HBsAg Positive Rate Research Articles

High sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Temeke municipal health facilities, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a cross sectional study

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in pregnancy is associated with direct effect of pregnancy and potential viral transmission from mother to newborn. In Tanzania very little in known on prevalence of HBV infection and their associated factors among pregnant women in lower health facilities. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg, HIV and HBV-HIV co-infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Dar es Salaam.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted in three Temeke municipal health-care facilities between May 2014 and June 2014. A total of 249 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) were consecutively enrolled in the study. A data collection tool was used to extract socio-demographic characteristics from ANC card. Commercial ARCHITECT® ci4100™ was used to assess HBsAg status and liver function (Alanine amino-transferase (ALAT). HIV status was determined by anti-HIV antibody test.ResultsOf 249 pregnant women enrolled the median age was 25 years (IQR 22–30) and most of them were married (72.4%). The overall prevalence of HBsAg and HIV were 8.03% (95% CI: 5.0–12.1%) and 17.2% (95% CI: 12.8–22.5%), respectively. HBV/HIV co-infection rate was 2.8% (95% CI; 1.3–5.4%). HBsAg positive rate was significantly high in women who were HIV positive (p < 0.05). Being employed /student were less associated with HBV infection (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13–0.95). Only 3 (15%) of pregnant women with HBsAg positive had abnormal ALAT.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of HBV and HIV infections among pregnant women were reported in this setting thus calls for the national expansion of the integration of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services for HBV infection.

Hepatitis B and C seroprevalence in patients with diabetes mellitus and its relationship with microvascular complications.

IntroductionDiabetic patients are susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections because of various deficiencies in the immune system.AimTo investigate a possible link between hepatitis B/C prevalence and microvascular complications as well as duration of diabetes.Material and methodsIn total 1263 diabetic patients (1149 type 2, 114 type 1) were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 1482 healthy blood donors who were over 40 years old. All diabetic patients were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV beside routine laboratory tests. Diabetic patients were divided into three groups according to their diabetes duration, and all of the patients were scanned for microvascular complications. Demographic data of all patients were recorded.ResultsHBsAg seropositivity was 3.7% in diabetic patients and 1.08% in the control group; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). HBsAg positivity rates in type 1 and type 2 diabetics were 0.8% and 4%, respectively (p = 0.09). HCV seropositivity was 2.2% for diabetics and 0.5% for the control group; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Anti-HCV seropositivity in type 1 and type 2 diabetics was 1.75% and 2.26%, respectively. There was no relationship between diabetes duration and hepatitis B-C prevalence (p > 0.05). Also, no relationship was found between microvascular complications of diabetes and hepatitis B/C seropositivity.ConclusionsHepatitis B and C seroprevalence was found to be increased in diabetes mellitus; however, there was no relationship between hepatitis seroprevalence and the duration or microvascular complications of diabetes.

Status of seroepidemiology of hepatitis A, B and C in primary and middle school students in Shufu county, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China

Objective: To explore the status of seroepidemiology on hepatitis A, B and C in primary and middle school students in Shufu county, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China (Xinjiang) and to evaluate the effect of related immunization. Methods: Students in four towns and villages were selected by cluster random sampling method. HAV-IgG, HBsAg, HBsAb and HCV-IgG were detected in Feb to May, 2015. Results: The overall HAV-IgG positive rate was 99.75%, among 4 830 primary and middle school students. The positive rates were seen 99.92% in boys and 99.57% in girls, with difference statistically significant (χ2=5.798, P=0.016). The overall HBsAg positive rate appeared as 3.02%, with 3.55% for boys and 2.47% for girls, with difference statistically significant (χ2=4.782, P=0.029). The difference between age specific HBsAg positive rates also showed statistically significant (χ2=71.990,P=0.000). HBsAg positive rate in the students in rural area (3.28%) was higher than that in the students in urban area (1.61%, χ2=6.019, P=0.014). HBsAb positive rate was 38.84%, and the differences between the age specific HBsAb positive rates appeared statistically significant (χ2=837.699, P=0.000). HBsAg positive rate in students from the urban area (42.36%) was higher than those from the rural area (38.20%, χ2=4.598, P=0.032). 2 815 students, accounting for 58.28% of the total students, showed negative on both HBsAg and HBsAb. The overall HCV-IgG positive rate was 0.19%, and all appeared in students from the rural areas, with ethnicity solely as Uygur. Conclusions: The effect of hepatitis A vaccine was satisfactory in primary and middle school students in Shufu county but quiet a number of the students missed the vaccination. The infection rate of hepatitis C was low. Publicity and health education on hepatitis immunization and control should be revved up. Programs regarding primary and supplementary immunization on hepatitis, should be carried out timely for children of school age.

