections were significantly associated with healthcare-associated exposures. LAY SUMMARY Egypt has a major national HCV testing and treatment programme with the goal of eliminating HCV infection. We assessed the impact of a comprehensive HCV prevention, test and treat programme in 73 villages that achieved high coverage of testing and treatment on the subsequent incidence of new HCV infections in nine of the villages. We re-tested people who were previously HCV antibody negative and found that the rate of new HCV infections was greatly reduced compared to previous estimates. We also found that exposure through surgery and dental procedures were associated with these new infections. This highlights the importance of continued strengthening of infection control and prevention measures, alongside treatment scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Shiha
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El-Mansoura, Egypt; Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Reham Soliman
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El-Mansoura, Egypt; Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Nabiel N H Mikhail
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El-Mansoura, Egypt; Biostatistics and Cancer Epidemiology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Makuza JD, Nisingizwe MP, Rwema JOT, Dushimiyimana D, Habimana DS, Umuraza S, Serumondo J, Ngwije A, Semakula M, Gupta N, Nsanzimana S, Janjua NZ. Role of unsafe medical practices and sexual behaviours in the hepatitis B and C syndemic and HIV co-infection in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036711. [PMID: 32660951 PMCID: PMC7359181 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study describes the burden of the hepatitis B, C and HIV co-infections and assesses associated risk factors. SETTING This analysis used data from a viral hepatitis screening campaign conducted in six districts in Rwanda from April to May 2019. Ten health centres per district were selected according to population size and distance. PARTICIPANTS The campaign collected information from 156 499 participants (51 496 males and 104 953 females) on sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics. People who were not Rwandan by nationality or under 15 years old were excluded. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES The outcomes of interest included chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HIV infection, co-infection HIV/HBV, co-infection HIV/HCV, co-infection HBV/HCV and co-infection HCV/HBV/HIV. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with HBV, HCV and HIV, mono and co-infections. RESULTS Of 156 499 individuals screened, 3465 (2.2%) were hepatitis B surface antigen positive and 83% (2872/3465) of them had detectable HBV desoxy-nucleic acid (HBV DNA). A total of 4382 (2.8%) individuals were positive for antibody-HCV (anti-HCV) and 3163 (72.2%) had detectable HCV ribo-nucleic acid (RNA). Overall, 36 (0.02%) had HBV/HCV co-infection, 153 (0.1%) HBV/HIV co-infection, 238 (0.15%) HCV/HIV co-infection and 3 (0.002%) had triple infection. Scarification or receiving an operation from traditional healer was associated with all infections. Healthcare risk factors-history of surgery or transfusion-were associated with higher likelihood of HIV infection with OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.66) and OR 1.48 (1.29 to 1.70), respectively, while history of physical traumatic assault was associated with a higher likelihood of HIV and HBV/HIV co-infections with OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.51 to 1.88) and OR 1.82 (1.08 to 3.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Overall, mono-infections were common and there were differences in significant risk factors associated with various infections. These findings highlight the magnitude of co-infections and differences in underlying risk factors that are important for designing prevention and care programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Paul Nisingizwe
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Olivier Twahirwa Rwema
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Teaching and Learning, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Sabine Umuraza
- Health Department, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Alida Ngwije
- Health Department, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Muhamed Semakula
- IHDPC, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Kigali City, Rwanda
- I-Biostat Department of Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium
| | - Neil Gupta
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Naveed Zafar Janjua
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Clinical Prevention Services, British Columbia Center for Diseases Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Roingeard P, Beaumont E. Hepatitis C Vaccine: 10 Good Reasons for Continuing. Hepatology 2020; 71:1845-1850. [PMID: 32060946 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Roingeard
- Faculté de Médecine, INSERM U1259, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Elodie Beaumont
- Faculté de Médecine, INSERM U1259, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
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Yehia SA, Morad WS, Hendy OM, Dorgham LS. Effect of health education intervention on hepatocellular carcinoma risk factor prevention in Menoufia governorate, Egypt. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-019-0011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma is an important public health problem worldwide and in Egypt. It has a bad prognosis and few treatment options. HCV and HBV infection and exposure to pesticides and aflatoxins are major risk factors for its development, so paying more attention to prevention via raising population awareness about its risk factors may be useful in lowering HCC incidence. This study was implemented to study knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of a rural community of Menoufia governorate, Egypt, pre- and post-health education intervention about HCC and prevention of its risk factors.
Results
Seroprevalence of HCV among study participants was 12.3%, and the health education intervention about HCC and the prevention of its risk factors was effective in increasing the percent of pre-intervention good knowledge score groups about HCC, HBV, and HCV, pesticides, aflatoxins, and total knowledge score from 66.5%, 88.8%, 83.8, 41.9%, and 73.7% respectively to 98.9%, 100%, 100%, and 98.9% post-intervention (p value = 0.000 for each) and was also effective in increasing the pre-intervention positive attitude score groups from 61.5 to 98.9% post-intervention. It was also effective in increasing the pre-intervention safe practice score groups of male and female study participants from 20% and 23% respectively to 94.3% and 93.1% post-intervention.
