A study conducted by researcher Mohamed Abdawah has provided new insights into the genetic diversity of chronic hepatitis B virus in Mauritania. The study, supervised by Professor Mohamed F Vall Ould Mamadou from the University of Nouakchott, Professor Françoise Lina Fabiani from the University of Angers in France, and Dr. Isabelle Chemin from the Leon Institute for Hepatic Diseases in France, analyzed the genetic makeup of the virus in Mauritanian patients.
The study found that the predominant genotypes of the virus in Mauritania are D, E, and A, with genotype D being the most prevalent at 55.4%. The researchers also identified several subtypes within these genotypes, including D1 and D4 within genotype D, and A1 and A2 within genotype A. Furthermore, a hybrid mutation between genotypes D and E was detected in 16.9% of the samples.
The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, noted a high degree of genetic stability in the Mauritanian hepatitis B virus strains, with most genetic changes not indicating resistance to current antiviral treatments. However, two rare genetic mutations were identified, including one associated with resistance to conventional treatments and another exceptional mutation in a highly conserved region of the virus.
The study also investigated the prevalence of hepatitis delta, a virus that exploits the hepatitis B virus to infect liver cells. The results showed that 60.7% of patients tested positive for hepatitis delta antibodies, and 26% had active hepatitis delta infection. Patients with active hepatitis delta infection experienced more severe symptoms and higher levels of liver damage.
The study's findings have significant implications for public health policy in Mauritania. The researchers recommended systematic screening for hepatitis delta among all hepatitis B carriers, accelerated access to antiviral treatments, and improved vaccination coverage against hepatitis B, particularly for newborns. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, only 42% of newborns in Mauritania received the hepatitis B vaccine in 2023.
The study provides a comprehensive characterization of hepatitis B and delta viruses in Mauritania, offering a valuable resource for future research and the development of effective national strategies for diagnosis, surveillance, and prevention of viral hepatitis complications.
The study's results were partially presented at an international conference in Switzerland in May and are part of a doctoral thesis resulting from a research collaboration between the University of Nouakchott and the National Institute for Hepatic Diseases and Viruses in Nouakchott, as well as the Leon Institute for Hepatic Diseases in France.
Key points
- The study revealed a high degree of genetic stability in Mauritanian hepatitis B virus strains, with most genetic changes not indicating resistance to current antiviral treatments.
- The study recommended systematic screening for hepatitis delta among all hepatitis B carriers and accelerated access to antiviral treatments.
- The study's findings have significant implications for public health policy in Mauritania, particularly in terms of vaccination coverage and access to treatments.
