Prevalence Of HBsAg Research Articles

OPTI-HEP-D: a protocol for an intervention study comprising screening and linkage to care of people living with hepatitis D in Catalonia

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) affects 296 million people globally, causing 780 000 annual deaths. It has been estimated that 12–43 million individuals are co-infected with hepatitis D virus (HDV). In...

Prevalence of Torque Teno Virus, Hepatitis and Cytomegalovirus Infection in Iranian Patients With Different Types of leukemia

Background and Objectives: Torque teno virus (TTV) infection can be seen in different types of leukemia and may affect clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of TTV, hepatitis B and C virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Iranian patients with different types of leukemia. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 95 patients with different types of leukemia participated. The molecular prevalence of TTV infection was evaluated using the semi-nested PCR method. The prevalence of HBs-Ag and HCV-Ab viruses was measured by the ELISA method. Also, the prevalence of active CMV infection was investigated by the semi-quantitative antigenemia test. The data analysis was done in SPSS software version 12 using logistic regression analysis, chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test. Results: The TTV infection was found in 40 out of 95 patients (42.1%). The presence of HBs-Ag was reported in 27 out of 95 patients (28.4%). HCV-Ab was found in 18 out of 69 patients (26.1%), and active CMV infection was found in 11 out of 69 (15.9%). Among 40 leukemia patients with TTV infection, 15 (37.5%) had hepatitis B, 14 (35%) had hepatitis C, and 7 (17.5%) had CMV infection. Conclusion: The high prevalence of single or comorbid TTV infection among Iranian patients with leukemia emphasizes the importance of this virus in causing or aggravating the clinical complications observed in these patients.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus among clinically suspected cases of viral hepatitis visiting Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in countries with limited resources. The two hepatotropic viruses have common mode of transmission. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the main causes of Cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. To determine the Seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies among clinically suspected cases of viral hepatitis visiting Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. The study included serology registration logbook data from all patients who visited the hospital and were tested using a rapid test kit between September 1st, 2017 to August 30, 2021. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Bivariate analysis was computed and a multivariable analysis was conducted to provide an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. In this study, a total of 883(883 for HBV and 366 for HCV) study participants were included. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 124/883(14%) and 73/366 (19.9%), respectively. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among males from the total HBV and HCV screened was 70/410 (17.1%) and 53/366(14.4%) respectively. In this study, being female (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.03–2.27, p = 0.003) and age group of 31–40 years (AOR 2.85; 95% CI 1.56, 5.17, p = 0.001) were statistically significant factors to HBV infection. Similarly, being female (AOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.10–3.53, p = 0.02), age group of 21–30 years (AOR 2.71; 95% CI 1.15, 6.40, p = 0.02) and age group greater than 40 years (AOR 3.13; 95% CI 1.31, 7.44, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with HCV infection. In our study, high seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection was detected among clinically suspected patients. Females and the age groups between 31 and 40 were more affected. Community awareness of the prevention and transmission of viral hepatitis infection should be strengthened through herd immunization and health education. The prospective study should be conducted in this area.

Prevalence of hepatitis and HIV infection among 18-months old children in Guinea-Bissau before vaccination.

This study reports on the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in children in Guinea-Bissau before the hepatitis B vaccine was introduced. Cross-sectional study. From 2005 to 2008, 187 children aged 18 months were enrolled in a vaccine trial and had blood samples taken to test for HBV (HbsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV. HBsAg prevalence was 11.2% and prevalence of any HBV serological marker was 16.0%. No children were positive for HCV. One was positive for HIV-1. The prevalence of HBsAg was high compared to other sub-Saharan African countries pre-immunisation, underscoring the importance of broad and sustained HBV vaccination. This study indicates that the majority of HBV transmission is horizontal during childhood in Guinea-Bissau.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Guhala Primary Hospital, Northwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections are global issues that disproportionately affect developing countries. Pregnancy-related HBV and HCV infections are associated with a high risk of vertical transmission and complications for the mother as well as the newborn. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Guhala Primary Hospital, Northwestern Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based retrospective study was conducted from July to September 2022 on HBV and HCV registered books from September 1, 2017, to August 30, 2019, for a year. The presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV in serum was detected using the One Step Cassette Style HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody test kit. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software.ResultsIn this study, a total of 2252 participants for HBsAg and 538 participants for ant-HCV rapid tests of records in the laboratory logbook were included. The mean age of the study participants was 25.6years (± 5.8SD). The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV was 6.0% (134/2252) and 2.4% (13/538), respectively. There were 0.4% (2/538) coinfection results between HBV and HCV among pregnant women.Conclusion and recommendationIn this study, intermediate seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection was detected among pregnant women attending antenatal care. The Hepatitis B virus was predominantly higher among pregnant women aged between 25 and 34 years. To manage and stop the potential vertical transmission of these viral agents during the early stages of pregnancy, routine prenatal testing for HBV and HCV infections should be taken into consideration.

