Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in HIV Patients from West Mexico: Implications for Controlling and Preventing Viral Hepatitis.

The complex epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in West Mexico remains poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the HCV prevalence, HCV-associated risk factors, and HCV genotypes/subtypes and assess their impacts on liver fibrosis in 294 HIV patients (median age: 38 years; 88.1% male). HCV RNA was extracted and amplified by PCR. Hepatic fibrosis was assessed using three noninvasive methods: transient elastography (TE), the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelets ratio index score (APRI), and the fibrosis-4 score (FIB4). Patients with liver stiffness of ≥9.3 Kpa were considered to have advanced liver fibrosis. HCV genotypes/subtypes were determined by line probe assay (LiPA) or Sanger sequencing. The prevalence of HIV/HCV infection was 36.4% and was associated with injection drug use (odds ratio (OR) = 13.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.9-33.6; p < 0.001), imprisonment (OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.7-5.4; p < 0.001), the onset of sexual life (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.5-4.5; p < 0.001), blood transfusion (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.5-4.2; p = 0.001), tattooing (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.4-3.9; p = 0.001), being a sex worker (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.0-5.4; p = 0.046), and surgery (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.0-2.7; p = 0.042). The HCV subtype distribution was 68.2% for 1a, 15.2% for 3a, 10.6% for 1b, 3.0% for 2b, 1.5% for 2a, and 1.5% for 4a. The advanced liver fibrosis prevalence was highest in patients with HIV/HCV co-infection (47.7%), especially in those with HCV subtype 1a. CD4+ counts, albumin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin were associated with liver fibrosis. In conclusion, HCV infection had a significant impact on the liver health of Mexican HIV patients, highlighting the need for targeted preventive strategies in this population.

Hepatitis B Virus Genotype H: Epidemiological, Molecular, and Clinical Characteristics in Mexico.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV), comprising of ten genotypes (A-J), has been a silent threat against humanity, constituting a public health problem worldwide. In 2016, the World Health Organization set forth an impressive initiative for the global elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. As the target date approaches, many nations, particularly in the Latin American region, face challenges in designing and implementing their respective elimination plan. This review aimed to portray the state of knowledge about the epidemiological, molecular, and clinical characteristics of HBV genotype H (HBV/H), endemic to Mexico. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to compile scientific literature over 50 years (1970-2022). A total of 91 articles were organized into thematic categories, addressing essential aspects such as epidemiological data, risk factors, HBV genotype distribution, HBV mixed infections, clinical characteristics, and vaccination. The prevalence and its associated 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated using the Metafor package in R programming language (version 4.1.2). We provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses in diagnostics and prevention measures that explain the current epidemiological profile of HBV/H. Training, research, and awareness actions are required to control HBV infections in Mexico. These actions should contribute to creating more specific clinical practice guides according to the region's characteristics. Mexico's elimination plan for HBV will require teamwork among the government health administration, researchers, physicians, specialists, and civil society advocates to overcome this task jointly.

Host and HBV Interactions and Their Potential Impact on Clinical Outcomes.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a challenge for global health services, affecting millions and leading thousands to end-stage liver disease each year. This comprehensive review explores the interactions between HBV and the host, examining their impact on clinical outcomes. HBV infection encompasses a spectrum of severity, ranging from acute hepatitis B to chronic hepatitis B, which can potentially progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI), characterized by low HBV DNA levels in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative individuals, can reactivate and cause acute hepatitis B. HBV genotyping has revealed unique geographical patterns and relationships with clinical outcomes. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the human host genome have been linked to several clinical outcomes, including cirrhosis, HCC, OBI, hepatitis B reactivation, and spontaneous clearance. The immune response plays a key role in controlling HBV infection by eliminating infected cells and neutralizing HBV in the bloodstream. Furthermore, HBV can modulate host metabolic pathways involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and bile acid absorption, influencing disease progression. HBV clinical outcomes correlate with three levels of viral adaptation. In conclusion, the clinical outcomes of HBV infection could result from complex immune and metabolic interactions between the host and HBV. These outcomes can vary among populations and are influenced by HBV genotypes, host genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Understanding the degrees of HBV adaptation is essential for developing region-specific control and prevention measures.

Tracing the evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus genotype H endemic to Mexico.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads efficiently among all human populations worldwide. HBV is classified into ten genotypes (A to J) with their geographic distribution and clinical features. In Mexico, HBV genotype H is the leading cause of hepatitis B and has been detected in indigenous populations, suggesting that HBV genotype H may be native to Mexico. However, little is known about the evolutionary history of HBV genotype H. Thus, we aimed to determine the age of HBV genotype H in Mexico using molecular dating techniques. Ninety-two HBV sequences of the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of the polymerase gene (~1,251 bp) were analyzed; 48 were genotype H, 43 were genotype F, and the oldest HBV sequence from America was included as the root. All sequences were aligned, and the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) time was calculated using the Bayesian Skyline Evolutionary Analysis. Our results estimate a TMRCA for the genotype H in Mexico of 2070.9 (667.5-4489.2) years before the present (YBP). We identified four major diversification events in genotype H, named H1, H2, H3, and H4. The TMRCA of H1 was 1213.0 (253.3-2638.3) YBP, followed by H2 1175.5 (557.5-2424.2) YBP, H3 949.6 (279.3-2105.0) YBP, and H4 1230.5 (336.3, 2756.7) YBP. We estimated that genotype H diverged from its sister genotype F around 8140.8 (1867.5-18012.8) YBP. In conclusion, this study found that genotype H in Mexico has an estimated age of 2070.9 (667.5-4489.2) YBP and has experienced at least four major diversification events since then.

