Hepatitis C in Tunisia from 1991 to 2019: A systematic review

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Published Feb 9, 2021
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Vol. 99 No. 2 (2021): Issue Feb 2021

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Marwa Khedhiri
Hatem Triki
Henda Triki

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and liver cancer related deaths in Tunisia.
Aim: Perform a systematic review on viral hepatitis C in Tunisia between 1991 and 2019.
Methods: A global search of HCV-specific documentation in Tunisia (1991-2019) in bibliographic data search sites.
Results: Tunisia is a low endemic country for hepatitis C with a prevalence that not exceed 1% in the general population. Several studies have focused on populations at risk of HCV contamination such as hemodialysis and polytransfused patients. The prevalence of hepatitis C is higher in these groups. In relatively small series, a clear predominance of genotype 1 and subtype 1b has been reported in Tunisia with a lower co-circulation of the other genotypes.
Several polymorphisms of cytokine and chemokine genes can influence the clearance or persistence of HCV infection. Tunisian studies have focused on the efficacy of conventional dual therapy (pegylated IFN + ribavirin) by analyzing the predictive factors linked to SVR and mutations associated with resistance to viral inhibitors. No publication has discussed the effectiveness of new direct-acting antivirals in Tunisia.
Conclusion: This review of the literature provides an update on the status of hepatitis C in Tunisia and reveals a lack of investigations on new direct-acting antivirals.

Keywords:

Hepatitis C, Tunisia, prevalence, genotypes, population at risk, therapy

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References

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