Detection Of HBsAg Research Articles

Burden of Hepatitis B Virus at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes most frequent chronic liver disease of infectious origin in human beings worldwide, with more than 600,000 deaths caused by end-stage liver disease complications per year. The most used test for identifying acute HBV infections and carriers is the detection of HBsAg. Immunochromatography assays have been suggested for routine use in clinical microbiology laboratories for the detection of HBsAg since they are easy to use, affordable, don’t need specialised equipment, and are straightforward to run. Compared to commercially available HEPA card kit for the detection of the same markers, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was shown to be more sensitive for the detection of HBsAg. This study is first of its kind in District Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Aim: To know the burden of HBV in a tertiary Care Hospital, Government Medical College, Doda using HEPA card kit and ELISA method. Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based crosssectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Doda Jammu and Kashmir, India during the period from January 2020 to December 2020. The study comprised blood samples from all age groups referred by clinical departments for testing HBsAg. Tests were performed using an immunochromatographic technique (Hepa Card Diagnostic enterprises) for the qualitative detection of HBsAg, and results were interpreted in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. The collected data was analysed in microsoft excel sheet using Chi-square test to know the burden of HBV infection. Results: Among total number of 5,448 samples tested, 50 (0.92%) were positive for HBsAg which comes under low epidemicity (<2%) as per World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The number of positive females and males were 30 (0.84%) and 20 (1.07%), respectively. Females were predominate over males and majority of the positive patients (N=29) were younger than 40 years though prevalance (2.1%) was higher in age group above 40 years. All samples which shows positive by rapid test were also shown positive by ELISA test. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of HBV was 0.92% which comes under low epidemicity (<2%) as per WHO guidelines. It can be an alternate option for community based studies and also helps to improve the public health and to prevent the spreading of disease in the local population.

Correlations between Breast Milk HBsAg, Serum HBsAg, and Serum HBV DNA in Women with Chronic HBV Infection

The aim is to investigate the correlations between breast milk HBsAg and hepatitis B serological markers and HBV DNA. Two hundred and twelve women with chronic HBV infection were recruited in our hospital from March 2019 to October 2019. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) were used to measure HBsAg content. Serum HBsAg was determined by electrochemiluminescence. Real-time PCR was used to detect serum HBV DNA. The chi-squared test and nonparametric test were used for statistical analysis. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to measure the degree of association between variables. In comparison to patients positive for HbsAg, anti-HBe antibody, and anti-HBc antibody, the patients positive for HBsAg, HBeAg, and anti-HBc antibody had significantly higher breast milk HBsAg content. Besides, patients with higher serum HBsAg levels also had higher breast milk HBsAg content than those with medium and low serum HBsAg levels. Patients with higher serum HBV DNA had higher breast milk HBsAg content than those with medium and low serum HBV DNA. The correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum HBsAg and serum HBV DNA. In patients with serum HBV DNA ≥ 20 IU/mL, breast milk HBsAg content was positively correlated to serum HBV DNA. Breast milk HBsAg content was positively correlated with the serum HBsAg level. Additionally, the sensitivity of ELISA was significantly lower than CMIA in the detection of breast milk HBsAg. HBsAg content in breast milk is positively correlated with serum HBsAg level and HBV DNA load. CMIA is more sensitive than ELISA in the detection of breast milk HBsAg. Serum HBsAg level and HBV DNA load are useful for forecasting breast milk HBsAg content.

Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are common infections and main causative agents of chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver is the major site of hormone and glucose metabolism which have deep interconnection with diabetes. Hepatitis-B and hepatitis-C virus infection and diabetes are prevalent diseases worldwide associated with increased morbidity and mortality. High prevalence of DM, HCV, and HBV showed that there is a higher chance of coexisting in an individual. Therefore, our study tried to assess the coexistence of hepatitis viruses and diabetes mellitus among DM patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital. The hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from November 01 to December 30, 2019 to as-sess the prevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV among diabetes patients attending at University of Gondar referral hospital. Sociodemographic data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Four milliliters of blood were collected using an anticoagulant free test tube for measurement of biochemical parameters and detection of hepatitis viruses. HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody detection was performed using One Step Cassette Style HBsAg Rapid Test and EUGENE® anti-HCV rapid test, respectively. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associated risk factors for the outcome variable. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 288 diabetes patients were included in this study and the prevalence of HBV and HCV was 7 (2.43%) and 18 (6.25%), respectively. Hepatitis B virus showed similar prevalence for type 1 and type 2 diabetes at 2.6% and 2.3%, respectively, but HCV showed a wide variation with 17.5% and 4.3% prevalence, respectively, for both diabetes types. In a multivariable logistic regression model compared with younger age (≤ 24 years), older age ≥ 65 years (AOR: 19.545, 95% CI: 2.577 - 22.827) age groups and poor glycemic control (AOR: 18.84, 95% CI: 17.83 - 20.39) showed significant association with HBV. A considerably large number of diabetes patients tested positive for anti-HCV antibody as a marker of Hepatitis C virus infection. None of the variables showed significant association with active Hepatitis B virus infection whereas older ages (≥ 65 years) and diabetes patients with poor glycemic control showed significant association with anti-HCV antibody positivity.

External quality assessment for dual detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV in serum

External quality assessment for dual detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV in serum

External quality assessment for dual detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV in serum

External quality assessment for dual detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV in serum

HBsAg Seroconversion May Not be a Durable Event in the Course of Chronic HBV Infection in Adults

Background: HBsAg sero-clearance with or without appearance of anti-HBs is considered to be a functional cure in chronic HBV infected individuals. However data regarding durability of HBsAg sero-clearance is limited. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed chronic HBV infected patients who had cleared HBsAg during their follow up, either spontaneously or on antiviral treatment. Results: Of the 270 patients with chronic HBV infection, 15(5.5%) lost HBsAg after a median of 60 months(9-110) of follow up. The mean age of the cohort was 49.5(12.2) years ,12 (80%) were males and 4(26%)were HBeAg positive. The baseline Median ALT, HBV DNA load and liver stiffness was 41.5 (16-1134) IU/L, 140000 (622-100000000) IU/ml and 8.05(5.3-35.3) kPa respectively. 12 (80%) cleared HBsAg while being on NUCs( 10 entocavir, 1 TAF, 1 adefovir, none of our pt received peg interferon) and 3 achieved spontaneous HBsAg sero-clearance. Of all patients who cleared the virus, 33% were cirrhotic (13%compensated and 20 % decompensated). 7(46.6% achieved Anti-HBs antibodies > 10 mIU/ml, after a medain of 8 (0-166) months after clearance of HBsAg. HBsAg sero-reversion occurred in 5(33.3%). All patients who had seroreversion were on entecavir. The median time from HBsAg detection to HBsAg clearance was 60 months in both the groups, i.e those who had seroreversion and those who continued to have clearance. In 4(80%) sero-reversion occurred after stopping antivirals. 1 patient who had seroreversion had received steroids for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. On the other hand none of the spontaneously serocleared patients developed sero-reversion. The anti HBsAb titre was >10mIU/ml in 2(40%) of those who had seroreversion. Conclusion: HBsAg seroclearance is not durable in one third of adult patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, especially if it induced by Nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.

Comparative assessment of immunochromatography and ELISA diagnostic tests for HBsAg detection in PCR-confirmed HBV infection

Introduction and aimsViral hepatitis, which appears most frequently at birth or during childhood, is a disease whose transmission routes include tears, bile, sexual fluids, sweat, milk, urine, feces, and saliva. The aim of the present study was to analyze the specificity of the immunochromatographic and ELISA diagnostic tests for hepatitis B surface antigen and compare them with PCR testing. Materials and methodsThe study sample was made up of 140 men and 60 women referred to the Urmia Medical University hospital to undergo PCR testing for HBV diagnosis. The ELISA test was performed using the Pioneer Medicine Company kit (Tehran, Iran). ResultsThe results of the HBs-Ag rapid test and the ELISA test were compared with the PCR test. The HBs-Ag rapid test had 97% sensitivity and 91% specificity, whereas the ELISA test had 78% sensitivity and 76% specificity. Discussion and conclusionAccording to our results, the immunochromatographic test was accurate for diagnosing HBs-Ag in blood and the ELISA test had acceptable sensitivity and specificity, compared with PCR testing.