A hospital-based study of the prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and liver disease among a low-income population in West Mexico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Viral hepatitis is a global health problem with unequal distribution of disease burden in which low-income people are at higher risk for acquisition and underlying liver diseases. This study aimed to seek the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV, and liver damage among low-income patients attending a public tertiary care hospital in West Mexico. METHODS: A retrospective/cross-sectional study at the Department of Genomic Medicine in Hepatology was conducted between March 1, 2016 to March 30, 2017. A total of 10,352 patients tested for anti-HCV, HBsAg, or anti-HIV (n=23,074) were included. Age, gender, and hospital service were registered. Liver fibrosis was assessed using APRI and FIB-4 scores. RESULTS: Overall, 3.9% were anti-HCV+ (305/7848), 1.0% were HBsAg+ (80/7894), and 2.9% were anti-HIV+ (210/7332). A 43.8% (750/1959) of patients negative for all viruses had either abnormal AST, ALT, or GGT (≥40 UI/L). Also, significant liver fibrosis (APRI ≥ 0.7) was prevalent in 10.6% (191/1804). In patients who tested positive for viral infections, liver fibrosis was detected in 20.4% (11/54) of HBsAg+, 34.2% (53/155) in anti-HCV+ and 15.5% (16/103) in anti-HIV+. Anti-HCV+ was highest in Geriatrics (11.1%), HBsAg+ in HIV patients (3.0%) and anti-HIV+ in Emergency room attendees (33.3%). CONCLUSION: High seroprevalence of HCV, HBV, and HIV infections was found among the studied population. Significant liver fibrosis was detected in negative and positive patients for viral infections. Medical services need to continuously test for viral infections, promote early detection of chronic liver damage and identify target patients for elimination strategies to decrease disease burden.

A comprehensive update of the status of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Mexico-A systematic review and meta-analysis (2008-2019).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: HCV infection is targeted by the WHO's Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis to be reduced notably by 2030. However, renovated epidemiological data is needed to line up with such goals. Herein, we provide an updated review of incidence, prevalence, genotypes (GTs), and risk factors (RFs) of HCV infection in Mexico to build elimination strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HCV incidence was charted using the cumulative new cases/year at week 52. Prevalence, GTs, and RFs data from low-risk (LR-G) and high-risk (HR-Gs) groups were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE/Medigraphic/Scielo databases from January 2008 to December 2019 as per PRISMA guidelines. Weighted mean prevalence (WMP) was estimated; GTs and RFs were registered. RESULTS: In this study, 25,247 new cases were reported. Ten states accumulated 76.32% of HCV incidence that peaked in men at 50-59 years and women at 60-64 years. Thirty-four studies revealed a WMP between 0.774%-2.5% in LR-Gs and 11.8%-39.6% in HR-Gs that included mainly prison inmates, drug users, and dialyzed patients. GT1 and GT2 were predominant; GT3a emerged. Subtypes 1a and 1b circulate differentially, whereas novel GT2 subtypes appeared. Unsafe blood transfusion was infrequent in younger groups, but parenteral/intravenous transmission through drug-related risk behaviors has arisen. CONCLUSIONS: HCV transmission increased notably among LR-Gs and HR-Gs in Mexico. Novel genotypes/subtypes emerged as well as risky behavioral routes of transmission. A national elimination strategy will require pro-active screening in designated risk groups, research in molecular epidemiology, medical training, robust epidemiological databases, and antiviral treatment available to all eligible HCV-infected patients.

How far is Mexico from Viral Hepatitis Global Health Sector Strategy 2030 targets.

In 2016 WHO member states endorsed the 69th World Health Assembly's Global Health Sector Strategies (GHSS) towards eliminating Hepatitis B (HBV) infections by 2030. Substantial progress has been made in Mexico regarding HBV vaccination, blood safety and health-care setting injection safety but minor progress has been identified regarding timely HBV birth-dose coverage, access to diagnostic testing and treatment. Most importantly, Mexico's lack of a national plan for the fight against viral hepatitis was identified as a major obstacle for the development and implementation of actions and procuring funding. Insight of these deficiencies, we propose six actions that are in line with GHSS strategic directions to better allow Mexico to reach the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. 1) the creation of a National Viral Hepatitis Task Group capable of providing direction, recommendations as well as innovative solutions in the fight against viral hepatitis in Mexico; 2) the drafting of a National Plan for viral hepatitis; 3) establishing a national viral hepatitis information database; 4) development of Clinical Practice Guidelines; 5) appeal for governmental responsibility and accountability; 6) promote basic, applied science projects as well as clinical research to determine the viral, epidemiological, genomic, ethnic and cultural peculiarities of viral hepatitis infections in Mexico. These basic actions will better equip Mexico to meet GHSS targets, lead to high-impact health interventions and ultimately enhance the cascade of care, from diagnosis to chronic care. Political commitment is a requirement to the implementation of these actions but civil society involvement is also seen to be crucial.