anti-HBs Testing Research Articles

OPTIMIZATION OF DRIED BLOOD SPOT ASSAYS FOR HEPATITIS B VIRUS SURFACE ANTIBODY QUANTIFICATION.

Dried blood spot (DBS) cards can be used as an alternative sample collection method to plasma, however, there is no optimized elution protocol for DBS cards specifically for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) testing. The study aimed to develop a DBS elution protocol for anti-HBs quantification. Our study sought to determine the ideal phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer volume to use by comparing three PBS volumes (300uL, 450uL, and 500uL), and the optimal time to agitate DBS discs on a plate shaker (1hr, 2hrs, 3hrs, and 4hrs) to yield DBS anti-HBs concentrations that are comparable to corresponding plasma anti-HBs concentrations. The optimal DBS storage temperature (25°C, -20°C, and -80°C) was investigated to determine the ideal long-term storage temperature of the cards. Residual samples were used for optimization (2019-2021). A total of 50 DBS-plasma pairs was used throughout the study, with plasma anti-HBs concentrations being used as the golden standard to compare. The analysis of results was carried out by determining the p-values of the Wilcoxon sign rank. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also performed to determine the impact of PBS elution volumes, elution time, and storage temperature on the anti-HBs concentration of DBS samples on STATA Version 15.0. No statistically significant difference between the DBS-plasma anti-HBs pairs was observed when using 450 or 500uL of PBS buffer and when samples were agitated for 3 hours (p=0.594, p=0.499 respectively). The optimal storage temperature for DBS cards was 25°C because the results showed no statistically significant difference between DBS-plasma anti-HBs titers (p=0.594). The two-way ANOVA analysis showed that elution volumes and time had no statistically significant impact on the DBS anti-HBs concentrations, p=0.948 and p=0.381 respectively. Storage temperature had a statistically significant impact on the DBS anti-HBs concentrations, p=0.002. The optimized DBS elution protocol for anti-HBs quantification will help monitor vaccine efficacy in infants due to the low sample volumes required compared to plasma and also can be used for anti-HBs testing in resource-limited areas around the country.

Factors influencing the utilisation of anti-HBs titre testing services among nursing students in Northwest Ghana: A cross-sectional study.

Understanding the impact of hepatitis B testing, vaccination, the number of vaccine doses, and socio-demographics on post-vaccination anti-HBs titre testing, is essential for hepatitis B prevention. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B testing, hepatitis B vaccination, number of vaccine doses received, socio-demographic characteristics, and their impact on anti-HBs titre testing among nursing students in Northwest Ghana. A stratified sample of 402 nursing students from Wa and Lawra nursing colleges in Ghana's Upper West Region was surveyed in November 2020 using an online cross-sectional design. STATA 13 was used to analyse the data, which described socio-demographics, hepatitis B testing, hepatitis B vaccination, and post-vaccination anti-HBs titre testing with frequencies and percentages. Hierarchical binary logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationships between post-vaccination anti-HBs titre testing and hepatitis B testing, vaccination, the number of vaccine doses, and their socio-demographics. The study discovered that while hepatitis B testing was high (89.0%), rates for hepatitis B vaccination (72.1%), obtaining the recommended vaccine doses (59.5%), and post-vaccination anti-HBs titre testing (19.4%) were lower. Nursing students who accepted hepatitis B vaccination were significantly more likely to undergo anti-HBs titre testing [aOR = 12.34; 95% CI = 1.80-84.54; p < 0.05]. Those who received ≥ 3 vaccine doses were over 8 times more likely to utilise anti-HBs titre testing [aOR = 8.31; 95% CI = 2.73-25.34; p < 0.001]. Wa NTC students were 74% less likely to access anti-HBs titre testing [aOR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.15-0.47; p < 0.001]. Students with parents who had tertiary education were significantly more likely to undergo anti-HBs titre testing [aOR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.42-4.42; p < 0.01]. The study reveals high hepatitis B testing but low vaccination rates, emphasizing the need for required vaccine doses and post-vaccination anti-HBs testing. Key predictors include hepatitis B vaccination, ≥3 doses, Wa NTC enrollment, and parental education. The study advocates mandatory testing, vaccination, and affordable access to anti-HBs titre testing. Unvaccinated students, those with <3 doses, Wa NTC attendees, and those with lower parental education for nursing school admission should be prioritised.