In vitro characterization of six hepatitis B virus genotypes from clinical isolates using transfecting linear HBV genomes.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem with about 257 million chronically infected people and over 887000 deaths annually. In this study, 32 whole HBV genomes of various genotypes were amplified from clinical isolates to create transfection clones. The clones were sequenced, and their biological properties characterized by transfecting linear HBV clones into HepG2 cells. We analysed the SPI and SPII promotor regions, X-gene, BCP/PC sequences, core, preS/S and HBV polymerase sequences. HBV clones analysed in this study revealed differential replication kinetics of viral nucleic acids and expression of proteins. Sequence analysis of HBV clones revealed mutations in preS1, preS2 and S genes; deletion and insertion and point mutations in BCP/PC region; including novel and previously reported mutations. Among the patient samples tested, HBV genotype B clones were more likely to have higher frequencies of mutations, while sub-genotype A1 and A2 clones tended to have fewer mutations. No polymerase drug resistant mutations were seen. HBeAg mutations were primarily in the BCP/PC region in genotype B, but core truncations were found in genotype E. S gene mutations affecting HBsAg expression and detection were seen in all genotypes except A2. Using an HBV clone with repetitive terminal sequences and a SapI restriction site allowed us to analyse HBV analyte production in cell culture and characterize the genetics of viral phenotypes using complete HBV genomes isolated from serum/plasma samples of infected patients.

Amino acid substitutions in core and HBsAg regions of hepatitis B virus in patients with monoinfection and HBV/HIV-coinfection in the Republic of Guinea

The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic variants of HBV currently circulating in the Republic of Guinea, based on the nucleotide sequences of the complete virus genome, and to analyze clinically significant mutations in the Core and HBsAg regions during HBV monoinfection and HBV/HIV coinfection.Materials and methods. The study material was represented by 2616 blood serum samples collected from residents of the Republic of Guinea. The subjects were examined for the presence of HBV markers with a qualitative detection of HBsAg, HBs IgG, and HBCore IgG. HBV complete genome nucleotide sequences were obtained for 298 samples including HIV/HBV coinfected patients. Amplification and subsequent sequencing of HBV were performed using nested PCR with pair’s overlapping primers jointly flanking the complete HBV genome (S, P, C, X genes).Results. HBV serological markers were detected in 80.77% samples, while HBsAg was detected in 16.01% of the examined group. HBV DNA we detected in 22.36%. The prevalence of HBsAg-negative HBV in patients with HIV RNA is 45.16%, which is significantly higher than 6.07% found in the group without HIV infection. Phylogenetic analysis of HBV in the examined samples showed that HBV genotype E (75.5%) predominates in the group compared to HBV genotype D1 (9.39%), D2 (4.02%), D3 (6.37%), and A2 (4.7%). In the tested group, the variability of amino acids among the HBV samples was higher in the PreCore/Core region than in the PreS1/PreS2/S region. SHB mutations were detected in 83,89%, Core mutations in 94.29%, PreCore amino acid substitutions in 16.77% of the patients, respectively.The results obtained in this work demonstrate a high prevalence of HBV in the region and indicate the need for further largescale studies of HBV mutations in order to improve strategies for disease control and prevention in the Republic of Guinea.

