Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped partial double-stranded DNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 257 million people are living with HBV. Moreover, 20,900 acute hepatitis B cases were reported in 2016. Hepatitis B is highly prevalent in the African, Western Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and European regions, respectively. Due to the high mutational rate of HBV and lack of reverse transcriptase proofreading activity, ten different genotypes with different geographical distributions have been identified. HBV pathogenesis and severity of infection depend on several host and viral factors, particularly, the genetic variability of both the host and virus. Although HBV infection is a global health concern, there is a lack of adequate studies and reports in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here, we provide a review on HBV epidemiology, pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions, coinfection with selected viruses, and laboratory diagnosis, focusing on studies conducted in the MENA region to determine the current situation of the HBV infection and outline the future study areas.
Highlights
Hepatitis is a worldwide health problem resulting in liver malfunction [1]
This review aims to provide insights into Hepatitis B virus (HBV) by reviewing recent reports covering HBV genotypes epidemiology, coinfection with other viruses, serological and molecular detection, in addition to the viral genetics and host factors associated with HBV pathogenesis
HBV genome integration in the host chromosome is not the critical mechanism of HBV. Pathogenesis, it was found in certain hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases that the generated closed circular DNA (cccDNA) persists as a template for the transcription of viral RNA that integrates into the host cell and enables the production of new virions (Figure 3) [68]
Summary
Hepatitis is a worldwide health problem resulting in liver malfunction [1]. the primary cause of hepatitis is viral infections including HBV, other non-viral causes such as toxins, drugs, autoimmune diseases, infections with bacteria, as well as parasites, can lead to hepatitis [2]. HBV is a partially double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family, in the Orthohepadnavirus genus [3] It is the causative agent of hepatitis B infection, resulting in both acute and chronic hepatitis infections. Chronic HBV infection can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis and subsequently leads to death. It is considered a life-threatening virus worldwide, leading to significant rates of mortality [4]. Factors that might lead to a high prevalence of the HBV infection the MENA region will be discussed below. Special attention will be given to the studies conducted in the Arabian Gulf area and MENA regions
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