HBsAg-negative Participants Research Articles

Seropositivity of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen among hepatitis B surface antigen-negative vaccinated individuals aged 5–12 years in North West Ethiopia

BackgroundInfection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a major global public health concern, especially in Ethiopia. Evidence suggests that some children in Ethiopia who have received hepatitis B vaccinations are still contracting HBV. ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to detect antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) among vaccinated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative individuals in North-West Ethiopia. Methods and materialsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 children aged 5–12 years from April 2021 to November 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. After 3–5 ml of venous blood was drawn from each study participant, a serum sample was utilized to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression with a 95 % CI was used to show the statistical association. ResultsThe total seropositivity of anti-HBc among vaccinated HBsAg-negative participants was 8/158 (5.1 %) (95 % CI: 2.0–9.0). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that children who had a previous history of blood transfusion were six times (AOR: 6.135, 95 % CI: 4.063, 10.752) (P < 0.006) more likely to develop anti-HBc. Moreover, children who had a previous history of surgery were five times (AOR: 5.116, 95 % CI: 3.123, 8.718) (P < 0.002) more likely to become anti-HBc seropositive. ConclusionThere was a significant seroprevalence of anti-HBc in our study area, suggesting possible exposure to the virus despite immunization.

First Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotype A5, and Characterization of Occult Infection and Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Related Mutations in Latin American and African Immigrants in Brazil.

This study aims to characterize the molecular profile of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) among socially vulnerable immigrants residing in Brazil to investigate the introduction of uncommon HBV strains into the country. Serum samples from 102 immigrants with positive serology for the HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) were tested for the presence of HBV DNA by PCR assays. Among these, 24 were also positive for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). The full or partial genome was sequenced to determine genotype by phylogenetic analysis. Participants were from Haiti (79.4%), Guinea-Bissau (11.8%), Venezuela (7.8%), and Colombia (1%). Of the 21 HBV DNA-positive samples, subgenotypes A1 (52.4%), A5 (28.6%), E (9.5%), F2 (4.8%), and F3 (4.8%) were identified. Among the 78 HBsAg-negative participants, four were positive for HBV DNA, resulting in an occult HBV infection rate of 5.1%. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that most strains were likely introduced to Brazil by migration. Importantly, 80% of A5 sequences had the A1762T/G1764A double mutation, linked to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development. In conclusion, this study is the first report of HBV subgenotype A5 in Brazil, shedding new light on the diversity of HBV strains circulating in the country. Understanding the genetic diversity of HBV in immigrant communities can lead to better prevention and control strategies, benefiting both immigrants and wider society.

Decentralised same day test and treatment of hepatitis C levering existing peer support networks among men who inject drugs: feasibility and effectiveness

BackgroundPrevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs in the state of Manipur, India, is 43%; however, access to care is poor. We piloted a Community-led and comprehensive hepatitis care model that included same-day HCV treatment at drug treatment centres.MethodsScreening was conducted through venipuncture samples collected by community peer PWID, using HCV antibody (HCV Ab) rapid screening and hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic tests. Reactive HCV Ab samples were tested for HCV RNA using near point-of-care Truenat® HCV on Truelab® Quattro. Eligible HCV RNA-positive participants were treated on the same day using direct-acting antivirals and followed for sustained virologic response (SVR). HBsAg-negative participants received rapid HBV vaccination regimen while those positive for HBsAg were tested for DNA and referred for treatment.ResultsBetween November 2021 and August 2022, 643 individuals were approached and 503 consented and were screened. All screened were males with history of injection drug use, and a median age of 27 years (IQR 23–32). Of the 241 (47.9%) HCV Ab reactive all underwent RNA testing and 156 (64.7%) were RNA detectable. Of those with viraemia, 155 (99.4%) were initiated on treatment with 153 (98.1%) on same day, with 2 (1.2%) HBsAg positive and waiting for HBV DNA results. Among those 153, median time from HCV Ab screening to treatment was 6 h 38 min (IQR 5 h 42 min–8 h 23 min). In total 155 (100%) completed HCV treatment, of those 148 (95.5%) completed SVR testing and 130 (87.8%) achieved SVR12. 27 (5%) participants were HBsAg-positive, 3 (11.1%) were also living with HCV viraemia; 443 (97.6%) were eligible for vaccination and 436 (98.4%) received all 3 vaccine doses.ConclusionCommunity-led hepatitis care incorporating same day “test and treat” for HCV was feasible and effective. HBV screening identified a large proportion who were unvaccinated. Peer support extended resulted in ensuring compliance to care and treatment cascade and completing all the three doses of HBV vaccination. As the screening, diagnostics infrastructure and vaccine are available in most countries with national viral hepatitis programs also in place, our model can be adapted or replicated to progress towards global elimination targets.