Conclusions
Health education intervention was effective in improving KAP about HCC and prevention of its risk factors and could be adopted by MOHP as a part of comprehensive program for HCC prevention in rural communities of Menoufia governorate.
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Mohd Suan MA, Said SM, Lim PY, Azman AZF, Abu Hassan MR. Risk factors for hepatitis C infection among adult patients in Kedah state, Malaysia: A case-control study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224459. [PMID: 31661525 PMCID: PMC6818779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C infection is a global public health problem. This study was designed to identify the risk factors associated with hepatitis C infection among adult patients in Kedah state, Malaysia. A matched, hospital-based, case–control study was conducted at a tertiary hospital. Cases were adult (aged ≥ 18 years) patients with positive serology test results for hepatitis C virus antibody and detectable hepatitis C virus RNA from January 2015 to December 2018, and controls were age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched patients who were not infected with hepatitis C virus. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic characteristics and previous exposure to selected risk factors among the study participants. Associations between hepatitis C and demographic and risk factors were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 255 case–control patient pairs were enrolled. The multivariable analysis indicated that having a history of blood or blood product transfusion before 1992 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.73–13.81), injection drug use (AOR = 6.60, 95% CI: 3.66–12.43), imprisonment (AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.62–16.40), tattooing (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.37–12.00), having more than one sexual partner (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.16–3.69), piercing (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.04–2.80), and having only secondary education (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.06–3.57) were independently associated with hepatitis C. No associations were found between health care occupation, needle-prick injury, surgical procedures, haemodialysis, acupuncture, cupping, or contact sports and hepatitis C infection. These findings demonstrate that hepatitis C risk is multifactorial. Having a history of blood or blood product transfusion before 1992, injection drug use, imprisonment, tattooing, having more than one sexual partner, piercing, and having only secondary education were associated with increased odds of hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Azri Mohd Suan
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Clinical Research Centre, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Salmiah Md Said
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Poh Ying Lim
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Zaid Fattah Azman
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan
- Clinical Research Centre, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
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Talaat M, Afifi S, Reaves EJ, Abu Elsood H, El-Gohary A, Refaey S, Hammad R, Abdel Fadeel M, Kandeel A. Evidence of sustained reductions in the relative risk of acute hepatitis B and C virus infections, and the increasing burden of hepatitis a virus infection in Egypt: comparison of sentinel acute viral hepatitis surveillance results, 2001-17. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:159. [PMID: 30764780 PMCID: PMC6376689 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egypt ranks fifth for the burden of viral hepatitis worldwide. As part of Egypt's renewed national strategy for the elimination of viral hepatitis, surveillance for acute viral hepatitis (AVH) was re-established during 2014-2017 to describe the current epidemiology and associated risk factors, and changes from surveillance conducted during 2001-2004. METHODS Patients with suspected AVH were enrolled, completed a questionnaire, and provided blood for testing for hepatitis viruses A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D, and E (HEV) infections by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Odds ratios and Chi2 were used to detect differences between hepatitis types by patient characteristics and exposures. Newcombe-Wilson method was used to compare results between surveillance periods 2001-2004 and 2014-2017. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2017, among 9321 patients enrolled, 8362 (89.7%) had one or more markers of AVH including 7806 (93.4%) HAV, 252 (3.0%) HCV, 238 (2.8%) HBV, and 31 (0.4%) HEV infection. HAV infection occurred most commonly among children < 16 years age, while HBV infection occurred among ages 16-35 years and HCV infection in ages greater than 45 years. Healthcare-associated exposures were significantly associated with HBV and HCV infections compared to HAV infection including receiving therapeutic injections, surgery, wound suture, or urinary catheter and IV line insertions, while significant lifestyle exposures included exposure to blood outside the healthcare system, IV drug use, or incarceration. Exposures significantly associated with HAV infection were attending nursery or pre-school, contact with person attending nursery or pre-school, having meals outside the home, or contact with HAV case. Compared with AVH surveillance during 2001-2004, there was a significant increase in the proportion of HAV infections from 40.2 to 89.7% (RR = 2.3) with corresponding reductions in the proportions of HBV and HCV infections from 30.0 to 2.8% (RR = 0.1) and 29.8 to 3.0% (RR = 0.1), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare-associated exposures were significantly association with and remain the greatest risk for HBV and HCV infections in Egypt. Additional studies to evaluate factors associated with the reductions in HBV and HCV infections, and cost effectiveness of routine HAV immunization might help Egypt guide and evaluate control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Talaat
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cairo, Egypt
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salma Afifi
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cairo, Egypt
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Erik J. Reaves
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Radi Hammad
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Amr Kandeel
- Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