The Investigation of Hepatitis Virus Infection in Different Subtypes of B-Cell Non Hodgkin Lymphoma in China: High Infection of Both HBV and HCV in Splenic Marginal Lymphoma

Background: The hepatitis virus infection is considered as one of the important pathogens in the pathogenesis of lymphomas. But the divergence of hepatitis infection between aggressive and indolent B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL) has rare been investigated and dates for the subtypes of different lymphomas are limited too.Methods: 733 new diagnosed indolent B-NHL patients and 148 aggressive B-NHL patients from January 1994 to January 2014 at institute of Hematology&Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College were retrospectively investigated. The data of general population were from large scale of national epidemiological survey in China.Results: Compared with general population, the HCV positive rate was significantly higher in the whole B-NHL group and the indolent group (1.8% vs 0.4%, 1.9% vs 0.4% respectively, both p=0.000). While it had no significant difference in the aggressive group (1.35% vs 0.4%, p=0.068). The HCV-positive patients was similar in the indolent group and the aggressive one (1.9% vs 1.35%, P=0.639). In different indolent subtypes , the HCV-Ab positive rate of CLL WM SMZL HCL, NMZL group was significantly higher than the general population. The HBs-Ag positive rate in the whole B-NHL group and the aggressive group was 9.0% and 14.2% respectively, which was significantly higher than the general population (9.0% vs 7.2%, p=0.044; 14.2% vs 7.2%, p=0.001). While it had no significantly difference between the indolent group and the general population (7.9% vs 7.2%, p=0.548).However, in the indolent B-NHL subtypes, the SMZL group had the highest HBs-Ag positive rate, which was significantly higher than the general population (18.8% vs 7.2%,p=0.002).Conclusion: The hepatitis virus infection rate varied from different subtypes of lymphoma. In different indolent B-NHL subtypes, SMZL had the highest HBs-Ag and anti-HCV positive rate, which were significantly higher than the general population and other B-NHL. This result may suggest that the infection of hepatitis virus may play an etiologic role in SMZL. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Divergence Analysis of Hepatitis Virus Infection between Aggressive and Indolent B Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

To investigate the prevalence rate of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)between aggressive and indolent B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL), and to compare the different infection rate of Hepatifis Virus between the 2 groups. Integrated clinical information of 733 newly diagnosed indolent B-NHL patients and 148 aggressive B-NHL patients from January 1994 to January 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. The difference of hepatitis virus infection was compared between the 2 groups. The positive rate of HCV-Ab was 1.8% in 881 newly diagnosed B-NHL patients. The HCV prevalence was 1.9% and 1.35% in the indolent and aggressive B-NHL group respecitvely. Compared with general population, the HCV positive rate was significantly higher in the whole B-NHL group and the indolent group(1.8% vs 0.4%,1.9% vs 1.4%)(P<0.01), while it was not significantly different in the aggressive group (1.35% vs 0.4%)(P=0.068). The positive rate of HCV-Ab was not significantly different between the indolent and the aggressive group (1.9% vs 1.35%)(P=0.639). The HBs-Ag positive rate in the whole B-NHL group was 9.0%, which was significantly higher than that in the general population (9.0% vs 7.2%)(P<0.05). The positive rate of HBs-Ag in the indolent and aggressive B-NHL group was 7.9% and 14.2%, respectively. It was significantly higher in the aggressive group than that in the indolent one (14.2% vs 7.2%)(P<0.01). Compared with the general population, the aggressive group had significantly higher prevalence rate of HBV. However, it was not significantly different between the indolent group and the general population (7.9% vs 7.2%)(P>0.05).In the aggressive B-NHL group,the co-expression of HBs-Ag,HBe-Ag and anti-HBc-Ab was 4.4%, which was higher than that in the indolent one (4.7% vs 1.2%)(P<0.01). However, compared with the indolent group, the co-expression of HBs-Ag, anti-HBe-Ab and anti-HBc-Ab was not significantly different in the aggressive group (5.5% vs 6.1%)(P>0.05). The HCV is more relevant with indolent B-NHL, the HBV has more relevance with the aggressive patients.