Overt and occult hepatitis B virus infection detected among chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic in Ghana and chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis are a high-risk group for HBV infection. We determined the prevalence of overt and occult HBV infection among haemodialysis patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. 104 consenting End Stage Renal Disease patients on long-term haemodialysis were recruited for the study and their socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory information were obtained using structured questionnaire. All the participants were tested for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The HBsAg-negative participants were re-tested for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) and HBV DNA using chemiluminescence and Roche COBAS Ampli-Prep/TaqMan analyser and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Eight (7.7%) of the total participants were positive for HBsAg. Among the 96 HBsAg-negative participants, 12.5% (12) were HBcAb-positive, 7.3% (7) had detectable HBV DNA (mean = 98.7±53.5 IU/mL) and 40.6% (39) were positive for HBsAb. Five out of the 7 HBV DNA-positive participants were males and only one participant was negative for HBcAb. Seventy-three out of the 96 HBsAg-negative participants were vaccinated and 37 of these vaccinated individuals had significant HBsAb titres (mean = 423.21± 380.72 IU/mL). Our data demonstrated that the prevalence of overt and occult HBV infection among the haemodialysis (HD) patients was 7.7% and 7.3%, respectively, and only 50.7% of those who showed proof of vaccination were protected from HBV infection.

Higher risk of mortality in HIV-HBV co-infected patients from sub-Saharan Africa is observed at lower CD4+ cell counts.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals increases the risk of overall mortality, especially when HBV DNA levels are high. The role of CD4+ cell counts in this association is poorly defined. We aimed to determine whether HIV-HBV co-infection influences changes in CD4+ cell count before and during antiretroviral therapy and whether it affects mortality risk at levels of CD4+. 2052 HIV-positive participants from Côte d'Ivoire in a randomized-control trial assessing early or deferred ART were included. HBV-status was determined by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Changes in CD4+ cell levels were estimated using a mixed-effect linear model. The incidence rates of all-cause mortality were estimated at CD4+ counts ≤350, 351-500, >500/mm3 and were compared between HBV-status groups as incidence rate ratios (IRR). At baseline, 190 (9%) were HBsAg-positive [135 (71%) with HBV DNA <2000IU/mL, 55 (29%) ≥2000IU/mL]. Follow-up was a median 58months (IQR = 40-69). Between co-infection groups, there were no differences in CD4+ decline before ART initiation and no differences in CD4+ increase after ART initiation. After adjusting for sex, age, baseline HIV RNA level, and early/deferred ART arm, mortality rates were not significantly different between HBsAg-positive versus HBsAg-negative participants across strata of CD4+ levels. However, HBsAg-positive individuals with HBV-DNA ≥2000IU/mL versus HBsAg-negative individuals had increased mortality rates at ≤350/mm3 (adjusted-IRR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.11-9.70) and 351-500/mm3 (adjusted-IRR = 4.37, 95% CI = 0.98-13.02), but not >500/mm3 (adjusted-IRR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.01-4.91). Despite no effect of HBV-infection on CD4+ levels, HIV-HBV co-infected individuals with high HBV replication are at higher risk of mortality when CD4+ is <500/mm3.

