World Hepatitis Day 2024

World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on 28th July and is dedicated to raising awareness of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes. Championed by the World Hepatitis Alliance, the theme this year is "Take Action. Test, treat, vaccinate". This highlights the urgent need for initiatives that reduce hepatitis infections and improve diagnosis and treatment. To reduce the impact of hepatitis globally, World Hepatitis Day advocates for equitable access to life-saving intervention.

We are taking the opportunity to support World Hepatitis Day 2024 by sharing a selection of articles, books, blogs, and other related hepatitis research.

This work supports and amplifies SDG research from the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Relevant Collections

Virology Journal
Viruses across borders
This collection aims to explore the global dynamics of viral infections, emphasizing their cross-border transmission, impact on public health, and implications for global security. We welcome original research, case studies, and reviews that delve into the complexities of viral spread, emergence, and control in an interconnected world. Contributions addressing viral genomics, host-pathogen interactions, outbreak surveillance, and strategies for prevention and containment are encouraged.
Submission Deadline: 31 July 2024

Discover Oncology
The Interplay Between Viruses and Cancer
This Collection focuses on the interplay between viruses and cancer, from mechanisms of action to cancer development to treatment modalities. Viruses play a complex role in cancer development, often integrating their genetic material into host cells, disrupting normal cellular functions. Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) can lead to liver cancer by inducing chronic inflammation and liver cell damage over time. Edited by Vasso Apostolopoulos & Vivek P Chavda.
Submission Deadline: 30 November 2024

colourful ribbons around a globe SN Business & Economics
-SDG 03 - Good health and well-being
We are calling for articles to our new Collection on Good health and well-being, in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 3. We are interested in research that advances understanding on the SDG target to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases by 2030.
Submission Deadline: 31 December 2030

needle and word hepatitis on a jigsaw puzzle BMC Public Health
Epidemiology of viral hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is a major emerging public health threat which may be ranked similarly to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, while unfortunately not receiving the same attention or healthcare resources. Strategies outlined towards this achievement include providing everyone living with viral hepatitis with access to safe, affordable and effective care and treatment as well as reducing the incidence of and annual deaths from these infections. In order to achieve these targets, a change in public health response to viral hepatitis as well as increased attention is required.
Articles published

Eliminating hepatitis Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Eliminating viral hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem, and the burden of disease is increasing. In 2016, spurred by development of effective new treatments for hepatitis C and expanding access to hepatitis B vaccination, the 194 Member States of the WHO committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Here, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology explores areas vital to meeting this ambitious target, from basic viral research to public policy.
Articles published

Current Hepatology Reports Image of a venn diagram on the subject of hepatitis B
Topical Collection on Hepatitis B
Current Hepatology Reports are pleased to announce numerous topical collections on hepatitis, including this Topical Collection on Hepatitis B. The collection continues to accumulate new articles and groups together relevant content on hepatitis B. This includes management of hepatitis B, treatment of patients with hepatitis B, and hepatitis B elimination strategies.

Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in chronic hepatitis B patients
Principal Investigator: Hong Ren
Intention to publish: 31st December 2024

Hepatitis A vaccination coverage amongst people with Chronic Liver Disease in England (HEALD): protocol for a retrospective cohort study
Contact: Bernardo Meza, Principal Investigator: Simon de Lusignan
Intention to publish: 31st August 2024

Finding key genes (UBE2T, KIF4A, CDCA3, and CDCA5) co-expressed in hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma based on multiple bioinformatics techniques
Yingai Zhang, Weiling Yu, Shuai Zhou, Jingchuan Xiao, Xiaoyu Zhang, Haoliang Yang & Jianquan Zhang
Published: 18 June 2024 in BMC Gastroenterology