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Shiha G, Metwally AM, Soliman R, Elbasiony M, Mikhail NNH, Easterbrook P. An educate, test, and treat programme towards elimination of hepatitis C infection in Egypt: a community-based demonstration project. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:778-789. [PMID: 30030068 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(18)30139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egypt has one of the highest prevalences and burdens of hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide, and a large government treatment programme. However, identifying and treating people who are infected in rural communities can be a substantial challenge. We designed and evaluated a comprehensive community-led outreach programme for prevention, testing, and treatment of HCV infection in one village in northern Egypt, with the goal to eliminate HCV infection from all adult villagers, and as a model for potential adoption in rural settings. METHODS A community-based education and test-and-treat project was established in Al-Othmanya village. The programme consisted of community mobilisation facilitated by a network of village promoters and establishment of partnerships; an educational campaign to raise awareness and promote behavioural changes; fundraising for public donations in the local community; and comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment. For the educational campaign, we used public awareness events, house-to-house visits, and promotional materials (eg, booklets, cartoons, songs) to raise awareness of HCV and its transmission, and changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices were measured through the use of a survey done before and after the educational campaign. Comprehensive testing, linkage to care, and treatment was offered to all eligible villagers (ie, those aged 12-80 years who had not previously been treated for HCV). Testing was done by use of HCV antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic tests, with HCV-RNA PCR confirmation of positive cases, and staging of liver disease by use of transient elastography. HCV-RNA-positive participants were offered a 24-week course of sofosbuvir (400 mg orally, daily) and ribavirin (1000-1200 mg orally, daily) with an assessment of cure (sustained virological response) at 12 weeks after completion of treatment (SVR12). FINDINGS Between June 6, 2015, and June 9, 2016, 4215 (89%) of 4721 eligible villagers were screened for HCV antibodies and HBsAg. Of these participants, 530 (13%) were HCV antibody positive and eight (<1%) were HBsAg positive. All HCV-antibody-positive individuals had an HCV-RNA assay, and 312 (59%) were HCV-RNA positive. All 312 completed a full baseline assessment with staging of liver disease, and 300 (96%) were given 24 weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment within a median of 2·3 weeks (IQR 0·0-3·7) from serological diagnosis. 293 (98%) of the treated participants achieved SVR12. 42 (13%) HCV-RNA-positive participants had cirrhosis as determined by transient elastography, of whom 12 (29%) were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma on the basis of α-fetoprotein measurement and ultrasound. 3575 (85%) of 4215 eligible villagers completed the baseline and after educational campaign survey, and awareness, knowledge, and adoption of safer practices to prevent HCV transmission all significantly increased (p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION This community-led educate, test-and-treat demonstration project achieved high uptake of HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment, and attainment of cure in one village, as well as awareness and adoption of practices to prevent transmission in the community. This approach could be an important strategy for adoption in rural settings to complement the national government programme towards the elimination of HCV in Egypt. FUNDING Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Shiha
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Ammal M Metwally
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Community Medicine Research, Medical Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reham Soliman
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt; Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elbasiony
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nabiel N H Mikhail
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Biostatistics and Cancer Epidemiology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Omran D, Alboraie M, Zayed RA, Wifi MN, Naguib M, Eltabbakh M, Abdellah M, Sherief AF, Maklad S, Eldemellawy HH, Saad OK, Khamiss DM, El Kassas M. Towards hepatitis C virus elimination: Egyptian experience, achievements and limitations. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4330-4340. [PMID: 30344418 PMCID: PMC6189850 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i38.4330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, more than one million people die each year from hepatitis C virus (HCV) related diseases, and over 300 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B or C. Egypt used to be on the top of the countries with heavy HCV burden. Some countries are making advances in elimination of HCV, yet multiple factors preventing progress; remain for the majority. These factors include lack of global funding sources for treatment, late diagnosis, poor data, and inadequate screening. Treatment of HCV in Egypt has become one of the top national priorities since 2007. Egypt started a national treatment program intending to provide cure for Egyptian HCV-infected patients. Mass HCV treatment program had started using Pegylated interferon and ribavirin between 2007 and 2014. Yet, with the development of highly-effective direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV, elimination of viral hepatitis has become a real possibility. The Egyptian National Committee for the Control of Viral Hepatitis did its best to provide Egyptian HCV patients with DAAs. Egypt adopted a strategy that represents a model of care that could help other countries with high HCV prevalence rate in their battle against HCV. This review covers the effects of HCV management in Egyptian real life settings and the outcome of different treatment protocols. Also, it deals with the current and future strategies for HCV prevention and screening as well as the challenges facing HCV elimination and the prospect of future eradication of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Omran
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Rania A Zayed
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Mohamed-Naguib Wifi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11599, Egypt
| | - Mervat Naguib
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11599, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Eltabbakh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdellah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Fouad Sherief
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Sahar Maklad
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo 11599, Egypt
| | - Heba Hamdy Eldemellawy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | | | - Doaa Mohamed Khamiss
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, El-monera hospital, Ministry of Health, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El Kassas
- Department of Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo 11599, Egypt
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14