Dentists and hepatitis B vaccination – An "In Vivo" National Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B continues to be a serious occupational concern for dental healthcare practi tioners, with the possibility of transmission occurring during patient care practices. The incidence of hepatitis B amongst dentists, the factors raising their occupational risk, and the efficiency of vaccina tion programs in reducing this risk are all examined in this paper’s methodical evaluation of the body of prior research. This study addresses the important confluence of hepatitis B infection, occupational exposure, and vaccination status amongst dentists. In addition, it provides methods for improving the protection of dental professionals against hepatitis B infection by summarizing major findings and high lighting gaps in current knowledge, assuring the safety of both healthcare workers and their patients. The main objective of the study is to assess the relationship between Hepatitis B vaccination status and immunization level as measured by anti-HBs titer among a population of 192 dentists in Lebanon. Materials &amp; Methods: 192 dentists, underwent the anti-HBs titer blood test. This test, which is Elecsys Anti-HBs, was used for the quantitative assessment of antibodies against the HBsAg. Results: The chi-square test was used to assess the association between being vaccinated against Hepatitis B and being immunized against the disease. A significant association was found between vaccination and immunity status. Among those vaccinated against Hepatitis B, 86.7% were found to be immune based on the blood test results versus 36.0% of those not vaccinated (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: the current study’s It highlights how crucial it is to keep up efforts to increase vaccination rates and promote immunization in order to improve population health and well-being in general. A dentist can play a part in hepatitis prevention by treating each and every patient as a possible hepatitis carrier.

Seroconversion of hepatitis B vaccine among patients from outpatient clinic in Georgia

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious global health challenge with vaccination being the most effective preventive measure. However, several risk-factors may impact HBV vaccine immunogenicity. We aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of the HBV vaccine. MethodsParticipants’ socio-demographic data were obtained from medical records. Anti-HBs testing was performed. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. ResultsAmong 431 participants, 62.2 % (n = 268) were males. In all, 43.2 % (n = 186) had normal weight, 24.8 % (n = 107) were overweight, and 17.6 % (n = 76) had obesity. Seroconversion after 3-dose HBV vaccination was 74.7 %. Participants with normal weight had higher seroprevalence (n = 156/186, 83.9 %), compared with those with overweight (n = 72/107, 67.3 %) or obesity (n = 48/76, 63.2 %) (Normal weight vs overweight: aOR = 2.44, 95 % CI: 1.38–4.32 and normal weight vs obesity: aOR = 2.97, 95 % CI:1.61–5.47). ConclusionBMI is an independent factor impairing the vaccine response. These findings urge for more tailored vaccination strategies with focus on higher risk populations.

Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of low-level HBV DNA screening in occult hepatitis B infection donors: A study from Shandong Blood Center, China

