Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, C and D in Vietnam: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vietnam has one of the greatest disease burdens from chronic viral hepatitis. Comprehensive prevalence data are essential to support its elimination as a public health threat. Methods: We searched Medline and Embase from 1990 to 2021 for seroprevalence data relating to Hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (HDV) in Vietnam. We estimated pooled prevalence with a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model and stratified study populations into i) low-risk ii) high-risk exposure and iii) liver disease. We further estimated prevalence by decade and region and rates of HIV-coinfection. Findings: We analysed 72 studies, including 120 HBV, 114 HCV and 23 HDV study populations. Pooled HBV prevalence was low in blood donors (1.86% [1.82-1.90]) but high in antenatal populations (10.8% [10.1-11.6]) and adults in the general population (10.5% [10.0-11.0]). It was similar or modestly increased in groups at highest risk of exposure, suggesting the epidemic is largely driven by chronic infections acquired in childhood. HCV pooled prevalence in the general population was lower than historical estimates: 0.26% (0.09-0.51) have active infection defined by detectable antigen or HCV RNA. In contrast, there is an extremely high prevalence of active HCV infection in people who inject drugs (PWID) (57.8% [56.5-59.1]), which has persisted through the decades despite harm-reduction interventions. HDV appears mainly confined to high-risk groups. Interpretation: Blood safety has improved, but renewed focus on HBV vaccination at birth and targeted HCV screening and treatment of PWID are urgently required to meet elimination targets. Large cross-sectional studies are needed to better characterize HDV prevalence, but mass screening may not be warranted. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Hepatitis C virus testing in a clinical HIV cohort in Ontario, Canada, 2000 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: HIV-positive individuals may acquire HCV via injection drug use (IDU) and condomless anal sex. HIV care provides opportunities for HCV testing and cure with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). METHODS: We analyzed data from the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study. Among those not HCV-positive or diagnosed previously (n = 4586), we used Cox regression to test the rates of ever HCV testing (serological or RNA) in HIV care by DAA era (pre-DAA: 2000-2010; after DAA: 2011-2015) and compared the proportion diagnosed with HCV. We identified correlates of annual proportions of serological testing using Poisson generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: After DAA vs pre-DAA, the hazard rate ratio (95% CI) of ever HCV testing was 1.70 (1.59, 1.81). The proportion (95% CI) tested annually increased from 9.2% (8.0%, 10.7%) in 2000 to 39.1% (37.1%, 41.1%) in 2015 (P < 0.0001). The proportion diagnosed with HCV declined by 74% pre-DAA to 11% after DAAs. Annual testing increased per calendar year (16% steeper slope after DAA vs pre-DAA) and was more common among men who have sex with men; those more educated (post-secondary vs ≤ high school); and those positive for syphilis or reporting any IDU. Annual testing decreased per decade of age and time since HIV diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Annual HCV testing increased over time with higher testing among those reporting sexual or IDU risk factors, but fell short of clinical guidelines. Targeted interventions to boost testing may be needed to close these gaps and reach WHO 2030 HCV elimination targets.

Under one roof: identification, evaluation, and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in addiction care.

For over a decade, the vast majority of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been among young people who inject drugs (PWID). Well-characterized gaps in chronic HCV diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment have resulted in fewer than 5% of PWID receiving HCV treatment. While interferon-based treatment may have intentionally been foregone during part of this time in anticipation of improved oral therapies, the overall pattern points to deficiencies and treatment exclusions in the health care system. Treatment for HCV with all-oral, highly effective direct-acting antiviral medication for 12 weeks or less is now the standard of care, putting renewed focus on effective delivery of care. We describe here both the need for and process of chronic HCV care under the roof of addiction medicine.

Dinâmica espacial e temporal da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C / Spatial and temporal dynamics of infection by the hepatitis C virus