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Van Remoortel H, Borra V, De Buck E, Compernolle V, Vandekerckhove P. Is an endoscopic examination associated with transfusion-transmissible infections? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Transfusion 2017; 58:507-519. [PMID: 29194668 DOI: 10.1111/trf.14416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of a donor medical questionnaire is to identify the blood donor's history relative to the current known blood-safety risks. A temporary deferral from blood donation after an endoscopic examination is enforced because of the reusable nature of the endoscope and close contact with the inner body. The objective of this systematic review was to find the best available evidence on the association between an endoscopic examination and the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections. METHODS Studies from five databases investigating the link between an endoscopic examination and transfusion-transmissible infections (hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus infection, Treponema pallidum) were retained and assessed independently by two reviewers. The association between endoscopy and transfusion-transmissible infections was identified by conducting meta-analyses and calculating pooled effect measures (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was used to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS We identified 7571 references and finally included 29 observational studies. A significant association between an endoscopic examination and hepatitis B virus infection (pooled odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-3.86; p = 0.005) or hepatitis C virus infection (pooled OR 1.76, 95% CI, 1.45-2.14; p < 0.00001) was found. The level of evidence was considered as "very low" due to the type of study design (i.e., observational) and indirect study populations (i.e., no blood donor populations). CONCLUSION An endoscopic examination is associated with an increased hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection risk. Further high-quality trials are required to formulate stronger evidence-based recommendations on endoscopic examination as a blood donor deferral criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Van Remoortel
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Vere Borra
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Emmy De Buck
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Compernolle
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Blood Services, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Philippe Vandekerckhove
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Blood Services, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
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15
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Trickey A, May MT, Davies C, Qureshi H, Hamid S, Mahmood H, Saeed Q, Hickman M, Glass N, Averhoff F, Vickerman P. Importance and Contribution of Community, Social, and Healthcare Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection in Pakistan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1920-1928. [PMID: 29141707 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pakistan has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, estimated at 4.9% (2,290/46,843) in the 2007 national HCV seroprevalence survey. We used data from this survey to assess the importance of risk factor associations with HCV prevalence in Pakistan. Exposures were grouped as community (going to the barbers, sharing smoking equipment, having an ear/nose piercing, tattoo, or acupuncture), healthcare (ever having hemodialysis, blood transfusion, or ≥ 5 injections in the last year), demographic (marital status and age), and socio-economic (illiterate or laborer). We used mutually adjusted multivariable regression analysis, stratified by sex, to determine associations with HCV infection, their population attributable fraction, and how risk of infection accumulates with multiple exposures. Strength of associations was assessed using adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Community [aOR females 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 1.8); males 1.2 (1.1, 1.4)] and healthcare [females 1.4 (1.2, 1.6); males 1.2 (1.1, 1.4)] exposures, low socio-economic status [females 1.6 (1.3, 1.80); males 1.3 (1.2, 1.5)], and marriage [females 1.5 (1.2, 1.9); males 1.4 (1.1, 1.8)] were associated with increased HCV infection. Among married women, the number of children was associated with an increase in HCV infection; linear trend aOR per child 1.06 (1.01, 1.11). Fewer infections could be attributed to healthcare exposures (females 13%; males 6%) than to community exposures (females 25%; males 9%). Prevalence increased from 3% to 10% when cumulative exposures increased from 1 to ≥ 4 [aOR per additional exposure for females 1.5 (1.4, 1.6); males 1.2 (1.2, 1.3)]. A combination of community, healthcare, and other factors appear to drive the Pakistan HCV epidemic, highlighting the need for a comprehensive array of prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Trickey
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret T May
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Davies
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Huma Qureshi
- Pakistan Medical Research Council (PMRC), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Mahmood
- Pakistan Medical Research Council (PMRC), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Quaid Saeed
- National AIDS Control Programme, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Matthew Hickman
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Glass
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Peter Vickerman
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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16
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Shahid I, AlMalki WH, Hassan S, Hafeez MH. Real-world challenges for hepatitis C virus medications: a critical overview. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 44:143-160. [PMID: 28539069 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2017.1329277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
From 2010, the landscape of hepatitis C therapeutics has been changed rapidly, and today we are standing at a cusp of a pharmacological revolution where highly effective and interferon (IFN)-free direct acting antivirals (DAAs) are already on the market. Such treatment paradigms attain 90-95% sustained virologic response (SVR; undetectable viral load at week 12 or 24 at the end of therapy) rates in treated individuals compared to 50-70% with treatment completion of dual-therapy-pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV). As the major goal now for the hepatologists, clinicians, physicians, and health care workers is likely to eradicate hepatitis C infection in parallel to treatment, the demand is for a one-size-fits-all pill that could be prescribed beyond the limitations of hepatitis C genotype, viral load, previous treatment history, advanced hepatic manifestations (fibrosis, cirrhosis) and antiviral drug resistance. Although the new treatment strategies have shown high cure rates in clinical trials, such treatment paradigms are posing dilemmas too in real-world clinical practice. Therapy cost, treatment access to low and middle-income countries, treatment-emergent adverse events, lack of effective viral screening and disease progression simulation models are potential challenges in this prospect. This review article deeply overviews the challenges encountered while surmounting the burden of hepatitis C around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Shahid
