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Abdallah FI, Merdan BAI, Shaarawi FAI, Mohamed AF, Selim TA, Dahesh SMA, Rady MHA. The potentiality of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) complex holobiont in transmitting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) with the aid of bacterial microbiota in the midgut. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2024; 13:119. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-024-00579-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/03/2025] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The possibility of considering Culex pipiens (Cx. pipiens) as a vector for transmitting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is controversial and needs further investigation. This work aimed to detect the possibility of transmission of the hepatitis C virus by Cx. pipiens and the role of the bacterial microbiota in their midgut.
Main body
Two groups of symbiotic and aposymbiotic of female Cx. pipiens were infected with the hepatitis C virus using an artificial feeding membrane technique. The viral load was detected in the head region for up to 60 min in the infected symbiotic group and 90 min in the aposymbiotic group. The midgut region can harbor the virus for 5 days after feeding. The absence of gut microbiota increases the potentiality of ten females to carry high titer of infective dose (1.2 × 106 IU/ml) of HCV genotype 4a for 6 days. The bacterial midgut microbiota appears to play a significant role in the transmission of HCV. On the other hand, HCV was not detected in the salivary glands of either symbiotic or aposymbiotic mosquitoes during the detection period. Cx. pipiens can transmit HCV from infected female adult mosquitoes to HCV-negative human blood in vitro. The biological parameters were survival rate, blood feeding, oviposition, hatchability rates, and mean digestion period of Cx. pipiens after infection with HCV showed significant changes. Moreover, an ex vivo assay demonstrated that HCV-infected mosquitoes could transmit the virus RNA into healthy blood.
Conclusion
The results suggested that the mosquitoes’ mechanical transmission of HCV was reasonable. In addition, the mosquito microbiome played a significant role in determining the potentiality of mosquitoes as a vector for disseminating HCV infections.
Graphic abstract
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Salomon I, Olivier S, Egide N. Advancing Hepatitis C Elimination in Africa: Insights from Egypt. Hepat Med 2024; 16:37-44. [PMID: 38854483 PMCID: PMC11162246 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s470344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk to global public health and is linked to life-threatening clinical outcomes. According to the WHO, there are an estimated 58 million people worldwide who have a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; there are 1.5 million new cases and more than 350,000 fatalities from HCV-related illnesses each year. Even though there are numerous diagnostic techniques, the lack of funding, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and low public awareness of the Hepatitis C virus can make diagnosis and treatment difficult to obtain throughout the continent. The frequency of hepatitis C virus infection is highest in African nations (1-26%), raising serious concerns about the virus's impact on public health. The world's highest rate of Hepatitis C virus infection was found in Egypt, an African nation. Its nationwide hepatitis C elimination program stands out as a prime example of achievement, having screened, and treated over 60 million people, significantly reducing the disease's incidence and prevalence. Other African nations facing similar difficulties might benefit greatly from Egypt's methods, which provide valuable insights and flexible frameworks. This review aims to shed light on Egypt's successes and challenges while offering strategic recommendations to African nations to quicken their progress in eliminating hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izere Salomon
- Department of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- YP-CDN Rwanda (Rwanda Young Professional Chronic Disease Network), KigaliRwanda
| | - Sibomana Olivier
- Department of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ndayambaje Egide
- Department of General Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Sallam M, Khalil R. Contemporary Insights into Hepatitis C Virus: A Comprehensive Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1035. [PMID: 38930417 PMCID: PMC11205832 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health challenge. Approximately 50 million people were living with chronic hepatitis C based on the World Health Organization as of 2024, contributing extensively to global morbidity and mortality. The advent and approval of several direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens significantly improved HCV treatment, offering potentially high rates of cure for chronic hepatitis C. However, the promising aim of eventual HCV eradication remains challenging. Key challenges include the variability in DAA access across different regions, slightly variable response rates to DAAs across diverse patient populations and HCV genotypes/subtypes, and the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs), potentially conferring resistance to DAAs. Therefore, periodic reassessment of current HCV knowledge is needed. An up-to-date review on HCV is also necessitated based on the observed shifts in HCV epidemiological trends, continuous development and approval of therapeutic strategies, and changes in public health policies. Thus, the current comprehensive review aimed to integrate the latest knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and preventive strategies for HCV, with a particular focus on the current challenges associated with RASs and ongoing efforts in vaccine development. This review sought to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the necessary insights to address the HCV burden more effectively. We aimed to highlight the progress made in managing and preventing HCV infection and to highlight the persistent barriers challenging the prevention of HCV infection. The overarching goal was to align with global health objectives towards reducing the burden of chronic hepatitis, aiming for its eventual elimination as a public health threat by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Roaa Khalil
