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The Lancet. Gastroenterology &... Aug 2022Empirical, updated country-level estimates on the proportion of cirrhosis attributable to viral hepatitis are required. We estimated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus...
BACKGROUND
Empirical, updated country-level estimates on the proportion of cirrhosis attributable to viral hepatitis are required. We estimated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with cirrhosis at country, regional, and global levels as an approximation for the fractions of cirrhosis attributable to viral hepatitis.
METHODS
In this systematic review, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scielo between Jan 1, 1993, and Aug 1, 2021. Studies were eligible if they reported on the prevalence of both HBV and HCV infection in representative studies of at least 20 patients with cirrhosis. Studies were excluded if they used first-generation HCV assays or were from a selected population of patients with cirrhosis (eg, patients selected based on specific causes, veterans, injecting drug users). Two authors (CJA and CdM) selected and extracted aggregated data from the selected publications. Data were extracted for study recruitment period, age, sex, and cause of cirrhosis, among others. Data about heavy alcohol consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were also extracted when available. Aggregated data from studies from key publications were requested from the authors of the original study if selection of patients was unclear or information on causes was missing. We estimated the country-specific prevalence of causes of cirrhosis by pooling study-level data from the same country using a random-effects model. Subsequently, we estimated the regional (WHO region and UN subregion) and global prevalence by weighting the country-specific prevalence by the number of new liver cancer cases that occurred in 2020, as estimated in GLOBOCAN. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020149323.
FINDINGS
Our database searches identified 21 338 records, and a further nine records were identified by scanning references of key publications. After excluding duplicates and assessing full-text articles for eligibility, 520 publications from 86 countries or territories (and reporting on 1 376 503 patients with cirrhosis) were included in the systematic review. The prevalence of HBV infection was lower among patients with cirrhosis in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania (UN subregional prevalence ranges 3-14%) than in Africa and Asia (8-61%). HCV infection prevalence was heterogenous, even within regions (12-83%). The combined prevalence of HBV and HCV infection exceeded 50% in most Asian and African regions. Globally, among patients with cirrhosis, 42% had HBV infection and 21% had HCV infection. The contribution of heavy alcohol use was highest in Europe (country range 16-78%), the Americas (17-52%), and Oceania (15-37%) and lowest in Asia (0-41%). Data on NAFLD were limited.
INTERPRETATION
HBV and HCV could account for almost two thirds of the global burden of cirrhosis. With the availability of effective interventions for the prevention or treatment of HBV and HCV, the data presented in this study will help to effectively allocate resources towards viral hepatitis elimination and to design interventions at the country level.
FUNDING
International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization.
Topics: Hepacivirus; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Prevalence; United States
PubMed: 35576953
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(22)00050-4 -
Journal of Hepatology Sep 2020There are uncertainties about the epidemic patterns of HDV infection and its contribution to the burden of liver disease. We estimated the global prevalence of HDV... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
There are uncertainties about the epidemic patterns of HDV infection and its contribution to the burden of liver disease. We estimated the global prevalence of HDV infection and explored its contribution to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among HBsAg-positive people.
METHODS
We searched Pubmed, EMBASE and Scopus for studies reporting on total or IgG anti-HDV among HBsAg-positive people. Anti-HDV prevalence was estimated using a binomial mixed model, weighting for study quality and population size. The population attributable fraction (PAF) of HDV to cirrhosis and HCC among HBsAg-positive people was estimated using random effects models.
RESULTS
We included 282 studies, comprising 376 population samples from 95 countries, which together tested 120,293 HBsAg-positive people for anti-HDV. The estimated anti-HDV prevalence was 4.5% (95% CI 3.6-5.7) among all HBsAg-positive people and 16.4% (14.6-18.6) among those attending hepatology clinics. Worldwide, 0.16% (0.11-0.25) of the general population, totalling 12.0 (8.7-18.7) million people, were estimated to be anti-HDV positive. Prevalence among HBsAg-positive people was highest in Mongolia, the Republic of Moldova and countries in Western and Middle Africa, and was higher in injecting drug users, haemodialysis recipients, men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers, and those with HCV or HIV. Among HBsAg-positive people, preliminary PAF estimates of HDV were 18% (10-26) for cirrhosis and 20% (8-33) for HCC.
CONCLUSIONS
An estimated 12 million people worldwide have experienced HDV infection, with higher prevalence in certain geographic areas and populations. HDV is a significant contributor to HBV-associated liver disease. More quality data are needed to improve the precision of burden estimates.