A retrospective study on HBsAg clearance rate after antiviral therapy in children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B aged 1-7 years

Objective: To investigate the HBsAg clearance rate after antiviral therapy in children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) aged 1-7 years. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the HBsAg clearance rate in 293 children who were hospitalized in 302 Hospital of PLA from June 2006 to December 2013, met the inclusion criteria, received antiviral therapy, and were followed up for at least 6 months after the withdrawal of antiviral therapy. The t-test or the rank sum test was applied according to the distribution of continuous data, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data. Results: The HBsAg positive rate of children's mothers was 91.1%. In the age groups of >1-≤2 years, >2-≤3 years, >3-≤4 years, >4-≤5 years, >5-≤6 years, and >6-≤7 years, the HBsAg clearance rates were 66.1%, 65.5%, 45.7%, 41.3%, 20.6%, and 27.6%, respectively. There were significant differences in HBsAg clearance rate between the age groups of >1-≤3 years and >3-≤5 years, >1-≤3 years and >5-≤7 years, and >3-≤5 years and >5-≤7 years (P = 0.001, 0.000, and 0.008). Of all children, 64.8% were boys, among whom 41.1% achieved HBsAg clearance, and 35.2% were girls, among whom 61.2% achieved HBsAg clearance; there was a significant difference in HBsAg clearance rate between boys and girls (P = 0.001). The children with pretreatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of ≤80 IU/L, > 80 IU/L, ≤200 IU/L, and > 200 IU/L had HBsAg clearance rates of 40.7%, 51.2%, 47.6%, and 49.4%, respectively; there were no significant differences in HBsAg clearance rate between the ALT ≤80 IU/L and ALT > 80 IU/L groups and the ALT ≤200 IU/L and ALT > 200 IU/L groups (P = 0.101 and 0.778). There was no significant difference in HBsAg clearance rate between the pretreatment HBV DNA load < 1×107 IU/ml and ≥1×107 IU/ml groups (54.9% vs 46.7%, P = 0.286). Of all children, 14.2% had genotype B and an HBsAg clearance rate of 57.1%, and 85% had genotype C and an HBsAg clearance rate of 39.5%; there was no significant difference in HBsAg clearance rate between the genotype B group and the genotype C group (P = 0.051). Of all children, 90.4% underwent liver biopsy, among whom 10.9% had severe liver fibrosis (F≥3) and liver cirrhosis, as well as an HBsAg clearance rate of 31%; the non-severe liver fibrosis/liver cirrhosis group had an HBsAg clearance rate of 49.2%, and there was no significant difference in HBsAg clearance rate between these two groups (P = 0.065). There was no significant difference in HBsAg clearance rate between the liver inflammation grade (G) < 2 group and the G ≥ 2 group (39.5% vs 50.9%, P = 0.084). Of all children, 58.7% received interferon antiviral therapy alone and had an HBsAg clearance rate of 48.8%, and 41.3% received interferon alone for 6 months followed by lamivudine antiviral therapy and had an HBsAg clearance rate of 47.1%; there was no significant difference between these two groups (P = 0.770). Conclusion: In children with HBeAg-positive CHB aged 1-7 years who receive antiviral therapy, HBsAg clearance rate is correlated with age and sex, and the children aged < 5 years can achieve a higher HBsAg clearance rate.