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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Gamal-AbdelNaser A, Mohammed WS, ElHefnawi M, AbdAllah M, Elsharkawy A, Zahran FM. The oral microbiome of treated and untreated chronic HCV infection: A preliminary study. Oral Dis 2023; 29:843-852. [PMID: 34396636 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a debilitating disease that is lately treated using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Changes in the oral microbiome were detected in other liver diseases; however, oral microbiome was never investigated in patients having chronic HCV infection, whether pre- or post-treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This case-control preliminary study enrolled three equal groups: Group (I): untreated HCV patients; group (II): HCV patients who achieved viral clearance after DAA administration; and group (III): healthy controls. For each participant, a buccal swab was harvested and its 16S rRNA was sequenced. RESULTS The oral microbiome of chronic HCV patients had a significantly distinct bacterial community compared to healthy controls, characterized by high diversity and abundance of certain pathogenic species. These changes resemble that of oral lichen planus patients. After treatment by DAAs, the oral microbiome shifted to a community with partial similarity to both the diseased and the healthy ones. CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV is associated with dysbiotic oral microbiome having abundant pathogenic bacteria. With HCV clearance by DAAs, the oral microbiome shifts to approach the healthy composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Gamal-AbdelNaser
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Waleed S Mohammed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud ElHefnawi
- Biomedical Informatics and Chemoinformatics Group, Informatics & Systems Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed AbdAllah
- Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Aisha Elsharkawy
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastroentrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fat'heya M Zahran
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Abdel-Rahman RF, Fayed HM, Asaad GF, Ogaly HA, Hessin AF, Salama AAA, Abd El-Rahman SS, Arbid MS, Mohamed MAE. The involvement of TGF-β1 /FAK/α-SMA pathway in the antifibrotic impact of rice bran oil on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260130. [PMID: 34965258 PMCID: PMC8716044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) on hepatic fibrosis as a characteristic response to persistent liver injuries. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups: the negative control group, thioacetamide (TAA) group (thioacetamide 100 mg/kg thrice weekly for two successive weeks, ip), RBO 0.2 and 0.4 groups (RBO 0.2mL and 0.4 mL/rat/day, po) and standard group (silymarin 100 mg/kg/day, po) for two weeks after TAA injection. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, liver fibrosis markers were assessed. The obtained results showed that RBO reduced TAA-induced liver fibrosis and suppressed the extracellular matrix formation. Compared to the positive control group, RBO dramatically reduced total bilirubin, AST, and ALT blood levels. Furthermore, RBO reduced MDA and increased GSH contents in the liver. Simultaneously RBO downregulated the NF-κβ signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the expression of some inflammatory mediators, including Cox-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α. RBO attenuated liver fibrosis by suppressing the biological effects of TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen I, hydroxyproline, CTGF, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). RBO reduced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and modulating the interplay among the TGF-β1 and FAK signal transduction. The greater dosage of 0.4 mL/kg has a more substantial impact. Hence, this investigation presents RBO as a promising antifibrotic agent in the TAA model through inhibition of TGF-β1 /FAK/α-SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab F. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hany M. Fayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gihan F. Asaad
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hanan A. Ogaly
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Alyaa F. Hessin
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. A. Salama
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud S. Arbid
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marawan Abd Elbaset Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Human Herpesviruses Increase the Severity of Hepatitis. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060483. [PMID: 34072365 PMCID: PMC8227862 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis B or hepatitis C and more than 1 million people die each year from cirrhosis and liver cancer. In some cases, the nature of hepatitis remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to assess the prevalence of human herpesviruses (cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and herpesvirus type 6) in patients with hepatitis, and to examine their effect on the disease severity. In the clinical materials of 377 patients with acute or chronic hepatitis, DNA of these three herpesviruses was detected in the blood in 13.5% of patients with viral hepatitis B or C and in 10.1% of patients with hepatitis of unspecified etiology. The cirrhosis was diagnosed in patients with herpesviruses 3 times more often than in patients without them. In patients with hepatitis C, the incidence of herpesviruses was higher in the tissue samples of liver biopsies (38.7%) than in the blood. Clinical and virological indicators of hepatitis were considerably higher in the patients with coinfection. Since in patients with hepatitis the presence of herpesviruses is associated with a more severe course of the disease, the detection, and herpesvirus DNA monitoring will help to adjust the course of therapy. Abstract Acute and chronic liver diseases are a major global public health problem; nevertheless, the etiology of 12–30% of cases remains obscure. The purpose of this research was to study the incidence of human herpesviruses (HHVs) cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and HHV-6 in patients with hepatitis and to examine the effect of HHV on the disease severity. We studied the clinical materials of 259 patients with hepatitis treated in Infectious Clinic n.1 (Moscow) and the archived materials of 118 patients with hepatitis C. HHV DNA was detected in the whole blood in 13.5% of patients with hepatitis B or C and in 10.1% of patients with hepatitis of unspecified etiology. EBV demonstrated the highest incidence (58.1%). Cirrhosis was diagnosed in 50% of patients with HHV and in 15.6% of patients without HHV. In patients with hepatitis C, the frequency of HHV was higher in liver biopsy (38.7%) compared to blood. The clinical and virological indicators of hepatitis were considerably higher in patients with coinfection. Conclusion: HHV detected in patients with viral hepatitis has been associated with a significant effect on the severity of the disease, and we suggest monitoring HHV DNA in patients with severe hepatitis and/or poor response to antiviral drugs.
