anti-HCV Seropositivity Research Articles

Analysis of Hepatitis B and C Seroprevalence and Anti-Hbs Antibody Titers in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with and without Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Background: Infection with parenterally transmitted viruses, such as hepatitis B and C viruses, is tho-ught to be more common in patients with type 2 diabetes for several reasons. Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to more frequent hospital admissions, longer hospital stays and the need for more invasive procedures. Given their complicated conditions, we hypothesized that the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections might be higher in patients with diabetic foot ul-cers. Materials and Methods: A total of 440 patients with type 2 diabetes, 220 with diabetic foot ulcers (group 1) and 220 without (group 2), who were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs and anti-hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV), were retrospectively included in the study. Anti-HBs titers <10 IU/mL were defined as lack of protective immunity, titers of 10-99 IU/mL were considered protec-tive, and titers of ≥100 IU/mL were considered high immunity. Results: HBsAg seropositivity was detected in 7 patients (3.2%), both in group 1 and group 2 (p=1.0). The presence of anti-HCV seropositivity was detected in 5 patients (2.3%) in group 1 and in 3 patients (1.4%) in group 2 (p=0.724). A titer of less than 10 mIU/mL of anti-HBs antibody was found in 118 (55.4%) patients in group 1 and in 112 (52.6%) patients in group 2 (p=0.609). Conclusions: No significant differences were observed in HBsAg, anti-HCV, or relative anti-HBs seroposi-tivity between type 2 diabetic patients with and without diabetic foot ulcer. It was found that 54.0% of patients with type 2 diabetes had anti-HBs antibody titers below 10 mIU/mL.

The interplay of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and viral hepatitis on liver disease severity: A large community-based study in a viral endemic area.

The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its interplay with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in terms of liver disease severity is elusive. A mass surveillance program was conducted in a viral hepatitis endemic area. The objective was to identify MAFLD/non-MAFLD subjects with advanced liver disease. Two thousand two hundred and forty-two (41.7%) of the 5378 subjects were identified as having MAFLD, and 375 (7.0%) had advanced liver disease. The proportions of anti-HCV and HBsAg seropositivity were 19.3% and 9.7%, respectively. The proportions of advanced fibrosis in subjects with non-viral hepatitis (NBNC), HBV and HCV infection were 2.8%, 5.7% and 23.4%, respectively. Subjects with MAFLD had a significantly higher proportion of advanced fibrosis (8.7% vs 5.7%, P<0.001). Factors associated with advanced fibrosis included age (odds ratio [OR]/95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.8/3.7-6.0, P<0.001), male sex (OR/CI: 1.3/1.0-1.7, P=0.019), anti-HCV seropositivity (OR/CI: 5.9/4.6-7.5, P=0.019), MAFLD-lean metabolic dysregulation (MS) (OR/CI: 2.6/1.3-5.2, P=0.005; compared with the non-MAFLD group) and MAFLD-diabetes (OR/CI: 1.5/1.1-2.1, P=0.008; compared with the non-MAFLD group). MAFLD did not aggravate liver disease severity in patients with viral hepatitis. However, among NBNC subjects, factors associated with advanced liver disease included MAFLD-lean MS group (OR/CI: 9.1/2.4-34.6, P=0.001; compared with non-MAFLD group) and MAFLD-DM group (OR/CI: 2.0/1.2-3.2, P=0.004; compared with non-MAFLD group). MAFLD patients with diabetes and metabolic dysregulation had a higher risk of advanced liver disease. The effect was more significant in non-viral hepatitis subjects in a community level.