The immunogenicity in healthy infants and efficiency to prevent mother to child transmission of Hepatitis B virus of a 10 μg recombinant yeast-derived Hepatitis B vaccine (Hep-KSC)

Background and AimsTo evaluate immunogenicity and efficacy of a 10μg recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived hepatitis B vaccine (Kangtai Biological Products Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, China) (Hep-KSC) in newborns. MethodsOverall 1197 infants born to mothers negative for HBV markers (NM group) and 534 born to HBsAg-positive mothers (PM Group) were enrolled. Infants in NM group were given 10μg Hep-KSC, 10μg Engerix-B or 5μg Hep-KSC and those in PM group received 10μg Hep-KSC or 10μg Engerix-B at 0, 1 and 6 months, with an additional 200IU HBIG at birth for the latter. ResultsFor NM Group, 10μg Hep-KSC paralleled 10μg Engerix-B but outperformed 5μg Hep-KSC regarding seroprotective rate (95.06% vs 94.83% vs 89.67%, p=0.0077) and anti-HBs geometric mean concentration (GMC) (798.87mIU/ml vs 790.16mIU/ml vs 242.04mIU/ml, p<0.0001) at 7 months. The proportion of infants with anti-HBs greater than 1000mIU/ml was higher in 10μg Hep-KSC than 5μg Hep-KSC group (45.77% vs 11.93%, p<0.0001) at 7 and 12 months. For PM Group, the HBsAg positivity rate in 10μg Hep-KSC and 10μg Engerix-B group was 1.60% and 4.27% at 7 months, respectively. In 10μg Hep-KSC group, 93.61% and 91.29% achieved seroprotection at 7 and 12 months, respectively, and correspondingly 90.24% and 86.96% in 10μg Engerix-B group. The anti-HBs GMC was comparable between 10μg Hep-KSC and 10μg Engerix-B group at 7 and 12 months (575.31mIU/ml vs 559.64mIU/ml; 265.79mIU/ml vs 264.48mIU/ml). Conclusions10μg Hep-KSC might be appropriate for neonatal immunization with good immunogenicity and efficacy, especially for infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.

Characteristics of HBV transmission in families with HBsAg-positive fathers and familial clustering of HBV infection

To investigate the characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission among family members in families with familial clustering of HBV infection and poor outcomes, as well as the prevalence and distribution characteristics of HBsAg in offspring with different parental HBsAg status. The general information of each member in families with poor outcomes were collected from 2007 to 2010, and serological test was performed to analyze the prevalence and distribution of HBsAg in family members. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to analyze and compare the sex of offspring and the prevalence of HBsAg in them in 266 nuclear families with different paternal and maternal HBsAg status. The positive rates of HBsAg in parents, siblings, children, and spouses of the probands were 20%, 88.2%, 76.8%, and 9.5%, respectively. The nuclear families with HBsAg-positive fathers and HBsAg-negative mothers had a significantly increased proportion of male offspring (male/female ratio = 2.02) compared with those with HBsAg-positive mothers and HBsAg-negative fathers (1.22) or those with HBsAg-negative fathers and mothers (0.96). In addition, in the nuclear families with HBsAg-positive fathers and HBsAg-negative mothers, the male offspring had a significantly higher HBsAg positive rate than female offspring (37.4% vs 13.8%), while in those with HBsAg-positive mothers and HBsAg-negative fathers or those with HBsAg-negative fathers and mothers, HBsAg positive rate showed no significant difference between male and female offspring. In families with familial clustering of HBV infection and poor outcomes, mother-to-child transmission is still the major route of HBV transmission, but father-to-child transmission also plays a role in HBV transmission in this special population. Positive HBsAg in fathers is associated with the increased proportion of male offspring, and father-to-son transmission of HBV is higher than father-to-daughter transmission.

Long-term efficacy of neonatal hepatitis B vaccination against chronic hepatitis B virus infection and chronic liver disease: a cross-sectional study based on Qidong Hepatitis B Intervention Study