Significance of parenteral viral hepatitis laboratory diagnostics in the Republic of Guinea

Rationale. Countries of Africa, especially countries in sub-Saharan Africa, represent a region characterized by high incidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Methods for detection of HBV and HCV in low and middle-income countries differ from those that are used in countries having access to high-cost technologies. The Republic of Guinea is a region with high prevalence of hepatotropic viruses, however, the information on HBV and HCV prevalence in the area is extremely limited, thus emphasizing the significance of this study.The purpose of the study is to evaluate the need for improving laboratory diagnostics of parenteral HBV and HCV infections in the Republic of Guinea.Materials and methods. A total of 2,616 samples of blood serum were tested, the samples were collected from apparently healthy residents of the Republic of Guinea during the routine medical checkup. The testing included qualitative detection of HBsAg, anti-HBs IgG, anti-HBcore IgG, anti-HCV IgG antibodies as well as HBV DNA and HCV RNA.Results. The detection frequency of serological markers of HBV and HCV infections was 80.77% and 18%, respectively. However, HBsAg was detected only in 16.01% of individuals. Tests for detection of HBV DNA were performed among seropositive patients and patients seronegative by other HBV markers, HBV DNA was detected in 22.36% of cases, including 6.07% of HBsAg-negative cases. HCV RNA was detected in 2.2% of cases. Both HCV RNA and HBV DNA were detected in 27 people, including 19 HBsAg-negative cases, thus accounting for 1.03% of the examined group.Conclusions. The markers that are currently used for laboratory detection of HBV and HCV in the Republic of Guinea are not efficient enough to diagnose reliably all cases. Undoubtedly, there is an urgent need to improve laboratory diagnostics for timely detection of parenteral viral hepatitis. Routine laboratory operations need assays for additional serological and molecular markers of HCV and HBV infections.

High Frequency Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection Detected in Non-Resolved Donations Suggests the Requirement of Anti-HBc Test in Blood Donors in Southern China.

BackgroundMost Chinese Blood Centers adopted mini pool (MP) nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HBV screening due to high cost of Individual donation (ID) NAT, and different proportions of MP-reactive but ID-non-reactive donations (MP+/ID−, defined as non-resolved donations) have been observed during daily donor screening process. Some of these non-resolved donations are occult HBV infections (OBIs), which pose potential risk of HBV transmission if they are not deferred. This study is aimed to further analyze these non-resolved donations.MethodsThe non-resolved plasma samples were further analyzed by serological tests and various HBV DNA amplification assays including quantitative PCR (qPCR) and nested PCR amplifying the basic core and pre-core promoter regions (BCP/PC; 295 base pairs) and HBsAg (S) region (496 base pairs). Molecular characterizations of HBV DNA+ non-resolved samples were determined by sequencing analysis.ResultsOf 17,226 MPs from 103,356 seronegative blood donations, 98 MPs were detected reactive for HBV. Fifty-six out of these 98 (57.1%) reactive MPs were resolved as HBV DNA+, but the remaining 42 pools (42.9%, 252 donations) were left non-resolved with a high rate (53.2%) of anti-HBc+. Surprisingly, among 42 non-resolved MPs, 17 contained one donation identified as OBIs by alternative NAT assays. Sequence analysis on HBV DNAs extracted from these OBI donations showed some key mutations in the S region that may lead to failure in HBsAg detection and vaccine escape.ConclusionA total of 53.2% of the non-resolved donations were anti-HBc+, and OBIs were identified in 40.5% of these non-resolved pools. Therefore, non-resolved donations with anti-HBc+ might pose potential risk for HBV transmission. Our present analysis indicates that anti-HBc testing in non-resolved donations should be used to identify OBIs in order to further increase blood safety in China.

Evaluation of the Immunological Status in Occult Hepatitis B Virus-infected Patients Attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

