Hepatitis B virus infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a systematic review of prevalence studies (2000–2016)

Shindano, Tony Akilimali; Kabinda, Jeff Maotela; Mitashi, Patrick; Horsmans, Yves

doi:10.1007/s10389-018-0894-8

Cited by 19 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…This study found an HBV prevalence of 4.7% among pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV in the Kinshasa Province, which is similar to the 5% estimates among pregnant women irrespective of HIV status reported in a recent pooled analysis of published studies in DRC [14]. Our estimated prevalence is also similar to those from other central and southern African countries, but lower than those seen in western Africa [15].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…Hepatitis B (HBV) virus, the most common cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide, is responsible for 275 million cases of chronic hepatitis, most of which are in the African and Western pacific regions [2]. HBV is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [3–7] were the prevalence is higher among pregnant women than the general population: 5% versus 3%, respectively [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Hepatitis B infection among pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DR Congo: A cross-sectional study

et al. 2019

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Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection in HIV-infected individuals increases the risk of hepatic complications and mortality. Further, the risk of perinatal HBV transmission increases among HBV/HIV co-infected pregnant women. Although HBV is endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is little data on HBV/HIV co-infection. We aimed to assess the burden and risk factors of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity among HIV-infected pregnant and post-partum women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of an ongoing trial to assess the effect of data-driven continuous quality improvement interventions (CQI) for optimal prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV (CQI-PMTCT study, NCT03048669). In each of the 35 health zones of Kinshasa province, all HIV-infected pregnant or breastfeeding women (≤1 year post-delivery) presenting for care in one of the three busiest maternal and child health clinics of the health zone were tested for HBsAg using Alere Determine, Japan. We used logistic regression with general estimating equation accounting for within-clinic clustering to assess risk factors of HBsAg positivity. Results Between November 2016 and June 2018, a total of 1377 women, all on antiretroviral therapy, were tested for HBsAg. Overall, 4.7% [95% binomial confidence interval (CI): 3.7%-5.7%] tested positive for HBsAg. HBsAg prevalence was 3.3% (95% CI: 2.1%-4.8%) for women tested during pregnancy, 4.5% (2.5%-7.4%) for those tested at delivery, and 8.5% (5.6%-12.2%) for those tested post-partum ( P trend = 0.001). In multivariate models including socio-economic status (SES), type of care facility, duration of antiretroviral therapy, HIV viral load, and self-reported intimate partner violence (IPV), lowest tertile of SES, ≤ 6 months of ART, and IPV were all consistently and positively associated with higher prevalence of HBsAg across pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period while been tested in a health centre or having a viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL were consistently associated with lower prevalence. However, only the association with IPV (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.10–6.84) and viral load between 40–1000 copies/ml (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.22–15.01) achieved statistical significance among pregnant women. Conclusion This study revealed an overall high prevalence of HBsAg among HIV-infected pregnant and post-partum women in Kinshasa with the latter showing the highest HBsAg prevalence. Among pregnant women, intimate partner violence was independently and statistically associated with HBsAg positivity, requiring further investigation.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis B infection among pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DR Congo: A cross-sectional study

et al. 2019

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“…4 This figure is also lower than the results pertaining to a systematic review of 28 studies ( 18studies from blood donors) that included data from 154,926 subjects. 12 However, the seroprevalence data are similar (3.3%) to the results found in national, representative dried blood spot samples that were collected during the 2013-2014 Demographic and Health Survey, which sought to determine the HBV prevalence among adults and children living in the DRC. 13 Compared with other countries, the seroprevalence rate we found is also lower than that found in Uganda (where 11.8% pregnant women tested positive for HBsAg), 14 in Congo-Brazzaville (8.7%), 15 in South Sudan (11%), 16 in Sudan (8.5%), 17 and in Cameroon (9.4%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 66%

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C and Knowledge of the Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mudji

Madinga

Horsmans

2021

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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Viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) can significantly influence maternal and child health. Although HIV infection, malaria, and syphilis in pregnant women are likely to be systematically screened for and managed according to national guidelines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is no plan for HBV and HCV. Furthermore, there is no documentation regarding pregnant women's knowledge about HBV and HCV. This situation has motivated the researchers to undertake the current study, which was designed to estimate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV. We have also assessed knowledge of the HBV infection among pregnant women who consulted for antenatal care for the first time at Vanga Evangelical Hospital in Vanga. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 457 pregnant women who attended antenatal care. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and previous medico-surgical data, as well as information related to women's HBV knowledge, were collected using a questionnaire. Rapid tests were used to detect HBV surface antigen and HCV antibodies. Most pregnant women were aged 20-24 years. Only 6.8% of respondents had knowledge of HBV, and the main source of this knowledge was health facilities (4.6%). Only 0.7% reported having been tested, whereas 98.5% said that they had not been offered a test. Overall, 18 (3.9%) participants were HBV positive and 22 (4.8%) were positive for HCV. There is limited knowledge about HBV and HCV among pregnant women in rural Vanga. All pregnant women should be screened during antenatal care, and a well-implemented program of management is needed.

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“…These two WHO regions accounted for 60% of the 257 million affected individuals in 20151 ) . Hepatitis B is one of the most devastating infectious diseases endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo DR)2 ) . Notably, little attention has been paid to hepatitis related issues3 ) .…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Hepatitis virus screening is not yet implemented routinely in the country, and the lack of adequate care and treatment programs make prevention of HBV infection an important topic. Nation-wide surveys are lacking, however, available evidence indicates that the prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier ranges between 4.9%2 ) and 5.9%4 ) . This prevalence poses challenges not only to health care workers (HCWs) who are at risk of being infected through sharp objects and/or body fluids5 ) , but also to patients because of the potential risk of transmission from HCW to patients6 ) .…”

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confidence: 99%

Assessing the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among health care workers in a referral hospital in Kisantu, Congo DR: a pilot study

et al. 2019

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We aimed to determine hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence and risk factors for health care workers (HCWs) to contract HBV infection in a referral hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From October 2015 to August 2016, we recruited 97 HCWs (55 males and 42 females, aged 41.2 ± 10 yr) from Kisantu St. Luke’s Hospital, a Congolese referral hospital located in the province of Kongo Central. Serum samples were assayed for HBV markers using ELISA. A questionnaire was used to record the HCWs’ demographics, medical histories, and risk factors. The overall prevalence of exposure to HBV infection [HBsAg+, and/or hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)+] was 56.7% (55/97). HBsAg positivity was found in 18.6% (18/97) of the HCWs whereas 29.9% (29/97) were anti-HBc positive. Approximately 8.2% (8/97) of the HCWs tested positive for both HBsAg and anti-HBc. Being a physician [odds ratio (OR)=2.8 (95% CI: 1.34–12.23)], a laboratory technician [OR=3.35 (95% CI: 1.35−5.21)], and having multiple sex partners [OR=3.05 (95% CI: 1.13−9.09)] were found to be factors associated with HBV infection. Exposure to HBV is common among HCWs at Kisantu St. Luke’s Hospital. Isolated HBsAg was also prevalent among them. There is a high risk that HBV could be spread to others. Therefore, there is an urgent need for HBV screening, treatment, and vaccination policies.

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Hepatitis B virus infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a systematic review of prevalence studies (2000–2016)

Cited by 19 publications

References 26 publications

Hepatitis B infection among pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DR Congo: A cross-sectional study

Hepatitis B infection among pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DR Congo: A cross-sectional study

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C and Knowledge of the Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Assessing the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among health care workers in a referral hospital in Kisantu, Congo DR: a pilot study

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