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Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology &... Sep 2020The global burden of viral hepatitis is substantial; in terms of mortality, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections are on a par with HIV, malaria and...
The global burden of viral hepatitis is substantial; in terms of mortality, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections are on a par with HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, among the top four global infectious diseases. In 2016, the 194 Member States of the World Health Organization committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, with a particular focus on hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. With only 10 years to go until the 2030 deadline is reached, and although much progress has been made towards elimination, there are still some important gaps in terms of policy and progress. In this Viewpoint, we asked a selection of scientists and clinicians working in the viral hepatitis field for their opinions on whether elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 is feasible, what the key areas of progress are and what the focus for the next 10 years and beyond should be for viral hepatitis elimination.
Topics: Disease Eradication; Goals; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Humans
PubMed: 32704164
DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-0332-6 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Jul 2020
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Disease Eradication; Global Health; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Program Evaluation; Viral Vaccines; World Health Organization
PubMed: 32120039
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.02.029 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Sep 2020Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), reportedly the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in developing countries, infects millions of people worldwide each year. The aim of...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), reportedly the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in developing countries, infects millions of people worldwide each year. The aim of the study is to investigate the seropositivity of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG and IgM in all age groups in Erzurum, and to determine the effect of various factors such as age, gender, climatic conditions and HAV vaccination (included in 2012 in the National Immunization Schedule on seroprevalence) on the seropositivity.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The serological results of 25,007 individuals referred to Erzurum Public Health Microbiology Laboratory between January 2015 - December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed to test for the presence of anti-HAV IgG and IgM. The patient ages were 0-93 years. Serum samples were analyzed by ELISA. S/CO values of ≥1.00 and >1.21 were considered positive for anti-HAV IgG and IgM, respectively; results below this value were considered negative.
RESULTS
Anti-HAV IgG and IgM seropositivities were 87.3% and 0.2%, respectively. Anti-HAV IgG prevalence - 88.5% and 86.4%, anti-HAV IgM positivity - 0.1% and 0.3% in men and women. Anti-HAV IgG seroprevalence - 87%, 73.2%, 58.7%, 75.2%, 86.1%, 89.8%, 96.1%, 99.1%, 99.1% and 99.3%, respectively, at 0-4, 5-9 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and >60 age groups. Anti-HAV IgM seropositivity - 0, 0.1%, 0.7%, 0.7%, 0.3%, 0, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.2%, respectively, in the same age groups. Anti-HAV IgM positivity was the highest in November - 36(0.97%.
CONCLUSIONS
In Erzurum, anti-HAV IgG prevalence is tremendously high, whereas prevalence of anti-HAV IgM is exceptionally low, especially in the paediatric age group. Therefore, HAV vaccine is provided free of charge in Turkey, including Erzurum, since 2012.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis A Antibodies; Hepatitis A virus; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Turkey; Young Adult
PubMed: 32955233
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/125394 -
Human Pathology Feb 2020Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the most common causes, if not the most common, of acute hepatitis worldwide. In the last decade, we have learned... (Review)
Review
Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the most common causes, if not the most common, of acute hepatitis worldwide. In the last decade, we have learned that, in addition to the endemically and epidemically occurring form of hepatitis E, which is predominantly transmitted by contaminated drinking water and constitutes a significant health problem in resource-poor countries, there is a globally existing form of hepatitis E, which is a zoonosis and as such is primarily transmitted by the consumption of contaminated meat products. Although in most cases hepatitis E is subclinical or mild and self-limiting, pregnant women and patients with liver cirrhosis may have severe, occasionally even fatal disease, and immunocompromised individuals may develop chronic hepatitis E. Considering the substantial global health burden caused by HEV infection, it is surprising how limited our knowledge of hepatitis E pathology still is. In this article, we describe localization studies on HEV infection and discuss their implications for everyday diagnostics. Furthermore, we outline and discuss the spectrum of histologic changes, which can be found in HEV infection in various clinical contexts.