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy , Umm Al Qura University , Al-Abidiyah , Makkah , Saudi Arabia.,c Applied and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology , University of the Punjab , Lahore , Pakistan
| | - Waleed Hassan AlMalki
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy , Umm Al Qura University , Al-Abidiyah , Makkah , Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajida Hassan
- b Viral Hepatitis Program, Laboratory of Medicine , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.,c Applied and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology , University of the Punjab , Lahore , Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Hassan Hafeez
- d Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Fatima Memorial College of Medicine and Dentistry , Shadman , Lahore , Pakistan
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17
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Mokhtari M, Basirkazeruni H, Rostami M. The Correlation between Different Risk Factors of Hepatitis C and Different Genotypes. Adv Biomed Res 2017; 6:45. [PMID: 28503500 PMCID: PMC5414405 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.204588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C infection is one of the health problems in the world. Several known risk factors are responsible in transmission of this infection. We are going to study the prevalence of these risk factors for different genotypes of hepatitis C and if possible, specify probable relations between each risk factor and transmission of each genotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study done on 270 people who had positive anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody and HCV RNA. Demographic specificity and possible risk factors were collected using a questionnaire, and statistical analysis was done by SPSS software (version 20). Chi-square test used to estimate the prevalence and relation between each qualitative risk factor and HCV genotype transmitted. Analysis of variance was used for studying the prevalence and relation between quantitative risk factors and HCV genotypes. RESULTS The sample size was 270 persons. Of these, 217 (80.4%) were men and 185 (68.5%) were infected with genotype Type III. Most people were in age range of 31-40 years old 92 (34%). Single people were 126 (46.7%) and 169 (62.6%) were high school and university graduated. Tattooing as a risk factor had a meaningful relation with hepatitis C genotype (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS According to the findings, most people in central provinces of Iran with hepatitis C are carrying genotype III, with most prevalent risk factors such as intravenous drug use and unsafe sexual activity. Besides, tattooing had a significant association with hepatitis C genotype, so that in these groups of people, genotype I was more frequent isolated virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Mokhtari
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Basirkazeruni
- Department of Pathology, Isfahan Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rostami
- Department of Infectious Disease, Isfahan Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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18
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Thrift AP, El-Serag HB, Kanwal F. Global epidemiology and burden of HCV infection and HCV-related disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 14:122-132. [PMID: 27924080 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic HCV infection is a global health problem that affects >184 million people worldwide. HCV is associated with several hepatic and extrahepatic disorders, including several malignancies. The burden of HCV-related disorders is influenced by the number of new and existing cases, number of existing cases and the natural history of the infection. The natural history of HCV is affected by several demographic, virological, clinical and lifestyle factors. Major variations exist in the burden of HCV among different populations and geographical regions, as well as over time. With the advent of new and efficacious antiviral treatments, it is important to learn the determinants of HCV burden to design appropriate strategies for detection, prognostication and treatment. Furthermore, with the expected growth of patients cured of HCV, it is essential to learn about the possible change in natural history and burden of disease in these patients. In this Review, we will discuss the global epidemiology and burden of HCV and its complications, as well as the natural history and clinical course of chronic and cured HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Thrift
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge Street, Suite 10C, Houston, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge Street, Suite 10C, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge Street, Suite 10C, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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19
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Jalil I, Arshad M, Rafaque Z, Raziq F, Wazir R, Malik S, Dasti JI. Seroprevalence of HDV among non-hospitalized HBsAg positive patients from KPK-region of Pakistan. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2016; 6:609-613. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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20
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El-Ghitany EM, Farghaly AG, Abdel Wahab MM, Farag S, Abd El-Wahab EW. Toward a simple risk assessment screening tool for HCV infection in Egypt. J Med Virol 2016; 88:1767-75. [PMID: 26970264 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Asymptomatic patients with HCV infection identified through screening program could benefit not only from treatment but also from other interventions such as counseling to maintain health and avoid risk behaviors. This might prevent the spread of infection and result in significant public health benefits. However, mass screening would quickly deplete resources. This work aims to develop a brief HCV risk assessment questionnaire that inquires initially about a wide range of risk factors found to be potentially associated with HCV infection in order to identify the few most significant questions that could be quickly used to facilitate cost-effective HCV case-finding in the general population in Egypt. An exhaustive literature search was done to include all reported HCV risk factors that were pooled in a 65 item questionnaire. After an initial pilot study, a case-control study was performed that included 1,024 cases and 1,046 controls. In a multivariable model, a list of independent risk factors were found to be significant predictors for being HCV seropositive among two age strata (<45 and >45 years) for each gender. A simplified model that assigned values of the odds ratio as a weight for each factor present predicted HCV infection with high diagnostic accuracy. Attaining the defined cut-off value of the total risk score enhances the effectiveness of screening. HCV risk factors in the Egyptian population vary by age and gender. An accurate prediction screening tool can be used to identify those at high risk who may benefit most from HCV serologic testing. These results are to be further validated in a large scale cross-sectional study to assess the wider use of this tool. J. Med. Virol. 88:1767-1775, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engy M El-Ghitany