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of individual-donation nucleic acid testing (ID-NAT) in detecting occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) among anti-HBc positive blood donors, compared to minipool nucleic acid testing (MP-NAT). MethodsThe present study analyzed data from the Shandong Blood Center in China during the period from January 2018 to June 2022, where HBsAg-negative blood donors were screened using the 6-sample minipool nucleic acid testing (6-sample MP NAT) method. NAT-positive samples underwent subsequent anti-HBc and anti-HBs testing. Approximately 5000 samples that passed the nucleic acid mixing test were randomly selected for anti-HBc testing, and over 100 anti-HBc positive samples underwent individual donor nucleic acid testing (ID-NAT). Any HBV DNA positive samples detected by ID-NAT were subsequently confirmed using alternative nucleic acid testing methods. ResultsAmong 220,445 HBsAg-negative blood donors, the positivity rate of HBV DNA detection using the 6-sample minipool nucleic acid testing (MP NAT) method was found to be 0.031% (69/220,445). Of the 67 HBV DNA positive samples, 55 (82.09%) and 25 (37.31%) were found to be positive for anti-HBc and anti-HBs, respectively, using the supplementary chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Among the 4797 HBsAg-negative/MP NAT-negative samples, 909 (18.95%) tested positive for anti-HBc. Further NAT testing was performed on 164 arbitrarily selected anti-HBc-positive/MP HBV DNA-negative samples, revealing a HBV DNA positivity rate of 1.22% (2/164). ConclusionUsing individual donation nucleic acid testing can significantly increase the detection rate of occult hepatitis B virus infection in anti-HBc-positive blood donors, resulting in a detection rate of 0.22% (1.22 × 0.1895). This rate is 8.10 times higher than the detection rate achieved by mixed testing methods (0.031%) [calculated as (0.22 + 0.031)/0.031]. Therefore, it is recommended to perform single HBV DNA testing on anti-HBc-positive blood donors, discard plasma with weakly positive or negative anti-HBs but positive anti-HBc, or avoid transfusing anti-HBc-positive plasma to recipients with weakly positive or negative anti-HBs to prevent HBV infection.

Determination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C seroprevalence in pregnant women in the Kastamonu region, Turkey

Aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections during pregnancy have a risk of transmission to the newborn. Therefore, pregnant women are routinely screened for HBV and HCV in many countries. This study aimed to reveal the seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV in pregnant women in the Kastamonu region and to compare the obtained data with the results of studies conducted in Turkey. Methods: Pregnant women who applied to Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital Microbiology laboratory between January 2022 and January 2023 for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV tests were included in this study. The pregnant women were separated into two groups ?24 and &gt;24 age groups. The tests were performed using the chemiluminescence microparticle immune assay method on the Abbott Architect i2000SR instrument, and the results were evaluated per the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV positivity were 0.5% (n=9/1712), 51.1% (n=874/1712), and 0.1% (n=2/1713), respectively. While there was no significant difference between age groups for HBsAg positivity (p&gt;0.05), anti-HBs positivity was found to be significantly higher in the ?24 age group than in the &gt;24 age group (p=0.002). Conclusion: The results showed that HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity was lower than in most studies conducted in recent years in Turkey, and anti-HBs positivity was higher than in most studies. It is essential to continue routine HBV and HCV screening in pregnant women’s first follow-up and encourage anti-HBs-negative individuals to be vaccinated against HBV.

Persistence follow-up of immune memory to hepatitis B vaccine among infants with non- and low-response to primary vaccination after revaccination with three doses

This study followed up the immune memory after 3-dose revaccination among infants with non-and low-response following primary hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination. About 120 children without self-booster doses were finally included who had anti-HBs<10 mIU/ml (anti-HBs negative) at the time of follow-up, of whom 86 children completed blood sampling and anti-HBs testing. Before the challenge dose, all 86 children were negative for anti-HBs, and the GMC of anti-HBs was<10 mIU/ml. The seropositive conversion rate of anti-HBs was 100% and the GMC of anti-HBs was 886.11 (95%CI: 678.15-1 157.84) mIU/ml after the challenge dose. Compared with those with GMC<7 mIU/ml before the challenge dose, infants with GMC>7 mIU/ml had a higher anti-HBs level after the challenge dose. The β value (95%CI) was 0.82 (0.18-1.46) (P=0.012). Compared with those with GMC<1 000 mIU/ml at primary vaccination, infants with GMC≥1 000 mIU/ml had a higher anti-HBs level after the challenge dose. The β value (95%CI) was 0.78 (0.18-1.38)(P=0.012). The results showed a stronger immune memory was found at 9 years after revaccination among infants with non-and low-response to HepB.