Introdução: O Vírus da Hepatite C (HCV) é uma das princi-pais causas de doença hepática crônica em todo o mundo. O Brasil é um país com uma prevalência intermediária de 1% a 2% e com características epidemiológicas distintas confor-me região geográfica estudada. Objetivo: Analisar a dinâmi-ca espacial e a tendência temporal da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C no estado de Sergipe, durante o período de 2007 a 2015. Material e métodos: Estudo ecológico e descritivo, através do uso de dados secundários dos casos de HCV no-tificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notifica-ção (SINAN), de 2007 a 2015. Analisaram-se as tendências temporais por sexo e faixa etária através de regressão linear, considerando-se p<0,05 e obtendo-se a variação percentual anual (APC). Para a análise espacial foi adotado o estimador de densidade Kernel, sendo as análises realizadas no software TerraView 4.2.2. Resultados: Foram notificados 567 casos de hepatite C no estado de Sergipe. Predominou o sexo mascu-lino (62,08%); pardo (66,13%); faixa etária de 50 a 59 anos (31,74%). A coinfecção HIV/HCV ocorreu em 5,64% (n=32). A prevalência variou de 2,51 (2007) para 3,34 (2015) casos por 100 mil habitantes, aumento de 33,06%. Observaram-se ten-dências decrescentes para crianças e adultos de 20 a 39 anos, e crescentes, para adolescentes, adultos de 40 a 59 anos e idosos. A análise espacial permitiu a construção de mapas apontan-do a existência de clusters ("hot spots"), no entanto não foi verificada presença de autocorrelação espacial, apresentando uma distribuição espacial heterogênea da infecção pelo HCV. Conclusão: Apesar das flutuações nas taxas, no geral ocorreu uma tendência crescente da ocorrência de casos de hepatite C no estado de Sergipe.

Introduction: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Brazil presents an intermediate prevalence ranging from 1% to 2%. According to the studied geographic region, it has distinct epidemiological characteristics. Objectives:To analyze the spatial dynamics and temporal tendency of the hepatitis C infection in the State of Sergipe from 2007 to 2015. Methods and Materials: We carried out an ecological, descriptive study using secondary data retrieved from cases of hepatitis C virus registered on the Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declarationplatform (SINAN). Temporal trends were analyzed using linear regression and the annual percentage change (APC). We considered individuals' gender and age range. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Kernel density estimation (KDE) was used for the spatial analysis through TerraView 4.2.2 software. Results: There were 567 cases of hepatitis C reported in the state of Sergipe. Study sample was constituted predominantly by males (62.08%); brown people (66.13%), and age group ranging from 50 to 59 (31.74%). HIV/HCV coinfection occurred in 5.64% (n = 32). Prevalence varied from 2.51 cases in 2007 to 3.34 cases in 2015 per 100,000 inhabitants. Coinfection showed an increase of 33.06%. Children and adults (20 to 39 years-old)presented a decreased trend. Adolescents and adults (40 to 49 years-old) presented an increased trend, as well as the elderly people. Spatial analysis allowed the construction of maps indicating the existence of clusters ("hot spots"). However it did not verify the presence of spatial autocorrelation, presenting a heterogeneous spatial distribution of Hepatitis C Virus infection. Conclusion: In spite of the fluctuations in the rates, in general there was an increasing incidence trend of Hepatitis C Virus in the state of Sergipe.

Viral hepatitis in female sex workers using the Respondent-Driven Sampling

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and C virus infections and their genotypes and analyze the risk factors for the markers of exposure to hepatitis B virus in female sex workers in a region of intense sex trade. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study performed with four hundred and two female sex workers in Goiânia, Brazil. Data have been collected using the Respondent-Driven Sampling. The women have been interviewed and tested for markers of hepatitis B and C viruses. Positive samples have been genotyped. The data have been analyzed using the Respondent-Driven Sampling Analysis Tool, version 5.3, and Stata 11.0. RESULTS The adjusted prevalence for hepatitis B virus and C virus were 17.1% (95%CI 11.6-23.4) and 0.7% (95%CI 0.1-1.5), respectively. Only 28% (95%CI 21.1-36.4) of the participants had serological evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Being older (> 40 years), being single, having a history of blood transfusion and use of cocaine, and ignoring the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections were associated with positivity for hepatitis B virus (p < 0.05). We have detected the subgenotype A1 of hepatitis B virus (n = 3) and the subtypes of hepatitis C virus 1a (n = 3) and 1b (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS We can observe a low prevalence of infection of hepatitis B and C viruses in the studied population. However, the findings of the analysis of the risk factors show the need for more investment in prevention programs for sexual and drug-related behavior, as well as more efforts to vaccinate this population against hepatitis B. The genotypes of the hepatitis B virus and C virus identified are consistent with those circulating in Brazil.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus in Brazil's inmate population: a systematic review / Prevalência do vírus da hepatite C na população carcerária do Brasil: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Brazil's inmate population.METHODS Systematic review on hepatitis C virus infection in the inmate population. Brazilian studies published from January 1, 1989 to February 20, 2014 were evaluated. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using a scale of 0 to 8 points.RESULTS Eleven eligible studies were analyzed and provided data on hepatitis C virus infection among 4,375 inmates from seven states of Brazil, with a mean quality classification of 7.4. The overall hepatitis C virus prevalence among Brazilian inmates was 13.6% (ranging from 1.0% to 41.0%, depending on the study). The chances of inmates being seropositive for hepatitis C virus in the states of Minas Gerais (MG), Sergipe (SE), Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Goiás (GO) and Espirito Santo (ES) were 84.0% (95%CI 0.06;0.45), 92.0% (95%CI 0.04;0.13), 88.0% (95%CI 0.09;0.18), 74.0% (95%CI 0.16;0.42), 84.0% (95%CI 0.08;0.31) and 89.0% (95%CI 0.01;0.05) respectively, lower than that observed in the Sao Paulo state (seroprevalence of 29.3%). The four studies conducted in the city of Sao Paulo revealed a lower prevalence in more recent studies compared to older ones.CONCLUSIONS The highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Brazil's inmate population was found in Sao Paulo, which may reflect the urban diversity of the country. Despite Brazilian studies having good methodological quality to evaluate the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus, they are scarce and lack data on risk factors associated with this infection, which could support decisions on prevention and implementation of public health policies for Brazilian prisons.

