HBsAg Test Research Articles

Hepatitis Delta Coinfection Rates and All-Cause Mortality Among Hepatitis B-Infected Veterans in the USA.

Screening for hepatitis D virus (HDV) is recommended for all individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Coinfected individuals experience more severe liver-related outcomes. We determined the HDV testing and coinfection rates and all-cause mortality among those infected with HBV. We used the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system's national databases to identify individuals with HBV infection. We determined the proportion of individuals referred to gastroenterologists/hepatologists, or infectious diseases providers, and the proportion screened and tested positive for HDV. We calculated the HBV treatment rates, defined as ≥ 3 months of continuous prescription with an approved drug. Finally, we calculated all-cause mortality stratified by HDV coinfection and HBV treatment status. Among 44,951 individuals with at least one positive HBsAg, HBeAg or HBV DNA test, 5964 (13.3%) were screened for HDV (180 [3.0%] tested positive), and 28,291 (62.9%) were referred to gastroenterology/hepatology or infectious diseases. Treatment for HBV was prescribed for 73 (40.5%) of HDV-coinfected and 2425 (41.9%) HDV-uninfected individuals. All-cause mortality rate per 100 person-years was lower among those without HDV coinfection (2.98 for untreated HBV, 2.53 for treated HBV; p < 0.001) compared with those with HDV coinfection (5.14 for untreated HBV, 3.0 for treated HBV; p = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated a significantly higher mortality among HDV-coinfected individuals who were not treated for HBV (log-rank p < 0.0001). Screening rates for HDV among HBV-infected individuals are suboptimal. While HDV coinfection is associated with higher all-cause mortality, HBV treatment may confer a survival benefit.

B-036 Systematic Evaluation of Antibody-Antigen Interactions for Suitability in Immunoassays Using Parallel Microarray ELISA

Abstract Background A critical step in immunoassay development is the selection of the appropriate capture and detection antibodies. The use of suboptimal antibodies can drastically affect the quality of the final assay. Traditional selection methods involve a direct testing of potential antibodies in the final assay setting; a time-consuming and material-intensive exercise that is often too complex to test all possibilities. Alternatives, such as abstract K-on/K-off determinations via SPR or BLI can be costly and often show limited translatability to the ultimate assay format. Here, we describe a novel systematic approach to rapidly screen antibody-antigen interactions for key assay specifications and test for translatability of the findings. Methods Nanoliter volumes of potential capture antibodies were spotted onto the bottom of ELISA wells, generating a microarray of antibodies in each well (&amp;gt;11,000 spots per plate). For the analysis of capture antibody-antigen interactions, a titration series of biotinylated analyte in negative sample matrix was applied. Binding was visualized using strep-polyHRP, precipitating TMB and high resolution scanning of each ELISA well. Antibody pair performance was investigated using unlabeled analyte and biotinylated detection antibody options. Sensitivity, specificity, dynamic range, binding speed, binding strength and matrix compatibility were investigated using time courses, concentration ranges, dilutions, interferent spikes and pH/salt/detergent challenges. Signals were quantified to calculate and statistically compare each possible interaction. Results Antibody-antigen interactions were investigated via parallel microarray ELISA for two example immunoassays: the HBsAg and cTnI test. For both analytes, a panel of antibodies was screened revealing antibodies with diverse characteristics. Striking differences were observed depending on the sample matrix composition. Without optimization, antibodies could be identified showing dynamic assay ranges of 3-4 log orders. Time course experiments revealed high-affinity antibodies suitable for rapid diagnostic tests. For HBsAg, levels down to 0.01 IU/mL (∼40 pg/mL) could be reproducibly detected, which is well below the minimal requirement of 0.13 IU/mL. Reactivity against multiple virus serotypes could be confirmed. Interestingly, for the cTnI test, a strong synergistic effect was observed when specific monoclonal antibodies were combined in the capture mix, resulting in a 6-fold sensitivity enhancement compared to their separate performances. Finally, we show that the results obtained with the parallel microarray ELISA approach are highly translatable to the final assay format, ranging from bead-based dry-chemistry assays to chemiluminescent immunoassays. Conclusions The parallel microarray ELISA evaluation presents a robust and reliable method for identifying the best antibodies for an immunoassay. It allows for a systematic and quantitative screen of numerous antibody options within 1-2 weeks under real immunoassay conditions with minimal antibody amounts. This method has shown to be highly translatable and is customizable to accommodate required assay specifications.

PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG HIV PATIENTS INBENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, NIGERIA

Hepatitis B infection seriously threatens global public health, especially in developing nations. Despite severalefforts on ascertaining the true prevalence of HBV, it tenaciously varies across different locations and subpopulations, particularly among those at risk of infection such as the HIV-infected population. This study aimed atdetermining the sero-prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infection in Benue South Senatorial District, Nigeria. This crosssectional study was conducted in four anti-retroviral therapy (ART) specialized clinics between May 1, andSeptember 2023 using pretested questionnaires, after obtained ethical approval and informed consent.Bloodsamples of participants were screened using HBsAg testing kitsand the results were interpreted according to themanufacturer’s instructions. The screening for HIV-HBV co-infection showed a sero-prevalence of 25/457 (5.47%).The distribution based on clinic location was 12(48%) GH Otukpo, 8(32%) GH Oju, 2(8%) GH Ugbokpo and3(12%) SMH Okpoga. The distribution also revealed that most cases were in the age group 40-49 and the femalegender.The prevalence showed that only 3/25 (12.0%) reported a history of sexually transmitted diseases other thanHIV while 2/25 (8.0%) had a history of multiple sex partners. Most co-infected cases 23/25(92.0%) had no historyof same-sex relationships and 23/25(92.0%) had recent history of unprotected sex. In Nigeria, hepatitis B infectionremains a significant public health problem. Notable preventive strategies include abstinence from sex, avoidanceof multiple sex partners, strict adherence to safe sex, and avoiding contact with infected body fluids. Otherstrategies such as averting mother-to-infant hepatitis B transmission, scale-up of screening programs and extensivevaccination programs are eminently recommended in the course of HBV control.

Effect of leech therapy in dermatophytosis: A randomized standard controlled trial

Background and purposeIn Unani medicine leech therapy is used as analgesic and resolvent purposes. The saliva of leech contains various biological substances like Hirudin, hyaluronidase, vasodilators, anesthetics, antibacterial, fibrinases, collagenase etc. To compare the efficacy of Leech therapy with local antifungal clotrimazole (1 %) cream in dermatophytosis on long term basis. Material and methodsA randomized, standard controlled, open labeled, clinical study was conducted on 40 patients of dermatophytosis, aged 18–60 years, and were randomly assigned into two groups; 20 patients in test group and 20 in control group. Patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed through KOH examination. Complete haemogram, bleeding and clotting times, random blood sugar, HIV I & II, and HBsAg tests were carried out before starting the therapy, while haemogram was repeated after completion of treatment too. In test group, five sittings of leech therapy were applied, with intervals of one week. The control group was given clotrimazole (1 %) cream for topical application twice daily, continuously for a period of 28 days. Post-treatment follow-ups were done on 35th day in person, and then over the phone on 45th, 60th, and 90th days. Data were collected using Signs and Symptoms Severity Score for study, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After completion of trial, appropriate tests were applied for statistical analysis of data. ResultsThe study shows, in most of the parameters, statically significant therapeutic effect in both the groups (p<0.001). No patients of either group reported any adverse event throughout the trial. Conclusionit appeared that leech therapy can contribute significantly in treating dermatophytosis (Qūbā) without any adverse effect, and with prolonged efficacy compared to standard treatment.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C, hepatitis B, hiv and syphilis among blood donors at a tertiary care hospital in Mogadishu-Somalia in 2020–2022: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe safety of blood donation requires screening for transfusion-transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in blood donors of Mogadishu Tertiary Care Hospital, Somalia from 2020 to 2022.MethodsThe records of 109,385 blood donors who attended our blood center in Mogadishu-Somalia between 2020 and 2022 were examined retrospectively. Serum samples of donors; HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and syphilisscreening tests were studied using the microparticleEnzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA)(Vitros, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, U.S) method.The distribution of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and syphilis positivity rates of 109,385 blood donors according to years, gender and age were examined. Kolmogorov Smirnov, Skewness, Kurtosis tests and histogram were used for normality analysis. Chi-squared test (χ2) and Fisher Exact test were used to analyze categorical data. Categorical variables were expressed as frequency (percentage). Analysis of continuous data was performed with the Mann Whitney U test. P < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant.ResultsHBsAg positivity was found in 0.6% of the donors, anti-HCV positivity in 0.01%, anti-HIV positivity in 0.03% and syphilispositivity in 0.3%. The results showed that among the blood donors, the prevalence of syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis Cwas notably low.ConclusionThe prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis among blood donors in Somalia was found to be quite low. Even if our found seroprevalence rates are low, to guarantee the safety of blood for recipients, strict selection of blood donors and thorough screening of donors’ blood using accepted procedures are strongly advised.