Evaluation of HBsAg Seroclearance in Patients with Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance/seroconversion is regarded as an indicator of the ultimate immune control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. HBsAg loss is the most important endpoint, as it shows deep suppression of HBV replication and viral protein expression. This study was aimed to retrospectively evaluate the HBsAg seroclearance/seroconversion status in patients with acute or chronic hepatitis B (CHB) diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with acute or CHB at the Harran University Faculty of Medicine Department of Gastroenterology between January 2012 and December 2020 were included in this study. This study was designed as a retrospective historical cohort. Experimental analysis of the data was done with the help of the SPSS version 22.0 package program. Of 1,053 patients with positive HBsAg, 854 patients with sufficient data in their files were included in this study. There were 494 (57.8%) males and 360 (42.2%) females; the mean age was 42.71 ± 14.31 (range 18-88). The mean duration of illness was 86.13 ± 72.92 months. In the 9-year follow-up of 854 patients, 65 (7.9%) of the last HBsAg test were negative and seroclearance had developed. The last anti-HBs test was positive in 49 (75.4%) of 65 patients who developed seroclearance, and it was found that seroconversion had developed. Twenty-seven of 30 (90%) of the patients who developed seroclearance had liver transplantation. Sixteen of 19 (84.2%) of them had acute hepatitis B, 14 of 477 (2.9%) were hepatitis carriers, 5 of 201 (2.5%) had e-negative CHB, 2 of 36 (5.6%) had cirrhosis, and 1 of 43 (2.3%) of them were delta hepatitis who developed seroclearance disease; none of the 38 e-positive CHB patients developed seroclearance. In the 9-year follow-up of patients who were positive for HBsAg at their first admission, approximately one-tenth (7.9%) developed seroclearance, and two-thirds also developed seroconversion. After liver transplantation and acute hepatitis B, almost all patients developed seroclearance, whereas, in approximately 3% of carriers (e-negative CHB and cirrhotic patients) seroclearance developed. Taşkın MC, Uyanikoglu A, Cindoglu C. Evaluation of HBsAg Seroclearance in Patients with Hepatitis B. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(2):65-68.

Antibody titer after vaccination against hepatitis B virus with different schedule among patients with endstage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis

Background: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes high morbidity. Vaccination against HBV is very important for patients receiving hemodialysis due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our study aimed to find out whether 0, 1, 2 and 6 months HBV vaccination schedule produces a better antibody response than the 0, 1, 2 months or 0,1,6 months schedule with two 20 μg [1.0 mL doses] I/M injections administered in 2 sites in each dose and to find out the overall antibody status (effectiveness) of HBV vaccine in a patient with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disorders (GHPD), Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from December 2020 to November 2021. All patients were collected from the Department of Hemodialysis and Nephrology diagnosed with ESRD and were on maintenance hemodialysis. Data were collected in a single sitting about their past vaccination status. An anti-HBs antibody test was sent to see the antibody status after vaccination against HBV.&#x0D; Results: In this study, a total of 100 patients were selected, aged between 40 and 82 years, and the majority of the patients (63.0%) were male. Among them, 40 (40%) patients received 0, 1, 2 months schedule and 30 (30%) patients received 0, 1, 6 and rest of 30 (30%) patients received 0, 1, 2, 6 months schedule. We found patients who used the 0,1,2,6 months schedule, 54% of them achieved protective antibodies, and for patients who used the 0,1,2 and 0,1,6 months schedule, only 27% and 19% achieved protective antibodies, respectively. Their anti- HBs (titer) mean±SD were 293.93±122.38 (IU/L) with 0,1,2,6 months schedule and 126.14±132.90 (IU/L) and 276.66±152.07 (IU/L) with 0,1,2 months and 0,1,6 months schedule respectively. Overall we found that 37 (37.0%) of the patients had protective antibodies (&gt;100 IU/l), 29 (29.0%) with low protective antibodies (10-100 IU/L), and the remaining 34 (34.0%) respondents we7re found to have nonprotective antibody (&lt;10 IU/L).&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients who received a vaccine scheduled 0,1,2,6 months achieved the highest anti-HBs titer, and the highest percentage of patients (54%) developed a protective antibody with the same schedule. So, we found that vaccine schedules (0,1,2,6 months) are preferred for better protection against HBV infection.&#x0D; BIRDEM Med J 2023; 13(1): 22-26