Depressive symptoms and risk of liver-related mortality in individuals with hepatitis B virus infection: a cohort study

The impact of depression on the risk of liver-related mortality in individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear. We examined the association between depression, HBV infection, and liver-related mortality. A total of 342,998 Korean adults who underwent health examinations were followed for up to 7.8 years. Depressive symptoms were defined as a Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression score ≥ 16. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 1,836,508 person-years of follow-up, 74 liver-related deaths and 54 liver cancer deaths were identified (liver-related mortality rate of 4.0 per 105 person-years and liver cancer mortality rate of 2.9 per 105 person-years). Subjects with depressive symptoms had an increased risk of liver-related mortality with a corresponding multivariable aHR of 2.00 (95% CI 1.10–3.63) compared to those without depressive symptoms. This association was more evident in HBsAg-positive participants with a corresponding multivariable aHR of 4.22 (95% CI 1.81–9.88) than HBsAg-negative participants (P for interaction by HBsAg positivity = 0.036). A similar pattern was observed in relation to liver cancer mortality. In this large cohort, depressive symptoms were associated with an increased risk of liver-related mortality, with a stronger association in HBsAg-positive individuals.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Coastal Area of Tianjin, China

Aim: The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence in coastal area of Tianjin, China was investigated. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 12,074 participants aged from 1 month to 98 years old were enrolled (the number of participants were 136, 431, 1648, 1718, 1957, 2184, 2069, 1370 and 561 in age groups 0–10, 11–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, 71–80 and greater than 80, respectively). Hepatitis B serological markers were detected. Results: The results showed that HBsAg prevalence was 5.52% (666/12,074). For children and teenagers the HBsAg positivity was 0–1.39%. Whereas for the middle-aged population, the HBsAg positivity was relatively high (6.74–8.58%). In the elderly (greater than 60 years old), HBsAg prevalence was 1.43–3.24%. The anti-hepatitis B core antibody-positive proportion was 43.09% (5230/12,074). Hepatitis B surface antibody seroprevalence was 49.83% (5685/11,408) in HBsAg-negative participants. Conclusion: HBsAg prevalence was at intermediate endemicity in this region. Management of HBsAg-positive patients and strategies for the expansion of an immune population were suggested.

2303. Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Risk of Herpes Zoster: A Cohort Study

BackgroundNo cohort studies have evaluated the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the risk of herpes zoster. We investigated the association of HBV infection with the development of herpes zoster.MethodsWe performed a cohort study of 224,691 non-cirrhotic adult men and women free of herpes zoster at baseline who underwent serologic testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and were followed annually or biennially for a median of 4.2 years. Incident cases of herpes zoster were ascertained using the Korean Health Insurance and Review Agency (HIRA) database. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident herpes zoster according to HBsAg seropositivity status.ResultsDuring 830,073.4 person-years of follow-up, 11,061 cases of incident herpes zoster were identified. HBsAg seropositivity was inversely associated with the development of herpes zoster. After adjustment for possible confounders, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for herpes zoster comparing HBsAg-positive to HBsAg-negative participants was 0.83 (0.75–0.93).ConclusionIn a large cohort of Korean adults, HBsAg seropositivity was associated with lower risk of herpes zoster, suggesting that HBV seems to inhibit the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Analysis Of Risk Factors For Nonalcoholic Fatty-Liver Disease In Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Case-Control Study.

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Although NAFLD has been studied extensively, potential risk factors for NAFLD among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and their comparison with healthy individuals have remained understudied in Iran. As such, we examined the association between HBV infection and the development of NAFLD in two groups.MethodsA case–control study was done on 376 CHB patients and 447 healthy subjects randomly selected from Birjand, South Khorasan province, Iran. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for incidence of NAFLD. Potential risk factors for NAFLD were evaluated while adjusting for age, sex, marital status, and educational level. Also, χ2 was used to compare demographic characteristics between the two groups.ResultsA total of 373 CHB patients (mean age 40.1±12.9 years) versus 447 individuals in the control group (mean age 39.8±13.9 years) were included in this study (p=0.337). Liver characteristics were found to be significantly different in CHB and healthy groups (p<0.05). According to the results obtained from logistic regression, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for NAFLD incidence of comparing HBsAg-positive to HBsAg-negative participants was 0.62 (0.45–0.84).ConclusionThe results suggested that HBsAg seropositivity was associated with lower risk of developing NAFLD. This study also revealed that mild cases of fatty liver in carriers of hepatitis B are more common than in healthy subjects. However, moderate and severe cases of this condition are more common in healthy people than in hepatitis B carriers.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and total and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study of 0.5 million people

ObjectivesChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with a higher risk of liver diseases. Substantial uncertainty remains, however, about the associations of HBV infection with mortality from extrahepatic causes,...