RESUMOOBJETIVO Estimar prevalência de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C entre a população carcerária no Brasil.MÉTODOS Revisão sistemática sobre infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C em populações carcerárias. Foram avaliados estudos brasileiros publicados a partir de 1 de janeiro de 1989 até 20 de fevereiro de 2014. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada utilizando-se escala de zero a oito pontos.RESULTADOS Onze estudos elegíveis foram analisados, os quais forneceram dados sobre a infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C de 4.375 detentos de sete estados do Brasil, com classificação em média de qualidade de 7,4. A prevalência de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C na população carcerária brasileira foi 13,6%, (variando de 1,0% a 41,0%, dependendo do estudo). As chances de os indivíduos serem soropositivos para o vírus da hepatite C nos estados de Minas Gerais, Sergipe, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Goiás e Espírito Santo foram 84,0% (IC95% 0,06;0,45), 92,0% (IC95% 0,04;0,13), 88,0% (IC95% 0,09;0,18), 74% (IC95% 0,16;0,42), 84,0% (IC95% 0,08;0,31) e 89,0% (IC95% 0,01;0,05), respectivamente, inferiores àquela observada no estado de São Paulo (soroprevalência de 29,3%). Os quatro estudos realizados na cidade de São Paulo mostraram menor prevalência em estudos mais recentes em comparação aos mais antigos.CONCLUSÕES A maior prevalência de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C em população carcerária do Brasil foi encontrada em São Paulo, o que pode refletir a diversidade urbana do País. Apesar de os estudos brasileiros apresentarem boa qualidade metodológica para avaliação da prevalência do vírus da hepatite C, são escassos e faltam dados sobre fatores de risco associados a esta infecção, dados esses que poderiam auxiliar nas decisões de prevenção e implementação de políticas em saúde pública para as prisões brasileiras.

Association between Schistosomiasis mansoni and hepatitis C: systematic review / Associacao entre esquistossomose mansonica e hepatite C: revisao sistematica / Asociacion entre esquistosomiasis mansoni y hepatitis C: revision sistematica

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the prevalence of the HCV/ S. mansoni co-infection and associated factors in Schistosoma mansoni -infected populations. METHODS: The bibliographic search was carried out using the Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Cochrane Library and Ibecs databases. The criteria for the studies' selection and the extraction data were based on systematic review methods. Forty five studies were found, with nine being excluded in a first screening. Thirteen articles were used for data extraction. RESULTS: The HCV infection rates in schistosomiasis populations range from 1% in Ethiopia to 50% in Egypt. Several studies had poorly defined methodologies, even in areas characterized by an association between hepatitis C and schistosomiasis, such as Brazil and Egypt, which meant conclusions were inconsistent. HCV infection rates in schistosomotic populations were heterogeneous and risk factors for acquiring the virus varied widely. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations, this review may help to identify regions with higher rates of hepatitis C and schistosomiasis association. However, more studies are necessary for the development of public health policies on prevention and control of both diseases. .