Underlying diseases, nutritional assessment, viral incidence and HBV immunity status in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Introduction: Underlying kidney diseases and their progression cease the function of kidney and raise the need for regular maintenance dialysis. Furthermore, nutritional requirements and blood born viral infections affect their quality of life. Objectives: This study aims to investigate viral incidence, underlying kidney diseases, nutritional status; and hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunity status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 330 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients were assessed for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) viruses using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. The underlying kidney diseases were confirmed by a physician. Eighty-two subjects with diabetic nephropathy are referred to dietitian for nutritional assessments and body mass index (BMI) measurement. Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) tests were done at two different times of year for 94 qualified subjects. Results: Out of 330 patients 82 (24.8%) had diabetic mellitus (DM), 5 (1.5%) myocardial infarction (MI), 3 (0.9%) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 55 (16.7%) hypertensive nephrosclerosis (HN), 3 (0.9%) obstructive nephropathy, 5 (1.5%) autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and 4 (1.2%) glomerulonephritis. 45 cases (13.6%) had DM and HTN simultaneously. Eleven percent of diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients had severe malnutrition. Only five men (1.51%) were positive for HBV. No incidence of HCV and HIV was seen. Findings showed a dramatic change for anti-HBs after 6 months. Conclusion: Despite the advances in medicine, malnutrition and viral diseases still threaten dialysis patients. DM was the most common underlying disease. The safety of dialysis patients for HBV is compromised after regular dialysis, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to vaccination program.

Hepatitis B vaccination and serology among health personnel in a municipality in the Recôncavo Baiano, Brazil, 2019.

Health personnel are more susceptible to contamination by the hepatitis B virus due to occupational risk and need special care. Previous studies have found, however, that not all health personnel were fully vaccinated against hepatitis B, as recommended by the Ministry of Health. To analyze the factors associated with full hepatitis B vaccination and to evaluate post-vaccination serological response among health personnel. Cross-sectional study, conducted in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil. The sample consisted of 453 health personnel from primary and medium-complex care. The prevalence of full hepatitis B vaccination among health personnel was 56.9%. The variables associated with the prevalence of complete hepatitis B vaccination in the final analysis model were: working in primary health care (prevalence ratio = 1.31; 95% CI 1.04-1.65) and medicine preparation or administration (prevalence ratio = 3.53; 95% CI 2.17-5.74). Around 72% of those who reported being shot with all three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine had been tested for circulating antibodies in their blood and 88.4% were immune to the hepatitis B virus. The familiarity provided by routine primary health care and the awareness of occupational risk was associated with beter adherence to the hepatitis B vaccine schedule among health personnel. Nearly a third of those who were shot with the three doses of hepatitis B vaccine were not immunized, reinforcing the need for anti-HBs testing.

Substance Use Disorders and Hepatitis C: A Public Health Issue

Objective: Substance use is a gradually increasing public health problem. Viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can be transmitted with intravenous substance use and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis test results of patients followed at the Şanlıurfa Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research Treatment and Training Center (AMATEM) clinic. Methods: The age, gender, background, information about type of substance addiction of the patients and HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test results were evaluated. Results: A total of 427 patients over 18 who were followed at the AMATEM clinic between 2021 and 2022 were included in the study. Of these, 408 (95.6%) were male, and 19 (4.4%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 27.03±5.5 years. Three hundred fifteen (73.8%) patients had intravenous substance use, and all these patients (100%) used opioids. HBsAg positivity was detected in 3 (0.71%), and Anti-HCV positivity was detected in 52 (12%) patients. While only 20 (38.46%) of these patients had applied to the relevant clinics for further testing and treatment, HCV-RNA positivity was detected in 12 (60%) of the patients. In addition, the frequency of genotype 3 was higher in HCV RNA-positive patients (66.67%). Conclusion: Opioid use was at the forefront both in the whole patient population and in patients with anti-HCV positivity. Although anti-HCV positivity was detected at a high rate compared to the general population, only one out of every three patients had applied to the relevant clinics for further testing and treatment. Thanks to the new treatment options Hepatitis C is a curable disease. Screening programs are extremely important to ensure both personal and community viral eradication by providing patients with suitable treatments.