Background: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a rare form of infection that is characterized by the presence of replication-competent HBV DNA in the liver but without detectable HBsAg in the serum.&#x0D; Aim: This study aimed to determine the comparative levels of immunological variables particularly CD4 counts and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts in occult hepatitis B and HBsAg positive subjects among prospective blood donors in Port Harcourt Metropolis in Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: The CD4 count and total and differential WBC counts were analyzed with automated techniques using BD Fascount and Sysmex XP-300 respectively. Data were analyzed as mean (standard deviation) and significance was assumed at 95% confidence interval using student t-test and one-way ANOVA on GraphPad prism.&#x0D; Results: The mean values for CD4, WBC, LYM (lymphocyte), MXD (differential mixed cells), and NEU (neutrophils) were 607±286 µ/l, 16±24 /l, 1.8±0.55 %, 0.46±0.15 % and 3.1±1.1 % respectively for occult hepatitis B subjects; 609±222 µ/l, 5.4±1.7 /l, 2.3±1.2 %, 0.54±0.31 % and 2.7±1.2 % respectively for HbsAg positive subjects and 823±256 µ/l, 10±5.4 /l, 2.4±1.6 %, 0.69±0.49 % and 6.4±4.7 % respectively for hepatitis B negative subjects. CD4 levels for male and female occult hepatitis B subjects are 729±309 µ/l and 461±190 µ/l respectively; 582±210 µ/l and 643±250 µ/l respectively for HBsAg positive subjects while that of hepatitis B negative subjects were 824±305 µ/l and 821±199 µ/l respectively. OBI showed a significant negative association between differential mixed cells and lymphocytes (r= -0.89 and p= 0.001) alone signifying that increment in former could reduce the latter. Only the HBsAg positive subjects showed a significant positive correlation of age to differential mixed cells (r=0.94 and p=0.000) which imply as the age increase the level of differential mixed cells will rise. Again, the HBsAg positive subjects showed a significant positive correlation between the differential mixed cells against neutrophil and WBC (r=0.53 and p=0.050), (r=0.56 and 0.036) respectively. Smoking and alcohol consumption caused raised levels of CD4 cells in OBI.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed a significant decrease in CD4 count, increase in total WBC and neutrophil counts while lymphocyte counts were decreased in occult hepatitis B subjects. Gender difference affect the level of CD4 cells and significant correlation were observed especially with the differential mixed cells.

SOI-FET Snsors for Virus Detection

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease caused by the respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the urgent need to develop fast and highly sensitive analytical tools and diagnostic devices to detect and study of the fundamental properties viruses and their nucleic acid and protein components [1]. Silicon-on-insulator field-effect transistors (SOI-FETs) based sensors provide the versatile platform for direct detection of biological species as excellent electrical signal converters. These devices have demonstrated applications for label-free, ultra-sensitive, and selective real-time detection of a wide range of biological species, including nucleic acids, proteins and viruses in either single-element or multiplexed formats [2-5]. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) and electro-hydrodynamic techniques are well known as the methods of selection and delivery of analytes to overcome limitations of diffusive transport to sensor elements without additional processing or labeling steps [6].The aim of this study was to investigate the features of the behavior of the viruses when they are indicated by SOI-FET sensors with DEF-control. For this, SOI-FET sensors with lateral DEP-electrodes and multichannel sensors, for comparison, were used. Top-down technology with using optical lithography was applied for sensor fabrication. Devices manufacturing details are described elsewhere [3]. As an analyte, we used nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPVs), coronavirus virus-like particles (CVP) and suspension of specific antibodies to the virus created in the Federal research center of Virology and biotechnology "Vector" of Rospotrebnadzor.The results showed that the sensors used in the study provide the subatomolar level of virus detection. DEP-concentration of viruses increase the response of the sensors by factors of 2 to 9 (compared to the response of sensors without DEP control) and allows the false positives can be eliminated. NPVs lose their mobility with prolonged exposure to an alternating field in the sub-MHz range. The DEP-concentration of CVP leads to the formation of crystal-like structures (Fig.1).This study was supported by grant no. 18-29-02091 of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. Sample preparation of biological materials was done within the framework of the State Task of Rospotrebnadzor.Referencies: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 23 April 2021 23 апреля 2021 г.https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19-23-april-2021.Patolsky F., Zheng G., Hayden O., Lakadamyali M., Zhuang X., Lieber C. M. Electrical detection of single viruses // Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2004, v. 101. p. 14017-14022.O. V. Naumova, V. M. Generalov, E. G. Zaitseva, A. V. Latyshev, A. L. Aseev, S. A. Pyankov, I. V. Kolosov, G. G. Ananko, A. P. Agafonov, E. V. Gavrilova, R. A. Maksyutov, and A. S. Safatov. Biosensors Based on Soi Nanowire Transistors for Biomedicine and Virusology. Russian Microelectronics, 2021, v. 50, N3, p. 137–145.Ivanov Y.D., Pleshakova T.O., Kozlov A.F., Malsagova K.A., Krohin N.V., Shumyantseva V.V., Shumov I.D., Popov V.P., Naumova O.V., Fomin B.I., Nasimov D.A., Aseev A.L., Archakov A.I. SOI nanowire for the high-sensitive detection of HBsAg and a-fetoprotein. Lab Chip. 2012, v. 12, p. 5104-5111.Dmitrienko E., Naumova O., Fomin B., Kupryushkin M., Volkova A., Amirkhanov N., Semenov D., Pyshnaya I., Pyshnyi D. Surface modification of SOI FET sensors for label-free and specific detection of short RNA analyte. Nanomedicine 2016, v. 11, N 16, p. 2073-2082.Lee S., Roh S.M., Lee E., Park Y., Lee B.C., Kwon Y., Kim H.J., Kim J. Applications of converged various forces for detection of biomolecules and novelty of dielectrophoretic force in the applications(Review). Sensors, 2020, v.20, p.3242. Fig.1 – Optical image of sensor with lateral DEP electrodes after CVP detection. In the left - CVP organized in crystal-like structures under DEP-concentration, in the right (green dots on dark field) - viruses with luminescent labels. S - source, D - drain. G1, G2 - lateral DEP electrodes. Figure 1