Experience and impact of stigma in people with chronic hepatitis B: a qualitative study in Asia, Europe, and the United States
Mondher Toumi, Jack Wallace, Chari Cohen, Chris Marshall, Helen Kitchen, Jake Macey, Hannah Pegram, Ashley F. Slagle, Robert G. Gish, Qin Ning, Hiroshi Yatsuhashi, Markus Cornberg, Maurizia Brunetto, Florian van Bömmel, Qing Xie, Dee Lee, Noriyuki Habuka, Urbano Sbarigia, Maria Beumont-Mauviel, Angelina Villasis Keever, Yasushi Takahashi, Yiwei Lu, Ao Liu, Qiaoqiao Chen, Tetsuro Ito, Olaf Radunz, Anna Puggina, Gudrun Hilgard, Eric K.H. Chan & Su Wang
Published: 13 June 2024 in BMC Public Health

Genetic determinants of host- and virus-derived insertions for hepatitis E virus replication
Michael Hermann Wißing, Toni Luise Meister, Maximilian Klaus Nocke, André Gömer, Mejrema Masovic, Leonard Knegendorf, Yannick Brüggemann, Verian Bader, Anindya Siddharta, Claus-Thomas Bock, Alexander Ploss, Scott P. Kenney, Konstanze F. Winklhofer, Patrick Behrendt, Heiner Wedemeyer, Eike Steinmann & Daniel Todt
Published: 6 June 2024 in Nature Communications

A complex case study: coexistence of multi-drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis, HBV-related liver failure, and disseminated cryptococcal infection in an AIDS patient
Wei Fu, Zi Wei Deng, Pei Wang, Zhen Wang Zhu, Ye Pu, Zhi Bing Xie, Yong Zhong Li & Hong Ying Yu
Published: 27 May 2024 in BMC Infectious Diseases

Hepatitis C screening in Lithuania: first-year results and scenarios for achieving WHO elimination targets
Janina Petkevičienė, Alexis Voeller, Eglė Čiupkevičienė, Devin Razavi-Shearer, Valentina Liakina, Ligita Jančorienė, Edita Kazėnaitė, Viačeslavas Zaksas, Gediminas Urbonas & Limas Kupčinskas
Published: 15 April 2024 in BMC Public Health

Expanding access to healthcare for people who use drugs and sex workers: hepatitis C elimination implications from a qualitative study of healthcare experiences in British Columbia, Canada
Nance E. Cunningham, Jessica Lamb, Amanda Staller, Mel Krajden, Robert S. Hogg, Angela Towle, Viviane Dias Lima & Kate Salters
Published: 4 April 2024 in Harm Reduction Journal

Survey of lived experiences and challenges in hepatitis B management and treatment
Catherine Freeland, Charles Adjei, Jack Wallace, Su Wang, Jessica Hicks, Danjuma Adda, Cary James & Chari Cohen
Published: 2 April 2024 in BMC Public Health

Acceptability and Feasibility of the Plasma Separation Card for an Integrated Model of Care for HBV and HCV Screening Among People Attending HIV Clinics in Cameroon and Uganda
Camila A Picchio, Aina Nicolàs, Ironne Valdèse Ayemfouo Fofou, Viola Kasone, Magellan Guewo-Fokeng, Claude T Tagny, Teddy Nanyonjo, Hellen Nansumba, Yves Nacel Kouongni, Rita Gaëlle Epse Sezawo Kamdjeu, Emmanuel Seremba, Charles Kouanfack, Isaac Ssewanyana, Richard Njouom, Ariadna Rando Segura, Francisco Rodríguez-Frías, Jean Claude Mbanya, Ponsiano Ocama & Jeffrey V. Lazarus
Published: 27 March 2024 in Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health

Perspective on Emerging Therapies to Achieve Functional Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B
Harish Gopalakrishna & Marc G. Ghany
Published: 10 February 2024 in Current Hepatology Reports

Is it time for China to prioritize pan-genotypic regimens for treating patients with hepatitis C?
Yusi Tu, Xiangyan Tang, Dachuang Zhou, Hanqiao Shao, Leyi Liang & Wenxi Tang
Published: 6 February 2024 in Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Advances and Challenges in Managing Hepatitis D Virus: Evolving Strategies
Harish Gopalakrishna, Maria Mironova, Harel Dahari, Christopher Koh & Theo Heller
Published: 1 February 2024 in Current Hepatology Reports