HBV, HCV, and HIV Seroprevalence in Hemodialysis Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are a special group of patients who are at high risk for infection and related complications. Blood-borne viruses associated with chronic diseases such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are important causes of morbidity and mortality in HD patients. Immunodeficiency of the patients, weak protective efficacy of vaccines (HBV etc.), invasive vascular procedures, long-term dialysis applications and device-related contaminated blood contact risk, need for blood transfusion, medical practices associated with the risk of nosocomial transmission are some of the factors associated with an increased risk of infection transmission in HD patients. In addition to standard precautions to prevent infection transmission, some additional practices specific to HD patients have been recommended. HBV vaccination, patient isolation (special staff and use of separated rooms, devices, and equipment) in case of indication, precautions to be taken during catheter application (selection of catheter location, catheter care, skin antisepsis, and performing the procedures under appropriate and sterile conditions), monitoring patients for infection markers (before dialysis and at recommended intervals), taking into account inadequate antibody production and the long incubation period of viral infections are some examples of preventive procedures specific to HD patients. In this study, the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infections in HD patients treated in a tertiary care hospital in Somalia was investigated. A total of 744 HD patients, 419 (56.3%) males and 325 (43.7%) females, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 50.81±17.62 (range 7-91) and the median age was 53. 660 of the patients were tested for anti-HBs (386 positive patients; 58.5%), 718 for HBsAg (63 positive patients, 8.8%), 720 for anti-HCV (19 positive patients, 2.6%), and 599 for anti-HIV (one positive patient 0.17%). Seropositivity rates were found to increase with age in HD patients, in line with the prevalence of viral agents in the population. In 718 patients tested for HBsAg, the positivity rates in men and women were 10.8% (44/406) and 6.1% (19/312), respectively, and the seropositivity rate was significantly higher in men (p=0.026). Anti-HCV seropositivity (2.6%) was approximately twice and significantly higher in HD patients than the hospital general prevalence (1.41%) (p=0.005). Emergency responses to injuries related to ongoing conflict across the country, invasive procedures performed outside the hospital and under unsuitable conditions, lack of molecular diagnostic tests for viral infections in identifying seronegative cases, patients apply to various centers with different capabilities for dialysis procedures and irregular patient follow-up records, missing hemodialysis sessions due to economic or other reasons, high prevalence of HBV, and lack of trained and specialized personnel draw attention as problems specific to the region.

Prevalence and Genotypes of Hepatitis C Infection Among Hemodialysis Patients in Bushehr, Iran.

To investigate the prevalence, genotype distribution, and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients undergoing regular hemodialysis in Bushehr province in southern Iran. All chronic hemodialysis patients from the cities of Dashtestan, Genaveh, and Bushehr participated in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect anti-HCV antibodies. Molecular detection of HCV infection was performed by semi-nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay, targeting 5' untranslated region and core region of the genome, and sequencing. Of 279 hemodialysis patients, 15 (5.4%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, and two (0.7%) patients had HCV viremia with genotype 3a. The hemodialysis patients had a significantly higher seroprevalence of HCV than the control group (p =0.007). Patients with Arab ethnicity had significantly higher anti-HCV seroprevalence compared to those with Fars ethnicity (p =0.026). Anti-HCV seropositivity was not statistically associated with the patients' sex, age group, place of residence, level of education, duration of hemodialysis, or history of blood transfusion. Considering the high seroprevalence of HCV in hemodialysis patients, regular screening of these patients for HCV infection and prompt treatment of those found infected are recommended.

Hepatitis B and C among Multi-Transfused Pediatric Thalassemic Patients in Sana'a City, Yemen: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections and their association with repeated blood transfusions among thalassemic children attending the Yemen Society for Thalassemia and Genetic Blood Disorders (YSTGBD) in Sana’a city, Yemen.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed the medical records of 195 thalassemic children aged &lt;18 years taken who were attending the YSTGBD from January 2008 to December 2018. Data about the gender and age of the child, time of thalas- semia diagnosis, frequency of monthly blood transfusions, hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination status, hepatitis B infection and hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity were retrieved from the records into a data collection sheet. Data were then analyzed and summarized as frequencies and proportions. The association between the independent variables and infection with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C was tested using the chi-square test.Results: The majority of thalassemic children attending the YSTGBD were males (58.5%), aged 8 years or older (81.0%), diag- nosed with thalassemia at 6 months of age or older (71.8%, were receiving ≤500 ml of transfused blood per month (88.7%) and had been vaccinated against HBV (72.8%). Regarding the serostatus for viral hepatitis, 15.4% (30/195) of children were seroposi- tive for the antibodies against HCV, 13.3% (26/195) were infected with hepatitis B as confirmed by HBsAg seropositivity, and 4.1% (8/195) were concomitantly seropositive for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Not getting vaccinated against HBV was significantly associated with infection with HBV (P &lt;0.001), where 45.3% of unvaccinated children were seropositive compared to 1.4% of vaccinated children. In contrast, gender, age, age at thalassemia diagnosis and the quantity of monthly transfused blood were not significantly associated with infection with hepatitis B, anti-HCV seropositivity, or concomitant seropositivity for HBsAg and anti- HCV among thalassemic children.Conclusions: Viral hepatitis is a major problem for thalassemic children seeking healthcare in institutions of concern in Yemen, but it is rather difficult to assess the status of hepatitis C infection because of the lack of confirmatory tests. On the other hand, vaccination against HBV is significantly associated with a lower prevalence of hepatitis B among thalassemic children, highlighting the need for vaccinating all thalassemic children before enrollment in specialized centers of care. Thalassemic children should be screened for blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis viruses, before the establishment of regular blood transfusions.

