Seroprevalence Of HBV Research Articles

Hepatitis B and C infection: Is it a problem in Polish healthcare workers?

Hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses (HCV) are among the most frequent blood borne pathogens. According to WHO, 5% of healthcare workers (in central Europe), are exposed to at least one sharps injury contaminated with HBV per year, 1,7% - contaminated with HCV. The aims of the study were to determine prevalence of HCV and HBV infections, vaccination efficacy against hepatitis B and usefulness of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing in prophylactic examinations in healthcare workers (HCWs). In a group of 520 healthcare workers, a survey, laboratory and serologic tests such as ALT, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBcT and anti-HCV were carried out. The study revealed a low rate of workers with presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV (1,2% and 0,8% respectively). Anti-HBcT was found in 99 subjects (19%) without a significant association with experiencing an occupational percutaneous injury. Being vaccinated against HBV was declared by 90% of the subjects. There was no relationship between ALT level rise and positive HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HBcT tests. A seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in HCWs found in the study is low and similar to the one found in general population. Current or past hepatitis B infections were independent of needle stick injuries. Vaccination against HBV coverage, although found to be high, should improve to 100%. Occupational prophylactic medical examinations found performing ALT test (obligatory in Poland for HCWs) not helpful. It seems that determination of anti-HBcT and anti-HCV status would be essential in pre-employment medical examinations.

Possible Correlation of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases with Rh type and ABO Blood Group System

Screening of blood is mandatory for transfusion transmitted diseases and is routinely done in the blood banks. As blood is the major source transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus & many other diseases the hazards can be minimised by effective donor selection and screening. To find out the correlation between the transfusion transmitted diseases and blood groups and the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV & syphilis among the apparently healthy human blood donors. Study, Setting & Design: This retrospective study was conducted at the blood bank of a tertiary health care teaching centre for a period of four years. All voluntary and replacement donors reporting to the blood bank were screened for HIV-1 & 2, HBsAg, HCV and Syphilis. Anti-HIV -1 & 2, HBsAg & anti - HCV was tested using the appropriate Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using micro-elisa kit supplied by J.Mitra & Co.Ltd. The seropositive samples were again tested on ELISA kits of RFCL &/or BIORAD for further confirmation & ruling out any false positive or false negative results. The rapid plasma reagain (RPR) test was used for estimation of syphilis infection. The data entry was carried out using Microsoft office excel worksheet and was analysed by percentage and comparison. Total of 6000 donors were screened which included voluntary and replacement donors. Seroprevalence of HIV (0.1833 %), HCV (1.28%), HBsAg (1.5833 %) and syphilis (0.4333 %) was detected. In the study done it was also noted - that the NEGATIVE blood groups were more prone to TTIs. Blood group A negative was more prone to TTIs with HIV, HBsAg and VDRL while blood group B negative was more affected by HCV. Seroprevalence of these infections shows that routine screening is a must for blood and blood product safe transfusion. Do negative blood groups predispose to TTIs? A finding which makes us think….

Safety of blood and components obtained from voluntary and replacement donors: a comparative analysis

A eight and half year retrospective study from January, 2005 to June, 2013 was conducted in the blood bank of Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital under the department of pathology of Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Donors were screened for seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis. The sera of total 12716 donors were tested, out of these 6592(51.8%) were from voluntary while 6124(48.2%) were towards replacement donors. The incidence of HIV was 0.17 % in total donors, more in replacement (0.12%) as compared to voluntary (0.05%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in total donors was 0.72 %. Comparable results were seen in both types of donors. The seropositivity for anti HCV was (0.55%) and was found to be higher in replacement donors (0.43%) .The seroprevalence of VDRL was 0.50 % in total donors, more in replacement donors (0.35%) as compared to voluntary donors (0.15%). Hence, it was concluded that voluntary donation is safer than replacement donation.

Hepatitis B and C viral infections among blood donors at Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

BackgroundHepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the major public health problem world wide that affects billions of people. In the study area, there is lack of available information on this issue.Aimsthe aim of the study was to assess seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among blood donors.MethodA cross sectional study was conducted among blood donors attending Bahir Dar Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital. Five milliliters of blood samples were collected and screened with ELISA tests for detecting hepatitis B surface antigen and anti hepatitis C virus antibody. Chi-squared and fisher exact tests were used for the analytical assessment.ResultsOut of 2384 blood donors examined, 108(4.5%) were seropositive for at least one of the two Hepatitis diseases markers of which five were co-infected. The prevalence of HBs Ag and anti-HVC was 4.11% and 0.63%, respectively. High seropositivity of HBV (8.3%) was noticed among >45 years old and HBV positivity were significantly higher among males (4.4%) than females (1.45%) (P =0.04). HCV prevalence was significantly higher in >45 years old (2.5%, p=0.01).The prevalence of HBV and HCV were high and the diseases were still major health problem in elderly people in the study area, which alerts public health intervention as soon as possible.