High Hepatitis B Prevalence and Vaccination Needs Among Transgender Women and Men Sex Workers in Barcelona, Spain.

Transgender women sex workers (TWSWs) and men sex workers (MSWs) are especially vulnerable to acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We aimed to describe HBV prevalence (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and core antibody [HBcAb]) and associated risk factors for HBV exposure (HBcAb), to assess vaccination status and risk factors for no prior vaccination, and to compare HBV prevalence and vaccination status between TWSWs and MSWs. The SexCohort study was advertised to TWSWs and MSWs through several communication channels. At cohort entry through 2 community-based organizations in Barcelona, the study population was screened for HBV and other sexually transmitted infections, and an epidemiological questionnaire was administered (n = 271). Overall, 93.0% of participants were migrants, mostly from South and Central American countries. HBsAg prevalence was 1.9% (TWSWs, 2.4%; vs MSWs, 0.9%; P = .42), and previous exposure to HBV was 31.8% (TWSWs, 38.5%; vs MSWs, 20.8%; P = .002). Over 5 years of sex work (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 9.35), prior exposure to Treponema pallidum (aOR, 3.49), and treatment with anxiolytic drugs (aOR, 3.23) were associated with HBV exposure. Overall, 33.7% of participants exhibited immunity from vaccination (TWSWs, 30.8%; vs MSWs, 38.61%; P < .001), while 34.4% were candidates to HBV vaccination (TWSWs, 30.8%; vs MSWs, 40.6%; P < .001). Never having been on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (odds ratio [OR], 4.23) and non-Spanish origin (OR, 5.00) were associated with no prior HBV vaccination. There is a need to reinforce screening and vaccination programs aimed at TWSWs and MSWs as integrated services offered at the community centers commonly accessed by these populations.

Seroprevalence of Dengue and Hepatitis B infections among young adults attending a secondary health care facility at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B and Dengue virus infections carry significant public health implications due to their potential to cause illness and death. This study focused on examining the prevalence of these infections among young adults seeking care at a secondary health facility at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Ninety samples obtained from study participants underwent screening using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for both HBsAg and Dengue IgM. The participants, predominantly female, were aged between 15 and 30 years. The analysis revealed a 13.3% prevalence of Dengue IgM, a 4.5% prevalence of HBsAg, and a 4.4% prevalence for both infections. Regarding age distribution, the highest prevalence occurred among participants aged 15-20 years for both single infections and the co-occurrence of Hepatitis B and Dengue viral infections. Examining gender distribution, female participants exhibited higher seropositivity across all infection categories. Although not statistically significant, these findings lay the groundwork for a comprehensive surveillance study on the Hepatitis B and Dengue viral infections in young adults. This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence patterns of Hepatitis B and Dengue virus, offering a basis for further research and public health interventions in this population.

Hepatitis B Knowledge, Risk Perception, Behavioral Skills, and Infection Burden among Students and Staff at Victoria University, Kampala, Uganda

Background: The global efforts concertedly endorsed towards eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health challenge necessitate the provision of adequate and pertinent information related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectivity, which will help in tackling the lingering chronicity of HBV infection in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the burden of HBV infection and the underlying predictors of HBV infection risk among students and staff of Victoria University, Uganda. Methods: We captured data from 164 conveniently selected participants. Surface antigen for HBV (HBsAg) was detected using rapid tests. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, and chi- square tests were performed to ascertain the study hypotheses at a cut-off of (p&lt;0.05). Results: The respondents’ mean age was 24.25 ± 25.64 years. Relatively half (56.1%) were males. Students (85.4%) were predominant. Regarding the burden of hepatitis B virus infection, HBsAg prevalence was 4.3%, observed among unmarried, first-year students, and residents of Central Uganda. Students’ year of study (χ2 = 10.323, p =&lt;0.035) was significantly associated with HBsAg status. Furthermore, the respondents obtained mean scores of 3.45±4.10, 3.71±4.44, and 10.90±11.80 for knowledge, risk perception, and behavioral skills, respectively. Similarly, inadequate HBV-specific knowledge (F = 13.85, p&lt;0.001), low risk perception (F = 13.22, p&lt;0.001), and bad behavioral skills (F = 64.05, p&lt;0.001) all predicted the risk of HBV infection. Conclusion: The findings affirm the lingering high endemicity of HBV infection in Uganda and imply an immediate need for targeted university-based hepatitis-B-related education and relevant vaccination policies such as mass vaccination in academic institutions to prevent HBV infection effectively in Uganda.

