Blood-borne Research Articles

Trends in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in China from 2005 to 2021: a joinpoint regression model

BackgroundSexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) is a major public health concern in China. This study assessed the overall trends in STBBIs to improve the comprehensive understanding of the burden of STBBIs and provide evidence for their prevention and control.MethodsData for the period from 2005 to 2021 were analyzed across China on infections with hepatitis B or C; syphilis; gonorrhea; and HIV infection. Trends, annual percent change (APC), and average annual percent change (AAPC) in diagnosis rate was analyzed using joinpoint regression models for the five STBBIs together or individually.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2021, the overall diagnosis rate of all five STBBIs increased, with an AAPC of 1.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.5% to 3.1%]. Diagnosis rates of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C increased individually, but it decreased for infections of hepatitis B and gonorrhea. Joinpoint analysis identified four phases in diagnosis rate of hepatitis C; three phases in diagnosis rate of hepatitis B, HIV infection, and syphilis; two in diagnosis rate of gonorrhea infection.ConclusionDespite national efforts to prevent and control STBBIs, their overall diagnosis rate has continued to rise in China, and they remain an important public health challenge. Further efforts should be made to educate the general population about STBBIs, particularly HIV. Interventions targeting vulnerable groups should be adopted and their efficacy monitored through regular analysis of trends.

Study on genotyping and coinfection rate of human parvovirus 4 among the HTLV-I/II infected blood donors in Khorasan Razavi, Iran

BackgroundHuman Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is an emerging virus infecting individuals with other blood-borne diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PARV4 in confirmed HTLVI/II positive samples from blood donors, assessing PARV4 viral load (DNA) and genotyping. Methods: A novel qReal-Time PCR, based on a plasmid construct, was developed to simultaneously detect all three PARV4 genotypes using in-house primers and probes. Positive qPCR samples were subjected to nested PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using the Neighbor-joining (N.J.) method. Results: The coinfection rate of PARV4-DNA in HTLVI/II confirmed infected donors, who were previously deferred, was 14.4 % (13 out of 90), with no observed association with donation status (p = 1.0).Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PARV4-positive samples closely resembled genotype 2 in Iran.qPCR quantification demonstrated significant PARV4 viral loads in positive samples, ranging between 104 and 106 DNA copies/mL of serum. Conclusion: This study presents the first evaluation of HTLVI/II and PARV4coinfection rates among blood donors. Notably, elevated PARV4-DNA titers were detected in HTLVI/II-positive donors. Given PARV's resistance to standard plasma refinery inactivation methods and the absence of its targeted inactivation, its potential impact remains a concern.

Investigation of Trypanosoma-induced vascular damage sheds insights into Trypanosoma vivax sequestration

Multiple blood-borne pathogens infecting mammals establish close interactions with the host vascular endothelium as part of their life cycles. In this work, we investigate differences in the interactions of three Trypanosoma species: T. brucei, T. congolense and T. vivax with the blood vasculature. Infection with these species results in vastly different pathologies, including different effects on vascular homeostasis, such as changes in vascular permeability and microhemorrhages. While all three species are extracellular parasites, T. congolense is strictly intravascular, while T. brucei is capable of surviving both extra- and intravascularly. Our knowledge regarding T. vivax tropism and its capacity of migration across the vascular endothelium is unknown. In this work, we show for the first time that T. vivax parasites sequester to the vascular endothelium of most organs, and that, like T. congolense, T. vivax Y486 is largely incapable of extravasation. Infection with this parasite species results in a unique effect on vascular endothelium receptors including general downregulation of ICAM1 and ESAM, and upregulation of VCAM1, CD36 and E-selectin. Our findings on the differences between the two sequestering species (T. congolense and T. vivax) and the non-sequestering, but extravasating, T. brucei raise important questions on the relevance of sequestration to the parasite’s survival in the mammalian host, and the evolutionary relevance of both sequestration and extravasation.