The role of Traditional Chinese medicine in anti-HBV: background, progress, and challenges
Feilin Ge, Yan Yang, Zhaofang Bai, Lanlan Si, Xuemei Wang, Jia Yu, Xiaohe Xiao, Yan Liu & Zhigang Ren
Published: 2 December 2023 in Chinese Medicine

A new approach to prevent, diagnose, and treat hepatitis B in Africa
C. Wendy Spearman, Monique I. Andersson, Bisi Bright, Pantong M. Davwar, Hailemichael Desalegn, Alice Nanelin Guingane, Asgeir Johannessen, Kenneth Kabagambe, Maud Lemoine, Philippa C. Matthews, Gibril Ndow, Nicholas Riches, Yusuke Shimakawa, Roger Sombié, Alexander J. Stockdale, Jantjie J. Taljaard, Michael J. Vinikoor, Gilles Wandeler, Edith Okeke & Mark Sonderup on behalf of the Hepatitis B in Africa Collaborative Network (HEPSANET)
Published: 2 November 2023 in BMC Global and Public Health

Arginine methylation of HSPA8 by PRMT9 inhibits ferroptosis to accelerate hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Wensheng Deng, Jiaoyu Ai, Wanlin Zhang, Zhenyu Zhou, Muqi Li, Likun Yan, Lidong Zhang, Zongjing Huang, Ziyi Wu, Junhua Ai & Hai Jiang
Published: 15 September 2023 in Journal of Translational Medicine

The effect of hepatitis B virus on the risk of pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Maryam Afraie, Ghobad Moradi, Kamran Zamani, Mobin Azami & Yousef Moradi
Published: 14 September 2023 in Virology Journal

Identifying barriers and facilitators along the hepatitis C care cascade to inform human-centered design of contextualized treatment protocols for vulnerable populations in Austin, Texas: a qualitative study
Anmol Desai, Lauren O’Neal, Kia Reinis, Cristal Brown, Michael Stefanowicz, Audrey Kuang, Deepak Agrawal, Darlene Bhavnani & Tim Mercer
Published: 17 August 2023 in Implementation Science Communications

Safeguarding mothers and newborns: the urgent need to address hepatitis during pregnancy
BMC Medicine
Published: 2 August 2023 in BMC Medicine

“Treated like a Human Being”: perspectives of people who inject drugs attending low-threshold HCV treatment at a syringe service program in New York City
Shashi N. Kapadia, Yesenia Aponte-Melendez, Alicia Rodriguez, Melinda Pai, Benjamin J. Eckhardt, Kristen M. Marks, Chunki Fong & Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
Published: 27 July 2023 in Harm Reduction Journal

Liver in infections: a single-cell and spatial transcriptomics perspective
Ju Zou, Jie Li, Xiao Zhong, Daolin Tang, Xuegong Fan & Ruochan Chen
Published: 10 July 2023 in Journal of Biomedical Science

Potential of CRISPR/Cas system as emerging tools in the detection of viral hepatitis infection
Howra Bahrulolum, Hossein Tarrahimofrad, Fatemeh Nouri Rouzbahani, Saghi Nooraei, Mehdi Mousavi Sameh, Abbas Hajizade & Gholamreza Ahmadian
Published: 8 May 2023 in Virology Journal

HIV and HCV among drug users and people living in prisons in Germany 2022: WHO elimination targets as reflected in practice
H. Stöver, A. Dichtl, D. Schäffer & M. Grabski
Published: 13 April 2023 in Harm Reduction Journal

Global burden of hepatitis B attributable to modifiable risk factors from 1990 to 2019: a growing contribution and its association with socioeconomic status
Minmin Wang, Liang Yan, Jia Wang, Yinzi Jin & Zhi-Jie Zheng
Published: 31 March 2023 in Globalization and Health