Topics: Biopsy; Hepatitis E; Hepatitis E virus; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Liver; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Viral Proteins
PubMed: 31666196
DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2019.10.003 -
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental... Dec 2020The chronicity of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection relates to both viral factors and host factors. HBV could result in persistent infection and even serious liver... (Review)
Review
The chronicity of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection relates to both viral factors and host factors. HBV could result in persistent infection and even serious liver disease, including chronic hepatitis B (CHB), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the HBV vaccine can effectively prevent HBV infection, chronic HBV infection still endangers human health and results in a large social burden. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the HBV-mediated imbalance of the immune response and persistent infection are not fully understood. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) 40-160 nm in size that are released from many cells and transfer specific functional RNAs, proteins, lipids and viral components from donor to recipient cells. These exosome nanovesicles are associated with various biological processes, such as cellular homeostasis, immune response and cancer progression. Besides, previous studies on exosomes have shown that they take part in viral pathogenicity due to the similarity in structure and function between exosomes and enveloped viruses. Moreover, exosome as a novel immunomodulatory carrier plays a significant role in viral immunology. In this review, we focus on the latest progress in understanding the role of exosomes in HBV transmission as well as their vital roles in immune regulation during HBV infection. Furthermore, we discuss the potential clinical applications of exosomes in hepatitis B infection, including the use of exosomes in the auxiliary diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B.
Topics: Animals; Exosomes; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; Humans; Immunity; Models, Biological; Virus Replication
PubMed: 33268600
DOI: 10.1620/tjem.252.309 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2022The development of smart immune evasion mechanisms is crucial for the establishment of acute and chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is a major health problem worldwide... (Review)
Review
The development of smart immune evasion mechanisms is crucial for the establishment of acute and chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is a major health problem worldwide arising from different causes, such as pathogens, metabolic disorders, and xenotoxins, with the five hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV) representing the majority of the cases. Most of the hepatitis viruses are considered enveloped. Recently, it was reported that the non-enveloped HAV and HEV are, in reality, quasi-enveloped viruses exploiting exosomal-like biogenesis mechanisms for budding. Regardless, all hepatitis viruses use exosomes to egress, regulate, and eventually escape from the host immune system, revealing another key function of exosomes apart from their recognised role in intercellular communication. This review will discuss how the hepatitis viruses exploit exosome biogenesis and transport capacity to establish successful infection and spread. Then, we will outline the contribution of exosomes in viral persistence and liver disease progression.
Topics: Cell Communication; Hepatitis Viruses; Hepatitis, Chronic; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Immunity
PubMed: 36142773
DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810862 -
Bundesgesundheitsblatt,... Feb 2022Viral hepatitis A to E describes various infectious inflammations of the liver parenchyma that are caused by the hepatitis viruses A to E (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and... (Review)
Review
Viral hepatitis A to E describes various infectious inflammations of the liver parenchyma that are caused by the hepatitis viruses A to E (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV). Although the clinical pictures are similar, the pathogens belong to different virus families and differ in terms of pathogenesis, transmission routes, clinical course, prevention, and therapy options. In Germany, there is mandatory reporting according to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) for direct or indirect laboratory evidence and for suspicion, illness, and death of viral hepatitis. The data are transmitted to the Robert Koch Institute.In this article, on the basis of published studies and notification data, we describe the epidemiology of hepatitis A to E as well as current challenges and prevention approaches. In particular, the latter contains the improvement of existing vaccination recommendations (hepatitis A and B); improvement of access to prevention, testing, and care including therapy with antiviral drugs (hepatitis B, C, and D) and the detection and prevention of foodborne infections and outbreaks; and improvements in the field of food safety (hepatitis A and E).
