Family History Of Hepatitis Research Articles

Hepatitis B Prevalence Among Asian Americans in Michigan: An Assessment to Guide Future Education and Intervention Strategies

Free HBV (hepatitis B virus) screening was offered at 8 health fairs to Asian Americans in Southeast and West Michigan for two and a half years as a community service to study the prevalence of hepatitis B among Asian Americans in Michigan as a first step in reducing the incidence of hepatitis B. The screening included a 4 ml blood sample and a questionnaire assessing demographics and family history of hepatitis B; tests included the HBV surface antigen and antibody. 567 people participated in the study. About 6% of the participants had chronic hepatitis B (HBV carriers), 54% had the antibody (either had the disease before or were vaccinated) and 40% had no antibody or antigen (never infected by HBV and should be vaccinated to get protection). More than 95% of the participants were immigrants. Participants indicated in the family history that 10% had relatives with hepatitis B, 5% with liver cirrhosis, and 3% with liver cancer. Results of our screening supported our hypothesis that prevalence of hepatitis B among Asian Americans in Michigan would be similar to that in Asian Americans on the East and West coasts. We need to develop a strategy in Michigan to address this disease. In conducting this study, it was noticed that there was still resistance by Asian Americans to participate in clinical studies. An education intervention that is delivered in native Asian languages and in a culturally sensitive manner is needed to effectively raise awareness of hepatitis B among Asian Americans.

Identification of factors associated with YMDD mutation in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving lamivudine treatment

To identify factors associated with YMDD mutation in patients with chronic hepatitis B before and after lamivudine treatment in Zunyi region. 53 patients with chronic hepatitis B were enrolled in this study, HBV DNA,HBV markers, ALT, AST, TBil, albumin in the serum were examined at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after lamivudine treatment. HBV genotype and YMDD mutation were determined by sequencing before lamivudine treatment. YMDD mutation was checked again if serum HBV DNA rebound to more than 1 x 10(4) copies/ml after the initial decrease. HBV genotype in Zunyi region is constitute of B, C and B+C genotype. YMDD mutation occurred in 18 cases after lamivudine treatment, the rate of YMDD mutation was 15.1%, and 34.0% after 1 year and 2 years treatment. There are four types of mutation: rtL180M/M204V, rtL180M/M204I, rtM204I, rtL180M. rtM204V mutation in C gene was always accompanied by rtL180M mutation (100%). The rate of rtL180M/M204V mutation in genotype C group was significantly higher than that in genotype B group (77.8% to 25.0%), the same was true for the rtL180M/ M204I mutation (22.2% to 12.5%). There was no point mutation in genotype C group. The point mutation of rtM204I and rtL180M appeared only in genotype B group. Gender, nation, family history of hepatitis B and HBeAg were not associated with YMDD mutation (P more than 0.05), while the mutation rate was associated with the disease course and severity of disease. YMDD mutation did not occur in patients with low HBV DNA level (less than 10(5) copies/ml). YMDD mutation after lamivudine therapy is associated with HBV genotype and P gene mutation type, and prolonged treatment increases the the mutation rate. In order to reduce the incidence of YMDD mutation, patients with shorter disease course, lower HBV DNA level, more serious liver damage should be treated with lamivudine.

Prevalence of hepatitis A virus infection: the paradoxical example of isolated communities in the western Brazilian Amazon region

This study evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis A virus infection in the rural area of Lábrea, in the western Brazilian Amazon region. Communities and households were selected randomly. Serum samples were analyzed by means of the immunoenzymatic method for the presence of total antibodies against HAV. The study included 1,499 individuals. The prevalence of anti-HAV was 74.6% (95% CI 72.3-76.8). Univariate analysis showed associations with age (chi-square for linear trend = 496.003, p < 0.001), presence of outside toilet (p < 0.001), history of hepatitis (p < 0.001) and family history of hepatitis (p = 0.05). After adjusting for age, HAV infection also showed an association with the number of people in the family (p = 0.03). The overall prevalence rates were high, but not more than 60% of the children under the age of ten years had already been infected. Very high prevalence was detected only within older cohorts, thus paradoxically defining this as a region with intermediate endemicity, even under the conditions of poverty encountered.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Hepatitis B and C in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in Spain: A Nationwide, Multicenter Study