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Azza G Farghaly
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Moataza M Abdel Wahab
- Department of Biostatistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Shehata Farag
- Department of Biostatistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Ekram W Abd El-Wahab
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
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21
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Abdel-Ghaffar TY, Sira MM, El Naghi S. Hepatitis C genotype 4: The past, present, and future. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2792-2810. [PMID: 26668691 PMCID: PMC4670951 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i28.2792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 4 represents 12%-15% (15-18 million) of total global HCV infection. It is prevalent in Northern and Equatorial Africa and the Middle East, and is also present in some countries in Europe. GT-4 (and subtype 4a in particular) dominates the HCV epidemic in Egypt. In underdeveloped countries, risk factors associated with HCV infection may be due to unsafe medical practices or other factors such as familial transmission, mother's HCV status, or illiteracy. HCV prevention and control programs should include health education, increased community awareness towards the disease, controlling infection distribution in health-care centers, proper sterilization of medical and dental instruments, and ensuring safe supply of blood and blood-products. Response rates to a 48-wk combined pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment range from 40%-69%, and HCV-GT-4 has been considered better than GT-1 but worse than GT-2 and GT-3 in treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV. However, with the introduction of the HCV-GT-1 effective protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir in 2011, HCV-GT-4 became the "most difficult (GT) to treat". Recently, the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with pan- genotypic activities simeprevir, sofosbuvir, and daclatasvir have been recommended in triple regimens with PEG-IFN/RBV for the treatment of HCV-GT-4. An IFN-free regimen will be available for treatment of all genotypes of HCV in the near future. To date, several DAAs have been developed and are currently being evaluated in various combinations in clinical trials. As new regimens and new agents are being approved by the Food and Drug Administration, we can expect the guidelines for HCV treatment to be changed. The availability of shorter, simpler, and more tolerable treatment regimens can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HCV infection. With such a large number of therapeutic agents available, we can end up with a range of choices that we can select from to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mostafa M Sira
- Tawhida Y Abdel-Ghaffar, Pediatric Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Suzan El Naghi
- Tawhida Y Abdel-Ghaffar, Pediatric Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
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22
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Miller FD, Elzalabany MS, Hassani S, Cuadros DF. Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus exposure in Egypt: Opportunities for prevention and evaluation. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2849-2858. [PMID: 26668697 PMCID: PMC4670957 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i28.2849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To critically evaluate the current epidemiology data on exposures, rather than infection, to hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission and recommend epidemiologic strategies to fill gaps. METHODS Standard methods for identifying and evaluating relevant epidemiologic literature and available data were used. RESULTS There is a large body of literature on the epidemiology of HCV transmission in Egypt that collectively identifies ongoing iatrogenic exposures as the major driver for HCV transmission due to short comings in infection control and standard procedures. Additional epidemiologic studies on HCV transmission that requires the participation of human subject is unwarranted. Alternatively, very little literature was found on the epidemiology of exposure to HCV, infection control, and safe injection practices. The information that is available on patterns of HCV exposure shows high frequencies of inadequate infection control, problems in sterilization in health care facilities, low rates of hand washing, untrained personnel, lack of stated policies in facilities, HCV contamination of instruments and very large injection frequencies with low but very significant syringe and needle reuse. There is an important need to increase the number, size, and diversity of epidemiologic studies on HCV exposures, patterns of risk factors for infection, infection control, and safe injection practices. In addition to health care facilities evaluation, relevant knowledge attitude and practice studies are recommended. CONCLUSION Epidemiologic methods on HCV exposure can be used to characterize the magnitude of exposures to HCV infection, target interventions to reduce exposures, and provide the best method for evaluating interventions by demonstrating the reduction of exposure to HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- F DeWolfe Miller
- F DeWolfe Miller, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
| | - Mahmoud S Elzalabany
- F DeWolfe Miller, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
| | - Sara Hassani
- F DeWolfe Miller, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
| | - Diego F Cuadros
- F DeWolfe Miller, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
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23