To evaluate the long-term protection efficacy of neonatal hepatitis B vaccination on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in adults. From January to October, 2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted among the participants from Qidong Hepatitis B Intervention Study (QHBIS), who were selected through stratified random sampling. The detections of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBeAg, and anti-HBe were conducted and ultrasonography on liver, gallbladder and spleen was performed for them. The positive rates of each serologic markers, the prevalence of active CHB and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were calculated, the gender specific differences between vaccination group and control group were compared with Chi-square test. A total of 4 421 participants aged (25.59±1.84) years in vaccination group and 3 880 participants aged (26.61±2.24) years in control group were surveyed. The positive rates of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBeAg and anti-HBe were 2.38%, 37.73%, 3.78%, 0.57% and 2.15% in vaccination group, and 9.02%, 29.41%, 16.83%, 2.73% and 8.87% in control group, respectively, the differences between two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The prevalence of active CHB and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.45% and 0.16% in vaccination group, 1.29% and 0.39% in control group, the differences between two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The active CHB prevalence was lower in females than in males in both vaccination group and control group (P<0.05). The liver fibrosis and cirrhosis prevalence was lower in females than in males in control group (P<0.05); whereas, no statistical significant difference in liver fibrosis & cirrhosis prevalence between males and females was found in vaccination group (P>0.05). Protection conferred by neonatal hepatitis B vaccination could last to marrying age. The gender specific difference in protection efficacy needs further study.

Correlation of demographic profile with Australia antigen positivity rate in children presenting with jaundice

Background: Viral hepatitis is a global health problem and causes a great chunk of morbidity in the pediatric population. The pediatric age is important because the outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection depends inversely with the age of acquiring the infection and the immune status of the host. Humans are the only source of cases and carriers of HBV, so targeting our immunization policy more toward susceptible groups can help stop hepatitis B infection transmission to nil. India falls under intermediate zone of the World Health Organization according to the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in general population so as to tackle the enormous burden of about 50 million carriers. Objective: To throw light on the relation of demographic factors such as age, gender, diet, and religion of the children who were icteric with Australia antigen positivity rate and to observe whether gender or religious/cultural practice of a particular section of the population had a positive correlation with the susceptibility of getting more often infected in the pediatric age group. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in 100 children (up to the age of 12 years) presenting with jaundice in the pediatric OPD and emergency of Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India. They were divided into five groups (0–1, 2–4, 5–7, 8–10, and 11–12 years). Fifty healthy children were taken as controls. Result: Of the total 100 children presenting with jaundice, 69 were boys and 31 were girls. Total children in the age groups 0–1, 2–4, 5–7, 8–10, and 11–12 years were 8, 30, 25, 24, and 13, respectively. Boys had higher HBsAg positivity rate compared with girls from all age groups except the age group of 5–7 years. There were 51 subjects who were nonvegetarian and 49 subjects who were vegetarian and the HBsAg positivity in them was 12 (23.5%) and 8 (16.3%), respectively. There were 81 subjects who were Hindus and 19 who were Muslims with the positivity rate in them being 17.3% and 32%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study shows a high frequency of exposure to HBV infection in children, so this study shows the importance of universal immunization against HBV. It shows a different manner of frequency of HBV infection in our society as previous studies all reported urban/rural and general population versus tribal population differences.

PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS IN BLOOD DONORS AT DA NANG HOSPITAL C IN 2014

Objectives: Study on prevalence of hepatitis B virus in blood donors at Hospital C Danang to determine the percentage of HBsAg-positive in blood donors and identify some risk factors related to hepatitis B virus infection in blood donors. Material and methods: Samples of blood of donors were HBsAg testing by ELISA, the research conducted by descriptive cross-sectional design. The results and conclusions are as follows: Results: HBsAg positive rate was 10.6% (35/330), which accounted for 14.7% males and 7.5% females. HBsAg positive rate high percentage of first-time blood donor group (15.2%), very low proportion of repeat blood donor group (0.9%). Conclusion: HBsAg positive is according to the risk factors for hepatitis B virus transmission associated with surgery, acupuncture, tattooing, infusion, injection, dental treatment, skin sewing and manicure, not associated with history of blood transfusion and endoscopy. Key words: HBsAg, blood donors, HBV.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections and Benefits of Programs for Hepatitis Prevention in Northeastern China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B and C infections and the benefits of programs aimed at hepatitis prevention and control in Northeastern China. Individuals receiving health examinations were recruited to complete a questionnaire and undergo laboratory tests for hepatitis infection. Data on demographic characteristics, results of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serological tests, for HBV and HCV infection were analyzed. Among 227 808 study participants, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV-positive rates were 6.1% and 3.0%, respectively. Among HBsAg-positive participants, 63.8% tested positive for HBV DNA, 20.2% had an abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, and 10.7% had cirrhosis. Among anti-HCV-positive participants, 57.2% tested positive for HCV RNA, 29.6% had an abnormal ALT level, and 8.4% had cirrhosis. Among HBsAg- or anti-HCV-positive participants, 47.1% and 32.0%, respectively, were aware of their infection. Among participants infected with HBV or HCV and suitable for antivirus treatment, 23.5% and 16.1%, respectively, had received antivirus treatment. The HBV plus HCV coinfection rate was 0.08%. The HBsAg-positive rate decreased significantly after implementation of recently introduced HBV control programs in China. However, the anti-HCV-positive rate showed only a slight decrease, indicating that programs for the prevention and control of hepatitis viruses require continued strengthening. ChiCTR-ECS-13004009.

Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infection in undocumented migrants and refugees in southern Italy, January 2012 to June 2013.

Screening of undocumented migrants or refugees for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections has been offered free of charge and free from bureaucratic procedures since 2012 at four primary-level clinical centres in Naples and Caserta, Italy. Of 926 undocumented migrants and refugees visiting one of the primary-level clinical centres from January 2012 to June 2013, 882 (95%) were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and antibodies against HCV and HIV. Of the 882 individuals enrolled, 78 (9%) were HBsAg positive, 35 (4%) anti-HCV positive and 11 (1%) anti-HIV positive (single infections); seven (1%) had more than one infection (three were HBsAg positive). Of the 801 HBsAg-negative patients, 373 (47%) were anti-HBc positive. The HBsAg-positivity rate was high (14%; 62/444) in individuals from sub-Saharan Africa and intermediate in those from eastern Europe (6%; 12/198), northern Africa (2%; 2/80) and Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (the 'India-Pakistan area') (3%; 4/126). Anti-HCV was detected in 9/126 (7%) individuals originating from the India-Pakistan area, in 12/198 (6%) from eastern Europe, in 17/444 (4%) from sub-Saharan and in 2/80 (2%) from northern Africa. The HBV, HCV and HIV infections in the undocumented migrants and refugees screened serve as a reminder to the Italian healthcare authorities to carry out extensive screening and educational programmes for these populations.

A meta-analysis of HBsAg-positive rate among general Chinese populations aged 1–-59 years

Background: The third nationwide hepatitis B virus (HBV) sero-epidemiological survey conducted in China in 2006 showed a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive rate of 7.18% and the number of carriers to be 93 million. To compensate for the lack of data on the national prevalence of hepatitis B from 2006 onwards, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate HBsAg-positive rates among the general Chinese population aged 1–59 years. Methods: We systemically reviewed published studies (January 2007 to September 2013) from full-text databases such as VIP, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and PubMed and assessed HBsAg-positive rates using a random effects regression model with comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: After evaluation of the quality of the papers, 36 were finally included, with a total sample size of 314 103 individuals. The meta-analysis showed that the combined HBsAg-positive rate was 6.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.4–6.8%) among general Chinese populations aged 1–59, with a higher HBsAg-positive rate in males (6.6%; 95% CI, 5.7–7.7%) than in females (5.1%; 95% CI, 4.4–5.9%). Our data also showed a higher HBsAg-positive rate of 6.9% in mid-western China (95% CI, 5.2–9.1%) against 5.6% in eastern China (95% CI, 4.9–6.4%). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that the positive rates of HBsAg in China are reducing compared with previous 2006 sero-survey results, and China has changed from a high endemic area for HBV to an intermediate endemic area. However, owing to the large population, there remain an estimated 80 million HBsAg carriers in China. Thus, the prevention and control of hepatitis B represent a serious challenge, particularly in mid-western China.