LAY SUMMARY
We combined all available studies to estimate how many people with hepatitis B also have hepatitis D, a viral infection that only affects people with hepatitis B. About 1 in 22 people with hepatitis B also have hepatitis D, increasing to 1 in 6 when considering people with liver disease. Hepatitis D may cause about 1 in 6 of the cases of cirrhosis and 1 in 5 of the cases of liver cancer that occur in people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is an important contributor to the global burden of liver disease.
Topics: Adult; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Coinfection; Female; Genotype; Hepatitis Antibodies; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis D; Hepatitis Delta Virus; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Prevalence; RNA, Viral; Renal Dialysis; Sex Workers; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Substance Abuse, Intravenous
PubMed: 32335166
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.008 -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases Jan 2021To eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), peripartum antiviral prophylaxis might be required for pregnant women infected with HBV who... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), peripartum antiviral prophylaxis might be required for pregnant women infected with HBV who have a high risk of MTCT despite infant immunoprophylaxis. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis to inform the 2020 WHO guidelines.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, CNKI, and Wanfang for randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis versus placebo or no prophylaxis, with no language restriction, published from database inception until March 28, 2019. We used search terms covering HBV, antiviral therapy, and pregnancy. We included studies that enrolled pregnant women with chronic infection with HBV who received antiviral prophylaxis anytime during pregnancy; that included any of the following antivirals: adefovir, emtricitabine, entecavir, lamivudine, telbivudine, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate; and that reported the following outcomes: MTCT, indicated by infant HBsAg positivity or HBV DNA positivity, or both, at age 6-12 months, and any infant or maternal adverse events. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Our primary endpoint was MTCT based on infant HBsAg positivity. We assessed pooled odds ratios (ORs) of the efficacy of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis to reduce the risk of MTCT. We assessed safety of prophylaxis by pooling risk differences. The protocol for the systematic review was pre-registered in PROSPERO, CRD42019134614.
FINDINGS
Of 7463 articles identified, 595 articles were eligible for full-text review and 129 studies (in 157 articles) were included. The following antivirals were assessed in the meta-analysis: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg (19 studies, with 1092 mothers and 1072 infants), lamivudine 100-150 mg (40 studies, with 2080 mothers and 2007 infants), and telbivudine 600 mg (83 studies, with 6036 mothers and 5971 infants). The pooled ORs for randomised controlled trials were similar, at 0·10 (95% CI 0·03-0·35) for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 0·16 (0·10-0·26) for lamivudine, and 0·14 (0·09-0·21) for telbivudine. The pooled ORs in non-randomised studies were 0·17 (0·10-0·29) for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 0·17 (0·12-0·24) for lamivudine, and 0·09 (0·06-0·12) for telbivudine. We found no increased risk of any infant or maternal safety outcomes after peripartum antiviral prophylaxis.
INTERPRETATION
Peripartum antiviral prophylaxis is highly effective at reducing the risk of HBV MTCT. Our findings support the 2020 WHO recommendation of administering antivirals during pregnancy, specifically tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, for the prevention of HBV MTCT.
FUNDING
World Health Organization.
Topics: Adult; Antiviral Agents; Female; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prenatal Care; Tenofovir
PubMed: 32805200
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30586-7 -
Journal of Hepatology Apr 2022Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been well characterised and codified through the development of diagnostic criteria. These criteria have been adapted and simplified and...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been well characterised and codified through the development of diagnostic criteria. These criteria have been adapted and simplified and are widely used in clinical practice. However, there is a need to update and precisely define the criteria for both treatment response and treatment.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed and a modified Delphi consensus process was used to identify and redefine the response criteria in autoimmune hepatitis.
RESULTS
The consensus process initiated by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group proposes that the term 'complete biochemical response' defined as 'normalization of serum transaminases and IgG below the upper limit of normal' be adopted to include a time point at 6 months after initiation of treatment. An insufficient response by 6 months was a failure to meet the above definition. Non-response was defined as '<50% decrease of serum transaminases within 4 weeks after initiation of treatment'. Remission is defined as liver histology with a Hepatitis Activity Index <4/18. Intolerance to treatment was agreed to stand for 'any adverse event possibly related to treatment leading to potential drug discontinuation'.
CONCLUSIONS
These definitions provide a simple and reproducible framework to define treatment response and non-response, irrespective of the therapeutic intervention. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable inter-study comparisons. Future prospective database studies are needed to validate these endpoints.