Novel Biomarkers of Hepatitis B Virus and Their Use in Chronic Hepatitis B Patient Management.

Even though an approved vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is available and widely used, over 257 million individuals worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who require monitoring of treatment response, viral activity, and disease progression to reduce their risk of HBV-related liver disease. There is currently a lack of predictive markers to guide clinical management and to allow treatment cessation with reduced risk of viral reactivation. Novel HBV biomarkers are in development in an effort to improve the management of people living with CHB, to predict disease outcomes of CHB, and further understand the natural history of HBV. This review focuses on novel HBV biomarkers and their use in the clinical setting, including the description of and methodology for quantification of serum HBV RNA, hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg), including ultrasensitive HBsAg detection, quantitative anti-hepatitis B core antigen (qAHBc), and detection of HBV nucleic acid-related antigen (HBV-NRAg). The utility of these biomarkers in treatment-naïve and treated CHB patients in several clinical situations is further discussed. Novel HBV biomarkers have been observed to provide critical clinical information and show promise for improving patient management and our understanding of the natural history of HBV.

English

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B infection is a serious global public health problem and one among the transfusion transmitted infections (TTI). The prevalence of hepatitis varies across the world. There are several risk factors for HBV infection. We wanted to find out the prevalence of HBV infection among the blood donors and its relevant risk factors. METHODS This is a descriptive study conducted among healthy, voluntary and replacement blood donors. A total of 2400 blood donors were selected for the study by systemic random sampling method. Blood samples from these donors were tested for detection of HBsAg through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to find out prevalence of infection. Various risk factors were compared among the blood donors for positive HBV infection. All statistical data were analysed using SPSS software version 16. RESULTS Total prevalence of HBV infection among the individuals of the study population was 0.45 %. When the risk factors for getting the HBV infection were analysed, unvaccinated blood donors gave a prevalence of 0.6 % (P value 0.001). Prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors with other risk factors were 0.63 % in first time donors (P value 0.04), 7.3 % in replacement blood donors (P value 0.01), 0.97 % in low socioeconomic status (0.03). Where as prevalence of infection among males was 0.49 % and females was 0.26 %. HBV infection among blood donors who were single was 0.34 % compared to married as 0.52 %. Hence the statistical analysis showed P value &gt; 0.05, gender and marital status of the blood donors in the study is not significant for getting HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors was markedly less compared to prevalence in south India which shows that donor selection criteria was satisfactory to screen the blood donors during donor selection itself. In the study HBV unvaccinated blood donors, first time donors, replacement donors, and donors from low socioeconomic status were found to be significant risk factor to get HBV infection. KEYWORDS Transfusion Transmitted Infection, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, HBsAg, Voluntary Blood Donors, Seroprevalence, HBV Vaccine

Efficient conjugation of anti-HBsAg antibody to modified core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2/NH2).