Seroprevalence and molecular characterization of viral hepatitis and HIV co-infection in the Central African Republic.

The Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of viral hepatitis infection in the world. Coinfection with HIV increases the morbidity and mortality beyond that of mono-infection with either hepatitis or HIV. The present study describes the geographic distribution of viral hepatitis infections and molecular characterization of these viruses in the CAR. Out of 12,599 persons enrolled during the fourth Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of 2010 in the CAR, 10,621 Dried Blood Spot (DBS) samples were obtained and stored at -20°C. Of these DBS, 4,317 samples were randomly selected to represent all regions of the CAR. Serological tests for hepatitis B, D, and C viruses were performed using the ELISA technique. Molecular characterization was performed to identify strains. Of the 4,317 samples included, 53.2% were from men and 46.8% from women. The HBsAg prevalence among participants was 12.9% and that HBc-Ab was 19.7%. The overall prevalence of HCV was 0.6%. Co-infection of HIV/HBV was 1.1% and that of HBV/HDV was 16.6%. A total of 77 HBV, 6 HIV, and 6 HDV strains were successfully sequenced, with 72 HBV (93.5%) strains belonging to genotype E and 5 (6.5%) strains belonging to genotype D. The 6 HDV strains all belonged to clade 1, while 4 recombinants subtype were identified among the 6 strains of HIV. Our study found a high prevalence of HBV, HBV/HDV and HBV/HIV co-infection, but a low prevalence of HCV. CAR remains an area of high HBV endemicity. This study's data and analyses would be useful for establishing an integrated viral hepatitis and HIV surveillance program in the CAR.

IJCM_298A: Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Hepatitis B among Medical Students

Background: Hepatitis B is a major public health problem. India is in the intermediate HBV endemicity zone (HBsAg prevalence among the general population ranges from 2% to 8%) with 50 million cases which makes it the second largest global pool of chronic HBV infection. Health workers, especially physicians and medical students are always in direct contact with patients and are vulnerable to acquire Hepatitis B infection. Present study aims to evaluate Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards Hepatitis B infection and vaccination among medical students. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of medical students regarding Hepatitis B infection and vaccination. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Government Medical College. Junior resident and medical undergraduates were involved to assess their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) about Hepatitis B infection and vaccination using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Out of 317 participants 44.4% were males and 55.6% were females. 97.2% medical students have heard about the Hep B infection. 97.8% respondents indicated that they were aware of availability of a vaccine for hepatitis B. 54.6% (173) of total participants had received the Hepatitis B vaccination, of which only 142(82.08%) had received 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccination. Conclusion: More than 50% of the surveyed participants have been vaccinated indicates a positive trend in immunization. Further efforts are needed to ensure complete vaccination especially in high-risk medical professionals.

Towards elimination of chronic viral hepatitis in French Polynesia: results from a national population-based survey

In French Polynesia, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection appears as a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which detection rate in the Austral archipelago is among the highest in the world. Through a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of the adult population, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence of HBV, but also hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). A total of 1942 blood samples from participants aged 18-69 years were tested for anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HBsAg, anti-HCV IgG, and HDV RNA. Complete genome sequencing of detected HBV strains was performed. Among participants, 315/1834, 582/1834, 33/1834, 0/1857, and 0/33 tested positive for anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HBsAg, anti-HCV IgG, and HDV RNA, respectively. The population prevalence of HBsAg was estimated at 1.0% (95% CI: 0.6-1.7). All HBsAg carriers were born in French Polynesia before vaccination at birth became mandatory. In multivariate analyses, identified factors associated with HBsAg carriage included: the archipelago of residence (p<0.0001), age (p<0.0001), and education level (p=0.0077). HBV genotypes B, C, and F were detected. French Polynesia has a low endemicity level of HBV and its population may be considered at low risk for HCV and HDV infection. However, prevalence of HBsAg was found concerning in Austral (3.8%; 95% CI: 1.9-7.5) and Marquesas (6.5%; 95% CI: 3.8-11) archipelagoes. In the Austral archipelago, the presence of genotype C may account for the elevated rate of HCC. Our findings warrant more efforts to improve access to detection, prevention and care to people born before the systematic vaccination policy application, and residing in higher-risk areas, to achieve HBV elimination in French Polynesia. Research Delegation of French Polynesia.