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El-Ghitany EM, Abdel Wahab MM, Abd El-Wahab EW, Hassouna S, Farghaly AG. A comprehensive hepatitis C virus risk factors meta-analysis (1989-2013): do they differ in Egypt? Liver Int 2015; 35:489-501. [PMID: 24923487 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The prevention and control of HCV infection is complex and challenging in terms of describing risk factors and modes of transmission. This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the best available data on HCV risk factors worldwide and in Egypt. METHODS Through exhaustive literature searches (1989-2013) of HCV risk factors, 357 original eligible articles were included in this study. RESULTS The highest detected risk was intravenous drug users (IDUs) (OR = 9.6) followed by HIV infection (OR = 4.9), having an IDU partner (OR = 4.1), HBV infection (OR = 3.5), Caesarean section (CS) (OR = 3.35), blood transfusion (OR = 3.2) and having an HCV+ partner (OR = 3). Organ transplantation, hospital admission, haemodialysis and having a sexually transmitted infection carry 2.96, 2.4, 2.18 and 2 risks of having HCV respectively. Other significant risk factors included poor education, older age, sharing sharp or blunt objects, MSM, tattooing, hijama, body piercing, minor operations and medical procedures. Some risks showed a decrease over the previous decade, including blood transfusion, organ transplantation, IDUs, IDU partner and CS. Others showed rising risks, including having an HCV+ partner, MSM and suffering from STI. In Egypt, male gender, rural residence, acupuncture and receiving parenteral antischistosomal treatment were significant risks, while neither HIV nor HBV were found to carry a risk of HCV infection. CONCLUSION Blood transfusion, organ transplantation, CS, IDUs, haemodialysis, minor operations and medical procedures are established risk factors. Attention and urgent intervention should be given to the sexual route of transmission, as well as that through minor operations and medical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engy Mohamed El-Ghitany
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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24
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Lemoine M, Eholié S, Lacombe K. Reducing the neglected burden of viral hepatitis in Africa: strategies for a global approach. J Hepatol 2015; 62:469-76. [PMID: 25457207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The burden of liver disease may dramatically increase in the near future in Africa, where screening and access to care and treatment are hampered by inadequate disease surveillance, lack of high-quality tools to assess chronic liver disease, and underestimated needs for human and financial resources. Chronic hepatitis may be considered as silent and neglected killer, fuelled by many years of global inertia from stakeholders and policy makers alike. However, the global battle against viral hepatitis is facing a new era owing to the advent of highly effective drugs, innovative tools for screening and clinical follow-up, and recent signs that governments, advocacy groups and global health organizations are mobilizing to advocate universal access-to-treatment. This review details the barriers to prevention, screening and treatment of viral hepatitis on the African continent, focuses on the urgent need for operational and research programmes, and suggests integrated ways to tackle the global epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Lemoine
- Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, Department of Hepatology, London, UK.
| | - Serge Eholié
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit, Treichville University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Department of Dermatology and Infectiology, Medical School, Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France.
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25
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W. ABD EL-WAHAB E, MIKHEAL A, SIDKEY F, SHATAT HZ. Factors Associated with Hepatitis C Infection among Chronic HCV Egyptian Patients. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 43:1510-8. [PMID: 26060718 PMCID: PMC4449500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of risk factors of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egypt is crucial for developing appropriate prevention strategies. There are few community-based studies on the epidemiology and risk factors of hepatitis C infection in Egypt, which could not provide enough information. Clear identification of past and current risk factors for infection is of utmost importance so that intervention programs can be appropriately focused. This study aims to provide up-to-date information about changes in the incidence of individual risk factors for HCV infection transmission in Egypt. METHODS A total of 396 chronic HCV patients on follow-up treatment at liver center in El-Qabbary General Hospital in Alexandria were evaluated retrospectively regarding the potential iatrogenic, community acquired and behavioral HCV risk factors. Risk factors for HCV transmission were found in all study populations. RESULTS At least three identifiable risk factors were reported by each participant. Some behavioral and community-acquired exposures that entail several risky behaviors particularly, unsafe sexual practices were exclusively established among males. We report a significant decline in prevalence of HCV transmission through blood transfusion, parenteral treatment, hospitalization, surgery, non medicalized circumcision, Hijiama done by informal practitioner, tattooing, folk body piercing and threading, sharing hygiene and sharp items, and the use of communal barber or manicure sets among younger age cluster. CONCLUSION The pattern of risk differed among older patients compared to younger age group suggesting improved medical care and infection control measures and raised public health awareness regarding the different modes of viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekram W. ABD EL-WAHAB
- 1. Dept. of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt,* Corresponding Author: Tel: 0020110456072
| | - Ashraf MIKHEAL
- 1. Dept. of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt,3. Damanhour Fever Hospital, Ministry of Health and Population, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Fathallah SIDKEY
- 2. Dept. of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Hanan Z. SHATAT
- 1. Dept. of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
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26