The relationship between the KIF1B (rs17401966) single nucleotide polymorphism and the genetic susceptibility to Hepatocellular carcinoma

To study the relationship between SNP rs17401966 at the KIF1B gene and the genetic susceptibility to Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). All study objects were recruited from two Grade A hospitals of Amoy from January 2011 to October 2014.They were surveyed in individual matching case-control study. Accepting criterias in the cases: HCC was first diagnosed based on diagnostic basis during the investigations, over 18 years old, present addresses were as same as surveyed areas in the district (county) level range, no past history of cancers; Exclusion criterias: patients with other liver diseases. The tumor patients without HCC, patients with autoimmune hepatitis or toxic hepatitis, patients who refused to be investigated or too ill to be investigated. Accepting criterias in the controls: the control who passed the physical examination matched the case in ages (no more than 3 years old), sex, health screening in the same hospital over the same period and district (county); Exclusion criterias: people with liver disease or any history of cancers. This study consisted of 376 HCC patients and 403 controls, 5 ml morning fasting venous blood of all subjects were obtained to isolate cells and distribute genotype. The differences in general information between cases and controls were tested by χ² test and t-test. The association between SNP rs17401966 and the risk of developing HCC were assessed by using the multiple factors logistic regression. The mean age and standard deviation for case and control groups were (61.7 ± 12.8) years and (60.6 ± 12.7) years (t = 1.15, P = 0.251), respectively. The proportion of family history of cancer [28.7% (108/376)] and the HBsAg positive rate [26.9 % (101/376)] in case group were higher than these in control group [15.9% (64/403), 2.7% (11/403)] (χ² = 18.65, 92.02, P < 0.001). In HBsAg carriers, GG genotype genetic susceptibility to HCC is 0.12 (0.02-0.75) times for AA genotype, and G allele susceptibility to HCC is 0.38 (0.15-0.98) times for A allelc. In HBsAg negative group, it showed no statistical significance in the relationship between SNP rs17401966 and susceptibility to HCC, and compared with the A allele, the risk for HCC of G allele is 0.79 (0.62-1.01). The results demonstrated that the presence of the GG genotype, the GA genotype and the G allele at rs17401966 of the KIF1B gene might decrease the risk for HCC.

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus prevalences among first time blood donors in Istanbul, Turkey, 2004–2011

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the yearly change rates of the HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV test results and their positivity rates obtained from the 68,393 donors who applied and donated blood for the first time at the Blood Center of the hospital. Materials and MethodsUsing the ELISA method, screening tests were applied to the blood samples obtained from blood donors, and the HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV positivity rates were calculated at the end of year eight. However, HBsAg and anti-HCV positivities showed a decreased tendency of positivity in years. ResultsA total of 68,393 donations were received within eight years. Seroprevalences for anti-HIV, HBsAg and anti-HCV tests were, respectively 0.01%, 1.54% and 0.38%. HBsAg and anti-HCV positivities showed a decreased tendency of positivity in years.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis may be associated with hepatitis B virus infection: a preliminary finding

Objective:To assess the clinical significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).Methods:Twenty-two patients with CVST confirmed by magnetic resonance venography (MRV) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 743 controls with ischemic stroke confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Among all researches, HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive rate was high. Six of the 22 (27·3%) confirmed cases had HBsAg. However, HBsAg-positive rate in patients with ischemic stroke was only 45 of the 743 cases (6·1%), closed to the average prevalence in China (∼8·6%), but much lower than the positive rate in CVST patients (27·3 vs 6·1%, P = 0·002). Odd ratio (OR) value between HBsAg-positive CVST patients (27·3%) and HBsAg-positive ischemic stroke patients (6·1%) was 5·78. The OR value between HBsAg-positive CVST patients (27·3%) and average prevalence of HBV infection in China (8·6%) was nearly 3·99. It meant that HBV infection might be a risk factor for CVST. However, there existed no statistically significant difference in HBV surface antibody (HBsAb), HBV e antigen (HBeAg), HBV e antibody (HBeAb), and HBV central antibody (HBcAb)-positive rate. The HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive CVST patients did not show worse liver function. Most of them were inactive HBV carriers.Conclusion:Hepatitis B virus infection may be a risk factor for CVST.