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Akl EM, Salah AA. Effect of new oral direct acting antiviral therapy on sexual function in male patients with hepatitis C virus. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13835. [PMID: 33070383 DOI: 10.1111/and.13835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem all over the world including Egypt. Chronic HCV infection is usually accompanied by decrease of libido and erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of new oral direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on sexual function of male patients with HCV. This study was conducted on 200 male participants divided into two groups, first group included 100 male patients with HCV and the second group included 100 healthy age matched males as a control. Patients received DAA for three months and virological free status was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. All participants were subjected to full history taking, general examination and local genital examination, assessment of sexual function by a validated Arabic version of the international index of erectile function-5. Laboratory investigations included liver functions serum testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin and bioavailable testosterone. Results of this study showed that patients with HCV suffer from sexual dysfunction than controls that significantly improved after DAA therapy, and this is accompanied by increasing of bioavailable testosterone. It could be concluded that beside its effectiveness in treatment of HCV infection, DAA therapy can improve sexual function in male patients with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam M Akl
- Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Salah
- Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Boraie MB, Elnaggar YA, Ahmed MO, Mahmoud AM. Effect of direct acting antiviral therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C virus on insulin resistance and Type2 DM in Egyptian patients (prospective study). Diabetes Metab Syndr 2019; 13:2641-2646. [PMID: 31405688 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES sustained virologic response (SVR) can be achieved in high percentage of HCV patients with the availability of direct acting antiviral agents DAAs. However, the effect of DAAs on insulin resistance and T2DM has yet to be clearly documented in spite of higher prevalence of T2DM in chronic HCV patients. This study tested the hypothesis that eradication of HCV is associated with either complete recovery or improvement of the symptoms of IR and T2DM. PATIENTS AND METHODS In our study 240 Chronic HCV patients candidate to centers of NCCVH with Coordination to departments of internal medicine and clinical pathology, Zagzig University for treatment with DAAs. Measurement of HbA1c, FPG and fasting insulin hormone and calculation of HOMA-IR before and 3 months after DDAs therapy is done. Statistical analysis was done for these data. RESULTS After SVR; HbA1c decreased from 7.6 ± 0.69 to 6.7 ± 0.78 in diabetic group and from 5.8 ± 0.5 to 5.1 ± 0.3 in non-diabetic group, with decreased in the percentage of uncontrolled T2DM patients from 22.4% to 5.2% after treatment. HOMA-IR decreased in diabetic group from 4.9 ± 0.7 to 3.7 ± 0.75 and in non-diabetic group from 3.1 ± 0.56 to 2.3 ± 0.4 with complete improvement of IR to ≤2.5 in 20.7% of diabetic patients. 20% of diabetic patient needed to decrease oral hypoglycemic dose and 13.3% of them needed to decrease insulin dose. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that eradication of HCV by DAAs will result in a parallel decrease in IR and improve clinical outcomes in patients with established T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Bm Boraie
- Assisstant Professor of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine- Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | - Yasser A Elnaggar
- Professor of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine- Zagazig University, Egypt
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Al Wutayd O, AlRehaili A, AlSafrani K, Abalkhail A, AlEidi SM. Current Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Medical Students Regarding the Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Control Measures at Qassim University. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:435-439. [PMID: 30834016 PMCID: PMC6390161 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical students are exposed to occupational health hazards in hospitals during their studies and lack sufficient education about infection control measures. Injury to medical students is a substantial problem and students have an increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV). To understand how medical students think about infection control, it is important to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their education. AIM: To assess current knowledge, attitudes, and practice of medical students regarding HBV infection and control measures at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical college. Participants completed a 39-item self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Item response frequencies were calculated. Responses were recorded into yes (strongly agree and agree) and no (neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree) answers. Correct responses were totalled and categorised as good or poor performance. A scale cut-off of less than 75% correct responses was considered poor, and 75% or more correct responses was considered good. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and the chi-square test was used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 21%, 41%, and 8% of students expressed good knowledge, attitudes, and practice, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females on knowledge (p = 0.089), attitudes (p = 0.829), and practice (p = 0.248). There was a statistically significant difference between academic years on knowledge (p = 0.0001), attitudes (p = 0.0001), and practice (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Most medical students have poor knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding the risk of HBV infection. It is recommended that a policy is implemented for training on infection prevention for all medical students before they start clinical practice. Prevention programs about HBV infection should be instituted, and existing programs must be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Al Wutayd
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
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