The structure of some blood-borne infections distribution among persons from penitentiary institutions the markers

The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of serological and molecular genetic markers of HIV infection, viral hepatitis B and C among persons in pre-trial detention.Materials and methods. The material of the study identified 138 samples of blood sequences obtained from men in the pretrial detention center in St. Petersburg. Patients were examined by ELISA for the presence of serological markers of HIV infection (Ag/Ab HIV), HBV (HBsAg, antiHBs IgG, anti-HBcore IgG) and HCV (anti-HCV IgG). Determination of HIV and HCV RNA, as well as HBV DNA by PCR with hybridization-fluorescence detection in «real time» mode. HBV DNA with a low viral form was detected using a technique developed at the Saint-Petersburg Pasteur Institute.Results and discussion. With the prevalence of the general prevalence of serological markers, markers of HIV infection were detected in 55 (39.86%) patients, HBV — in 73 (52.90%), HCV — in 83 (60.14%). the same markers of HIV infection and HBV were detected in 6 (4.35%) examined, HIV infection and HCV in 17 (12.32%), HBV and HCV in 22 (15.94%) persons, to all three infections in 26 (18.84%) cases. In 22 (15.94%) people did not notice any of the analyzed markers. HIV RNA was found in 23.19%, HCV RNA — in 46.38%, HBV DNA — in 10.14% of the examined. At the same time, HBV DNA with a low viral form (less than 50 IU/ml) was detected in 7.97% of cases, including 6.52% of seronegative samples. Simultaneously, HIV and HCV RNA were detected in 6.52%, HCV RNA and HBV DNA in 2.17% of patients. Molecular biological markers of all three indicators were found in 1.45% of patients. The examined group was ranked by age into the following subgroups: 21– 30 years old (12.32%), 31–40 years old (34.78%), 41–50 years old (37.68%) and older than 51 years old (15.22%). Certain differences in the prevalence and distribution of the analysis of serological and molecular biological markers between age markers, the highest frequency was found for groups of 31–40 and 41–50 years.Conclusion. The results obtained indicate a high prevalence of HIV infections and parenteral viral hepatitis B and C among persons convicted and awaiting a stage in a pre-trial detention center. Careful attention must be paid to their admission to penitentiary institutions, since many convicts are not aware of their morbidity and may become infected. Regular conclusions, concluded in dynamics, including laboratory diagnostics using highly sensitive molecular biological methods, upon admission to a penitentiary institution, and then annually and upon release, should be taken into account as measures to prevent infection with HIV, HBV, HCV.

A cross-sectional survey exploring HIV and HCV prevalence among men who purchase sex in Dnipro, Ukraine

BackgroundHIV programming in Ukraine largely targets “key population” groups. Men who purchase sex are not directly reached. The aim of our study was to explore the prevalence of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) among men who purchase sex from female sex workers.MethodsFollowing geographic mapping and population size estimation at each “hotspot”, we conducted a cross-sectional bio-behavioural survey with men who purchase sex between September 2017 and March 2018 in Dnipro, Ukraine. Eligibility criteria included purchasing sex services at a “hotspot” and being ≥ 18 years. Participants completed a structured questionnaire, followed by HIV/HCV rapid testing and a dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection for confirmatory serology.ResultsThe study enrolled 370 participants. The median age was 32 (interquartile range [IQR] = 27–38) and the median age of first purchase of sexual services was 22 (IQR = 19–27). Over half (56%) of participants reported ever testing for HIV; four participants (2%, N = 206) reported having tested positive for HIV, with three out of the four reporting being on ART. Forty percent of participants had ever tested for HCV, with three (2%, N = 142) having ever tested positive for HCV. In DBS testing, nine participants (2.4%) tested positive for HIV and 24 (6.5%) tested positive for ever having an HCV infection.ConclusionPrevalence of HIV and HCV in this population was high. Given high rates of study enrolment and testing, efforts should be made to reach men who purchase sex with expanded STBBI programming.

Insights from the scale-up and implementation of the Deadly Liver Mob program across nine sites in New South Wales, Australia, according to the RE-AIM framework

BackgroundThe Deadly Liver Mob (DLM) program is a peer-led health promotion program that aims to improve access to screening and treatment for blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. In this paper, we used client and staff insights to explore the successes and challenges of implementing the DLM program according to the RE-AIM framework, which explores real-world implementation of interventions according to reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.MethodsClients and staff were recruited through the DLM program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and 11 non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health workers, as well as 33 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients of the program.ResultsFindings show the positive effects of the DLM program, in creating a culturally safe and sensitive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to access care. In particular, the employment of frontline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers to deliver the education was touted as one of the primary successes of the program, in enabling workers to build trust between clients and mainstream health systems, which has the flow on effect of encouraging clients to go through to screening. The use of the RE-AIM framework illustrates the challenges of implementing real-world interventions across various locations, such as the difficulties in delivering DLM in regional and remote areas due to covering large geographic areas with minimal public transport available.ConclusionsThe data emphasise the need for interventions to be adaptable and flexible, altering elements of the program to suit local and community needs, such as by offering mobile and outreach services to enable access across regional and rural areas. The findings of this evaluation have been used to develop tools so that the learnings from DLM can be shared with others who may be hoping to implement DLM or other similar programs.