A Territorywide Prevalence Study on Blood-Borne and Enteric Viral Hepatitis in Hong Kong.

Viral hepatitis epidemiological data are important for the World Health Organization plan of eliminating viral hepatitis. We aimed to document the prevalence of viral hepatitis A to E in Hong Kong. This community-based study was open to all Hong Kong Chinese citizens aged ≥18 years. Baseline data and risk factors were collected. Hepatitis A-E serology was measured, including hepatitis B e antigen, antibodies to hepatitis B e antigen, antibodies to hepatitis D, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive participants, and antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in HBsAg-negative participants. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and genotypes were determined in anti-HCV-positive participants. A total of 10 256 participants were recruited from February 2015 to July 2016. Overall HBsAg seroprevalence was 7.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.3%-8.3%), which was reduced significantly with HBV vaccination (odds ratio, 0.15 [95% CI, .11-.21]). Among HBsAg-negative participants, anti-HBc seroprevalence increased from 5.4% (<26 years) to 60.1% (>65 years). No hepatitis D virus (HDV) cases were detected. Anti-HCV positivity was 0.5% (95% CI, .3%-.6%). Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) and hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) was 65.2% (95% CI, 64.2%-66.1%) and 33.3% (95% CI, 32.4%-34.2%), respectively, and were influenced by age, family income, and being born in mainland China. HBV seroprevalence remained high despite universal vaccination. High anti-HBc seroprevalence underlines the potential issue of HBV reactivation during profound immunosuppression. HCV and HDV remained uncommon. Anti-HAV seroprevalence had decreased whereas anti-HEV seroprevalence had risen.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and risk of dyslipidaemia: A cohort study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been associated with a decreased prevalence of dyslipidaemia in cross-sectional studies, but cohort studies are limited. We investigated the longitudinal effects of chronic HBV infection on the development of dyslipidaemia. We performed a cohort study of 62287 non-cirrhotic adult men and women free of dyslipidaemia who underwent serologic testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and were followed annually or biennially for an average of 4.46years. A parametric proportional hazard model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident dyslipidaemia according to HBsAg seropositivity status. We identified 12331 incident cases of hypercholesterolaemia during 278004.4 person-years of follow-up (incident rate 44.4 per 1000 person-years). In models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, year of screening exam, smoking status, alcohol intake, regular exercise and education level, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident hypercholesterolaemia, high LDL cholesterolaemia; hypertriglyceridaemia, high non-HDL cholesterolaemia and low HDL cholesterolaemia comparing HBsAg-positive to HBsAg-negative participants was 0.71 (0.64-0.79), 0.83 (0.78-0.89), 0.61 (0.54-0.70), 0.69 (0.63-0.75) and 1.10 (0.98-1.24), respectively. An inverse association between HBsAg positivity and incident high apolipoprotein B were also identified, with a corresponding a hazard ratio of 0.63 (0.55-0.72). In a large cohort of apparently healthy Korean adults, HBsAg seropositivity was associated with lower risk of development of dyslipidaemia, suggesting a role of HBV infection in lipid metabolism.

Mass screening for liver cancer: results from a demonstration screening project in Zhongshan City, China

Current Chinese national guidelines recommend routine screening for liver cancer in patients positive for HBsAg, irrespective of fibrosis status, age, or family history of liver cancer. We aim to evaluate whether the recommended screening strategy could reduce liver-cancer-specific mortality. We conducted a liver cancer mass screening trial in Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan City, China, among residents aged 35–64 years in 2012. All volunteers were offered serological testing for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). We proposed biannual screening using serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and ultrasonography examination for subjects positive for HBsAg. Among 17,966 participants (26.2% of 68,510 eligible residents) who were free of liver cancer at baseline in 2012, we identified 57 incident cases of liver cancer within the first 4 years of follow-up (i.e., 43 among 2,848 HBsAg-positive participants and 14 among 15,118 HBsAg-negative participants), compared with 104 cases identified in non-participants (N = 50,544). A total of 207 participants had the recommended number of ultrasonography examinations (every 6 months) during the screening period. Compared with cases identified from non-participants, the cases arising among participants were more likely to be at early stage and had better survival than those among non-participants. However, we did not observe a reduction in liver cancer-specific mortality rate among participants (relative risk = 1.04, 95% confidence interval = 0.68, 1.58, P = 0.856). Our demonstration screening study does not show a reduction in liver cancer mortality within the first 4 years of follow-up according to current guidance in China, although long-term efficacy remains to be evaluated. Targeted surveillance among high-risk individuals as recommended by international guidelines, along with measures to improve compliance, should be evaluated in the Chinese population.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and risk of chronic kidney disease: a population-based prospective cohort study of 0.5 million Chinese adults

