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Virology Journal
Published in: Virology Journal 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | COVID-19 | Research

Causal associations between chronic hepatitis B and COVID-19 in East Asian populations

Authors: Zhenguo Liu, Linnan Song, Junling Chen, Yongjun Zhou, Yuhao Wang, Libo Tang, Yongyin Li

Published in: Virology Journal | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

The relationship between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been inconsistent in traditional observational studies.

Methods

We explored the total causal and direct causal associations between CHB and the three COVID-19 outcomes using univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, respectively. Genome-wide association study datasets for CHB and COVID-19 were obtained from the Japan Biobank and the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, respectively.

Results

Univariate MR analysis showed that CHB increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, P = 3.39E−03), hospitalized COVID-19 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.13, P = 7.31E−08), and severe COVID-19 (OR = 1.16, 95%CI 1.08–1.26, P = 1.43E−04). A series of subsequent sensitivity analyses ensured the stability and reliability of these results. In multivariable MR analyses adjusting for type 2 diabetes, body mass index, basophil count, and smoking, genetically related CHB is still positively associated with increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.11, P = 1.44E−03) and hospitalized COVID-19 (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.16, P = 5.13E−07). However, the causal link between CHB and severe COVID-19 was attenuated after adjustment for the above variables. In addition, the MR analysis did not support the causal effect of COVID-19 on CHB.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that CHB increases COVID-19 susceptibility and severity among individuals of East Asian ancestry.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Causal associations between chronic hepatitis B and COVID-19 in East Asian populations
Authors
Zhenguo Liu
Linnan Song
Junling Chen
Yongjun Zhou
Yuhao Wang
Libo Tang
Yongyin Li
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Virology Journal / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1743-422X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-023-02081-4

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