Demographic features and hematological profile in patients of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in southern Punjab Pakistan.

Objective: To generate data regarding clinicohematological findings of CLL in patients of Southern Punjab Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Hematology Section Pathology Department, Nishtar Medical University, Multan. Period: January 2016 to September 2019. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 44 patients of all age groups diagnosed as CLL were enrolled. Diagnosis was made on morphology and immunohistochemistry of bone marrow trephine biopsies and cases without immunohistochemical panel were excluded from the study. Clinical features and baseline tests were evaluated in all cases. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0. Results: Out of 44 patients, majority were males (70.5%). Mean age was 51±12.6 years. B symptoms were present in 71% patients. Lymph nodes were enlarged in 44%. Splenic and hepatic enlargement was seen in 32% and 15.9% respectively. Anemia was seen in 45.5% and thrombocytopenia in 34.1%. Bone marrow was infiltrated in 100% patients and the most common pattern of infiltration was diffuse (65%). CD20 and CD5 were positive in all of the cases (100%) and CD23 in 96%. Seropositivity for both anti HCV and HBsAg was present in 2.3%. Conclusion: The clinicohematological features of CLL in our patients show some differences to the cited literature with a greater majority presenting at younger age with diffuse bone marrow involvement having lower positivity for HBsAg, anti HCV and less hepatosplenomegaly.

Hepatitis C antibody prevalence, correlates and barriers to care among people who inject drugs in Central California.

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a major public health concern. We examined correlates of HCV antibody (anti-HCV) seropositivity and characteristics of prior HCV testing and treatment among PWID in Fresno, California, which has among the highest prevalence of injection drug use (IDU) in the United States. We surveyed 494 peer-recruited PWID (≥18years of age) in 2016 about their experiences with HCV testing and treatment, and conducted HCV and HIV antibody testing for all participants. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify correlates of anti-HCV seropositivity. A majority (65%) tested positive for anti-HCV, with 32% of those being unaware of their HCV status. Anti-HCV seroprevalence was independently and positively associated with older age (AOR = 1.11 per year, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.17), years injecting (AOR = 1.08 per year, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.13), distributive syringe sharing (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.29, 5.94), having syringes confiscated by police (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.22, 5.74), ever trading sex (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.40, 8.81) and negatively associated with being Black/African American (non-Hispanic) (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.47). Prior HCV testing was associated with older age, ever getting syringes from a syringe services program, and having interactions with police. For those aware of their anti-HCV seropositivity, only 11% had initiated treatment; reasons for not seeing a physician regarding diagnosis included not feeling sick (23%), currently using drugs/alcohol (19%) and not knowing where to go for HCV medical care (19%). Our findings highlight the importance of expanding community-based access to sterile syringes alongside HCV testing and treatment services, particularly at syringe service programs where PWID may be more comfortable seeking testing and treatment.

Micro-Elimination of Hepatitis C among Patients with Kidney Disease by Using Electronic Reminder System-A Hospital-Based Experience.

