Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus infection in the Gulf Cooperation Council: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public-health problem. Since the introduction of an effective vaccine, the epidemiology of HBV infection is changing. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and delineate any variation in member-countries, special sub-groups, and over time. Methods This is a systematic review and meta-analysis to review studies of HBV prevalence in the GCC region. Databases were searched and all studies from inception to July 31st, 2021, were considered for inclusion. The pooled HBV prevalence was analyzed using the random-effect model after assessment for heterogeneity. True prevalence was adjusted using the Rogan-Gladen estimator. Pre-defined subgroup analysis was performed, and publication bias was assessed. Results Overall, 99 studies (n = 1,944,200 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The overall HBV apparent prevalence was 3.05% (95% CI 2.60, 3.52) and the true prevalence was 1.67% (95% CI 1.66, 1.68). The apparent prevalence varied between subgroups. Over time, the apparent prevalence of HBV infection has declined from 9.38% (95% CI 7.26, 11.74) before 1990 to 1.56% (95% CI 1.07, 2.12) during the period 2010 to 2020. Conclusion Over the last four decades the overall prevalence of HBV infection in the GCC region has decreased from high- to low-endemicity level. However, due to poor methodology of the included studies, further high-quality community-based studies are needed to obtain more precise estimate of HBV infection in this region.

Current Status of Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in The Gulf Region: Challenges and Recommendations

“…Additionally, the prevalence of HBV infection in the MEA region (0.6–8%) is also higher than in Western Europe and North America (<1%), with the rate of infection being >4% among the GCC states [ 47 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Apparent HBV prevalence in the GCC region ranges from 0–3% in the UAE, 2–4% in Qatar, 0.5–5% in Kuwait, 3–4% in Saudi Arabia, 0–6% in Bahrain, and 2–6% in Oman [ 49 , 50 , 54 , 55 ]. HBV-induced pathogenesis of HCC involves several mechanisms, including HBV-DNA integration into host genetic machinery, DNA methylation, oxidative stress, and HBx protein [ 11 , 45 ].…”

The Effect of Infection with some Intestinal Parasites on some Immune Parameters

“…G. lamblia is one of the eukaryotic parasites and causes Giardiasis, which is a common disease between humans and animals. The parasite infects the small intestine (jejunum and ileum) of humans (Rudolph et al, 2022).…”

“…In the United States, it is estimated that up to 20 million people are infected with giardiasis (Robertson et al, 2023). In a study conducted by researchers in 2022, it was found that the epidemic prevalence of giardia ranges between 2% and 50% in developing countries (Rudolph et al, 2022). Another study conducted in 2020 found that the epidemic prevalence of Giardia ranges between 5% and 20%, with the highest rates in countries with hot and humid climates (Machadol et al, 2020).…”

Measurement of some immunological Indicators in patients with recurrent oral lichen planus and some viral infections

“…Numerous studies have connected OLP infection to hepatitis B and C to compare OLP patients with healthy controls to ascertain the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and hepatitis B virus (HBsV) antigen [7]. Likewise, reported that 10% of the persons with lichen planus had hepatitis surface antigen, 15% had hepatitis B antibodies (vaccinated), and 9% had hepatitis C antibodies [9]. The possibility of recurrence of the disease is something that naturally concerns the patient to a great extent.…”