Genomic investigations of unexplained acute hepatitis in children
Sofia Morfopoulou, Sarah Buddle, Oscar Enrique Torres Montaguth, Laura Atkinson, José Afonso Guerra-Assunção, Mahdi Moradi Marjaneh, Riccardo Zennezini Chiozzi, Nathaniel Storey, Luis Campos, J. Ciaran Hutchinson, John R. Counsell, Gabriele Pollara, Sunando Roy, Cristina Venturini, Juan F. Antinao Diaz, Ala’a Siam, Luke J. Tappouni, Zeinab Asgarian, Joanne Ng, Killian S. Hanlon, Alexander Lennon, Andrew McArdle, Agata Czap, Joshua Rosenheim, Catarina Andrade, Judith Breuer et al.
Published: 30 March 2023 in Nature

Critical care hepatology: definitions, incidence, prognosis and role of liver failure in critically ill patients
Aritz Perez Ruiz de Garibay, Andreas Kortgen, Julia Leonhardt, Alexander Zipprich & Michael Bauer
Published: 26 September 2022 in Critical Care

Global Health Essentials Book: Textbook of Microbiology and Immunology
Chapter: Hepatitis Viruses

Hepatitis is a clinical syndrome caused by many pathogens, including viruses. There are six medically important viruses called hepatitis viruses because their main site of infection is the liver and cause clinically similar acute illnesses. These viruses are hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), hepatitis E virus (HEV) and the newly described G virus (HGV).

Oncologic Surgical Emergencies Book: Global Health Essentials
Chapter: Hepatitis

A decade ago, viral hepatitis was a largely neglected disease burden. Since then, there has been a global effort for eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Five strategic interventions were integrated covering hepatitis B vaccination, blood and injection safety, harm reduction, and testing and treatment for hepatitis B and cure for hepatitis C, which when scaled to universal coverage result in elimination as a public health threat. Viral hepatitis was included in the Sustainable Development Goals from 2015, and ambitious targets set for 2030 endorsed by 194 countries. This section assesses this transformation in the global response for what is now recognised as a major global disease burden for which elimination as a public health threat is feasible.

Book: Viral Hepatitis: Acute Hepatitis
Chapter: Global Epidemiology of Acute Viral Hepatitis A–E

This book presents practically oriented information on major topics in acute hepatitis. The coverage encompasses epidemiology; diagnosis, including molecular methods; treatment and challenges; and the management of co-infections. This chapter notes that the prevalence of viral hepatitis A–E shows distinct geographic differences. The global burden of these infections (prevalence, incidence, cause-specific death, disability-adjusted life years, and years of life lost) has recently been analyzed in seminal studies. During the coming decade(s) we expect to further improve our ability to prevent and to effectively treat viral hepatitis A–E, resulting in the control or even elimination of these global infections and of their associated morbidities and mortalities.

Book: Liver Disease in Clinical Practice
Chapter: Chronic Hepatitis C

Chronic Hepatitis C is a global disease with significant morbidity and mortality. In most people who are infected, CHC leads to a chronic infection. If left untreated, it progresses to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The advent of directly acting antiviral therapies for CHC have revolutionised the treatment landscape. The vast majority of individuals can now be cured of chronic infection, including previously difficult to treat populations and therapies are generally well tolerated. Identifying infected individuals and access to treatments are now the main barriers to cure.

Pigmented Ethnic Skin Book: Hepatitis E Virus
Chapter: Laboratory Diagnosis of HEV Infection

Serological and nucleic acid tests for detecting hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been developed for both epidemiologic and diagnostic purposes. The laboratory diagnosis of HEV infection depends on the detection of HEV antigen or HEV RNA in the blood, stool, and other body fluids, and serum antibodies against HEV (immunoglobulin [Ig]A, IgM, and IgG). Although significant progress has been made in developing and optimizing different formats of HEV assays, improving their sensitivity and specificity, there are many shortcomings and challenges in inter-assay concordance, validation, and standardization. This article reviews the current knowledge on the diagnosis of HEV infection, including the most common available laboratory diagnostic techniques.