Background: Little is known about the use of an electronic reminder system for HCV screening among patients with kidney disease. In this study, we tried to determine whether reminder systems could improve the HCV screening rate in patients with kidney disease. Methods: Patients with kidney disease were enrolled from August 2019 to December 2020 to automatically screen and order HCV antibody and RNA testing in outpatient departments. Results: A total of 19,316 outpatients with kidney disease were included, and the mean age was 66.5 years. The assessment rate of HCV antibody increased from 53.1% prior to the reminder system to 79.8% after the reminder system (p < 0.001), and the assessment rate of HCV RNA increased from 71% to 82.9%. The anti-HCV seropositivity rate decreased from 7.3% at baseline to 2.5% after the implementation of the reminder system (p < 0.001), and the percentage of patients with detectable HCV RNA among those with anti-HCV seropositivity decreased from 69.1% at baseline to 46.8% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The feasibility of an electronic reminder system for HCV screening among patients with kidney disease in a hospital-based setting was demonstrated.

Seropositivity of HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV and Anti-HIV in patients admitted to Siirt Training and Research Hospital

Seropositivity of HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV and Anti-HIV in patients admitted to Siirt Training and Research Hospital

HIV Seroprevalence in Mogadishu, Somalia: a Retrospective Study between 2015 and 2019.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a major global public health problem. This study aimed to obtain current epidemiological data on the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Mogadishu, Somalia. This study included 92,270 anti-HIV test results reported for 82,954 different individuals between 2015 and 2019. HIV tests were performed using the Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay and retested with the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay. HIV seropositivity was found to be 0.32% (269/82,954) in all individuals over a period of four years. Anti-HIV seropositivity in the 0 - 14, 15 - 19, 15 - 24, 15 - 49, and > 15 age groups were as follows: 0.17% (11/6,441), 0.17% (12/7,131), 0.15% (35/24,132), 0.37% (212/56,895), and 0.34% (258/76,513), respectively. In HIV-infected patients, anti-HBs, HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-TP (syphilis) seropositivity was found to be 30.3% (56/185), 9.54% (23/241), 1.24% (3/242), and 3.45% (2/58), respectively. The findings from this study provide comprehensive data on the HIV epidemiology in Somalia. We believe that the results presented in this study will contribute to the risk analysis and planning of preventive policies of national and global health organizations.

The Relationship Between Anti-HCV Screening and Clinical Features of Inpatients in Addiction Center.

In this study, it was aimed to screen inpatients in the Antalya Ataturk State Hospital Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment Center (AMATEM) Clinic in terms of anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) seropositivity and to compare them in terms of sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics. The files of inpatients in the AMATEM Clinic of Ataturk State Hospital between July 2020 - February 2021 were retrospectively scanned and recorded with a semi-structured data form. The collected data was analysed using the SPSS 26.0 program. Independent sample t-test was used for normally distributed numerical variables, Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed numerical variables, and chi-square test was used for categorical variables. To examine the relationship between variables showing significant difference and Anti-HCV positivity, binary logistic regression analysis was used. The limit of statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05 for all analyses. Of the 155 patients included in the study, 57.4% were diagnosed with opiate use disorder, 40% with multiple substance use disorder. The rate of multiple substance use, syringe use, syringe sharing, self-mutilation and tattoo/piercing were significantly higher in anti-HCV positive patients (p=0.02, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.02, p=0.03 respectively). Patients who were positive for anti-HCV had been using substances for a longer time and were hospitalized more frequently, and the Addiction Profile Index substance abuse subscale scores were higher (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.01, respectively). The risk of exposure to HCV in patients with substance use disorder is significantly higher than non-substance user population. It is important to perform anti-HCV screening, especially for people who inject drugs to prevent under-diagnosis of the disease. Considering the risk posed by the use and sharing of syringes, it seems necessary to develop preventive and therapeutic approaches meticulously.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B and hepatitis C in three large regions of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has implemented comprehensive programs to reduce the incidence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This study aims to assess seroprevalence and risk factors for HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity in three large regions of Kazakhstan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three regions geographically remote from each other. Participants were randomly selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling and were surveyed by a questionnaire based on the WHO STEP survey instrument. Blood samples were collected for HBsAg and anti-HCV testing. A total of 4,620 participants were enrolled. The seroprevalence was 5.5% (95%CI: 3.6%-8.4%) for HBsAg and 5.1% (95%CI: 3.5%-7.5%) for anti-HCV antibodies. Both were more prevalent in the western and northern regions than in the southern. A history of blood transfusion was significantly associated with anti-HCV presence, with odds ratios (ORs) of 2.10 (95%CI: 1.37-3.21) and was borderline associated with HBsAg 1.39 (95%CI: 0.92-2.10), respectively. Having a family member with viral hepatitis was also borderline associated (2.09 (95%CI: 0.97-4.50)) with anti-HCV positivity. This study found a high-intermediate level of endemicity for HBsAg and a high level of endemicity for anti-HCV antibodies in three large regions of Kazakhstan. We found that history of surgery was not associated with HbsAg neither with anti-HCV seropositivity rates. Blood transfusion was associated with anti-HCV seropositivity, however, to investigate effectiveness of the introduced comprehensive preventive measures in health care settings, there is a need to conduct further epidemiological studies.