Metabolomics evaluation of the photochemical impact of violet-blue light (405nm) on ex vivo platelet concentrates.

Microbicidal violet-blue light in the visible spectrum (405nm) has been under evaluation for pathogen inactivation in ex vivo human plasma and platelets (PLTs) stored in plasma. Results to date have demonstrated that several blood-borne infectious disease-causing pathogens can be successfully reduced to significantly low levels in the light-treated plasma and PLTs. In order to evaluate whether the microbicidal 405nm light is safe for the treatment of PLT concentrates for pathogen inactivation, LC/MS-based metabolomics analyses were performed to evaluate the overall impact of 405nm violet-blue light treatment on ex vivo PLT concentrates suspended in plasma and on plasma itself, and to identify metabolome changes in intra-platelet and extra-cellular medium (i.e., plasma). The metabolomics data identified that platelet activating factors (PAFs), agonists and prostaglandins, which can influence PLT basic functions such as integrity, activation, and aggregation potential were unaltered, suggesting that 405nm light illumination is safe regarding PLT basic functions. Distinct increases in hydroxyl fatty acids and aldehydes, as well as decreases in antioxidant metabolites indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated at high levels after only one hour of exposure to 405nm light. Distinctly changed endogenous photosensitizer metabolites after 1h of light exposure provided good evidence that 405nm light was an effective microbicide acting through ROS mechanism and no external additive photosensitizers were required.

A descriptive study of percutaneous injuries in National Healthcare Group POLYCLINICS dental clinics in Singapore from 2014 to 2020

IntroductionAll dental staff face risk of percutaneous injuries (PCI)s. Blood-borne diseases may be transmitted to staff via contaminated sharp instruments. Hence there are significant impacts on staff when PCIs occur. Though a PCI is an occupational hazard, it is preventable.AimThis study aims to identify factors associated with PCIs among dental staff by evaluating the circumstances and staff designations involved.MethodsPCIs were reported through an electronic incident reporting system from 2014 to 2020. Reports involved their nature and extent. Statistical analysis was carried out to find associations between factors such as injury site, type of instrument and staff designation.ResultsA total of 63 PCIs were included in this study. The type of instrument was found to be significantly associated with staff designation (p = 0.04, p < 0.05) with significantly more dental burs causing injury in dentists and more injuries caused by ‘other instruments’ in health attendants (p = 0.0083). Majority of PCIs occurred in dentists, then dental assistants and health attendants. Staff designation was significantly associated with the instance where PCIs occurred (p < 0.001). Dentists and dental assistants were more likely to sustain injuries during a dental procedure than before procedure and after procedure (p = 0.0167). The mean incidence of PCIs among our dentists was 15.6/100.ConclusionsAll dental staff are at risk of PCIs however dentists sustain the highest number of PCIs. Needles, dental burs and metal matrices are the top three instruments. Targeted interventions might help prevent/reduce PCIs.

Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus Among Blood Donors in Sidi Bel Abbes, West Algeria.

Introduction Blood transfusions can transmit various viruses. Among them, the most common are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These viruses can cause fatal and life-threatening diseases. Worldwide, many people are infected with these viruses. Blood safety has made majorprogress in recent years. Yet, blood-borne viruses continue to be a major concern for patients, physicians, and policymakers. The aim of this study was to assessthe prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in blood donors. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to assess HIV, HBV, and HCV seropositivity in blood donors. This research was carried out at the blood bank of Sidi Bel Abbes University Hospital. This was a retrospective study based on records of blood donors. All data of 10,386 donors were analyzed from January 2015 to December 2015. Biological screening was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibodies and/or antigens. The combined HCV and HIV antigen and antibody ELISA test was utilized. To confirm the results, the blood bank and the virology laboratory used the same technique in duplicate. Results The overall seroprevalence of blood-borne viral infections (HIV, HBV, and HCV) in blood donors was 0.8%. The prevalence of HIV was found to be 0.1%, while the prevalence of HBV and HCV was 0.4%. Coinfection was rare with only one case of HBV with HIV.There was a significant difference in seroprevalence rates among blood donors compared to the general population. Significant variations were observed between the prevalence of this study and those conducted in West, East, Central, and South African countries but not with those of neighboringNorth African countries. The study found no association between seropositivity in blood donors and factors like age, gender, donor status, type of donation, or site. Besides, HIV, HBV, or HCV prevalence was not influenced by ABO and Rhesus blood group. Conclusion The study showed that blood donors in Algeria have a lower prevalence of blood-borne viral infections than the general population. The seropositivity rate of viral markers was similar throughout North African countries. This rate remained low compared to other African countries. Residual risk of infection persists. There is a need to increase blood safety for recipients. This report is the first comprehensive overview of blood-borne viruses among Algerian blood donors. There is a need for further nationwide studies to get a whole picture of the situation.