LAY SUMMARY
Consensus among international experts on response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis is lacking. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable the comparison of results between clinical trials. Therefore, the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) herein presents a statement on 5 agreed response criteria and endpoints: complete biochemical response, insufficient response, non-response, remission, and intolerance to treatment, which can be used to guide future reporting.
Topics: Hepatitis, Autoimmune; Humans; Prospective Studies; Transaminases
PubMed: 35066089
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.041 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Aug 2023At the 74th World Health Assembly, the WHO issued a strategy for the prevention and control of several major infectious diseases. To achieve the WHO-initiated targets... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
At the 74th World Health Assembly, the WHO issued a strategy for the prevention and control of several major infectious diseases. To achieve the WHO-initiated targets for these infectious diseases, the elimination of mother-to-child transmission is essential. To date, a systematic review of the global and regional prevalence of infections with relevant mother-to-child transmission and outside the spectrum of congenital infections is lacking.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to systematically review the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis in pregnant women.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang database and China Biology Medicine disc database, and five WHO Regional Index Medicus databases.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Original studies reporting the prevalence of infection or coinfection of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis in pregnant women.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 2020 checklist. We used random-effects models to generate pooled prevalence estimates for each infection.
RESULTS
The global pooled prevalence in pregnant women of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis was 2.9% (95% CI, 2.4-3.4%), 4.8% (3.8-5.8%), 1.0% (0.8-1.3%), and 0.8% (0.7-0.9%). The pooled prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis in low-income countries was higher than the global level (HIV: 5.2% [1.6-10.5%); HBV: 6.6% (5.4-7.9%); HCV: 2.7% (1.6-4.1%); syphilis: 3.3% (2.2-4.6%]). The pooled prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis in lower-middle-income countries was higher than the global level (HIV: 2.9% [0.8-6.1%]; HBV: 4.9% [3.8-6.1%]; HCV: 2.3% [1.2-3.6%]; syphilis: 1.5% [1.0-2.2%]).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of these infections among pregnant women was particularly high in resource-poor settings. The relevance and feasibility of current global practice guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of these infections in lower-middle-income countries must be evaluated, including timely access to screening and therapeutics.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Syphilis; HIV; Pregnant Women; HIV Infections; Prevalence; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis B virus; Hepacivirus
PubMed: 36921717
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.03.002 -
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Jan 2016Chronic hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection remains a significant global health problem. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to help providers determine when treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
Chronic hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection remains a significant global health problem. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to help providers determine when treatment should be initiated, which medication is most appropriate, and when treatment can safely be stopped. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases HBV guideline methodology and writing committees developed a protocol a priori for this systematic review. We searched multiple databases for randomized controlled trials and controlled observational studies that enrolled adults ≥18 years old diagnosed with chronic HBV infection who received antiviral therapy. Data extraction was done by pairs of independent reviewers. We included 73 studies, of which 59 (15 randomized controlled trials and 44 observational studies) reported clinical outcomes. Moderate-quality evidence supported the effectiveness of antiviral therapy in patients with immune active chronic HBV infection in reducing the risk of cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In immune tolerant patients, moderate-quality evidence supports improved intermediate outcomes with antiviral therapy. Only very low-quality evidence informed the questions about discontinuing versus continuing antiviral therapy in hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients who seroconverted from hepatitis B e antigen to hepatitis B e antibody and about the safety of entecavir versus tenofovir. Noncomparative and indirect evidence was available for questions about stopping versus continuing antiviral therapy in hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients, monotherapy versus adding a second agent in patients with persistent viremia during treatment, and the effectiveness of antivirals in compensated cirrhosis with low-level viremia.
CONCLUSION
Most of the current literature focuses on the immune active phases of chronic HBV infection; decision-making in other commonly encountered and challenging clinical settings depends on indirect evidence.
Topics: Adult; Antiviral Agents; Hepatitis B e Antigens; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 26566246
DOI: 10.1002/hep.28280 -
The Lancet. Gastroenterology &... Oct 2022Despite growing concerns about transmissibility and clinical impact, occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has received little attention in the hepatitis elimination... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite growing concerns about transmissibility and clinical impact, occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has received little attention in the hepatitis elimination agenda. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of occult HBV infection at a global and regional scale and in specific populations.