Evaluation of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus seroprevalence in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphomas (HL) are lymphoid neoplasms. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are viruses that could proliferate in lymphoid tissues. These viruses may cause lymphoproliferative diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and HL, to compare the relationship between these two disease groups and to determine the relationship between the three viruses and their characteristics. The study was a retrospective study. Patients who were followed up in hematology and hepatitis outpatient units between January 01, 2012, and May 01, 2019, were included in the study. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the disease groups in terms of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core (HBc) IgG antibody, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and anti-HBe seropositivities (P = 0.004, P = 0.006, P = 0.041, and P = 0.014, respectively). There was also a statistically significant relationship between the disease groups in terms of anti-HCV seropositivity (P = 0.029). HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG, HBeAg, anti-Hbe, and HCV seropositivity rates were higher in patients with DLBCL than in patients with HL. These findings suggest that there may be a relationship between hepatitis viruses and DLBCL. Evaluation of HBV and HCV infections in these patients before starting treatment is thought to be beneficial in initiating antiviral prophylaxis to prevent reactivation in seropositive cases. In addition, care should be taken for the development of lymphoma in the follow-up of HCV and HBV infections.

Changing epidemiology and viral interplay of hepatitis B, C and D among injecting drug user-dominant prisoners in Taiwan

The spreading of viral hepatitis among injecting drug users (IDU) is an emerging public health concern. This study explored the prevalence and the risks of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) among IDU-dominant prisoners in Taiwan. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HDV (anti-HDV), viral load and HCV genotypes were measured in 1137(67.0%) of 1697 prisoners. 89.2% of participants were IDUs and none had HIV infection. The prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, dual HBsAg/anti-HCV, HBsAg/anti-HDV, and triple HBsAg/anti-HCV/anti-HDV was 13.6%, 34.8%, 4.9%, 3.4%, and 2.8%, respectively. HBV viremia rate was significantly lower in HBV/HCV-coinfected than HBV mono-infected subjects (66.1% versus 89.9%, adjusted odds ratio/95% confidence intervals [aOR/CI] = 0.27/0.10–0.73). 47.5% anti-HCV-seropositive subjects (n = 396) were non-viremic, including 23.2% subjects were antivirals-induced. The predominant HCV genotypes were genotype 6(40.9%), 1a(24.0%) and 3(11.1%). HBsAg seropositivity was negatively correlated with HCV viremia among the treatment naïve HCV subjects (44.7% versus 72.4%, aOR/CI = 0.27/0.13–0.58). Anti-HCV seropositivity significantly increased the risk of anti-HDV-seropositivity among HBsAg carriers (57.1% versus 7.1%, aOR/CI = 15.73/6.04–40.96). In conclusion, IUDs remain as reservoirs for multiple hepatitis viruses infection among HIV-uninfected prisoners in Taiwan. HCV infection increased the risk of HDV infection but suppressed HBV replication in HBsAg carriers. An effective strategy is mandatory to control the epidemic in this high-risk group.