Eight-Year Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital

Distribution of HBV, HCV and HIV results of the inpatients or outpatients, who had been treated for various diagnoses in Diyarbakır Training and Research Hospital between 2005 and 2012, among years was investigated.Files of the patients, who had been treated as inpatient or outpatient 992. to any diagnosis between 01/01/2005 and 31/12/2012 in the clinics or policlinics of Diyarbakır 581 due Training and Research Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed using patient file database. Serum samples (235.534 for HBsAg, 196.727 for Anti-HBs antibody, 98.497 for HBeAg, 97.417 for Anti-HBe antibody, 225.483 for HCV and 138.923 for HIV) of these patients, which had been processed in microbiology laboratory, were studied by chemiluminescence technique using Roche E-170 (Modular Analytics System) device.Prevalence rates between 2005 and 2012 were as follows: 15.9%-9% for HBsAg, 32.9%-52.3% for Anti-HBs, 2.5%-1.8% for HBeAg, 30.4%-25.2% for Anti-HBe, 1%-0.7% for Anti-HCV, and 0.1%-1% for Anti-HIV. Increase in Anti-HBs prevalence is the successful outcome of routine immunization in population. This suggests that, governmental policies focused on this subject have resulted in successful outcomes and that people also take care about this.A prevalence rate decreasing to 9% from 15.9% for HBsAg and prevalence rate increasing to 52.3% from 32.9% for Anti-HBs antibody positivity in 8-year period in our region is quite meaningful. Such favorable developments in our region are of great valuable in terms of indicating to what extent could struggle against HBV is controlled by education and awareness.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus in Healthcare Workers - AIMS, B G Nagara

Healthcare workers have an elevated risk of acquiring and transmitting parental infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among the health care workers. One hundred and sixty eight HCWs (doctors-6, nurses-38, technicians-10, ward attenders-91, nursing students-23) were screened for HBsAg. These HCWs were not vaccinated against hepatitis B virus infection. Among them, two (1.19%) were positive for HBsAg. The positive persons were ward attenders (1 male, 1 female) who handle hospital waste. Four hundred and five HCWs (doctors-88, nurses-155, technicians-30, ward attenders-107, nursing student-25) were screened for HCV antibodies. None of the HCWs were positive for HCV antibodies. Health education, prophylaxis by vaccination, universal precautions and proper hospital waste management play a major role in the prevention of HBV and HCV infection. This is the first study undertaken from this hospital on the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among HCWs after of 27 years establishment of the hospital.

Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus among HIV patients in a suburban University Teaching Hospital in South-East Nigeria.

IntroductionHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved survival of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. Concurrent morbidities from liver diseases among these patients have also been observed due to co-infection with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV). HAART reduces liver-associated morbidities and mortalities in such patients. Unfortunately free testing of HBV and HCV are not provided alongside free HIV testing and treatment in Nigeria. We assessed the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV patients presenting for treatment in our center.MethodsThis prospective study of adult patients with HIV/AIDS assessed the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV co-infection using a 19-item questionnaire and collection of 2ml venous blood for hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. All previously diagnosed HIV patients of the unit were excluded from the study.ResultsOf the 404 patients, 69.2% were females while 30.8% were males. Married participants were 59.6%, 25.3% were single and 15% were previously married. A large proportion (69%) of patients were farmers, artisans and traders. Most had some formal education; secondary (55.3%), primary 27.3%, tertiary 13.8%. HBsAg positive participants were 9 (2.2%) while 3 (0.7%) were positive for HCV. No participant had triple infection of HIV/HBV/HCV.ConclusionSeroprevalence of HBV and HCV is low among HIV patients in Orlu. However there is a need for HBV and HCV testing of all HIV positive patients to reduce morbidities and mortalities from liver diseases.

Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV Among HIV-Infected Adults in China According to Route of HIV Infection: High Rate of HBV and HCV Exposure

Coinfection of viral hepatitis, specifically HBV and HCV, has been increasingly observed among patients infected with HIV. However, the prevalence of coinfection is not well characterized in China. Prior studies have reported prevalence rates among individual populations that have varied significantly by mode of HIV transmission and by location. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of three HIV-infected populations classified according to the route of HIV transmission, specifically, former plasma donors (FPDs), commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users (IVDUs), and measured rates of HBV and HCV coinfection. Results: From June 2007 through December 2008, 624 FPDs, 512 IVDUs and 460 subjects infected with HIV through sexual transmission were enrolled into the study. We observed a prevalence of chronic HBV infection of 20% among IVDUs, 19% among those infected sexually and 3% among FPDs. The prevalence of an isolated positive test for hepatitis B core antibody was 27% among those infected sexually, 12% among IVDUs and 4% among FPDs. We observed the highest prevalence of HCV antibody seropositivity among IVDUs (94%), compared with 75% among FPDs and 27% among those infected sexually. Conclusion: Among three representing groups of HIV-infected patients in China, we observed a high prevalence of HBV and HCV coinfection with HIV. In order to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic coinfection, additional policies are needed for prevention and treatment.

Seroprevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and prior immunity in immigrants and refugees: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundInternational migrants experience increased mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma compared to host populations, largely due to undetected chronic hepatitis B infection (HBV). We conducted a systematic review of the seroprevalence of chronic HBV and prior immunity in migrants arriving in low HBV prevalence countries to identify those at highest risk in order to guide disease prevention and control strategies.Methods and FindingsMedline, Medline In-Process, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Studies that reported HBV surface antigen or surface antibodies in migrants were included. The seroprevalence of chronic HBV and prior immunity were pooled by region of origin and immigrant class, using a random-effects model. A random-effects logistic regression was performed to explore heterogeneity. The number of chronically infected migrants in each immigrant-receiving country was estimated using the pooled HBV seroprevalences and country-specific census data. A total of 110 studies, representing 209,822 immigrants and refugees were included. The overall pooled seroprevalence of infection was 7.2% (95% CI: 6.3%–8.2%) and the seroprevalence of prior immunity was 39.7% (95% CI: 35.7%–43.9%). HBV seroprevalence differed significantly by region of origin. Migrants from East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa were at highest risk and migrants from Eastern Europe were at an intermediate risk of infection. Region of origin, refugee status and decade of study were independently associated with infection in the adjusted random-effects logistic model. Almost 3.5 million migrants (95% CI: 2.8–4.5 million) are estimated to be chronically infected with HBV.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of chronic HBV infection is high in migrants from most world regions, particularly among those from East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe, and more than 50% were found to be susceptible to HBV. Targeted screening and vaccination of international migrants can become an important component of HBV disease control efforts in immigrant-receiving countries.

Seroprevalence of Hiv, Hbv, Hcv and Syphilis in Blood Donors

Blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of infections to recipients. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors. For this, a 9 years retrospective study, from January 2002 to December 2010 was conducted at the blood bank, G.G. Government Hospital & M.P.Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat.. Donors were screened for seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis. A total of 1,07,560 donors were tested, out of which 33,491 (31%) were voluntary donors from camp. The seroprevalence of HIV was 0.3% in the donors. Decrease in sero-positivity when there is increase in number of donors from camp.. The low sero-positivity among donors is attributed to pre-donation counseling in donor selection. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and syphilis was 1.2%, 0.26% and 0.5% respectively in total donors.

Is routine viral screening useful in patients with recent‐onset polyarthritis of a duration of at least 6 weeks? Results from a nationwide longitudinal prospective cohort study

To study the contribution of routine viral screening tests in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or a potential for progressing to RA. Eight hundred thirteen patients with swelling of at least 2 joints for at least 6 weeks and a symptom duration of less than 6 months in the ESPOIR cohort were screened for parvovirus B19 (IgG and IgM anti-parvovirus B19 antibodies), hepatitis B virus (HBV; hepatitis B surface antigen), hepatitis C virus (HCV; anti-HCV antibodies), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; anti-HIV-1 and -2 antibodies). Parvovirus B19 testing was performed in 806 patients and showed longstanding immunity in 574 (71.2%) and no antibodies in 223 (27.7%). Among the 9 remaining patients (7 IgG positive/IgM positive, 1 IgG negative/IgM positive, and 1 IgG indeterminate/IgM positive), only 2 (0.25%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0-0.99%) had a positive polymerase chain reaction test for parvovirus B19; these patients (women ages 34 and 40 years) had no extraarticular signs. HIV seroprevalence was 0.12% (n = 1 of 813; 95% CI 0.01-0.8%) and HCV seroprevalence was 0.86% (n = 7 of 808, 95% CI 0.38-1.86%). HCV-related arthritis was diagnosed in 4 patients (0.5%). HCV-seropositive patients had significantly higher transaminase levels than the other patients (P = 0.001), with no significant differences for the other laboratory data. HBV seroprevalence was 0.12% (n = 1 of 808; 95% CI 0.01-0.8%); the positive HBV status was known before study inclusion, and the patient had no diagnosis of HBV-related arthritis. Finally, routine viral testing identified 2 patients with parvovirus B19 infection and 3 with HBV infection (0.6%; 95% CI 0.2-1.5%). Cost was €85.05 per patient (total €68,720). Routine serologic testing did not contribute substantially to the diagnosis in this context.

