Hepatitis A Strain Linked to the European Outbreaks During Gay Events between 2016 and 2017, Identified in a Brazilian Homosexual Couple in 2017

Mello, Vinicius M.; Lago, Bárbara Vieira do; Sousa, Paulo Sérgio Fonseca de; Mello, Francisco Campello do Amaral; Souza, Caroline B.; Pinto, Laura Cristina Machado; Ginuino, Cleber F.; Fernandes, Carlos A. S.; Aguiar, Shirlei Ferreira; Villar, Lívia Melo; Lampe, Elisabeth; Melgaço, Juliana Gil; Lewis-Ximenez, Lia Laura

doi:10.3390/v11030281

Cited by 14 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Although sexual transmission presents an important role in HAV spread in MSM and TW groups, unsafe sexual behaviors were not associated with HAV infection. The HAV sequence found in the study was similar to Argentine strains and not related to MSM European outbreak strains, as occurred in Chile and Southeast Brazil [ 4 , 14 , 20 ]. The declining trend in HAV incidence and the transition of the infection age may cause a major impact on the burden of the disease.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 60%

HAV infection in Brazilian men who have sex with men: The importance of surveillance to avoid outbreaks

et al. 2021

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Background Hepatitis A is a fecal-oral infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) have been reported as target groups for HAV infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors, and circulating strains associated with HAV infection among MSM and TW in Central Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011 to September 2013. Serum samples were collected from 425 individuals for anti-HAV antibody testing and HAV molecular characterization. Of them, 149 (35.1%) participants were self-identified as transgender women. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors of HAV seropositivity. Results The seroprevalence of HAV exposure was 69.7% (95% Confidence Interval: 65.3–74.0%). Serological evidence of HAV was significantly higher in participants who self-identified as transgender women (83.2%) than MSM (62.3%). Increasing age, non-white race, and lower monthly household income were independently associated with HAV exposure among MSM. Only lower monthly household income was independently associated with HAV exposure among TW. One anti-HAV IgM positive sample, from a transgender woman (0.2%), was detected and classified as subgenotype IA. Conclusions High HAV prevalence was observed, markedly among TW. Considering the risky sexual behaviors this population is exposed to, HAV vaccination and prevention programs targeting this population should be considered to prevent outbreaks and the burden of the disease.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 60%

HAV infection in Brazilian men who have sex with men: The importance of surveillance to avoid outbreaks

et al. 2021

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“…One strain had been previously described in a large outbreak affecting MSM in 2015 in Taiwan [64,65]. Further outbreaks involving the same lineage and affecting MSM were also reported in the USA and Latin America [66,67]. Worldwide spread of the same strains among the homosexual community highlights the prevalence of international networking in this population and the role of travel in virus dissemination.…”

Section: Men Who Have Sex With Men (Msm)mentioning

confidence: 89%

Hepatitis A: Epidemiology, High-Risk Groups, Prevention and Research on Antiviral Treatment

Migueres

Lhomme

Izopet

2021

Viruses

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The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. It is transmitted mainly by direct contact with patients who have been infected or by ingesting contaminated water or food. The virus is endemic in low-income countries where sanitary and sociodemographic conditions are poor. Paradoxically, improving sanitary conditions in these countries, which reduces the incidence of HAV infections, can lead to more severe disease in susceptible adults. The populations of developed countries are highly susceptible to HAV, and large outbreaks can occur when the virus is spread by globalization and by increased travel and movement of foodstuffs. Most of these outbreaks occur among high-risk groups: travellers, men who have sex with men, people who use substances, and people facing homelessness. Hepatitis A infections can be prevented by vaccination; safe and effective vaccines have been available for decades. Several countries have successfully introduced universal mass vaccination for children, but high-risk groups in high-income countries remain insufficiently protected. The development of HAV antivirals may be important to control HAV outbreaks in developed countries where a universal vaccination programme is not recommended.

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“…She was aged 21 years, reported sex work, alcohol, and drug use, and did not use a condom during oral sex. In addition, HAV outbreaks among MSM have been reported in low-HAV-endemicity regions [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], and an increased number of hepatitis A cases due to sexual transmission has been observed in Brazil [ 24 , 25 ]. Thus, more studies on HAV epidemiology are necessary to evaluate the impact of Brazilian social and economic advances on HAV prevalence among higher-risk individuals, such as young TGW and MSM, and the inclusion of the hepatitis A vaccine in the National Immunization Program for these populations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Viral Hepatitis A, B and C in a Group of Transgender Women in Central Brazil

et al. 2022

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Transgender women (TGW) have limited access to affordable viral hepatitis testing, hepatitis B vaccination, and treatment. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of viral hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as to compare the adherence and immunogenicity of two hepatitis B vaccine schedules among TGW in Central Brazil. A total of 440 TGW were interviewed and tested for hepatitis A, B, and C serological markers from 2017 to 2018. The hepatitis B vaccine was offered to 230 eligible TGW: 112 received a super accelerated hepatitis B vaccine schedule (G1) and 118 a standard schedule (G2). The antibody against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) was detected in 75.63% of the participants, and 12.3% of the TGW were exposed to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Two (0.46%) participants were HBV carriers. Only 41.5% of the participants showed a serological profile of hepatitis B vaccination. The antibody against the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was found in six participants (1.37%). Of the TGW who received the first vaccine dose, 62 (55.36%) and 49 (41.52%) in G1 and G2, respectively, received three doses (p = 0.036). The vaccine response was evaluated in 28 G1 and 22 G2 TGW; of these, 89.3% and 100% developed protective anti-hepatitis B surface-antigen titers, respectively (p = 0.113). Since one-third of younger transgender women are susceptible to HAV, hepatitis B immunization is low, and the anti-HCV rate is higher in this group than in the general population in Central Brazil, public-health attention is warranted. The super-accelerated scheme demonstrated better adhesion and good immunogenicity, suggesting that it would be a more cost-effective solution.

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Hepatitis A Strain Linked to the European Outbreaks During Gay Events between 2016 and 2017, Identified in a Brazilian Homosexual Couple in 2017

Cited by 14 publications

References 15 publications

HAV infection in Brazilian men who have sex with men: The importance of surveillance to avoid outbreaks

HAV infection in Brazilian men who have sex with men: The importance of surveillance to avoid outbreaks

Hepatitis A: Epidemiology, High-Risk Groups, Prevention and Research on Antiviral Treatment

Viral Hepatitis A, B and C in a Group of Transgender Women in Central Brazil

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