Clinical performance evaluation of HCV and HIV-1 assays on the fully automated molecular system Alinity m

The demand for molecular virology testing continues to grow in clinical laboratories worldwide. The Alinity m system is a fully automated, continuous, random-access molecular diagnostic analyzer that was designed to streamline the laboratory workflow. In this study, we assessed the clinical performance characteristics of the Alinity m HCV and HIV-1 assays to detect and quantify these two bloodborne pathogens in 71 serum and plasma specimens. The overall qualitative agreement between the Alinity m and Abbott m2000 was 100 % for HCV and 94.4 % for HIV-1. Our data demonstrated a weak bias across the quantitative range of the Abbott m2000 and Alinity m HCV and HIV-1 assays, indicating a strong correlation on viral loads between them. Taken together, the Alinity m HCV and HIV-1 assays had comparable results to their current predecessors, the Abbott RealTime HCV and HIV-1 assays.

Analysis of the reentry status of blood donors with reactive bloodborne pathogen screening markers in Hangzhou City

Objective: To explore the reentry rate of reactive blood donors in the bloodborne pathogen infection screening in Hangzhou City, and analyze the donation behavior of those who successfully returned. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the return data of blood donors with reactive bloodborne pathogen screening markers was conducted at Zhejiang Provincial Blood Center from June 2017 to May 2022. The reentry process for blood donors with reactive bloodborne pathogen screening markers in Hangzhou City is as follows: after the initial screening period of 6 months, donors can voluntarily apply for return to the blood center. Samples are collected and subjected to routine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening for HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV Ab/Ag, and anti-TP, as well as a single nucleic acid (HIV/HCV/HBV) test. For samples that show non-reactivity in both ELISA and nucleic acid tests, serum biomarker testing for the reasons of exclusion is performed using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), and those with non-reactivity are allowed to return. Results: A total of 4 583 reactive blood donors who met the criteria for re-entry applied for reentry, out of which 475 applications were received from donors in the Hangzhou area. Among these, 279 donors were successfully readmitted, resulting in a success rate of 58.74% (279/475). By the end of December 2021, out of the 174 donors who successfully returned, 114 donors chose to donate again. They collectively donated 39 530 ml of whole blood and 1 147.2 therapeutic doses of platelets. Among these, 21 donors once again showed reactivity for pathogen infection biomarkers, accounting for 18.42% (21/114). Conclusion: The reentry strategy has somewhat mitigated the attrition of blood donors. Nevertheless, there are instances where donors who were successfully readmitted show reactivity once more in the screening for pathogen infection biomarkers.

Investigating the Effect of the Educational Intervention based on the Health Belief Model on the Preventive Behaviors of Infection Caused by Blood-borne Diseases in the Nurses of the ICU Departments of Imam Hassan (AS) Hospital in Bojnord City in 2022-2023

Introduction: Needle stick is one of the problems faced by the employees of healthcare centers, especially nurses. Considering the importance of this issue, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the health belief model on the preventive behaviors of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and AIDS infections among nurses in the ICU departments of Imam Hassan hospital in Bojnord city. Method: The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted in an interventional way in 2022 on 76 employees of the ICU department of the the Imam Hassan hospital who were allocated in two experimental and control groups. The samples were selected by simple random sampling method. The data collection tool was a standard questionnaire. SPSS statistical software version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that sharp object penetration training had a significant effect on the components of the health belief model, including perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, symptoms for action and behavior, and exposure behaviors. Conclusion: By holding training courses, the necessary information on the prevention of injuries caused by sharp objects should be transferred to the health and treatment staff.