SEROPREVALENCE OF HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV, and Anti-HIV IN PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN AN AMATEM CLINIC IN EASTERN TURKIYE: A SIX-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION

Aim&#x0D; Substance abuse and concomitant infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Yet, the number of epidemiological studies regarding infectious diseases in people with substance abuse are limited in our country. In this study, the aim was to investigate the frequency of illegal alcohol and substance use in an Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Centres (AMATEM) clinic in Turkey as well as the HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV parameters between the years of 2016-2021. &#x0D; Material and Method&#x0D; HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV tests were conducted using the ELISA technique in 6881 alcohol and substance use disorder (ASUD). Urine samples from ASUD’s were analyzed for alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine metabolites. The results were evaluated retrospectively. &#x0D; Results&#x0D; All of the 6881 ASUD’s were male with a mean age of 32.18±9.66 years. Of the 6881 ASUD’s included in the study, 4107 (59.7%) were opioid addicts; 1479 (21.5%) were mixed drug addicts; 897 (13%) were alcohol addicts; and the rest were addicts with other types of substance use. The mean age of the alcohol users was 45.33±13.03 and the mean age of opioid users was 29.90±7.13. The percentage of opioid addiction in 2016 was 71.2% which dropped to 28.7% in 2021. Meanwhile, the percentage of alcohol addiction was 13.6% in 2016 and increased to 21.4% in 2021; and the percentage of mixed drug use was 8.7% in 2016 and increased to 36.8% in 2021. HBsAg-positivity in opioid users (56.7%) was higher compared to cannabis users (2.6%) and mixed drug users (22.3%). Anti-HCV positivity of opioid users (69.4%) was found to be higher compared to alcohol (9.4%), cannabis (2%), and mixed drug (16.2%) users, and this finding was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Anti-HBs positivity of opioid users (63.1%) was found to be higher compared to alcohol (9.9%), cannabis (3%), and mixed drug (21%) users, and this finding was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Anti-HIV was determined negative in all ASUD’s. The highest rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HBs positivity were found in the 26-30 years of age. &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; These findings indicate a high prevalence of intravenous substance abuse in the 26-30 years age group in our region as well as the high HBV and HCV rates in this patient group.

Effectiveness of Hepatitis B Vaccination on Various Populations: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Hepatitis B vaccination is important to protect individuals from Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the necessity of Hepatitis B vaccination among humans, especially among infants, children, teenagers, adults, risk groups, and health care workers. Methods: Three databases were used in this study, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. We reported the study using PRISMA-P guidelines. The keywords were used in this study (TITLE-ABS-KEY (vaccine) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (hepatitis AND b) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (boost)), and we obtained 275 articles. In the web of science, we used ((ALL=(vaccine)) AND ALL= (Hepatitis B)) AND ALL=(Boost), and we obtained 374 articles. In the PubMed, we used ((Vaccine [MeSH Terms]) AND (Hepatitis b [MeSH Terms])) AND (booster immunization [MeSH Terms]), and we obtained 417 articles. Results: There were 60 articles included in this systematic review. The systematic review results showed that infants, children, and teenagers, as well as adult groups who receive the hepatitis B vaccine, can protect for 5-30 years. Meanwhile, risk group and health care workers were suggested to obtain hepatitis B vaccine booster with low anti-HBsAg titer Conclusion: It needs to conduct anti-HBs Ag titer testing to decide whether they need a hepatitis B vaccination booster. Hepatitis B vaccine booster required for the group with anti-HBs Ag titer less than 10 mIU/mL.

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection among the blood donors in Golestan province: cross-sectional study.