Topics: Germany; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis Viruses; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans
PubMed: 35029725
DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03478-8 -
Bundesgesundheitsblatt,... Feb 2022Viral hepatitis is characterized as an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver induced by an infection with certain viruses. At present, around 325 million humans... (Review)
Review
Viral hepatitis is characterized as an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver induced by an infection with certain viruses. At present, around 325 million humans suffer from the chronic form of the disease worldwide. Each year, about 1.6 million people die as a result of viral hepatitis. The causative agents, hepatitis viruses, are subdivided into five groups of pathogens, which are denoted with the letters A to E (HAV to HEV). These differ from each other with respect to phylogeny, transmission, epidemiology, host-specificity, life cycle, structure, and distinct aspects of pathogenesis.The strictly human-pathogenic HAV, a member of the Picornaviridae family, mostly induces acute hepatitis and displays a dominant spread over the Global South. The Hepeviridae-affiliated HEV shows a similar epidemiology, yet spreads further into industrialized countries due to its zoonotic potential. Furthermore, HEV is defined by the capability of inducing chronic hepatitis. This course of disease is also found in a more pronounced manner for the globally prevalent HBV (Hepadnaviridae) and its satellite virus HDV (Kolmioviridae), which further increases their carcinogenic potential. Lastly, a worldwide distribution is similarly described for HCV (Flaviviridae), which displays a high risk of chronifications and therefore a highly increased carcinogenic potential.The aforementioned pathogens differ with respect to their properties and life cycles. Thus, a differentiated look on epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, and disease prevention is required. Despite the presence of therapies, in some cases even a vaccine, there is an urgent need for advances in research on these aspects, especially for poverty-related pathogens.
Topics: Germany; Hepatitis E virus; Hepatitis Viruses; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Prevalence; Viruses
PubMed: 34932130
DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03472-0 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... Jul 2019The objective of this review was to investigate the epidemiology of Fulminant Acute Hepatitis in Latin America and the Caribbean and identify possible measures aimed at... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to investigate the epidemiology of Fulminant Acute Hepatitis in Latin America and the Caribbean and identify possible measures aimed at a better understanding and improvement of patient support.
METHODS
We used 3 different researchers to investigate the topic of Fulminant Acute Hepatitis in pediatrics in papers published by Latin American and Caribbean authors in the PubMed and SciELO databases from 2000 to 2016.
RESULTS
We found 2,879 articles in the databases searched. After selecting and excluding articles according to the study protocol, 68 remaining studies were obtained for analysis. A total of 1,265 cases of acute fulminant hepatitis were detected, with a predominance of females (42.9%), followed by males (39.4%), with no description of sex in 17.7% of the cases. The main cause was viral hepatitis, representing 45.1% of the cases. The hepatitis A virus was responsible for 34.7% of the total cases and 76.9% of the infectious causes. Of the total number of patients, 26.9% were described as idiopathic, and 11.5% had no cause.
CONCLUSION
The preventable causes of Fulminant Acute Hepatitis include hepatitis viruses - primarily the hepatitis A virus - and poisoning. Active vaccination, basic sanitation, and public awareness can reduce the number of patients and, consequently, the costs of liver transplantation due to these causes.
Topics: Caribbean Region; Female; Hepatitis; Humans; Latin America; Liver Failure, Acute; Male
PubMed: 31340325
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.65.6.914 -
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and... 2021Hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E viruses (HEV) are endemic in Iran and are known major causes of acute viral hepatitis. Also, during pregnancy, they are associated with...
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E viruses (HEV) are endemic in Iran and are known major causes of acute viral hepatitis. Also, during pregnancy, they are associated with severe outcomes. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate the antibody levels against HAV and HEV in pregnant women to avoid severe outcomes incidence. . A total of 247 pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. In addition to completing the questionnaire and interviewing all participants, the serum samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The association between anti-HAV and anti-HEV antibodies status and risk factors was evaluated.
RESULTS
The mean age of patients was 28.06 ± 5.29 years. Anti-HAV antibody was found in 111 patients (44.9%), while anti-HEV antibody was detected in only two pregnant women (0.8%). The seroprevalence of HAV was inversely related to the level of education. There was no significant correlation between HAV antibody levels and age, marital status, residence location, and pregnancy trimesters.
CONCLUSION
Considering many complications of these diseases in pregnancy, the detection of enteroviral hepatitis, especially HAV in pregnant women, is necessary, and therefore, proactive measures, such as promoting education, improving people awareness, and vaccination, are recommended.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis E; Hepatitis E virus; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Iran; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prospective Studies; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 34305391
DOI: 10.1155/2021/5130586