Prevalence of needle stick and its related factors in Iranian health worker: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of acquiring blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus through needlestick injuries (NSIs). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of needlestick injuries and other related indicators among HCWs in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched various databases until the end of May 2023 for studies reporting the prevalence of NSIs among healthcare workers in Iran. We used a random model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to analyse the data and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool to evaluate the quality of included studies. We conducted and reported the study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We included 87 studies in the analysis and found that 47% (95% CI = 42-52, I2 = 98.9%) of Iranian HCWs experienced NSI. NSIs were most frequently related to syringe needles (58%; 95% CI = 52-65, I2 = 96.8%) and most often caused by recapping (30%; 95% CI = 22-38, I2 = 98.5%). In this study, 56% (95% CI = 45-67, I2 = 98.6%) of HCWs with NSIs did not report their injury. Moreover, the prevalence of NSIs the highest in the morning shift (0.44; 95% CI = 0.36-0.53, I2 = 97.2%), emergency unit (0.20; 95% CI = 0.16-0.24, I2 = 93.7%), and intensive care unit (0.20; 95% CI = 0.16-0.24, I2 = 94.3%). To reduce the high prevalence of NSIs, HCWs, especially those in emergency departments, should use safety equipment. Healthcare managers should provide a calm and stress-free environment for HCWs, educate them on safety principles and standards, and support experienced HCWs with NSIs.

218.1: A model to estimate the impact of hospital length of admission on the residual risk of blood-borne virus infection in deceased organ donors.

218.1: A model to estimate the impact of hospital length of admission on the residual risk of blood-borne virus infection in deceased organ donors.

A multicomponent holistic care pathway for people who use drugs in Tayside, Scotland.

People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are at high risk of non-fatal overdose and other drug-related harms. The United Kingdom drugs policy landscape makes it challenging to support those at risk. Tayside, in East Scotland, has a sizeable population at risk of drug-related harms. In 2021, the National Health Service implemented a care pathway for PWUD to provide multidimensional healthcare interventions. We aimed to quantify drug-related harms; assess wider health and well-being; and understand substance use trends and behaviours, among those engaged in the pathway. Existing community-embedded blood-borne virus pathways were adapted to provide multiple healthcare assessments over three visits. We undertook an observational cohort study to analyse uptake and outcomes for the initial cohort of PWUD engaged at appointment one. From August 2021-September 2022, 150 PWUD engaged with the pathway. Median age was 39 (34-42) years, 108 (72%) were male, and 124 (83%) lived in deprived areas. Seventy (47%) had been disengaged from healthcare for over a year. Polysubstance use was reported by 124 (83%), 42 (28%) disclosed injecting daily, and 54 (36%) shared equipment. Fifty-four (36%) experienced recent non-fatal overdose, and there were six overdose fatalities (4.1 [1.5-9.0] per 100PY). The offer of take-home naloxone was accepted by 108 (72%). Fourteen (9%) were diagnosed with Hepatitis C and two (1%) with HIV. Renal, hepatological, and endocrine impairment were observed among 30 (20%), 23 (15%), and 11 (7%), people respectively. Ninety-six (65%) had high risk of clinical depression. Forty-eight (32%) declined Covid-19 vaccination. The pathway engaged PWUD with high exposure to recent non-fatal overdose and other drug-related harms, alongside co-morbid health issues. Our results suggest multi-dimensional health assessments coupled with harm reduction in community settings, with appropriate linkage to care, are warranted for PWUD. Service commissioners should seek to integrate these assessments where possible.

Barbers’ compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors in selected towns, Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe barber’s profession exposes their customers to several health risks. Negligence when using sharp instruments in barbershops can increase the risk of bloodborne infections, resulting in serious health problems for...

Management of Occupational Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure among Medical Personnel: a 4-Year Prospective Study.

This study examined the management of occupational bloodborne pathogen exposure at a tertiary hospital in China. This prospective study was conducted at the Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2016 and December 2019. Data on bloodborne occupational exposure management were collected. In total, 460 exposures were reported. The majority of exposures (40.2 %) were from hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive index patients. Of the 460 cases, 453 (98.5%) exposures were reported timeously, and 371 (80.7%) cases received emergency treatment response and management. Sixty-eight personnel (93.2%) received timely prophylaxis treatment. Only 82/113 (72.6%) personnel completed the recommended follow-up period. Outsourced personnel(P = 0.002) and interns (P = 0.011) were independent follow-up factors. Although adequate compliance was achieved with timely reporting and prophylactic medication, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency treatment response and follow-up compliance. Furthermore, HBV vaccination and improved follow-up with outsourced personnel are recommended.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus among applicants for recruitment into Nigeria police force in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria

Background: Police officers are likely to have blood-borne virus exposure like hepatitis B virus, while on duty. It is important to know the hepatitis B status of applicants at entry point of recruitment into the force to avoid employing applicants that can spread the virus to the citizens. This study determined the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among applicants for recruitment into the Nigerian police force in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 applicants from 30 LGAs in Osun State, selected using a multistage sampling technique, research data was aloof from the recruitments’ exercise registers and records, univariate, bivariate and multivariate were done using IBM SPSS version 25.0 and statistical level of significance was set at P&lt;0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.08±2.428. The Prevalence of HBV was 43.6%. There was a statistically significant association between the applicants' HBV status and their socio-demographic status p=0.014. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that: applicants from Ila, Ede north and Irewole LGAs are eight times less likely to have hepatitis B virus (OR: 0.124 and 0.120), those from Ejigbo and Isokan LGAs are seven times less likely to have HBV (OR: 0.135 and 0.132) and applicants from Odo-Otin LGA of Osun state are eleven times less likely to have HBV (OR: 0.088) compared to other local governments areas. Conclusions: More than two-fifths of the applicants were tested positive for HBV, this proportion cannot be overlooked as they could exposed colleague, or citizen to the infection.

A-349 Septec: A Microfluidic Platform for the Rapid Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infection Diagnosis and Associated Sepsis Management

Abstract Background Sepsis is a life-threatening disorder resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection. Globally, sepsis is responsible for 11 million deaths annually and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Sepsis can arise from any infection by microbes or viruses; however, the most common cause is bloodstream infection (BSI) via bacterial pathogens. Rapid identification of organisms responsible for BSI may reduce time until the administration of suitable antibiotics and employment of rapid diagnostics at patient bedside further strengthens their value as informed clinical decisions can be made and acted upon within shorter timeframes, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and preventing progression to more critical sepsis or septic shock. This study reports on the analytical and clinical performance of the SepTec microfluidic assay, an in-vitro diagnostic device capable of rapid detection of bloodborne pathogens of gram-positive, gram-negative and fungal origin from whole blood within 15 minutes. Methods Analytical performance of the SepTec assay was studied as follows: limit of detection (LoD), reproducibility and impact of interfering substances. Sterile and infected blood samples were obtained either through the generation of contrived samples or through clinical collaboration. Clinical performance was determined retrospectively and prospectively on a total of 146 patients. For both the retrospective and prospective clinical studies, results were compared against blood culture. Results The LoD of the SepTec assay for S. Aureus, E. coli and C. albicans from contrived blood samples was 10 CFU/mL for each pathogen. CVs were calculated at 4% for organism detection in whole blood samples. From retrospective and prospective analysis, the SepTec assay showed 100% sensitivity and &amp;gt;96% specificity. Conclusion The SepTec assay can detect microbes from blood and differentiate between gram-positive, gram-negative or fungal pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. Turnaround time for the test is estimated at 15minutes, rendering it with the potential to be a significantly more rapid approach than the gold-standard blood culture, or many molecular approaches. It is hoped that this work with yield a point-of-care diagnostic platform which will enhance sepsis management, overall improving patient outcomes.

Measuring Changes in Brain Endothelial Barrier Integrity with Two Impedance-based Biosensors in Response to Cancer Cells and Cytokines.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain parenchyma against harmful pathogens in the blood. The BBB consists of the neurovascular unit, comprising pericytes, astrocytic foot processes, and tightly adhered endothelial cells. Here, the brain endothelial cells form the first line of barrier against blood-borne pathogens. In conditions like cancer and neuroinflammation, circulating factors in the blood can disrupt this barrier. Disease progression significantly worsens post barrier disruption, which permits access to or impairment of regions of the brain. This significantly worsens the prognoses, particularly due to limited treatment options available at the level of the brain. Hence, emerging studies aim to investigate potential therapeutics that can prevent these detrimental factors in the blood from interacting with the brain endothelial cells. The commercially available Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) and cellZscope instruments measure the impedance across cellular monolayers, such as the BBB endothelium, to determine their barrier strength. Here we detail the use of both biosensors in assessing brain endothelial barrier integrity upon the addition of various stimuli. Crucially, we highlight the importance of their high-throughput capability for concurrent investigation of multiple variables and biological treatments.