Despite the increased sensitivity of screening tests, the HBV can be transmitted during the window period and occult hepatitis B infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate HBV markers and prevalence of OBI among HBsAg negative blood donors in Golestan province. Anti-HBc (IgM and IgG), anti-HBs and anti-HBe tests on 4313 serum samples (HBsAg negative) were performed by ELISA method. Also, all samples for the presence of HBV-DNA were tested by using NAT methods. SPSS software and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Of the 4313 samples, 384 (8.9%) sera were anti-HBc positive. Also, of 384 anti-HBc positive samples, 302 (78.65%) were anti-HBs positive and 152 (39.6%) were anti-HBe positive. Thirty-nine (0.90%) samples were anti-HBc positive, anti-HBs negative and anti-HBe negative. HBV-DNA was not detected in any of specimens. Based on the results of retesting the isolated anti-HBc samples that after one year recalling, had undetectable HBV-DNA and for the prevention of the decreasing of healthy blood donation (due to false positive anti-HBc) and preservation of the blood supplies; Individual Donor Nucleic Acid Testing (ID-NAT) along with the anti-HBc testing for the improving blood safety is recommended.

Retrospective Analysis of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Viruses and HIV Infections in Patients Presenting to the General Surgery Clinic and Evaluated Preoperatively

Aim: Hepatitis B(HBV), Hepatitis C(HCV) and HIV infections are important parenterally transmitted infections. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV in patients with preoperative preparation.&#x0D; Materials and MethodS: Anti-HBs, HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV tests with chemiluminescent enzyme immune-assay method in a total of 900 patients applied to the General Surgery Clinic and were evaluated preoperatively by Abbott Architect i1000 immunoassay analyzer (Abbott Diagnostics, Illinois, USA) operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Anti-HBs titer above 10 IU/mL, serum optical density/”cut-off” control optical density (S/Co) ≥1 in HBsAg, anti HCV and anti-HIV tests were accepted as positive. HBV-DNA and HCV RNA tests were performed with real-time PCR method.&#x0D; Results: Anti-HBs test was found to be reactive in 34.11% and nonreactive in 65.89%. HBsAg positivity was 1.0% (9/900), and anti-HCV positivity was 0.33% (3/900). Anti-HIV positivity and HBsAg-anti-HCV association were not detected. Six patients with HBsAg positivity and one patient with anti-HCV positivity were found incidentally during preoperative examinations.&#x0D; Conclusion:As a result of these data, it can be concluded that cost-effective serological tests for HBV and HCV infections performed in the preoperative period are extremely important in the detection of asymptomatic patients. Preoperative screening is important in terms of early diagnosis of patients before complications such as cirrhosis and HCC develop, enabling treatment, as well as enabling healthcare professionals to increase infection control measures while intervening with infected patients, to be more careful in terms of percutaneous injuries, and to reduce the risk of transmission.

Re-examining Hepatitis B Postexposure Prophylaxis Following Pediatric Community-acquired Needle-stick Injury in an Era of a National Immunization Registry.

Long-term hepatitis B immunity has been demonstrated following the completion of the primary vaccination series in childhood. Some guidelines recommend a hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) directed approach following community-acquired needle-stick injury (CANSI) to inform hepatitis B postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) management. We assessed the utility of anti-HBs testing post-CANSI, as well as the costing of, and adherence to PEP at a pediatric hospital. Children presenting to an Australian tertiary pediatric hospital post-CANSI (2014-2019) were identified retrospectively using medical and laboratory records. Immunization status was obtained from the Australian Immunisation Registry. Fifty-six children with CANSI were identified. Of those with immunization records, all had completed hepatitis B vaccinations (n = 52). At presentation, 44% (n = 23) had anti-HBs <10 IU/L, which was more likely in older (≥6 years, 68%) versus younger children (OR 4.59, P < 0.02). HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine adherence was 65% (15/23) and 78% (18/23), respectively. All children (n = 14) with anti-HBs ≥4 weeks postvaccination ±HBIG, demonstrated an anamnestic response. No hepatitis B infections were detected. Using completed immunizations versus anti-HBs levels as a marker of immunity to direct PEP resulted in a projected cost savings of AUD$ 4234. Anti-HBs levels <10 IU/L, despite previous vaccinations, were frequent in children post-CANSI, with many demonstrating an anamnestic response. Adherence to postexposure HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine was suboptimal using an anti-HBs directed approach. These data support re-evaluating PEP in an era of the national immunization registry; completion of hepatitis B vaccinations as a marker of immunity provides a practical approach, ensuring optimized care for pediatric CANSI.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus serological groups in rheumatoid arthritis and association of previous hepatitis B virus infection with demographic data and parenteral therapies

