Human Herpesviruses Increase the Severity of Hepatitis

Abstract

Acute and chronic liver diseases are a major global public health problem; nevertheless, the etiology of 12–30% of cases remains obscure. The purpose of this research was to study the incidence of human herpesviruses (HHVs) cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and HHV-6 in patients with hepatitis and to examine the effect of HHV on the disease severity. We studied the clinical materials of 259 patients with hepatitis treated in Infectious Clinic n.1 (Moscow) and the archived materials of 118 patients with hepatitis C. HHV DNA was detected in the whole blood in 13.5% of patients with hepatitis B or C and in 10.1% of patients with hepatitis of unspecified etiology. EBV demonstrated the highest incidence (58.1%). Cirrhosis was diagnosed in 50% of patients with HHV and in 15.6% of patients without HHV. In patients with hepatitis C, the frequency of HHV was higher in liver biopsy (38.7%) compared to blood. The clinical and virological indicators of hepatitis were considerably higher in patients with coinfection. Conclusion: HHV detected in patients with viral hepatitis has been associated with a significant effect on the severity of the disease, and we suggest monitoring HHV DNA in patients with severe hepatitis and/or poor response to antiviral drugs.

Gut non-bacterial microbiota contributing to alcohol-associated liver disease

“… 127 128 Above findings were consistent with previous research. In fecal samples, most detected Herpesviridae such as herpesvirus‐6 128, 129 and herpesvirus‐8 130 , 131 are associated with the severity of ALD, and they could be classified into Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV infection often causes liver inflammation, but the pathogenesis remains unknown.…”

“…EBV infection often causes liver inflammation, but the pathogenesis remains unknown. 129 A retrospective study of patients with liver cirrhosis found that EBV-positive patients had higher Child-Pugh scores, more severe liver injury and a higher rate of chronic acute liver failure, 132 which suggested the reactivation of EBV might contribute to the development of alcoholic hepatitis.…”

Investigating the Association Between Epstein-Barr Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients

“…Production of memory B-cells is the first outcome, the second leads to differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells that are programmed [6] . EBV plays a role in liver inflammation by impacting hepatocytes directly or indirectly through immune cells [7]. EBV is linked to a variety of cancers and is the first human tumour virus to be found.…”

Chronic Hepatitis C: Pathophysiology and Clinical Issues

“…Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesviruses (HHV) type 6 in biological samples of patients with liver cirrhosis as compared to those without advanced liver disease; furthermore, patients with herpesvirus coinfection showed a trend toward high rates of liver decompensation, hepatorenal syndrome, and portal hypertension [16]. Finally, Priora and colleagues recapitulated the rheumatologic manifestations of CHC (up to 38% of patients), and the differential diagnosis between the former and primary rheumatic diseases that may coexist in these patients [17].…”

“…Yurlov and colleagues focused their attention on non-hepatotropic viruses as a cause or contributing cause in the occurrence, progression, and outcome of inflammatory liver diseases [ 16 ]. Specifically, the authors observed a high prevalence of cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and human herpesviruses (HHV) type 6 in biological samples of patients with liver cirrhosis as compared to those without advanced liver disease; furthermore, patients with herpesvirus coinfection showed a trend toward high rates of liver decompensation, hepatorenal syndrome, and portal hypertension [ 16 ]. Finally, Priora and colleagues recapitulated the rheumatologic manifestations of CHC (up to 38% of patients), and the differential diagnosis between the former and primary rheumatic diseases that may coexist in these patients [ 17 ].…”