Türk ve Mülteci Gebelerde HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV ve Anti-HIV Seropozitifliklerinin Karşılaştırılması

Aim: Our aim is to investigate the seropositivity of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV in pregnant women and compare the seropositivity of these parameters of refugee and Turkish pregnant women in our region. Material and Methods: In our study, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV results of Turkish and refugee pregnant women who presented at Karabuk University Training and Research Hospital between 2017-2019 were analyzed and compared retrospectively. Results: The 3382 pregnant women were comprised of 3152 (93.2%) Turkish and 230 (6.8%) refugee pregnant women. In all pregnant women, the rates of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV seropositivity were 0.68%, 37.2%, 0.08% and 0%, respectively. The rates of anti-HBs seropositivity between Turkish and refugee pregnant women were 38.4% and 22.2%, respectively, and the difference was significant (p<0.001). While anti-HBs seropositivity was found as 44.4% and 61.2% in the age groups ≤ 20 years and 21-30 years respectively, it is 14.4% and 19.4% in the age groups 31-40 years and over 40 years respectively. This difference between age groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Seropositivity of anti-HBs was significantly higher in Turkish pregnant women than refugee pregnant women. Therefore especially for refugee pregnant women, hepatitis B vaccination programs should be followed up regularly and routine screening should be organized. In our study, a low rate of anti-HCV seropositivity was detected and anti-HIV seropositivity was not detected. However, anti-HCV and anti-HIV screening should be continued since these infections occur in our country and transmission from mother to infant will be reduced when protective measures are taken.

High Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Antibody in Breast Cancer Patients in Egypt.

Background:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Several epidemiological studies have pointed out to an association of HCV infection with other extrahepatic malignancies. The role of chronic HCV in breast cancer causation is less clear. Egypt is an endemic area of HCV infection with resulting significant morbidity. The association between HCV status and breast cancer risk in Egyptian women is hitherto unknown.Methods:A retrospective study was performed. The prevalence of anti-HCV seropositivity was estimated in a sample of women with a breast cancer diagnosis, retrieved from the hospital records, and was compared to the raw data of a population study in Egypt. Anti-HCV negative and positive patients were compared regarding the disease course and outcome.Results:Retrospective analysis revealed a markedly high prevalence of anti-HCV seropositivity in young breast cancer patients. In patients younger than 45 years, 13.4% were anti-HCV positive. Seropositivity was 6-fold higher in these patients than in adult females of the same age without cancer diagnosis (P = .003). The biological type, tumor size, nodal status, and disease-free survival were not affected by the patients’ HCV status.Conclusion:Young Egyptian breast cancer patients have a dramatically high prevalence of HCV seropositivity. Further population studies are strongly required to investigate the epidemiological association of these two significant health problems.

Immunochromatographic Test and Third Generation ELISA for Elucidating the Existence and Risk Factors of Anti-HCV Antibodies among Blood Donors from Swabi Pakistan

This cross sectional study was designed to investigate the frequency and potential risk factors of anti-HCV among blood donors as well as to elucidate the most sensitive screening method for routine practice in Bacha Khan Medical Complex (BKMC) Shahmansoor and District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. A total of 3390 male volunteer blood donors with age range 18-55 years were screened for HCV-Ab through an immuno-chromatographic test (ICT) and 3rd generation-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The sensitivity of ICT and ELISA was also evaluated by comparing their results. Among 3390 donors, 59 (1.74 %) were found positive for HCV-Ab through ICT and 62 (1.82 %) were HCV-Ab positive by ELISA assay. The highest frequency rate (40.3 %) was observed among donors within the age group of 18-30 years followed by (27.4 %) among 31-40 years, (17.7 %) among 41-50 years and the lowest frequency (14.5 %) was found among 51-55 years. Dental treatment (37.0 %) was significantly associated with anti-HCV seropositivity followed by blood transfusion (20.9 %), major surgery (14.5 %), travel abroad and unknown reason (11.2 %) for each and the lowest anti-HCV association was observed among donors who shaved by the barbers (4.8 %). The results from ICT and ELISA indicated that ELISA is a more sensitive, and reliable technique for routine screening of blood donors to control infectious diseases particularly HCV infection.