OBJETIVO: Realizar revisão sistemática sobre a prevalência da confecção do vírus da hepatite C e Schistosoma mansoni e os fatores de risco associados a indivíduos com esquistossomose. MÉTODOS: Revisão realizada nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Biblioteca Cochrane e Ibecs. Os critérios de seleção e a obtenção dos dados foram baseados em métodos de revisão sistemática. Foram encontradas 45 referências relevantes, das quais nove foram excluídas na primeira triagem, 14 na leitura dos resumos e nove na leitura completa. Treze artigos foram selecionados para análise. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da associação entre vírus da hepatite C e Schistosoma mansoni variou de 1% na Etiópia a 50% no Egito. Alguns estudos apresentam metodologias pouco definidas, mesmo em áreas caracterizadas pela associação entre vírus da hepatite C e S. mansoni , como Brasil e Egito, o que não permitiu conclusões consistentes. As taxas de infecção pelo VHC em populações esquistossomáticas foram heterogêneas e os fatores de risco para adquirir o vírus foram variáveis. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar das limitações, esta análise pode ajudar a identificar regiões com maiores taxas dessa associação. Outros estudos serão necessários para o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas de prevenção e controle dessas doenças. .

OBJETIVO: Realizar revisión sistemática sobre la prevalencia de la co-infección del virus de la hepatitis C y Schistosoma mansoni y los factores de riesgo asociados a individuos con esquistosomosis. MÉTODOS: Revisión realizada en las bases de datos MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, Biblioteca Cochrane e IBECS. Los criterios de selección y la obtención de los datos fueron basados en métodos de revisión sistemática. RESULTADOS: Fueron encontradas 45 referencias relevantes, de las cuales, nueve fueron excluidas en la primera selección, 14 en la lectura de los resúmenes y nueve en la lectura completa. Trece artículos fueron seleccionados para análisis. La prevalencia de la asociación entre virus de la hepatitis C y Schistosoma mansoni varió de 1% en Etiopia, a 50% en Egipto. Algunos estudios presentan metodologías poco definidas, inclusive en áreas caracterizadas por la asociación entre el virus de la hepatitis C y S. mansoni, como Brasil y Egipto, lo que no permitió conclusiones consistentes. Los cocientes de infección por el VHC en poblaciones esquistosómicas fueron heterogéneos y los factores de riesgo para adquirir el virus fueron variables. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de las limitaciones, este análisis pudo ayudar a identificar regiones con mayores cocientes de esa asociación. Otros estudios serán necesarios para el desarrollo de políticas públicas de prevención y control de estas enfermedades. .

Infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C em gestantes em Mato Grosso do Sul, 2005-2007 / Hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Central-Western Brazil, 2005-2007 / Infección por el virus de la hepatitis C en gestantes en Mato Grosso do Sul, Centro-Oeste de Brasil, 2005-2007

O estudo teve por objetivo estimar a prevalência da infecção e genótipo do vírus da hepatite C (HCV), bem como determinar a subnotificação de casos. O total de 115.386 gestantes atendidas pelo Programa Estadual de Proteção à Gestante de Mato Grosso do Sul foi submetido à coleta de sangue para a detecção de anti-HCV, de 2005 a 2007. A prevalência da infecção pelo HCV foi de 1,07 casos/1.000. As amostras positivas foram submetidas à detecção do HCV-RNA e genotipadas. O genótipo 1 foi encontrado em 73 por cento das amostras, 24,3 por cento pertenciam ao genótipo 3 e 2,7 por cento ao genótipo 2. A subnotificação de casos de hepatite C foi de 35,5 por cento.

The study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of infection with and the genotype of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and to determine the extent of underreporting of HCV cases. A total of 115,386 pregnant women seen by the Program for Protection of Pregnancy [Programa Estadual de Proteção à Gestante] of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-Western Brazil, were tested for anti-HCV antibodies between 2005 and 2007. Prevalence of HCV infection was 1.07 cases per thousand. Positive samples were tested for HCV RNA and genotyped. Genotype 1 was detected in 73 percent of samples, genotype 3 in 24.3 percent, and genotype 2 in 2.7 percent. Underreporting of hepatitis C cases was 35.5 percent.

El estudio tuvo por objetivo estimar la prevalencia de la infección y genotipo del virus de la hepatitis C (HCV), así como determinar la subnotificación de casos. El total de 115.386 gestantes atendidas por el Programa Estatal de Protección a la Gestante de Mato Grosso do Sul (Centro-Oeste de Brasil) fueron sometidas a la colecta de sangre para la detección de anti-HCV, de 2005 a 2007. La prevalencia de la infección por el HCV fue de 1,07 casos/1000. Las muestras positivas fueron sometidas a la detección del HCV-RNA y genotipadas. El genotipo 1 fue encontrado en 73 por ciento de las muestras, 24,3 por ciento pertenecían al genotipo 3 y 2,7 por ciento al genotipo 2. La subnotificación de casos de hepatitis C fue de 35,5 por ciento.