Limited information suggests the existence of a high prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This knowledge is relevant because the viruses may reactivate under immunosuppressive therapy. The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in IBD, in a nationwide study, and to evaluate associated risk factors. This cross-sectional multicenter study included 2,076 IBD patients, consecutively recruited in 17 Spanish hospitals. Factors related to IBD (severity, invasive procedures, etc.) and to infection (transfusions, drug abuse, etc.) were registered. Independent risk factors for viral infection were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Present and/or past HBV and HCV infection was found in 9.7% of patients of both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) (UC: HBsAg 0.8%, anti-HBc 8%, anti-HCV 1.3%; CD: HBsAg 0.6%, anti-HBc 7.1%, anti-HCV 2.3 %). Effective vaccination (anti-HBs, without anti-HBc) was present in 12% of patients. In multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio (OR) 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.06; P=0.000), family history of hepatitis (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.3-4.74; P=0.006) and moderate-to-severe IBD disease (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.02-6.15; P=0.046) were significantly related to HBV, whereas transfusions (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.2-5.87; P=0.015) and antibiotic use (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.1-6.3; P=0.03) were significantly related to HCV. The significance for transfusions was lost if they were administered after 1991, when HCV markers became mandatory in blood banks. Prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in IBD is similar to that of the general population of reference and lower than that in previously published series. This fact, in addition to the lack of association with invasive procedures, suggests the existence of adequate preventive measures in centers attending to these patients. The low percentage of effective vaccination makes it mandatory to intensify B virus vaccination in IBD.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Viral Markers Among Freshmen — 20 Years After Mass Hepatitis B Vaccination Program in Taiwan

The nationwide hepatitis B vaccination program in Taiwan was well known for its efficacy in reducing the carrier rate of hepatitis B and the morbidity and mortality of hepatitis B-related diseases among children. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B 20 years after this program was implemented. A total of 7592 freshmen from one university in Northern Taiwan participated in this study during their school entry health exam in September 2003 and September 2004. Basic data including gender, birthday, family history and vaccination history of hepatitis B by self-reported questionnaire were collected. Hepatitis B serum markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen, and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen were all checked. The differences in the seroprevalence of hepatitis B between two groups of subjects born before July 1984 and after July 1984 were examined. Multiple logistic analyses were performed for identifying the odds ratio (OR) of family history and other variables for each hepatitis B serum marker. Subjects born after July 1984 were found to have a lower rate of hepatitis B surface antigen of 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-2.6%) vs. 7.4% (95% CI, 5.9-8.9%), and core antibody against hepatitis B of 6.7% (95% CI, 6.0-7.3%) vs. 23.5% (95% CI, 21.1-25.9%), but a higher rate of surface antibody against hepatitis B of 74.3% (95% CI, 73.2-75.4%) vs. 69.1% (95% CI, 66.5-71.7%) compared with those born before July 1984 (all p < 0.001). Subjects with a family history of hepatitis B had higher risk of being infected by hepatitis B (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 3.18-5.12) and becoming carriers (OR, 7.26; 95% CI, 5.05-10.44) after adjustment for sex, age, birth year, and self-reported hepatitis B vaccination history. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen continued to decline 20 years after neonatal hepatitis B vaccination program. It is strongly recommended that those who have a family history of hepatitis B should receive early check-up of hepatitis B status after complete vaccination or closely follow up their hepatitis B status after neonatal hepatitis B vaccination.

Prevalence of anti-hepatits A antibodies in children of different socioeconomic conditions in Vila Velha, ES

This report describes the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in children from elementary school in the Municipality of Vila Velha, ES, Brazil. Anti-HAV antibodies were investigated by ELISA method in the serum of 606 children (four to fourteen years old) from three elementary schools, located in neighborhoods with varying household monthly income levels: São José School, 200 children, household income higher than US$700; São Torquato School, 273 children, US$200 to 300; and Cobi School, 133 children, less than US$200. From each children data on age, gender, skin color, sanitary conditions, frequency of contact with sea or river water and family history of hepatitis were recorded. Anti-HAV antibodies were present in 38.6% of all children, 9% in São José School, 49.1% in São Torquato School and 61.7% in Cobi School. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation of positive anti-HAV test with age, non white color of the skin, absence of sewage treatment and domestic water filter, and a past history of hepatitis. The prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in school children in Vila Velha, ES, was lower than that observed in the same age group in North and Northeast Brazil and was significantly higher in children from families with low socioeconomic status. In addition the results indicate a changing epidemiologic pattern of hepatitis A in our country, with an increasing number of children and adolescents with high risk for HAV infection, mainly in high socioeconomic class. A consideration must be given to the feasibility of vaccination programs for children and adolescents in our country.

