Viral hepatitis E, zoonotic transmission in Algeria.

Viral hepatitis E, a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in adults, is a global public health problem. The zoonotic potential of the virus is currently accepted in developed countries. In developing countries, where transmission is mainly enteric, data on the animal reservoir are very limited. Our objective was to identify a possible risk of zoonotic transmission in our region (eastern Algeria). Four hundred and thirty four sera from blood donors were analysed by an-ti-HEV IgG antibodies detection using a commercial ELISA kit. Study participants were asked about demographics, contact with farm animals, pets, rats, and with live or shot game during a hunting activity. The anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 17.05%. Two risk factors were identified; rat contact with a seroprevalence rate at 51.2% (p < 1p.1000), OR = 6.736 [95% CI 3, 42-13.26] and game contact with a seroprevalence at 33% (p = 0.003), OR = 2.76 [95% CI 1.37-5.56]. In summary, zoonotic transmission is possible in our region. Rats and game should be investigated for a probable animal reservoir.

Severe Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Weil's Disease.

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonosis of worldwide importance. Its distribution is closely linked to hydrometric conditions. It is characterized by a wide clinical range, from the subclinical form, or one with few symptoms; which resolves spontaneously, to the multi-visceral form, known as icterrohemorrhagic disease or Weil's disease, with a lethal risk. All organs can be affected but with variable frequency. Pancreatic involvement is not well documented. We describe a 45-year-old man with Weil's disease associated with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. The evolution was favorable but required a three-week stay in the intensive care unit.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among blood donors in eastern Algeria.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is recognized worldwide as the leading cause of orofecal-transmitted hepatitis. However, blood transmission has been increasingly implicated in recent years raising health concerns. In Algeria, updated prevalence data are lacking. We aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in the sera of volunteer blood donors from the Setif region in eastern Algeria. A total of 434 Samples were analyzed for anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Wantai). Logistic regression modelling was used to identify associated risk factors. The IgG seroprevalence rate was 17.05%. Seven sera (0.16%) were weakly positive for IgM. No HEV RNA was detected. The IgG prevalence was significantly correlated with increasing age (p < 1p.1000). Our data demonstrate a relatively high prevalence of anti-HEV IgG, indicating a possible risk of HEV blood transmission which requires vireamic seroprevalence studies to assess the real risk.

Epidemiological and Clinical Factors Associated with Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus.

BACKGROUND The risk of chronicity is high after acute hepatitis C. The infection remains limited and spontaneously resolves in an average of 30% of subjects. Such subjects are considered recovered and do not require any medical care. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical factors associated with spontaneous viral clearance. METHODS We conducted a descriptive retrospective study on patients' files managed for a positive hepatitis C serology who benefited from the research of serum viral RNA by molecular biology. RESULTS The study collected 429 usable files. The mean age of the patients was 50.21 years, and the sex ratio was 0.98. Spontaneous viral clearance was estimated at 17.2%. The univariate analysis showed that clearance was significantly greater in subjects under the age of 50 years, patients without type 2 diabetes, patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus, patients with transfusion, and those diagnosed fortuitously. Multivariate analysis confirmed the relationship between diabetes and the circumstances of the diagnosis. The relationship in the case of hepatitis B co-infection was very close to the statistical significance level (p=0.055). CONCLUSION The presence of hepatitis B co-infection in patients with positive hepatitis C serology predicts a high probability of having spontaneous clearance. However, advanced age and the existence of a history of blood transfusion, type 2 diabetes or suggestive signs of liver damage are associated with persistent viremia.

First study of hepatitis delta virus in Algeria: Seroprevalence and risk factors in Setif region (east of Algeria).

BACKGROUND: No recent data are available on hepatitis delta virus (HDV) prevalence in Algeria. For this reason we conducted an epidemiological study, cross-sectional seroprevalence of HDV in the region of Setif. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2014, sera samples of 500 patients (carrying HBsAg) admitted to the Division of Infectious Diseases Teaching Hospital, Setif (east of Algeria), were tested for anti-HDV-IgG ab (ETI-AB-DeltaK-2). RESULTS: The prevalence of HDV obtained is estimated at 2.4%. The prevalence ranges from 1% in chronic hepatitis to 11.1% in cirrhotic hepatitis (low endemic area). Seropositivity rate is closely correlated with age (Odds ratio [OR] = 9.98, p = 0.000) and gender (OR = 0.24, p = 0.025); it reaches 58.3% in the age group of 51-60 years and 0% in children (age group 1-15 years); it represents 75% in females and 25% in males. The presence of familial cases of HBsAg positive (OR = 4.54, p = 0.006), the endoscopic procedure (OR = 6.54, p = 0.000) and tattooing (OR = 20, p = 0.000) were found to be the transmission risk factors. A statistically significant relationship was found between the positivity of anti-HDV and advanced liver disease, cirrhosis (OR = 9. 16, p = 0.000). A significant correlation was found between the positivity of anti-HDV with diabetes (OR = 6.83, p = 0.000), obesity (OR = 4.19, p = 0.009) and viral suppression B (OR = 5.69, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our results show that HDV infection is low in Algeria. Research for total anti-HDV should be part of the initial assessment of patient care with viral hepatitis B as well as the prevalence of other viruses (hepatitis C [HCV] and HIV). A multicentre study should be carried out to know the importance of HDV infection and identify the risk groups.