PhD defence Z. (Zhijiang) Miao

Viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge that provokes significant morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis D, as the most severe form of acute and chronic viral hepatitis, is associated with rapid progression to cirrhosis and HCC and urgently requires further investigation aimed at devising rational strategies to counteract disease. Hepatitis E, as the most common form of acute viral hepatitis, is associated with severe disease outcome in high-risk populations. Hence, generation of a clear and quantitative global epidemiology is now required for HDV, and there are urgent needs for novel and specific HEV treatment. In this thesis, I aimed to investigate the molecular classification and epidemiology of HDV, and to further explore the antiviral activities and mechanisms-of-action of two anti-HEV candidates. I firstly systematically analyzed the genetic characteristics and genotype of HDV, and secondly I comprehensively assessed the global prevalence and dynamics of HDV infection. Next, I mainly focused on the repurposing of azithromycin and ivermectin for potential HEV treatment in specific populations and the evidence of their mechanisms of action.

The PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall at campus Woudestein or in the Professor Andries Querido Room at the Erasmus MC. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.