Hepatitis B virus infection in isolated Afro-Brazilian communities

The prevalence and genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have distinct geographical distribution. In Brazil, some African-descendants have been maintained as small isolated communities since the slavery period. In this study, HBV infection among these communities of African origin was examined. Individuals (1,058) living in 12 communities were interviewed and serum samples screened for the presence of HBV markers. HBsAg-positive sera were tested for HBV DNA by PCR and positive samples were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 19.8% (95% CI: 17.5-22.3), ranging from 5.5% to 42.4%, depending on the communities studied. Multivariate analysis of risk factors showed that increasing age, family history of hepatitis, and sexual activity were associated significantly with this infection. HBsAg was detected in 23/1,058 (2.2%) individuals. HBV DNA was present in 2/2 of HBeAg-positive serum samples and in 18/21 (85.7%) anti-HBe-positive samples. All HBV isolates belonged to genotype A, subtype Aa. Three RFLP patterns were identified: AI (17 isolates), AIV (1 isolate), and AVI (2 isolates). These findings suggest a common introduction of HBV during the slave trade from Africa to Brazil.

A case-control study on the risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection among Koreans.

In order to identify the risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, a case-control study was conducted from September 1993 to April 1994. HCV infection was confirmed by the second generation of recombinant immunoblot assay. Sixty-four cases and 128 controls matched for age and sex with a 1:2 ratio of cases to controls were enrolled. Exposure data were obtained from all participants by self-administered questionnaire and the odds ratios of possible risk factors of HCV infection analysed. Sixty-four cases consisted of forty-two patients with chronic hepatitis, nine with cirrhosis, one with hepatocellular carcinoma, and twelve with normal liver function. History of acute hepatitis (OR 3.9) and transfusion (OR 2.4) were associated with an increased risk of HCV infection. Operation, acupuncture, endoscopy, tooth extraction, tattooing, ear piercing, needle sharing and family history of hepatitis were not associated with an increased risk of HCV infection. In conclusion, transfusion remains the major route of transmission of HCV in Korea.

Risk factors for hepatitis C disease in Tando Allahyar, Pakistan: a case-control study

Objective: Present study was undertaken to explore the epidemiological and dietary risk factors for hepatitis C disease in Tando Allahyar during June to December 2007. Materials and methods: 140 Hepatitis C patients and 149 controls (age, sex and locality matched with no personal or family history of hepatitis C) were randomly selected from the Tando Allahyar population during June 2007 to December 2007. A standard questionnaire specially developed for that purpose, was distributed among patients and controls. Accurate rapid card test was performed to confirm Hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive or negative patients and controls. O.R with 95% confidence interval was computed and p values were calculated by chi square test. Results: Over all findings showed that among 140 HCV patients 64% were females and 36% males (mean age range was 20-48 years). Our results showed strong positive association of sedentary life style (OR=4, 95% CI, 1.48-10.6, p=0.005), marital status, +ve family history, B+ve blood group, piercing, syringe use (70%), multiple pregnancies (OR=4.72, 95% CI, 1.47-15.15, p=0.008), blood transfusion (OR=4.4, 95% CI, 1.2-14.95, p=0.017), take out food debris by office pins (NS), shave at barber’s shop (NS), dental procedures (NS), medicines used in past (OR=3.08, 95% CI, 1.2-7.71, P=0.016), G.I.T diseases (OR =8.66, 95% CI, 1.28-55.58, p=0.023), stones of kidney or gallbladder, jaundice, Tuberculosis and psychological problems (OR =2.5, 95% CI, 1.04-6.13, P=0.04) with hepatitis C disease. We did not find any association of surgery, BMI, ENT, diseases, meat consumption and smoking with the disease. Vegetables OR =0.842, 95% CI, 0.361-1.964, P=0.694), pulses, tomatoes (OR =0.31, 95% CI, 0.041-2.53, P=0.31), and tea (OR =0.598, 95% CI, 0.251-1.431, P=0.25) were found to be the protective factors for Hepatitis C disease. Conclusion: Sedentary life style, multiple pregnancies, blood transfusion, medicines used in past, G.I.T diseases, and psychological problems are significantly positively associated with Hepatitis C disease. Key words: Hepatitis C disease, HCV infection, epidemiological risk factors, Diet, blood transfusion, G.I.T diseases, and psychological problems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.3329/bjms.v10i3.8359 BJMS 2011; 10(3): 163-169