Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral markers among apparently healthy residents of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Southern Vietnam)

Yu V Ostankova,A V Semenov,E B Zueva,D E Valutite,S A Egorova,E N Serikova,H K.T Huinh,A A Totolian,A N Schemelev

doi:10.15789/2220-7619-tpo-1793

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of serological and molecular biological markers of viral hepatitis B and C among apparently healthy residents of the Southern Vietnam. The study material was represented by 397 blood serum samples collected from apparently healthy residents of the Southern Vietnam. The ELISA examination for presence of HBV and HCV markers involved HBsAg, anti-HBs IgG, anti-HBcore IgG, and anti-HCV qualitative determination. For HBV DNA and HCV RNA detection, nucleic acids were extracted from serum blood, and a test for virus detection was carried out by real-time PCR with hybridization fluorescence detection. Amplification and subsequent sequencing of HBV and HCV were performed using nested PCR with paired overlapping primers jointly flanking the target regions. Analysis of the overall prevalence of serological markers showed that among the apparently healthy individuals anti-HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 12.3% (95% CI: 9.27–15.99%) and 3.27% (95% CI: 1.76–5.53%) of individuals, respectively. The prevalence of HBsAg in men (19.1%) significantly exceeded that of found in women (5.9%), χ2 = 14.688 with p = 0.0001, df = 1, calculated odds ratio OR = 3.751 (95% CI: 1.892–7.439). Among apparently healthy patients, taking into account HBsAg-positive and negative samples, HBV DNA was detected in 26.95% (95% CI: 22.65–31.6%). HBV phylogenetic analysis showed that subtype B4 prevalence comprised 64.49%. Subtypes C1 (14.95%), B2 (9.35%), C2 (6.54%), C3 (0.93%), and C5 (3.74%) were also identified. HCV RNA was detected in 7 samples, which accounted for 1.76% (95% CI: 0.71–3.6%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all HCV isolates belong to genotype 6, subtype 6a (100%).

Highlights

Hepatotropic viruses, which cause chronic liver diseases, remain one of the most serious public health concerns in the world
The analysis of the overall prevalence of serological markers showed that among the conditionally healthy individuals hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies were detected in 12.3% and 3.27% of individuals, respec
In the examination of 397 clinical blood serum samples for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and HCV RNA presence using AmpliSens® HCV/HBV/HIV-FL commercial kit, the HCV was detected in 7 samples, which accounted for 1.76%, and HBV detected in 42 of HBsAg-positive patients, which accounted for 10.58%

Summary

Introduction

Hepatotropic viruses, which cause chronic liver diseases, remain one of the most serious public health concerns in the world. Viral hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, and approximately 47 and 48% of these deaths are associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. The cumulative deaths from viral hepatitis in the period from 2015 to 2030 could be approximately 20 million [35]. Great strides have been made in the understanding of viral hepatitis, and ideas about chronic and acute forms of diseases caused by hepatotropic viruses have changed. Methods have appeared that help identify viruses in the early stages or in latent forms of the disease. Antiviral drugs and effective vaccines have been developed against some viruses

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