Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infection in Mongolian Immigrants in the Washington, District of Columbia, Metropolitan Area, 2016–2017

Abstract

IntroductionMongolia has the highest liver cancer incidence in the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most prevalent primary liver cancer, and the most common risk factors are hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although viral hepatitis occurs mostly in the developing world, migration of people from high prevalence countries contributes to the health outcomes of the United States. Data on Mongolian Americans is limited. The objective of this study was to estimate HBV and HCV infection prevalence among Mongolia-born immigrants living in the Washington, District of Columbia, metropolitan area.MethodsWe tested Mongolia-born immigrants for chronic hepatitis at community-based screening events from 2016 to 2017. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe the screening results. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between hepatitis prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsOf 634 participants, most did not speak English primarily, were uninsured, and did not have a regular primary care provider. Eighty-two participants (12.9%) had chronic HBV or HCV infection after accounting for HBV and HCV co-infection. Thirty-nine (6.2%) were chronically infected with HBV, and 233 (36.8%) were susceptible to HBV. Sixty-three (9.9%) participants were positive for HCV exposure, and 45 (7.1%) had confirmed chronic HCV infection. While no sociodemographic characteristics were associated with HBV infection, age and primary spoken language (Mongolian) were significantly associated with HCV exposure.ConclusionForeign-born immigrants such as Mongolian Americans have a high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis infection. Targeted screening, vaccination, and treatment programs can help decrease immigrant risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Diagnostic Value of Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography Combined with Serum AFP, TSGF, and GP73 Assay in the Diagnosis of Primary Liver Cancer

“…TSGF is a polypeptide and exists in the peripheral blood at the early stage of tumor generation [ 20 ]. Accordingly, its expression levels in the serum are associated with tumor development.…”

A predictive model for hepatitis B infection among high‐risk adults using a community‐based sample in greater Philadelphia

“…Compared to other community‐based studies, this is among the highest HBV prevalence found in the US. Programs in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Colorado and Massachusetts have found prevalence rates among API screening participants of between 2% and 14% 13–20 . New York City and Houston found prevalence rates as high as 10% 21–23 .…”

High Prevalence of Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Liver Fibrosis Among Mongols in Southern California

“…In addition, all blood samples with positive HBsAg were tested for anti-HDV IgG Intensity Unit delta using Q-MAC assay as described previously ( 8 ) and the quantification of serum HDV RNA titer with in house qRT-PCR assay in the following method. The serum were first subjected to viral genome extraction using Zymo Quick-DNA/RNA Viral Kits (Zymo) followed by 1-step probe-based RT-qPCT analysis using the following primer set and probe: Forward: 5′-GGCWCTCCCTTAGCCATCCG-3′, Reverse: 5′-GGTCGGCATGGCATCTCCA-3′ and the probe: 5’-/56-FAM/CTCCTWCGGATGCCCAGGTCGGAC/36-TAMSp(TAMRA)/-3’.…”

“…An estimated 30,000 Mongols live in the United States (U.S.) with the largest population residing in California. A previous study with sero-survey of Mongolian immigrants living in the Washington D.C area found CHB and CHC in 6.2% and 9.9% among tested individuals but testing for HDV was not performed ( 8 ). Asian-Pacific Liver Center (APLC) at St. Vincent Medical Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides education, medical care and regular screening of hepatitis B among various Asian communities in Southern California ( 9 ).…”