METHODS
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and Web of Science databases for articles published in any language between Jan 1, 2010, and Aug 14, 2019. We included original articles and conference abstracts of any study design that reported the proportion of HBsAg-negative adults (aged ≥18 years) who are positive for HBV DNA (ie, people with occult HBV infection). The prevalence of occult HBV infection was pooled, using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model, in the general population and specific groups defined by the type of study participants (blood donors; other low-risk populations; high-risk populations; and people with advanced chronic liver disease), and stratified by HBV endemicity in each country. We also assessed the performance of anti-HBc as an alternative biomarker to detect occult HBV infection. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42019115490.
FINDINGS
305 of 3962 articles were eligible, allowing a meta-analysis of 140 521 993 individuals tested for HBV DNA. Overall, only two studies evaluated occult HBV infection in the general population, precluding unbiased global and regional estimates of occult HBV infection prevalence. In blood donors, occult HBV infection prevalence mirrored HBV endemicity: 0·06% (95% CI 0·00-0·26) in low-endemicity countries, 0·12% (0·04-0·23) in intermediate-endemicity countries, and 0·98% (0·44-1·72), in high-endemicity countries (p=0·0012). In high-risk groups, occult HBV infection prevalence was substantial, irrespective of endemicity: 5·5% (95% CI 2·9-8·7) in low-endemicity countries, 5·2% (2·5-8·6) in intermediate-endemicity countries, and 12·0% (3·4-24·7) in high-endemicity countries. The pooled sensitivity of anti-HBc to identify occult HBV infection was 77% (95% CI 62-88) and its specificity was 76% (68-83).
INTERPRETATION
A substantial proportion of people carry occult HBV infection, especially among high-risk groups across the globe and people living in highly endemic countries. Occult HBV infection should be part of the global viral hepatitis elimination strategy.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; DNA, Viral; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Antibodies; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Humans; Prevalence
PubMed: 35961359
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(22)00201-1 -
The Lancet. Global Health Dec 2017Sharing of equipment used for injecting drug use (IDU) is a substantial cause of disease burden and a contributor to blood-borne virus transmission. We did a global... (Review)
Review
Global prevalence of injecting drug use and sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in people who inject drugs: a multistage systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Sharing of equipment used for injecting drug use (IDU) is a substantial cause of disease burden and a contributor to blood-borne virus transmission. We did a global multistage systematic review to identify the prevalence of IDU among people aged 15-64 years; sociodemographic characteristics of and risk factors for people who inject drugs (PWID); and the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among PWID.
METHODS
Consistent with the GATHER and PRISMA guidelines and without language restrictions, we systematically searched peer-reviewed databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO; articles published since 2008, latest searches in June, 2017), searched the grey literature (websites and databases, searches between April and August, 2016), and disseminated data requests to international experts and agencies (requests sent in October, 2016). We searched for data on IDU prevalence, characteristics of PWID, including gender, age, and sociodemographic and risk characteristics, and the prevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV among PWID. Eligible data on prevalence of IDU, HIV antibody, HBsAg, and HCV antibody among PWID were selected and, where multiple estimates were available, pooled for each country via random effects meta-analysis. So too were eligible data on percentage of PWID who were female; younger than 25 years; recently homeless; ever arrested; ever incarcerated; who had recently engaged in sex work, sexual risk, or injecting risk; and whose main drugs injected were opioids or stimulants. We generated regional and global estimates in line with previous global reviews.
FINDINGS
We reviewed 55 671 papers and reports, and extracted data from 1147 eligible records. Evidence of IDU was recorded in 179 of 206 countries or territories, which cover 99% of the population aged 15-64 years, an increase of 31 countries (mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific Islands) since a review in 2008. IDU prevalence estimates were identified in 83 countries. We estimate that there are 15·6 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 10·2-23·7 million) PWID aged 15-64 years globally, with 3·2 million (1·6-5·1 million) women and 12·5 million (7·5-18·4 million) men. Gender composition varied by location: women were estimated to comprise 30·0% (95% UI 28·5-31·5) of PWID in North America and 33·4% (31·0-35·6) in Australasia, compared with 3·1% (2·1-4·1) in south Asia. Globally, we estimate that 17·8% (10·8-24·8) of PWID are living with HIV, 52·3% (42·4-62·1) are HCV-antibody positive, and 9·0% (5·1-13·2) are HBV surface antigen positive; there is substantial geographic variation in these levels. Globally, we estimate 82·9% (76·6-88·9) of PWID mainly inject opioids and 33·0% (24·3-42·0) mainly inject stimulants. We estimate that 27·9% (20·9-36·8) of PWID globally are younger than 25 years, 21·7% (15·8-27·9) had recently (within the past year) experienced homelessness or unstable housing, and 57·9% (50·5-65·2) had a history of incarceration.