Introduction: Further development of magnetic-based detection techniques could be of significant use in increasing the sensitivity of detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The present work addresses the fabrication and characterization of a new bio-nano composite based on the immobilization of goat anti-HBsAg antibody on modified core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) by (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), named Fe3O4@SiO2/NH2, and magnetic NPs modified by chitosan (Fe3O4@CS). Methods: At the first step, Fe3O4 was modified with the silica and APTES (Fe3O4@SiO2/NH2) and chitosan (Fe3O4@CS) separately. The goat anti-HBsAg antibody was activated by two different protocols: Sodium periodate and EDC-NHS. Then the resulted composites were conjugated with activated goat anti-HBsAg IgG. An external magnet collected Bio-super magnetic NPs (BSMNPs) and the remained solution was analyzed by the Bradford method to check the amount of attached antibody to the surface of BSMNPs. Results: The findings indicated that activation of antibodies by sodium periodate method 15-17 µg antibody immobilized on 1 mg of super magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs). However, in the EDC-NHS method, 8-10 µg of antibody was conjugated with 1 mg of SMNPs. The resulting bio-magnetic NPs were applied for interaction with the HBsAg target using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). About 1 µg antigen attached to 1 mg SMNPs, which demonstrated that the fabricated materials are applicable in the detection scope of HBsAg. Conclusion: In the present study, we developed new antibody-conjugated magnetic NPs for the detection of HBsAg using an efficient conjugation strategy. The results demonstrated that the binding capacity of Fe3O4@SiO2/NH2 was comparable with commercially available products. Our designed method for conjugating anti-HBsAg antibody to a magnetic nanoparticle opens the way to produce a high capacity of magnetic NPs.

Surgical plume from tissue infected with human hepatitis B virus can contain viral substances

Introduction Evidence on the biological danger associated with surgical plume is lacking. We examined whether surgical plume, generated by the energy devices ultrasonically activated scalpel (US) or electrocautery (EC) contains virus-related substances. Material and methods Experiment 1, ex-vivo model: Tumor mass of a hepatocellular carcinoma line was prepared in a Nod/SCID mouse. Surgical plume generated on the mass by US or EC was collected and detection of HBs gene fragment and antigens (HBsAg or AFP) was conducted. Experiment 2, clinical specimen: Detection of HBV-DNA and HBsAg was conducted following the collection of surgical plume generated from clinically obtained liver specimens from six HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Results Experiment 1: HBs gene fragment was detected in the solutions regardless of the device used. HBsAg was detected in US and EC solutions and AFP was also detected in a US solution. Experiment 2: HBV-DNA was detected in both devices, in all three cases whose preoperative serum HBV-DNA was positive. In the other serum-negative cases, HBV-DNA was not detected. While serum HBsAg was positive in five of six cases, it was not detected in any solution. Conclusions DNA fragments or antigens of virus can exist in the surgical plume generated by EC or US.

Ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on core-shell Au@PtNPs functionalized rGO-TEPA/PB nanocomposite for HBsAg detection

In this study, a sensitive and quantitative label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on bimetallic [email protected] nanoparticles, Prussian blue (PB), and reduced graphene oxide-tetraethylene pentamine nanocomposite (rGO-TEPA) was constructed to achieve sensitive detection of HBsAg. A one-pot green method was used to synthesize interlocked rGO-TEPA/PB hybrid composites as high-performance materials with good conductivity. PB was the electron transfer mediator used to provide electrochemical signals. By utilizing rGO-TEPA as supporting material, the stability and intensity of PB were greatly improved. The incorporation of highly conductive [email protected] nanoparticles could further amplify the electrochemical signal, and the high adsorption capacity could provide an efficient substrate for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) immobilization. Under optimal conditions, the immunoassay had a wide linear range from 0.25 pg mL−1 to 400 ng mL−1 and a low detection limit of 0.08 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3). This method was also applied to the analysis of human serum samples, and the obtained results were on par with those of electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), suggesting significant potential for this new method in clinical research.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Hepatitis B Virus Screening via Rapid Immunoassay Chromatographic Test.

Introduction: In low-income and high hepatitis B and C virus burden countries like Pakistan, it is important to develop cheap yet efficient strategies in diagnosing as well as treating hepatitis. The aim of this study is to assess the sensitivity and specificity of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) via Rapid Immunoassay Chromatographic Test (RICT) for the screening of hepatitis B, compared to the gold standard laboratory-based method.Methods: The study was conducted in the Hepatology Clinic of Civil Hospital, Sukkur. All records of the clinic from June 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, were accessed for identification of the records in which hepatitis B screening via RICT and then confirmatory polymerase chair reaction (PCR) by gene amplification with forward and reverse primers was done.Results: There were 151 samples in this study. There were 32 (94.1%) true-positive and three (5.8%) false-negative samples. There were two (2.5%) false-positive and 114 (97.4%) true-negative samples. The sensitivity of HbsAg detection via RICT for the screening of 1-1B V was 91.43%, specificity was 98.28% and the accuracy was 96.69%, compared to PCR.Conclusion: The RICT method has high sensitivity and specificity. In low-income and high-hepatitis B virus-burden countries like Pakistan, it serves as a very efficient screening tool that is easy to use, cheaper in cost, and gives rapid and accurate results.

Magnitude and Associated Risk Factor of HBV Virus Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Care in Debre Tabor Referral Hospital; Northwest Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: Hepatitis is a contagious liver disease caused by Hepatitis B virus. When a pregnant mother infected, the Hepatitis B virus can stay in the body and Vertical transmit to baby and develop chronic liver disease. In regarding to this Neonatal immunization interrupts this vertical transmission and used to take preventive action. For that reason, this study was undertaken with the aim of determine the magnitude and predisposing factors of HBV infections among pregnant women. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted 333 pregnant women attending ANC from September 2020 to November 2020 at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital antenatal care clinic. Appropriate sample was collected; serum separated and tested with ELISA test for the detection of HBsAg. Fishers exact test was employed to see the association between variables as well as Logistic regression were applied to identify potential risk factors (P-value < 0.05) was considered as statistically significant. A total of 333 pregnant women within 100% response rate; were enrolled in this study and the magnitude of HBV infections found to be were (22.2%). among the potential risk factors multiple sexual behavior (AOR 3.096), 95% CI=1.469-6.525, <i>P-value</i>=0.003), shaving habit (AOR 3.375, 95% CI=1.511-7.538, <i>P-value</i>=0.003), a history of needle stick injury (AOR 4.080, 95% CI=2.041-8.156, <i>P-value</i>=0.000), history of common usage of Sharpe materials (AOR 8.229, 95% CI=3.991-16.967, <i>P-value</i>=0.000) and history of home delivery by traditional attendants were (AOR 1.557, 95% CI=0.621-3.899, <i>P-value</i>=0.000) were significantly associated with important predictors of hepatitis B infection. <i>For that reason</i> this study showed high endemicity of HBV infection among pregnant women. Multiple sexual practices, history of home delivery, needle stick injury, common usage of Sharpe materials and shaving habit were major factors for hepatitis B virus transmission. Thus, scaling up of screening pregnant women for HBV infection and provision of health education about risk factors and testing all pregnant mothers for hepatitis B virus should be a regular feature of the ANC service. Other community studies, as well as screening HBV antigen marker conducting, will play an important role in accurately determining the true spread of hepatitis B virus in the general population.