BackgroundExisting evidence remains inconclusive as to the association between chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We prospectively examined the association between chronic HBV infection and CKD risk, and the joint associations of HBV infection with established risk factors of several lifestyle factors and prevalent diseases on CKD risk.MethodsParticipants from the China Kadoorie Biobank were enrolled during 2004–2008 and followed up until 31 December 2015. After excluding participants with previously diagnosed CKD, cancer, heart disease, and stroke at baseline, the present study included 469,459 participants. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was qualitatively tested at baseline. Incident CKD cases were identified mainly through the health insurance system and disease and death registries.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 9.1 years (4.2 million person-years), we documented 4555 incident cases of CKD. Cox regression yielded multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared with HBsAg-negative participants, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for CKD was 1.37 (1.18, 1.60) for HBsAg-positive participants. The association was stronger in men (HR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.20) than in women (HR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.36). HBsAg-positive participants, with or without hepatitis or cirrhosis, whether or not under treatment, all showed increased risk of developing CKD. We observed positive additive interactions of HBsAg positivity with smoking, physical inactivity, or diabetes on CKD risk. Compared with HBsAg-negative participants who were nonsmokers, more physically active, or did not have diabetes at baseline, the greatest CKD risk for HBsAg-positive participants was for those who were smokers (HR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.44, 2.38), physically inactive (HR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.52, 2.40), or diabetic (HR = 6.11; 95% CI: 4.47, 8.36).ConclusionsIn countries with a high endemicity of HBV infection, kidney damage associated with chronic HBV infection should be a non-negligible concern. Our findings also highlight the importance of health advice on quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, improving glucose control, and early screening for CKD in people with chronic HBV infection.

Hepatitis B virus infection and decreased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A cohort study.

In this large cohort of apparently healthy Korean adults, HBsAg seropositivity was associated with lower risk of developing NAFLD, indicating a possible effect of HBV infection on the pathogenesis of NAFLD development. (Hepatology 2017;65:828-835).

P11.21 Characterising the epidemiology of active hepatitis b virus infection among high-risk men who have sex with men and transgender women in lima, peru

Introduction Hepatitis B (HBV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease, which is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite differing epidemiology, HBV infection shares routes of transmission with HIV infection. Therefore we explored factors associated with those infections among high-risk populations in Peru. Methods Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen (TW) recruited from two STI clinics completed a behavioural survey on alcohol use and sexual risk-taking in the last 3 months and received HIV testing. An AUDIT score ≥17 determined the presence of a severe alcohol use disorder. Active hepatitis B infection was determined by detection of HBsAg using EIA UMELISA and HBsAg confirmatory testing (Tecnosuma, Cuba). Self-collected rectal swabs were used to diagnose gonorrhoea/chlamydia by NAAT. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression. Results Among 310 MSM and 89 TW (median age 30 years, IQR: 18–58), 5% (20/399) had active HBV infection. Of the 20 participants with active HBV infection, 50% were HIV co-infected which was significantly more than the HIV prevalence among HBsAg negatives (30%, p-value = 0.053). Rates of recent condomless anal intercourse were similar by HBV infection status (68% among those with active infection vs. 74% among HBsAg negatives p = 0.557). Rectal STI prevalence was 40% among participants with active HBV infection vs. 20% among HBsAg negative participants. (p-value = 0.034). In multivariable regression active HBV infection was associated with severe alcohol use disorders (aPR = 2.54, p-value = 0.008) and HIV diagnosis (aPR = 2.56, p-value = 0.009). Conclusions In the context of South America’s low carrier rate, the prevalence of active HBV infection among this Peruvian sample is high. Our findings emphasise the importance of revising national HBV screening and vaccination guidelines to include HIV-infected individuals and heavy drinkers since both conditions may accelerate liver disease. Educational campaigns to encourage transmission prevention are also needed since condomless anal intercourse was common in this cohort. Disclosure of interest statement This data for this abstract was obtained from an NIH-funded study (1R01AI099727). Hepatitis tests were donated however the donating company did not contribute to the conception of this study or participate in the analysis/interpretation of the data in this abstract.