A cross-sectional study of real life data of HCV from Turkey south region.

This study investigated demographic characteristics and the prevalence of viremia among anti-HCV-positive patients. Hospital records of adult patients with anti-HCV positivity between June 2016 and October 2018 were screened retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, genotype distribution, history of injection drug use (IDU), treatment data of HCV RNA-positive patients were investigated. The rate of anti-HCV seropositivity was 1.7% and 54.5% of these were viremic. 69.5% of the 869 viremic patients were male. The mean age was 62 ± 15 (18-95) years for women and 42 ± 19 (18-90) years for men (p < 0.0001). 42.7% of these patients had IDU history. Regarding age, patients with IDU history accounted for 95% of the 18-29 age group. The most common genotype in patients younger than 40 was genotype 3, and genotype 1b in those older than 40. Only 52% of viremic patients had received DAA therapy. Also, 62.2% of patients aged < 40 and 36% of patients > 40 did not receive treatment (p < 0.0001). The SVR12 rate in patients receiving DAA treatment and follow-up was 100%; SVR24 was 99.5%. A shift in the demographic structure of HCV-infected patients due to the changing trends of the HCV transmission mode was observed in this study. On the other hand, the proportion of patients who received DAA therapy was low. A substantial proportion of untreated patients were young with a history of IDU. This indicates that without strategies targeting the patients, the patient load due to HCV-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma may persist in the future.

Hepatitis B and C in the adult population of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: a cross-sectional survey.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are prevalent in West Africa. To address the WHO 2030 goals of a 90% reduction in incidence and a 65% reduction in mortality for both infections, we assessed the prevalence of HBV and HCV from surveys in the general population. Participants in this cross-sectional survey were included from randomly selected houses in a demographic surveillance site in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Participants were interviewed and had a blood sample drawn for viral analyses (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and HCV RNA). Risk factors of HBV and HCV infection were determined by binomial regression adjusted for sex and age. A total of 2715 participants were included in this study. The overall HBsAg prevalence was 18.7% (95% CI: 17.3-20.2%). HBsAg was associated with male sex (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.64), and prevalence decreased with age >34years. HBV exposure was found in 91.9% of participants. Although 72.6% of individuals without sexual debut had been exposed to HBV, ever engaging in a sexual relationship was associated with higher risk of HBV exposure (aRR 1.18). The anti-HCV prevalence was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.3-0.9%), and 78.6% of those had detectable HCV RNA. Risk factors for anti-HCV sero-positivity were age above 55 (aRR 10.60), a history of blood transfusion (aRR 5.07) and being in a polygamous marriage (aRR 3.52). In Guinea-Bissau initiatives to implement treatment and widespread testing are needed to reach the WHO 2030 goals.

Comparison of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV seropositivity of Syrian and Turkish pregnant women.

Objective:In this study, we aimed to compare the seroprevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficieney viruse (HIV) in Syrian pregnant women and Turkish pregnant women in our hospital.Materials and Methods:In our study, a total of 68,169 Turkish pregnant women who received HB surface antigen (HBsAg), HB surface antibody (anti-HBs), HCV antibody (anti-HCV), anti-HIV test, and a total of 11,015 Syrian pregnant patients who received HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests were examined retrospectively between January 2012 and January-2018 in Universty of Health Sciences Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic.Results:In our study, the rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV seropositivity were 1.1%, 0.1%, and 0.03% in Syrian pregnant women between 2012 and 2018, respectively. In the other study group, in Turkish pregnant women, HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV seropositivity rates for 2012 and 2018 were found as 1.8%, 0.2%, and 0.08%, respectively.Conclusion:Although there were no significant differences between the HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV results of both groups, the anti-HBs positivity was higher at a significant level in Turkish pregnant women. The reason of the significantly higher anti-HBs positivity levels in pregnant women might stem from the fact that women are vaccinated and controlled regularly due to the policies in this regard in our country.