High accuracy model for HBsAg loss based on longitudinal trajectories of serum qHBsAg throughout long-term antiviral therapy

ObjectiveHepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is the optimal outcome for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) but this rarely occurs with currently approved therapies. We aimed to develop and...

Positivity of high-sensitivity HBsAg test, not previous HBV infection, indicates poor prognosis in patients with non-HBV-related HCC.

The prognostic impact of previous-HBV-infection (pHBV) in non-HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (non-HBV-related-HCC) and the prevalence, characteristics and significance of recently developed high-sensitivity HBs antigen positivity (hHBsAg+) in these patients remain unclear. We aimed to close these gaps. We retrospectively screened patients with newly diagnosed non-HBV-related-HCC (standard HBsAg-test negative) at Hokkaido University. Patients with complete clinical information and preserved serum for hHBsAg+ were included. We evaluated the prevalence, characteristics and prognostic impact of pHBV and hHBsAg+ in non-HBV-related-HCC. A total of 401 non-HBV-related-HCC patients were included (288 with pHBV/113 without pHBV). In non-HBV-related-HCC, pHBV did not affect overall survival (OS). Among non-HBV-related-HCC patients with pHBV, 11.8% (34/288) were hHBsAg+ and had more advanced stages of HCC, higher AFP levels, higher vascular invasion rates, and significantly shorter OS than others (OS: 19.3 vs. 61.4 months, p = 0.012). Comparison of OS among non-HBV-related-HCC patients without pHBV (group 1), those with pHBV and without hHBsAg+ (group 2), and those with pHBV and hHBsAg+ (group 3) revealed significantly shorter OS in group 3 (19.3, 56.6 and 66.4 months in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; p = 0.036). Multivariate Cox regression indicated that compared with group 1, only group 3 was significantly and independently associated with shorter OS (HR: 2.044, p = 0.011). Subgroup analysis revealed that this association was particularly evident in non-HBV-related-HCC patients with non-B-non-C aetiology and advanced HCC. In non-HBV-related-HCC patients, hHBsAg+, not pHBV, is significantly and independently associated with poor prognosis.

Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Point-of-care DNA Viral Load Testing Compared With Laboratory-based Standard-of-care Approaches on Uptake of HBV Viral Load Testing, Treatment, and Turnaround Times: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Point-of-care (PoC) hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA viral load (VL) assays represent an alternative to laboratory-based standard-of-care (SoC) VL assays to accelerate diagnosis and treatment. We evaluated the impact of using PoC versus SoC approaches on the uptake of VL testing, treatment, and turnaround times from testing to treatment across the HBV care cascade. We searched 5 databases, 6 conference websites, and contacted manufacturers for unpublished reports, for articles with or without a comparator (SoC VL testing), and had data on the uptake of VL testing, treatment, or turnaround times between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing, VL testing, and treatment in the cascade. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis on rates of VL testing and treatment initiation. Six studies, composing 9 arms, were included. Three PoC arms reported less than 1 day between screening for HBsAg positivity and VL testing, and the other one (2 arms) reported it between 7 and 11 days. Five arms reported the time to available VL test results (<1 day). Three studies reported 1-8 days between VL testing results and treatment initiation. Two studies reported the turnaround times between a positive HBsAg screening and treatment initiation (the same day and 27 days). Overall, 84.1% of those with HBsAg positivity were tested for DNA VL and 88.3% of eligible people initiated treatment. HBV PoC DNA testing appears to be associated with a turnaround time of <1 day for receipt of VL results and appears associated with high rates of DNA testing and initiation of treatment among those eligible. PROSPERO CRD42023398440.

