Epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Africa among persons aged 1–10 years: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

BackgroundAfrica is considered an area of high endemicity for hepatitis A virus infection. However, in the past two decades, tremendous progress has been made in improving water sources and sanitation which are risk factors for hepatitis A virus infection. Recent studies suggest that several African countries could be in epidemiological transitions due to the evident socio-economic development. As a result, there may be a decrease in the exposure to and infection with hepatitis A virus at an early age. Understanding and mapping the shifting epidemiology is vital in developing control measures against the disease. We are conducting a comprehensive systematic review study to document the current burden of hepatitis A virus infection in Africa.MethodsOur population of interest is children between 1 and 10 years in any African country. We will select cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies that have tested hepatitis A virus infection by serological confirmation of antibodies against the virus. We will search for eligible studies published without language restrictions from PubMed, Scopus, Africa-wide, Web of Science, and WHOLIS as well as the reference lists of the relevant articles. Two authors will independently review the search outputs, select eligible articles, and extract pre-defined study outcomes. Inconsistencies will be resolved by discussion and consensus among the authors.Data will be extracted using a standardised data collection form. Trends in the prevalence and/or incidence will be evaluated by urban and rural setting if sufficient data is available. Where there is sufficient homogeneity between studies, meta-analysis will also be conducted, otherwise the results will be presented in a narrative format.DiscussionThe systematic review will generate up-to-date information on the current burden of hepatitis A virus in Africa. This information may have implications on policy for hepatitis A vaccination on individual African countries.Systematic review registrationCRD42015023764

Estimation of Hepatitis A Virus Infection Prevalence Among Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Countries: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

“…It is well known that the incidence of HAV infection is strongly associated with the socioeconomic status of a country. As socioeconomic indicators improve, having access to the safe and clean water, hygiene, and sanitation increases (6). Over the time, it can clearly cause a decrease in the rate of infection and consequently may lead to a shift in the epidemiological pattern as well as a change in the age of HAV-infected persons from childhood to adulthood (7,8).…”

Hepatitis A seroprevalence in Western Cape Province, South Africa: Are we in epidemiological transition?

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Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is responsible for ~1.4 million new infections each year worldwide. [1][2][3] Transmission of HAV is via the faecaloral route, either through an infectious person or by ingestion of contaminated food or water. [4][5][6] Risk factors for infection with HAV include low socioeconomic status, larger household size and overcrowding, particularly in rural areas, limited access to clean water sources and inadequate sanitation facilities.

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Prevalence of hepatitis A virus in patients attending a referral hospital in Bubanza Province, Northwest Burundi

“…3 Globally, 1.4 million cases of HAV occur annually with a majority of the cases concentrated in the less developed countries where several risk factors facilitate transmission. 4 It is considered one of the most common illnesses transmitted through oral-faecal route specifically in children and old people. 5 The virus' transmission is facilitated by water and/or food as well as person-to-person contact in developed countries and the endemicity is worldwide.…”