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of Hepatitis b virus (HBV) serological groups in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare the demographic characteristics and frequency of parenteral therapies between patient groups with and without previous HBV infection.&#x0D; Methods: Charts of RA patients were examined retrospectively. HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG, and anti-HBs test results were screened. All participants were divided into 3 serological groups (patients naive to HBV infection, previous HBV infection, vaccinated). Those with previous HBV infection were further divided into 3 serological subgroups (naturally immune, anti-HBc IgG positive only, chronic HBV infection). Findings were compared between RA patients with and without previous HBV infection.&#x0D; Results: Four hundred and fifty-one patients (female/male: 343/108) were included. The prevalence of patients naive to HBV infection, with previous HBV infection and vaccinated were 59.4%, 33.7%, and 6.9%, respectively. The prevalence of patients with naturally immune, anti-HBc IgG positive only, and chronic HBV infection were 25.7%, 4.4%, and 3.5%, respectively. Age in RA patients with and without previous HBV infection was 60.8±12.4 and 56.7±14.2 years, respectively(p

Evaluation of the Seroprevalence of Infectious Diseases in 2,445 in vitro Fertilization Cycles.

To evaluate the seroprevalence of positive markers for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) I and II, human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) I and II, and hepatitis B and C among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). We conducted a retrospective analysis among patients who underwent IVF, between January 2013 and February 2016, and who had complete screening records. We analyzed 1,008 patients who underwent IVF, amounting to 2,445 cycles. Two patients (0.2%) tested positive for HIV I and II and none for HTLV I and II. Three patients (0.3%) had positive screening for syphilis, and two (0.2%) had positive hepatitis C antibody test (anti-HCV). A positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HbsAg) test was observed in 4 patients (0.4%), while 47 (4.7%) patients were positive for IgG antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HbC IgG), and only 1 (0.1%) was positive for IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HbC IgM). The anti-HbS test was negative in 659 patients (65.3%). Only 34.7% of the patients had immunity against the Hepatitis B virus. Patients with an anti-HbS negative result were older than those with a hepatitis B test (anti-HbS) positive result (36.3 versus 34.9; p < 0.001). The present study showed lower infection rates than the Brazilian ones for the diseases studied in patients undergoing IVF. Only a few patients were immunized against hepatitis B.

A low-cost initiative to reduce duplicate hepatitis B virus serological testing

BackgroundCurrently, multiple clinical laboratories provide serological testing for hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Alberta, Canada. Concerns were raised regarding single serology specimens having duplicate testing performed during the specimen referral process from one laboratory to another. In an attempt to reduce duplicate testing for anti-HBs and HBsAg markers, we implemented a stamp on paper requisitions to identify if testing had already been performed on referred specimens. We aimed to determine the number of duplicate tests and cost of duplicate testing pre- and post-stamp implementation. Study designThe requisition stamp was implemented between May and August 2016. HBV serology testing results from two clinical laboratories between January 01, 2015 and December 31, 2017 (n ​= ​803,637) were examined. The number of tests performed on the same individual within a 3-day window was identified and the associated costs were determined. ResultsAfter stamp implementation, duplicated HBsAg and anti-HBs tests decreased from 20.8% (n ​= ​28,545) and 18.4% (n ​= ​20,151) to 3.7% (n ​= ​4,604) and 2.5% (n ​= ​2,593), respectively. This represented an estimated annual savings of $86,427 and $82,522 CAD in supply costs for HBsAg and anti-HBs tests, respectively. ConclusionsThe requisition stamp initiative was effective in reducing the number of duplicate tests performed between two laboratory sites. This low-cost intervention could be applied to other testing situations, including other highly duplicated serological markers, which may have broad reaching cost-saving effects for laboratory testing.