The strengthening case that simuliids play a role in Amazon region Hepatitis-B transmission

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) outbreaks are typically associated with injection drug use and high-risk sexual behavior; however, some cannot be easily explained in these terms. The messy blood-feeding methods of simuliids, provoked Chanteau et al. to investigate the simuliid-facilitated Hepatitis-B transmission (SFHBVT) hypothesis in French Polynesia in the early 1990s. Souto et al. later proposed the hypothesis could explain a HBV outbreak in the Brazilian Amazon which they suggested was driven by the biting of the M. ozzardi vector Simulium oyapockense. A recent Amazon region blood bank survey has provided important further support for the SFHBVT hypothesis playing a role in Amazon region transmission, but the results of this study have hitherto not been discussed in a SFHBVT context. Mansonella ozzardi positive donations were significantly more likely to test positive in anti-HBc and anti-HBc plus HBsAg tests than were M. ozzardi negative donations, suggesting both exposure to the HBV and HBV infections are significantly more common in individuals infected with M. ozzardi. It is argued here that these Amazon region blood bank observations substantially increase the viability of the SFHBVT hypothesis and thus that the hypothesis should be considered more carefully when HBV disease control measures are formulated for the Brazilian Amazon region and indeed beyond.

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.

Progress Toward Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus - Region of the Americas, 2012-2022.

In 2022, an estimated 5 million persons in the World Health Organization Region of the Americas (AMR) were living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis worldwide. Most chronic infections are acquired through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) or horizontal transmission during childhood and are preventable with hepatitis B vaccination, including a birth dose (HepB-BD), followed by 2-3 additional doses (HepB3) in infancy. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Elimination of MTCT of HBV infection strategy is intended to reduce chronic HBV infection (measured by hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] seroprevalence) to ≤0.1% among children by achieving 1) ≥95% coverage with HepB-BD and HepB3; and 2) ≥80% of pregnant women received testing for HBsAg, and provision of hepatitis B immunoglobulin to HBV-exposed neonates. By 2012, all 51 AMR countries and territories (countries) provided HepB3 nationwide, and by 2021, 34 (67%) provided HepB-BD nationwide. Mathematical models estimate that HBsAg seroprevalence in children is ≤0.1% in 14 (28%) of 51 countries and at the regional level. Three (6%) of 51 countries met the 95% coverage targets for both HepB3 and HepB-BD during both 2021 and 2022. Of these, two have likely met criteria for the elimination of MTCT of HBV infection. However, in 2022, HepB3 coverage had declined by ≥10 percentage points in 15 (37%) of 41 countries with 2012 coverage data for comparison. These declines in HepB3 coverage, as well as the absence of HepB-BD in the routine immunization schedules in 17 countries, threaten PAHO's progress toward the elimination of MTCT of HBV infection. Efforts to introduce HepB-BD and maintain high HepB3 and HepB-BD coverage are needed.