Significant epidemiological changes in chronic hepatitis C infection: results of the nationwide HEPNET-GREECE cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important health problem worldwide. The aim of the study is to describe the baseline characteristics and possible epidemiological changes of the patients with chronic HCV infection included in a nationwide Greek study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: two thousand eight hundred seventeen (2817) patients, followed-up at 20 hepatology centres throughout Greece between the years 1997 and 2006 were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: Intravenous drug use (IDU) and history of blood transfusion prior to 1992 was reported in 30.7% and 22.6% of our patients, respectively. In 1865 (66.2%) patients with known genotypes, the distribution for genotype 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 45.1%, 7%, 34% and 13.9% respectively. Genotype 1 was more common in older people, in women (55.9% p<0.001) and patients with transfusion-related hepatitis (61.6% p<0.001). Genotype 3 was more common in younger patients, in men (43% p<0.001) and in IDUs (63.3% p<0.001). A significant reduction of transfusion-related hepatitis C incidence (p<0.001) in conjunction with the proportion of genotype 1 (p<0.001) was observed during the last three decades while an increase in IDU infected patients and genotype 3 was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a significant change in HCV genotype distribution and source of HCV infection during the last three decades and under that scope, urgent actions are needed in order to control the spread of HCV infection.

Comparação do perfil epidemiológico das hepatites B e C em um serviço público de São Paulo / Comparison between hepatitis B and C epidemiological profiles at a public institution in São Paulo, Brazil

CONTEXTO: As hepatites virais constituem doença de notificação compulsória e apresentam grande importância em nosso meio devido à elevada prevalência. OBJETIVO: Comparar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos confirmados de hepatites B e C notificados no Núcleo de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, no período entre janeiro de 2004 e abril de 2007. MATERIAL: Os resultados foram analisados através do teste do qui ao quadrado. RESULTADOS: Observou-se 112 casos confirmados de hepatite B e 651 de hepatite C. Houve predominância do sexo masculino dentre os casos de hepatite B e do sexo feminino entre os de hepatite C, com significância estatística. A faixa etária mais frequente foi de 30 a 39 anos, considerando-se hepatite B (P<0,01) e 40 a 49 anos para hepatite C (P = 0,49). A astenia foi o sintoma mais relatado. Os fatores de risco predominantes foram: doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (hepatite B; P<0,01), tratamento cirúrgico e transfusão de sangue (hepatite C; P<0,01). A confirmação por critério laboratorial foi predominante e quanto à forma clínica, observou-se evolução para hepatite crônica em 54,5 por cento e 81,7 por cento dos casos, respectivamente para hepatite B e C (P<0,01). A transmissão do vírus B ocorreu predominantemente por via sexual (P<0,01), enquanto o vírus C foi predominantemente transmitido por transfusão (P<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Os dados referentes ao perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes foram semelhantes aos disponíveis na literatura nacional e internacional. Ressalta-se a importância da vigilância epidemiológica na determinação do perfil das hepatites virais, permitindo que se estabeleçam propostas adequadas de prevenção e rastreamento.

CONTEXT: Viral hepatitis is a disease of compulsory notification and is very important due to its high prevalence. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological profiles of hepatitis B and C, reported through surveillance at the "Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual", São Paulo, SP, Brazil, from January 2004 to April 2007. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study revealed 112 confirmed cases of hepatitis B and 651 of hepatitis C. Male gender predominated among hepatitis B while female gender predominated among hepatitis C, statistically significant. Hepatitis B occurred mainly among patients from 30 to 39 years old (P<0.01), and hepatitis C was more frequent among patients from 40 to 49 years old (P = 0.49). Asthenia was the most frequent symptom. The main risk factors were: sexually transmitted diseases (hepatitis B; P<0.01), previous surgery and blood transfusion (hepatitis C; P<0,01). Cases were mostly confirmed through laboratory tests. Chronic hepatitis occurred in 54.5 percent and 81.7 percent cases of hepatitis B and C, respectively (P<0,01). Virus B was mostly transmitted by sexual contact (P<0,01); virus C was transmitted mainly by blood transfusion (P<0,01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings were similar to national and international data available. Epidemiologic surveillance plays an important role in determining the viral hepatitis profile in order to provide adequate screening and prevention.