INTERPRETATION
We identified evidence of IDU in more countries than in 2008, with the new countries largely consisting of low-income and middle-income countries in Africa. Across all countries, a substantial number of PWID are living with HIV and HCV and are exposed to multiple adverse risk environments that increase health harms.
FUNDING
Australian National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, Open Society Foundation, World Health Organization, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS.
Topics: Global Health; HIV Infections; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Humans; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse, Intravenous
PubMed: 29074409
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30375-3 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Apr 2020Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfects with hepatitis B virus (HBV) causing the most severe form of viral hepatitis. However, its exact global disease burden remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfects with hepatitis B virus (HBV) causing the most severe form of viral hepatitis. However, its exact global disease burden remains largely obscure. We aim to establish the global epidemiology, infection mode-stratified disease progression, and clinical outcome of HDV infection.
METHODS
We conducted a meta-analysis with a random-effects model and performed data synthesis.
RESULTS
The pooled prevalence of HDV is 0.80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.00) among the general population and 13.02% (95% CI, 11.96-14.11) among HBV carriers, corresponding to 48-60 million infections globally. Among HBV patients with fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma, HDV prevalence is 26.75% (95% CI, 19.84-34.29), 25.77% (95% CI, 20.62-31.27), and 19.80% (95% CI, 10.97-30.45), respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of HDV infection among HBV patients with chronic liver disease compared with asymptomatic controls is 4.55 (95% CI, 3.65-5.67). Hepatitis delta virus-coinfected patients are more likely to develop cirrhosis than HBV-monoinfected patients with OR of 3.84 (95% CI, 1.79-8.24). Overall, HDV infection progresses to cirrhosis within 5 years and to hepatocellular carcinoma within 10 years, on average.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that HDV poses a heavy global burden with rapid progression to severe liver diseases, urging effective strategies for screening, prevention, and treatment.
Topics: Developing Countries; Global Health; Hepatitis D; Hepatitis Delta Virus; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31778167
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz633 -
Gut Nov 2023China concentrates a large part of the global burden of HBV infection, playing a pivotal role in achieving the WHO 2030 global hepatitis elimination target. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Changing prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in China between 1973 and 2021: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 3740 studies and 231 million people.
OBJECTIVE
China concentrates a large part of the global burden of HBV infection, playing a pivotal role in achieving the WHO 2030 global hepatitis elimination target.
METHODS
We searched for studies reporting HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence in five databases until January 2023. Eligible data were pooled using a generalised linear mixed model with random effects to obtain summary HBsAg seroprevalence. Linear regression was used to estimate annual percentage change (APC) and HBsAg prevalence in 2021.
RESULTS
3740 studies, including 231 million subjects, were meta-analysed. HBsAg seroprevalence for the general population decreased from 9.6% (95% CI 8.4 to 10.9%) in 1973-1984 to 3.0% (95% CI 2.1 to 3.9%) in 2021 (APC=-3.77; p<0.0001). Decreases were more pronounced in children <5 years (APC=-7.72; p<0.0001) and 5-18 years (-7.58; p<0.0001), than in people aged 19-59 years (-2.44; p<0.0001), whereas HBsAg seroprevalence increased in persons ≥60 years (2.84; p=0.0007). Significant decreases were observed in all six major Chinese regions, in both men (APC=-3.90; p<0.0001) and women (-1.82; p<0.0001) and in high-risk populations. An estimated 43.3 million (95% uncertainty interval 30.7-55.9) persons remained infected with HBV in China in 2021 (3.0%), with notable heterogeneity by region (<1.5% in North China to>6% in Taiwan and Hong Kong) and age (0.3%, 1.0%, 4.7% and 5.6% for <5 years, 5-18 years, 19-59 years and 60 years, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
China has experienced remarkable decreases in HBV infection over the last four decades, but variations in HBsAg prevalence persist in subpopulations. Ongoing prevention of HBV transmission is needed to meet HBV elimination targets by 2030.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO (CRD42021284217).
Topics: Child; Male; Humans; Female; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; China; Hepatitis B virus
PubMed: 37798085
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330691