High prevalence of hepatitis B and HIV among women survivors of sexual violence in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Limited data are available on the prevalence rates of hepatitis B and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among women survivors of sexual violence (WSSV) in South Kivu province, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where armed conflicts persist. Here, we aimed to assess the prevalence of these two infections in this vulnerable local population. A total of 1002 WSSV, aged from 18 to 70 years old were enrolled from May 2018 to May 2020 at three healthcare facilities (Panzi, Mulamba and Bulenga hospitals), which are called "The One-Stop Centre Care Model" for the management of sexual violence in South Kivu. Blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens and antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) methods. Subsequently, viral load quantification for HBV and HIV were performed using the GeneXpert. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with HIV-positive and HBV-positive status. For HBV, overall prevalence was 8.9% (95% CI; 7.2-10.8%), 32.1% (95% CI; 29.3-35.0%), and 14.5% (95% CI; 12.3-16.8%) for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibodies, respectively. Among the 89 HBsAg-positive patients, 17 (19.1%) were HBeAg-positive. The median age of individuals with a positive HBsAg test was higher than those with a negative test (median: 40 years (IQR 30-52) compared to 36 years (IQR 24-48)). Risk factors for HBV infection were age (≥35 years) (AOR = 1.83 [1.02-3.32]; p = 0.041), having no schooling (AOR = 4.14 [1.35-12.62]; p = 0.012) or only primary school-level (AOR = 4.88 [1.61-14.75]; p = 0.005), and multiple aggressors (AOR = 1.76 [1.09-2.84], p = 0.019). The prevalence of HIV was 4.3% [95% CI: 3.1-5.7%]. HIV/HBV co-infection occurred only in 5 individuals (0.5%). The HBV viral load was detectable (> 1 log10 UI/mL) in 61.8% of HBsAg-positive subjects and 64.8% HIV-positive subjects had a high viral load (≥ 3 log10 copies/mL). This study revealed a high prevalence of HBV and HIV infections among WSSV in South Kivu. The results generated highlight the urgent need for systematic screening of HBV and HIV by integrating fourth-generation ELISA tests in HIV and HBV control programs.

Seroprevalence, Risk Factors and Immunological Response against Hepatitis B Virus Among Students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among university students was investigated. Both serological markers of HBV and immune response were assessed. The results revealed significant associations between infection and high-risk behaviors. Full Abstract Hepatitis B Virus is of major public health interest as it accounts for significant mortality globally. The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV infection, the possible potential risk factors, and the immunological response among students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, from December 2022 to April 2023. Structured questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic information as well as possible risk factors related to the infection. Out of 139 study participants (10 females and 129 males screened randomly for HBsAg using a rapid HBsAg test kit, 17 (12.2%) were seropositive, and 122 (87.8%) were seronegative. The sera of the positive participants were further screened for HBeAg, anti-(HBs, HBe, and HBc) using one-step cassette diagnostic kits. Of the 17 positive samples screened, none were reactive for anti-HBs antibodies and HBeAg.; while 15 were positive anti-HBc and anti-HBe, indicating a response to natural infection. Sexual activity, unprotected sexual practices, use of already used sharp objects, and awareness of HBV infection were significantly associated (P&lt;0.05) with the viral infection. The study indicates high endemicity in the study area. It is recommended that Nigerian Universities mandate the Hepatitis B virus vaccine for newly intake students. More awareness should be created about the dangers of unprotected sexual practice use or sharing of used sharp objects, among other possible factors.

Clinical audit of quality of care among patients with viral hepatitis in primary care in a low endemic region.

The current hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening practices may fail to detect many infected patients who could benefit from new therapeutic agents to limit progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study assessed the test positivity rate and cascade of care of viral hepatitis patients in primary care in a low endemic region as well as the testing policy of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. This is a retrospective clinical audit among primary health care practices in Flanders, Belgium, assessing patients with an active medical file between 2019 and 2021. A total of 84/89 (94.4%) primary health care practices participated representing 621,573 patients of which 1069 patients (0.17%) were registered as having viral hepatitis, not further specified. Detailed information was available from 38 practices representing 243,723/621,573 (39.2%) patients of which 169 (0.07%) were HBsAg positive and 99 (0.04%) anti-HCV positive. A total of 96/134(71.6%) chronic HBV-infected and 31/77(40.3%) chronic HCV-infected patients were referred to a hepatologist. A total of 30,573/621,573(4.9%) patients had an abnormal ALT level, and by at random selection, more detailed information was obtained on 211 patients. Information on high-risk groups was missing in up to 60%. In patients with abnormal ALT level, HBsAg and anti-HCV testing were conducted in 37/211(17.5%) and 25/211(11.8%), respectively. In a low endemic region, the testing rate and cascade of care of HBV and HCV-infected patients can be improved in primary care, especially in high-risk groups and patients with abnormal ALT levels.