P264 The utility of ANCA in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two chronic idiopathic inflammatory diseases: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). The diagnosis of IBD depends on clinical, endoscopic, histological, radiological and biochemical criteria, which may be invasive, time consuming and usually not accepted by patients with IBD. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) is believed to be related to IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate these serological markers and the evidence for their use in the diagnosis and management of IBD in Taiwan. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in adult IBD patients who had received the serum examinations using the medical records of China Medical University Hospital between 1 January 1980 and 31 October. 2023. Results A total of 301 IBD patients (194 with UC, 107 with CD) were included in this current study. A high proportion were male (IBD 70.41%; UC 65.63%, and CD 76.71%). The mean diagnostic age of these enrolled patients was 42.9 years. In our patients, the prevalence of positive anti-HCV Ab is 0.0% in UC patients and 0.96% in CD patients. However, the prevalence of positive HBsAg was 14.5% in UC patients and 9.4% in CD patients. The prevalence of pANCA was 21.2% in UC patients and 1.4% in CD patients, respectively. The prevalence of cANCA was 3.1% in UC patients and 0.0% in CD patients. This pattern of low sensitivity and high specificity for pANCA is also seen in UC patients in various cohort studies. The serum positivity of p-ANCA was significantly higher in UC patients (Figure 1). UC patients with positive p-ANCA were older than CD patients with positive p-ANCA (44.9 vs. 37.3 years). Furthermore, we found that the incidence of positive p-ANCA in UC patients with E1, E2, and E3 at diagnosis was 3.5%, 39.2%, and 57.1%, respectively (Table 1). The serum levels of ANCA-IgG were indeed higher in patients in the severe group than those in the moderate and mild groups. Conclusion Serological biomarkers have been demonstrated to be a series of rapid, non-invasive approaches for assessments of early diagnosis, disease activity and prognosis for IBD. ANCA may be helpful in the early diagnosis of UC and in differentiating it from CD. UC patients with positive ANCA have a higher rate of intestinal mucosal vasculitis than UC patients with negative ANCA. Furthermore, ANCA may also contributes to the pathogenesis of HBV-related systemic vasculitis. Therefore, the management of HBV-related vasculitis includes control the immune complex formation and reaction as well as antiviral agents to reduce the antigenic load resulting in reduction of inflammation. Moreover, effective biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity need to be investigated in the future.

Comprehensive approach to controlling chronic hepatitis B in China.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was highly endemic in China, where the prevalence of HBsAg was 9.7% in 1992. Comprehensive strategies, including universal infant hepatitis B vaccination with emphasis on timely birth-dose and 3-dose coverage, dramatically reduced the mother-to-infant transmission and early childhood acquisition of HBV, resulting in estimated HBsAg prevalence rates of 5.6% and 0.1% in the general population and among children aged <5 years in 2022, respectively. Clinical guidelines on the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B have been periodically updated based on emerging evidence from clinical research. The continuously improved reimbursement policy and the massively reduced price of antiviral drugs through government negotiation and central procurement have increased treatment accessibility and affordability. However, due to the low rates of diagnosis and treatment, China still faces a large challenge in achieving the 2030 goal of lowering HBV-related mortality by 65%. A public health approach involving concerted efforts from the government, medical community, industry, and society as a whole would be necessary to increase the uptake of HBV tests and treatment to achieve the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

Hepatitis B virus serology in first-degree relatives and spouses of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at a Nigerian hospital