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Mohsen A, Bernier A, LeFouler L, Delarocque-Astagneau E, El-Daly M, El-Kafrawy S, El-Mango S, Abdel-Hamid M, Gadallah M, Esmat G, Mohamed MK, Fontanet A. Hepatitis C virus acquisition among Egyptians: analysis of a 10-year surveillance of acute hepatitis C. Trop Med Int Health 2014; 20:89-97. [PMID: 25336067 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify current risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition among Egyptians. METHODS Patients with acute HCV were identified through a surveillance system of acute hepatitis in four fever hospitals in Egypt between 2002 and 2012. Case-control analysis was conducted, cases being incident acute symptomatic HCV and controls being acute hepatitis A identified at the same hospitals. The questionnaire covered iatrogenic, community and household exposures to HCV in the 1-6 months prior to onset of symptoms. Multivariate models were built to identify risk factors associated with HCV acquisition among non-drug users and drug users separately. RESULTS Among non-drug users, hospital admission was independently associated with acute HCV infection (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.7-10.5). Several iatrogenic procedures, for example admission in a surgery unit, sutures, IV injections and IV infusions, highly correlated with hospital admission, were also associated with acute HCV infection and could have been used in the final model instead of hospital admission. Among drug users, identified risk factors were multiple sexual relations (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.1-14.7), intravenous drug use (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.2-13.0) and shaving at the barbershops (OR = 8.7, 95% CI = 2.4-31.4). Illiteracy and marriage were significant risk factors in both groups. CONCLUSION Invasive medical procedures are still a major risk for acquiring new HCV infections in Egypt, as is illicit drug use in spreading HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Mohsen
- Community Medicine Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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27
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METWALLY A, MOHSEN A, SALEH R, FOAUD W, IBRAHIM N, RABAAH T, EL-SAYED M. Prioritizing High-Risk Practices and Exploring New Emerging Ones Associated With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Egypt. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 43:1385-1394. [PMID: 26060701 PMCID: PMC4441892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the risky behaviors and explore the newly emerging pi related to Egyptian habits that may lead to HCV transmission. METHODS From January 2011 until January 2012, a case control study matched on socio demographic factors was conducted comparing 540 hepatitis C patients and their contacts who were HCV serologically negative (102 subjects). They were randomly selected from six governorates representing Upper Egypt, Lower Egypt, Middle and Canal regions. The questionnaire covered demographic data, risk exposures, behaviors, and practices for HCV infection. Focus group discussions were done with groups of professionals in Hepatology to discuss the observed emerging risk practices in Egypt. RESULTS In univariate analysis, invasive medical procedures, wound stitches, illiteracy and marriage were significantly associated with HCV infection. Among women, delivery at home by traditional birth attendant was associated with 3 times (OR=2.91, CI=1.23-6.98) and 4 times (OR=3.94, CI=1.44-11.35) increase in HCV risk than delivery at hospital and by doctors respectively. Among males, shaving at barbershops was associated with 2 fold increase in the risk of infection (OR=2.6, CI=1.44-4.89). Newly observed emerging risk practices were: sharing scarves' pins by veiled women in same houses, sharing loofah for personal cleaning and sharing toothpaste among family members. CONCLUSION Increasing risk of HCV infection in Egypt reinforces the need for strict implementation of effective HCV prevention programs according to the prevailing risk behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammal METWALLY
- 1. Community Medicine Research Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira MOHSEN
- 1. Community Medicine Research Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehan SALEH
- 1. Community Medicine Research Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa FOAUD
- 1. Community Medicine Research Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nihad IBRAHIM
- 1. Community Medicine Research Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Thanaa RABAAH
- 1. Community Medicine Research Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal EL-SAYED
- 2. Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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28
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Reker C, Islam KM. Risk factors associated with high prevalence rates of hepatitis C infection in Egypt. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 25:104-6. [PMID: 24865321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Egypt has the highest reported prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally. Until now, no systematic review has been conducted to understand risk factors associated with these high prevalence rates of HCV. This study attempted to identify the various HCV risk factors in Egypt responsible for the high incidence and prevalence rates. METHODS Using systematic literature review methods, we searched databases for eligible manuscripts, selecting cohort and case-control studies published in English. Peer-reviewed papers published between 2008 and February 2013 were included. A total of 11 articles met the study selection criteria. RESULTS The most examined risk factors found during our review analysis were surgery, transfusion, and age (64-82% of total articles; n = 11). Multiple risk factors held significant association with HCV infection in the included research. CONCLUSIONS Based on this review, the main HCV risk factor categories are unsafe medical practices and familial risk factors. Improving medical safety and encouraging familial education on HCV may help reduce the incidence of the disease. Most risk factors for HCV transmission in Egypt are healthcare-associated. Primary prevention of HCV infection remains important to reduce HCV transmission. Further research should also focus on risk factor dynamics of HCV in Egypt to reduce transmission and HCV disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Reker
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4395, USA
| | - K M Islam
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4395, USA.
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29
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AlZoubi AM, Khalifeh F. The effectiveness of stem cell therapies on health-related quality of life and life expectancy in comparison with conventional supportive medical treatment in patients suffering from end-stage liver disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2013; 4:16. [PMID: 23510679 PMCID: PMC3706779 DOI: 10.1186/scrt164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The work presented in this study focuses on evaluating health-related quality of life using the International Short Form 36-Item Health Survey in chronic liver disease patients in Cairo, Egypt, who received either stem cell therapy (SCT) or supportive medical treatment (SMT). Long-term follow-up results for patients who underwent therapy compared with healthy individuals showed that patients who underwent SCT showed marked improvements on all domains of the evaluation, much lower mortality rates, and complete absence of malignancy, compared with patients enrolled in SMT. The authors clearly showed a significant advantage of SCT in chronic liver disease patients compared with SMT.
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