Family history of liver cancer increases the risk of liver cancer incidence: a 20-year prospective cohort study in Qidong, China

To evaluate whether first-degree family history of liver cancer plays a role in liver cancer incidence by prospective evaluation of a patient cohort in Qidong, China over a 20-year period. In May 1992, 708 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers and 730 HBsAg-negadve controls from Qidong city were enrolled for participation in a prospective cohort study ending in November 2012.Follow-up was carried out every 6 to 12 months, and evaluations included serum assays to measure concentrations of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), HBsAg and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as abdominal ultrasound to assess liver disease.The relationship between baseline (study entry) information of patients with first-degree family history of liver cancer and liver cancer incidence during the two decades of study was statistically assessed. There were 172 newly diagnosed liver cancer cases in the cohort during 25 753 person-years (py) of follow-up, representing an incidence of 667.88/100 000 py.The incidence rates of liver cancer among participants with or without liver cancer family history were 1 244.36/100 000 py and 509.70/100 000 py respectively, and the between-group difference reached the threshold for statistical significance (P less than 0.01, Relative Risk (RR):2.44, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.80-3.31).The incidence rates of liver cancer among participants who had a sibling with liver cancer and participants who had a parent with liver cancer were not significantly different (P > 0.05), but the liver cancer incidence among participants who had a mother with liver cancer was significantly higher than that of participants who had a father with liver cancer (P < 0.05, RR:1.86, 95% CI:1.03-3.36). Among the participants with liver cancer family history, 56.52% (39/69) were diagnosed before 50 years old, and this rate was significantly higher than that of participants without a family history of liver cancer (40.78%, 42/103, P less than 0.05).The incidence rate of liver cancer among the participants who were family history-positive and HBsAg-positive was significantly higher than that of participants who were family history-negative but HBsAg-positive (P < 0.01, RR:1.75, 95% CI:1.29-2.38), and was 59.59 times higher than for participants who were family history-negative and HBsAgnegative.Subgroup analysis of liver cancer incidence among participants who were family history-positive but HBsAg-negative and participants who were family history-negative and HBsAg-negative produced anRR of 2.60, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two subgroups (P > 0.05).At the study's end, the incidence rates of liver cancer for the different subgroups were 32.21% for the family history-positive and HBsAgpositive participants, 19.80% for the family history-negative and HBsAg-positive participants, 1.71% for the family history-positive and HBsAg-negative participants, and 0.65% for the family history-negative and HBsAg-negative participants. First-degree family history of liver cancer is a risk factor of liver cancer in Chinese patients from Qidong, and exhibits synergism with HBsAg-positivity for incidence of liver cancer.

Prevalence and seroincidence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in high risk people who inject drugs in china and Thailand.

We determined the prevalence and incidence of HBV and HCV infection in people who inject drugs (PWIDs) at high risk for HIV in China and Thailand and determined the association of HBV and HCV incidence with urine opiate test results and with short-term versus long-term buprenorphine-naloxone (B-N) treatment use in a randomized clinical trial (HPTN 058). 13.8% of 1049 PWIDs in China and 13.9% of 201 PWIDs in Thailand were HBsAg positive at baseline. Among HBsAg negative participants, the HBsAg incidence rate was 2.7/100 person years in China and 0/100 person years in Thailand. 81.9% of 1049 PWIDs in China and 59.7% of 201 in Thailand were HCV antibody positive at baseline. The HCV confirmed seroincidence rate among HCV antibody negative PWIDs was 22/100 person years in China and 4.6/100 person years in Thailand. Incident HBsAg was not significantly different in the short-term versus long-term B-N arm in China or Thailand. Participants with positive opiate results in at least 75% of their urines during the time period were at increased risk of incident HBsAg (HR = 5.22; 95% CI, 1.08 to 25.22; P = 0.04) in China, but not incident HCV conversion in China or Thailand.