Assessment of hepatitis B virus infection and tuberculosis among people living with HIV at the Kankan Regional Hospital (Republic of Guinea)

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus co-infection among people living with HIV at the Kankan Regional Hospital (HRK) in Guinea and to describe the biological and clinical signs associated to the co-infections. Methods: It was 4 years retrospective study (January 1st, 2015-December 31st, 2018. data was collected from lab registers and hospitalization files. Results: On a total of 345 PVVH, HBsAg testing was carried out. Thus 9.3% (32/345) were co-infected with HIV/HBV with the presence of jaundice in 8.1% (28/345). All patients (100%) had oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush). About 44.1% (152/345) of patients tested positive for tuberculosis, while 49.6% (171/345) presented with prurigo. The results of the study showed that the female gender was predominant with a sex ratio (M/F) = 0.69. The average age of the patients was 38.45±13.38 [16-80 years]. The most represented age group was ≥35 years (55.9%), followed by 25-29 years (16.8%) and 30-34 years (14.2%). More than half of the patients were married (51.6%), and singles accounted for 31.0%. On a socio-professional level, workers were in the majority (54.7%), followed by farmers (15.1%) and traders (14.5%). Conclusion: All of these results show that the prevalence of tuberculosis and hepatitis B was high among people living with HIV at the Kankan Regional Hospital.

Epidemiological analysis of the current prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant and postpartum women in China from 2021 to 2023

Objective: To analyze hepatitis B serologic tests and the current prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant and postpartum women in China from 2021 to 2023. Methods: Data on managing the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis were retrieved from the National Information System. A positive serum HBsAg test was used to define HBV infection. The χ(2) test was used to compare the coverage rate of the hepatitis B serologic test across different years, in early-stage pregnancy, and the current HBV infection in pregnant and postpartum women. A two-sided P value of <0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results: The coverage rate for hepatitis B serological detection in pregnant (including intrapartum) and postpartum women and early-stage pregnancy rose from 99.68% (10 463 059/10 496 883) and 82.96% (8 707 765/10 496 883) to 99.94% (8 678 777/8 684 387, P < 0.001) and 88.87% (7 717 857/8 684 387, P < 0.001) in China between 2021 and 2023. The current prevalence rate of HBV infection decreased from 4.98% (521 479/10 463 059) in 2021 to 4.56% (396 148/8 678 777) in 2023 among pregnant and postpartum women (P < 0.001). The current prevalence rate of HBV infection ranged from 1.53% to 10.39% among pregnant and postpartum women in various provinces of China in 2023. Conclusion: The coverage rate for hepatitis B serologic tests in China increased significantly between 2021 and 2023 in pregnant and postpartum women. Therefore, the current prevalence rate of HBV infection has decreased significantly in pregnant and postpartum women, but a regional difference still exists.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among migrant workers in Qatar.

Limited data exist on viral hepatitis among migrant populations. This study investigated the prevalence of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and lifetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Qatar's migrant craft and manual workers (CMWs), constituting 60% of the country's population. Sera collected during a nationwide COVID-19 population-based cross-sectional survey on CMWs between July 26 and September 9, 2020, underwent testing for HBsAg and HCV antibodies. Reactive samples underwent confirmatory testing, and logistic regression analyses were employed to explore associations with HBV and HCV infections. Among 2528 specimens tested for HBV infection, 15 were reactive, with 8 subsequently confirmed positive. Three samples lacked sufficient sera for confirmatory testing but were included in the analysis through multiple imputations. Prevalence of current HBV infection was 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.7%). Educational attainment and occupation were significantly associated with current HBV infection. For HCV infection, out of 2607 specimens tested, 46 were reactive, and 23 were subsequently confirmed positive. Prevalence of lifetime HCV infection was 0.8% (95% CI 0.5-1.2%). Egyptians exhibited the highest prevalence at 6.5% (95% CI 3.1-13.1%), followed by Pakistanis at 3.1% (95% CI 1.1-8.0%). Nationality, geographic location, and occupation were significantly associated with lifetime HCV infection. HBV infection is relatively low among CMWs, while HCV infection falls within the intermediate range, both compared to global and regional levels.