Abstract Background: The link between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been well established. There is a dearth of scientific data on the important phenomenon of familial clustering of these diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the prevalence and risk of HBV infection in first-degree relatives and spouses of patients with HCC. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted in a Nigerian hospital. A total of 211 first-degree relatives and spouses of confirmed 110 patients with HCC and 212 matched controls were consecutively recruited. All participants were screened for the HBV serological markers using the Aria lateral immunoassay kits. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio while bivariate analysis was used to calculate χ2. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg was higher in the first-degree relatives and spouses of patients with HCC than in the controls (17.1% versus 3.3%, P &lt; 0.001, odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6–13.7). Among the relatives, the prevalence of HBsAg positivity was highest in the parents and siblings of HCC patients compared with the children and spouses (P &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, the relatives of female index patients had a higher prevalence of HBV than the relatives of the male HCC patients (75.0% versus 27.0%, p = 0.012). Significant risks for HBV infection included lower vaccination rate, low educational status and tattoo acquisition (p = 0.006, 0.010 and 0.023 respectively). Conclusion: This study provides important local-based population data (perhaps the first of its kind) supporting the scientific postulation of familial clustering of HBV infection and HCC. It also underscores the importance of targeting first-degree relatives and spouses of patients with HCC for HBV screening to reduce the infection and its sequelae.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen, associated risk factors, and liver enzyme abnormalities among individuals with diabetes in Aksum town public hospitals, Tigray, northern Ethiopia.

hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver; it is a major threat to public health and is more prevalent worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with increasing mortality and burden of disease particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study intended to assess the prevalence of HBsAg, associated risk factors, and liver enzyme abnormalities among individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Aksum town public hospitals, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 359 randomly selected individuals with diabetes mellitus in public hospitals of Aksum town from February 10 to May 10, 2021. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and analysis was made using the statistical software SPSS version 21 for Windows. Bivariate and multivariate Logistic regression model was applied to show association between the dependent and independent variables; P <0.05 and 95% confidence interval was considered for statistical significance. in this study, 359 individuals with DM were included with a mean age (mean ± SD) of 46.44 ±16.58 years. The percentage of female participants was 44.3% (159/359). The prevalence of HBsAg among individuals with diabetes mellitus in Aksum town public hospitals was 12.8% (95% CI:8.9-17.0%). The associated risk factors were being employed [AOR:13.38, 95% CI 2.79-64.11; p<0.05], having history of multiple sexual partner [AOR:3.49, 95% CI 1.33-9.12; p<0.05], having history of body incision or piercing [AOR:3.80, 95% CI 1.12-12.90; p<0.05], liver enzyme abnormalities [AOR:6.90, 95% CI 2.17-21.94; p<0.005], and being single and widowed in marital status [AOR:4.42, 95% CI1.62-12.07; p<0.05]. based on the HBsAg positivity, the prevalence of HBV among individuals with diabetes mellitus in this study area was high, as compared to the national findings. Therefore, integrated efforts should be made at the community and health facility level to raise awareness of the associated risk factors, and reduce the spread of HBV; targeted screening of HBV among people with diabetes is also important to minimize liver abnormalities.

An epidemiological study on hepatitis C and hepatitis B infections among hemodialysis patients in the Sistan region

Objective. Hepatitis is a systemic viral infection that mainly affects the liver. Transmission of hepatitis C virus through dialysis units is increasing worldwide, ranging from 5% in Western countries to 70% in some developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) infections among hemodialysis (HD) patients in the Sistan region. Patients and methods. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 130 hemodialysis patients in the hemodialysis ward of the Sistan region were studied by census method. Sample information including name, sex, mortality rate, surgery, renal transplantation, underlying disease, and duration of dialysis was collected through a questionnaire. Blood samples were taken for hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibodies (Anti HCVAb) and analyzed by third-generation ELISA. Repeated positive ELISA test results of HCV, were evaluated by PCR test method. Results. Among 125 dialysis patients ranging from the age of 15 to 84 years, 15 patients (11/1%) were HBSAg positive, and 6 patients (4.4%) were HCVAb positive. All patients underwent dialysis for a minimum of two and a maximum of three sessions per week. In the year 2021, the mortality rate among dialysis patients was five. Сonclusion. The results of this study indicate the low prevalence and mortality rate of HBSAg and HCVAb among HD patients. However, the duration of dialysis can be a potential risk factor for the transmission of infectious viruses in dialysis centers. Key words: epidemiology, hemodialysis, HBV infection, HCV

Spread of Hepatitis A and B among Inmates of Correctional Centers: A cause for concern