Clinical observation of telbivudine's antiviral efficacy and protection against mother-to-infant transmission of chronic hepatitis B during the first trimester of pregnancy

To explore the antiviral efficacy, safety and protective ability against mother-to-infant transmission of telbivudine in pregnant patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during the first trimester. Eighty four gravid women who were diagnosed with CHB, in their first trimester of pregnancy, and had refused to terminate their pregnancies were enrolled; all study participants were clinically classified as active hepatitis cases with positivity for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBV DNA more than or equal to 107 copies/mL and serum level of alanine aminotarnsferase (ALT) of more than or equal to 4 ULN.Patients with YMDD mutations were excluded from the study. The study participants were divided into a telbivudine treatment group (n=43; administered in the first trimester of pregnancy) and a control group (n=41, consisting of patients who refused to take antivirals). All babies bom to the women in both groups of the study received standard immune prevention (anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin plus hepatitis B vaccine) and artificial feeding.Data recorded for the women during pregnancy included clinical findings for tests of hepatic and renal function, myocardial enzymes, blood and urine clinical parameters, hepatitis B virus makers and HBV DNA, as well as notation of any adverse reactions. The neonates were evaluated for presence of HBV infection, parameters of growth and development, presence of complications, and Apgar score. At 6 and 12 months old, all infants were evaluated for HBV DNA level and HBsAg presence. The genetic variant rtM204I was detected in one of the women in the treatment group at 36 weeks of pregnancy. One woman in the control group developed severe hepatitis at 28 weeks of pregnancy and was put on the telbivudine treatment The treatment group showed greater recovery rates of ALT than the control group at 12 weeks of pregnancy (62.8% vs.29.3%, P=0.002), 24 weeks of pregnancy (76.7% vs.46.3%, P=0.000), and at ante partum (88.1% vs.60.0%, P=0.004). The treatment group also showed greater HBV DNA-negative conversion rates at 12 weeks of pregnancy (20.9% vs.0, P=0.006), at 24 weeks of pregnancy (37.2% vs.0, P=0.001) and at ante partum (78.6% vs.0, P=0.000), and greater HBeAg seroconversion rates at 12 weeks of pregnancy (2.3% vs.0, P=1.000), at 24 weeks of pregnancy (9.3% vs.0, P=0.116) and at ante partum (2 1.4% vs.0, P=0.002). The HBsAg-positive rates and HBV DNA-positive rates among the infants born to the mothers in the treatment and control groups, respectively, were 2.4% vs.17.5% (P=0.027) at birth, 0 vs.17.5% (P=0.005)at 6 months old and 0 vs.17.5% (P=0.005) at 12 months old. The Apgar scores were not significantly different for the children born to the mothers from the two groups, and all the children showed parameters of growth development within normal limits. Telbivudine administration in the first trimester had a good antiviral curative effect and effectively blocked mother-to-infant transmission in women with CHB. The treatment was safe, causing no obvious adverse reaction in the gravid women or developmental effects on the infants.

HBsAg, Anti-Hepatitis C Virus and Anti-HIV Seroprevalence Among Patients Admitted to Our Hospital between 2005 and 2013

OZET Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infections constitute a major health problem in our country as is in the world. This study intended to determine the distribution of the seropositivity rates for HBsAg, antiHCV, and anti-HIV according to genders, age groups, and years in patients admitted to our hospital. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV test results in patients admitted to our hospital between June 2005 and December 2013. The tests were conducted using the methods of chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Architect i 1000, Abbott, USA), chemiluminescent immunoassay (Vitros ECI Q, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, USA, ADVIA Centaur BayerSiemens, Germany), and electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (Cobas 6000, Roche Diagnostic GmbH, Germany). Results: The seropositivity rates and the number of the samples studied were as follows: HBsAg was found in 3.379 out of 152608 patients (2.21%), anti-HCV in 877 out of 155.585 patients (0.56%) and anti-HIV in one out of 125.084 patients (0.0008%). Positivity rate distribution by gender was determined as 39.42% of females and 60.58% of males for HBsAg; 53.48% of females and 46.52% of males for anti-HCV. The only sample found to be positive in anti-HIV test belongs to a female patient. Conclusion: Our HBsAg positivity rate was relatively low whereas anti-HIV and anti-HCV results were found to be similar with the country statistical data. (Viral Hepatitis Journal 2014; 20(3): 125-130)

High prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care: a cross-sectional study in two hospitals in northern Uganda

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of the hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in two referral hospitals in northern...