Overview of HbsAg Testing Results for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis at Ciamis Hospital

Background &amp; Objective: Chronic renal failure is a slow and incurable disease. Regular treatment can halt the deterioration of kidney function, with kidney transplantation and hemodialysis being the most common options. However, hemodialysis patients are at risk of contracting the Hepatitis B virus due to the use of repeated vascular access and high frequency of hemodialysis. This study aims to describe the results of HBsAg examination in patients with chronic renal failure who undergo hemodialysis. Method: The research is a descriptive study that used a purposive sampling technique and was conducted in May-June 2022. The study included 44 chronic renal failure patients who underwent HBsAg examination using the Immunochromatography method. Result: The study's results showed that all 44 respondents (100%) who underwent hemodialysis had negative HBsAg examination results, indicating that they were not exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study indicates that chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis are not at risk of contracting the Hepatitis B virus. Further research could include quantitative Hepatitis B antibody examinations.

Occult HBV Infection in Patients Infected by HIV or HCV: Comparison between HBV-DNA and Two Assays for HBsAg.

We investigated the frequency and serological correlates of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) and the potential impact of a highly sensitive assay for HBsAg in subjects infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), who are also at risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, often in an occult form. Samples from 499 patients with HIV, all HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive, and 137 patients with HCV were tested for HBV-DNA, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and HBsAg by a conventional and highly sensitive assay. HBV biomarkers were detected in 71.5% of HCV-RNA-positive, with a higher prevalence of cases positive only for anti-HBc in patients with HCV than in those with HIV. HBV-DNA was detectable in 0.6% of HIV-positive and 7.3% of HCV-RNA-positive patients. Among patients with HCV, four were positive for HBsAg and negative for HBV-DNA, bringing the rate of HBV-active infection in this group to 10.2%. Active HBV infection was not related to gender or specific patterns of HBV biomarkers but was higher in HCV patients coinfected by HIV compared to those infected only by HCV. Monitoring patients at high risk for HBV infection and reactivation may require testing for both HBV-DNA and HBsAg.

Prevalence of Hepatitis D virus infection among Hepatitis B virus surface antigen positive children attending two selected Hospitals in Jos, Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus is a member of Hepadnaviridae family that cause liver infections in humans. These viral infections are characteristically linked with cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma that are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the population of developing countries including Nigeria. Young children and newborns are more likely to have liver damage early in life and become chronic HBV carriers. This study identified the frequency of hepatitis B and D co-infection in children visiting the emergency pediatric units of Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The virus was screened using immunochromatographic Skytec® HBsAg test strips and Alere chase buffer for the qualitative detection of HBsAg in serum. HBsAg positive samples were confirmed using HBsAg Monolisa ELISA kit. Using an Italian HDV ELISA kit, samples that tested positive for HBsAg were further examined to evaluate the presence of HDV co-infection. The finding of this study revealed that 4.4% of children had HBsAg markers on their bodies. None of the children with HBV infection were co-infected with HDV. The HBV prevalence was found to be highest in children aged 6 to 10 years. Females had higher levels of HBV seropositivity (5.5%). Risk factors in children included birthplace (native households), failure to check children's HBV status after immunization, and history of jaundice. To properly manage and prevent this infection, it is advised that children should be promptly immunized at birth, their HBV status should be confirmed following immunization and they should be revaccinated if necessary.