RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The disproportionate burden of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV) is experienced by people living in low-resourced sub-Saharan Africa, where the estimated prevalence is 3-7 times the global average. Therefore to inform policy, we describe the seroprevalence and trends of hepatitis C (HCV) and HBV biomarkers: anti-HCV antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), respectively, in Zimbabwe. METHODS: We analysed data from 181,248 consecutive blood-donors, examined between January 2015 through December 2018. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using PubMed and African Journals Online databases, meta-analysing selected papers from Zimbabwe, published between 1970 and 2020, that met specific criteria. RESULTS: Overall age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) for anti-HCV was 8.67 (95%CI, 0.25-17.09) per 100,000, while that for HBsAg was 2.26 (95%, 1.89-2.63) per 1000 blood-donors, per year. Meta-analysis of 9 studies comprising 220,127 persons tested for anti-HCV revealed ASPR of 0.05% (95% 0%-0.19%) in blood-donors and 1.78% (95%CI, 0.01%-5.55%) in the general population, for an overall pooled ASPR of 0.44 (95%CI, 0.19%-0.76%). 21 studies comprising 291,784 persons tested for HBsAg revealed ASPR of 0.65% (95%CI, 0.31%-1.00%) in blood-donors and 4.31% (95%CI, 1.77%-6.50%) in the general population for an overall pooled ASPR of 4.02% (95%CI, 3.55%-4.48%), after HBV vaccine introduction. HBsAg prevalence was significantly higher before HBV vaccine introductions. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HBV is decreasing, consistent with the introduction of HBV vaccination, while HCV prevalence is increasing in Zimbabwe. This highlights the need for Improved blood-donor screening and more informative biomarker studies, particularly among repeat donors and children.
RESUMO
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of death globally. Despite WHO recommendations for Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT), challenges persist, including incompletion of treatment and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). There is limited data on the 3-month isoniazid and rifapentine (3HP) pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics and their relation with ADRs. Our study aims to describe the pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenomics of 3HP used for TPT, the ADRs and their association with completion rates, and TPT outcomes, providing vital insights for TB control strategies in resource-limited settings. Methods: This is an observational cohort study with a nested case-control study. We enrolled consecutive patients initiated on TPT using the 3HP regimen. These are followed up bi-weekly and then monthly during the active phase of treatment and 3 monthly for 2 years following completion of TPT. ADR evaluation includes clinical assessment and liver function tests. Cases are selected from those who experience ADRs, and controls from those who do not. Serum isoniazid and rifapentine concentrations are measured and pharmacogenomic analysis for NAT2 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms are done. Participants are followed up for 2 years to determine TPT outcomes. Analysis: The safety profile of 3HP will be assessed using descriptive statistics, including proportions of patients experiencing ADRs and grade 3 or above events related to treatment. Chi-square tests and regression models will determine predictors of ADRs and their impact on treatment completion. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling will establish population parameters and factors influencing rifapentine and isoniazid concentrations.