Correctional centers have populations with higher rates of blood borne infections, including hepatitis B Virus, due to the concentration of impoverished and vulnerable groups of people at increased risk in these settings, such as people who inject drugs and people who exchange sex for drugs or money. Many people who are incarcerated also have risk factors for hepatitis A virus infection mainly due to the environment of closed penal institutions and socioeconomic conditions. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate HAV and HBV virus status among inmates of a correctional center in Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria.. Method A total of one hundred inmates with the mean age of 35 years participated in the study. their serum samples were tested for HAV and HBsAg antibody using one step Anti-HAV and Anti-HBV test strips. Results The prevalence of HAV infection among the inmates was found to be 1.00% and 10.0% for HBV. Male prison inmates had seroprevalence of 1.14% for HAV while all the females that participated in the study were non-reactive for hepatitis A virus (0.00% prevalence). The result also showed highest prevalence of 14.28% among inmates aged 40 years and above while the lowest prevalence was observed among those aged below 20years with 4.54% prevalence for HBsAg and highest prevalence was recorded between 20 to 40 years of age for hepatitis A with a prevalence of 1.56%. There was a statistically significant association (p&lt;0.05) between duration of stay in prison, equipment sharing, sexual exposure, multiple partners and Hepatitis B virus infection. Alcoholism was also found to associate significantly with both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B virus infection. Conclusion 10.0% prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and 1.0% Hepatitis A virus that were observed among correctional center inmates studied are high and course for concern. Attitude and behaviors by inmates such as tattooing/scarification, injection drugs use, sharing of shaving equipment, multiple sexual partners and alcohol consumption should be discouraged. There is need to promote advocacy programs especially as regards avoiding practices that enhances hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus infection and transmission.

Investigation of the Prevalence of HBsAg, Anti-HCV, and Anti-HIV in a Prison in Turkey: A Point Prevalence Study

Investigation of the Prevalence of HBsAg, Anti-HCV, and Anti-HIV in a Prison in Turkey: A Point Prevalence Study

Introduction of the Hepatitis B Vaccine-Birth Dose: Methods of Improving Rates in a Milieu of Vaccine Hesitancy.

The hepatitis B virus is a public health threat, chronically infecting over 240 million persons worldwide. The hepatitis B vaccine is 90% effective in preventing perinatal transmission if the first dose is given within the first 24 h of life, followed by a minimum of two subsequent doses. Antigua and Barbuda instituted a hospital-based birth dose vaccination policy in October 2021. Data were extracted from hospital logbooks from November 2021 to October 2022, and a database was created. Frequency distributions of the hepatitis B birth dose, barriers to administration, and maternal and healthcare system factors were analyzed. The positive maternal HBsAg prevalence rate was 0.6%. The timely and total birth dose coverage was 72% and 81%, respectively. In total, 10.5% of parents refused the vaccine, of which 76% either felt uncomfortable or preferred to wait. Moreover, 100% of hepatitis B-exposed babies were vaccinated, with 83% of them receiving the Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin. Barriers to vaccine administration included vaccination hesitancy, gaps in knowledge of medical staff, and the inconsistent vaccination supply. Instituting a quality improvement team, health information system, robust educational efforts, and addressing barriers will make achieving the WHO programmatic targets of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B by 2030 possible.

Seroconversion and Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Vaccinated Health Care Workers in Ashanti Region, Ghana.

Health care workers (HCWs) constantly stand at a high risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus because of the nature of their work. Hence, it is mandatory for HCWs to undergo hepatitis B vaccination. However, most HCWs in Ghana do not check their HBsAb titre after completion of their primary vaccination. This study assessed the prevalence of HBsAg and the seroconversion rate among vaccinated health care workers in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. A semistructured open-ended questionnaire was pretested and administered to 424 HCWs. Two (2) ml of blood was drawn and qualitative analyses (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb) were done on the blood samples. Samples that tested positive to HBsAb were quantified using ELISA. Data obtained were analysed using GraphPad Prism 9. Out of the 424 study participants, 271 (63.9%) were females and 153 (36.1%) were males. Seroconversion (≥1 mIU/mL) and seroprotection (≥10 mIU/mL) through vaccination only among study participants were 67.5% (n/N = 286/424) and 58.0% (n/N = 246/424), respectively. Prevalence of hepatitis B viral infection was 2.4% (n/N = 10/424). Anti-HBc seropositivity was 13.2%, and anti-HBs seronegativity was 24.1%. 2.4% (n/N = 10/424) of study participants were negative to HBsAg but positive to HBcAb. In addition, 8.5% (n/N = 36/424) of the study participants were seroprotected due to exposure and recovery from previous HBV infection. Age, the number of doses received, taking a booster dose, and keeping a vaccination record card were significant factors influencing seroconversion status. This study reaffirms the need for HCWs to undergo a supervised primary hepatitis B vaccination course. Postvaccination serological testing should be done for all HWCs to confirm immunity and reduce their chances of contracting HBV infection.