Co-Infection of the Hepatitis C Virus With Other Blood-Borne and Hepatotropic Viruses Among Hemophilia Patients in Poland

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of HCV infection in people with hemophilia is substantially higher than that in the general population (63% - 98%). Multiple transfusions and substitutive therapy have also been linked to a high risk of HBV and HIV transmission. However, the prevalence of other blood-borne viral infections in this population is less well known.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of co-infection with HBV and other blood-borne viruses in Polish HCV-infected hemophiliacs.MethodsSeventy-one individuals, the majority of whom were male (94.36%), who had congenital bleeding disorders (60 had hemophilia A, five had hemophilia B, and six had other factor deficiencies) and HCV infection, which was defined as the presence of positive anti-HCV antibodies, were included in this study. The study group was divided into two subgroups according to the year in which blood donors were first tested for HBsAg in Poland. The serological markers were screened using commercially available enzyme immunoassays according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The molecular tests were performed using real-time PCR technology with commercial assays according to the manufacturer’s instructions.ResultsThe spontaneous elimination rate of HCV RNA was 29.6%. The HCV genotype 1 was detected in 28 patients (65.1%), genotype 2 in one patient (2.3%), genotype 3 in 11 patients (25.6%), genotype 4 in two patients (4.7%), and a mixed infection with genotypes 1 and 4 was detected in one person (2.3%). Fifty-three patients (74.6%) were anti-HBc positive. Among the seven HBsAg(+) patients, three individuals were HBV-DNA positive. No occult hepatitis B was detected. In six HBsAg positive patients, the HCV RNA was positive, while one patient was also infected with HIV. The prevalence rate of past infection with HAV in the study group was 30.9%, with a tendency for a higher prevalence in older patients. The prevalence of CMV and EBV infection was high and similar to that seen in the general population. All the patients were HGV and HTLV-1 negative.ConclusionsThe diagnostics and management of infections with hepatotropic viruses, particularly HBV, are neglected in hemophilic patients. All patients with coagulation disorders and a history of exposure to non-inactivated blood products should be screened for blood-borne infections. The prevalence of other potentially blood-borne viral infections exhibited a pattern similar to that observed in the general population.

Cross-Sectional Study to Determine the Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection in High Risk Groups in the Northeast Region of Brazil

“…These differences may have been due to the classification of haemophilia and VWD that lead to frequent blood transfusion and a higher risk of exposure to HBV [ 12 , 22 , 23 ]. In this group, age, history of sexually transmitted disease and blood or plasma transfusion, were associated with a high risk of HBV infection ( p < 0.05), which was similar to previous observations [ 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”

Comparative Study of HBV, HCV and HDV Serological Markers among Acute Hepatitis B, Chronic Hepatitis B, Apparently Healthy Patients

“…Also, table (7) showed the prevalence of anti-HCV Abs among CHB patients was (1.42 %) and overall prevalence was 0.6 % among AHB, CHB patient and AHC group. The result is consistent with many studies around the world (Kucharska, et al, 2016). Whereas the rate of anti-HCV Abs in the present study was lower than previously published report in Iraq (Al-Mashhadani, 1998).…”

Hepatitis B and C among healthcare workers and patient groups at increased risk of iatrogenic transmission in the European Union/European Economic Area

“… N Prevalence (%) Ref. Prevalence (%)* France 1 b 5.9 [23] 1 0.7 [27] 0.7–0.8 Greece 1 5.5 [32] 1 c 2 [22] 2.9–3.3 Italy 1 1.9 [43] 1 d 4 [21] 1 1.6 [25] 0.7–0.8 Lithuania 1 11.7 [17] 0.6 Poland 1 9.8 [24] 3 e 0.6–1.2 [28] , [29] , [30] 0.5 Romania 2 7.9–9.5 [18] , [19] 1 2.2 [18] 4.4 Spain 1 a …”