Seroprevalence and incidence of transfusion‐transmitted infectious diseases among blood donors from regional blood transfusion centres in Burkina Faso, West Africa

The high prevalence of numerous transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases such as HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa affects blood safety for transfusion recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of transfusion-transmissible infectious diseases among blood donors in Burkina Faso. A retrospective study of blood donors' records from January to December 2009 was conducted. Prevalence and incidence of viral infections were calculated among repeat and first-time blood donors. Of the total of 31405 first-time volunteer blood donors in 2009, 24.0% were infected with at least one pathogen and 1.8% had serological evidence of multiple infections. The seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in first-time volunteer donors was 1.8%, 13.4%, 6.3% and 2.1%, respectively. In 3981 repeat donors, the incidence rate was 3270.2, 5874.1 and 6784.6 per 100000 donations for anti-HIV-1, HBsAg and anti-HCV, respectively. These numbers varied significantly according to populations where blood is collected and blood centres in Burkina Faso. The relatively high prevalence of viral markers in first-time volunteers and remarkably high incidence of infections in repeat donors raise concerns regarding the safety of these donors and suggest that implementation of NAT might significantly improve the situation.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B: Do blood donors represent the general population?

In this study, we aimed to compare the HBV seroprevalances of voluntary blood donors and the healthy persons who required premarital screening. HBsAg ELISA results were collected retrospectively from the records of 9,949 blood donors and 954 healthy persons who required premarital screening. HBsAg was detected in 182 of9,949 (%1.8) voluntary blood donors and 32 of 954 (%3.4)healthy persons who required premarital screening. HBsAg seropositivity was significiantly higher in the healthy persons who required premarital screening than in blood donors (p = 0.0016). Premarital screening is mandatory in our country, and it may provide more accurate epidemiological data to determine HBV seroprevalence than in other selected groups such as blood donors.

Investigation of intrauterine transmission of Hepatitis B Virus to children from HBsAg-positive pregnant women

Objectives: Hepatitis B virus is reported to cause fetal and neonatal hepatitis, with a high rate of vertical transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of vertical transmission during the intrauterine period by determining HBsAg positivity in the cord blood of newborns whose mothers were hepatitis B carriers. Materials and methods: Pregnant women, who were admitted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit for delivery, were included. HBsAg, hepatitis B virus antigen (HBeAg), and antibody against hepatitis B virus antigen (anti-HBe) tests were performed from the pregnant women before delivery. Cord bloods of newborns whose mothers were HBsAg-positive were tested for HBsAg immediately after delivery. HBsAg, HBeAg and anti-HBe tests were conducted. Results: Of the 1,570 pregnant women included in the study, 45 (2.9%) were positive for HBsAg. HBeAg was also found to be positive in 7 (15.6%) of the pregnant women, who were positive for HBsAg, while 38 (84.4%) of HBsAg-positive women were positive for anti-HBe. None of the newborns whose mother was HBsAg-positive was found to be HBsAgpositive. Conclusion: Vertical intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus is rare. Screening of all pregnant women for hepatitis B should be recommended in Turkey since the country is of moderate endemicity for HBV seroprevalence. Newborns of HBV positive pregnant women should be vaccinated and hepatitis B immunoglobulin should be given after birth to prevent transmission of hepatitis B. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2011;1(1):14-16.

Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in orthopaedic patients at a tertiary hospital in Greece

Infections from hepatitis viruses and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well represent a continuous risk factor to health care providers, in particular those working in surgical departments. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses in patients admitted in an urban, tertiary orthopaedic department in Greece. We retrospectively studied 1,694 consecutive patients who underwent several orthopaedic procedures. All patients were tested for HIV, HBV and HCV infections. Sixty-six (3.9%) of the patients were seropositive for at least one of the studied viruses. Thirty (1.7%) were positive for HBV, 34 (2%) for HCV and 2 (0.1%) for HIV. The majority of the seropositive patients were women (53%), urban areas citizens (89.4%), and of Greek nationality (83.3%). Non-Greek nationality was the only significantly predictive factor for seropositivity (χ2 = 590.2, P < 0.001). The majority of patients were not aware of their infection. A significant percentage of patients cared for at a Greek orthopaedic department were seropositive for blood-borne viruses. Non-Greek nationality is a risk factor. We believe that these data will increase awareness and will promote safer practices among health care providers in orthopaedic units.

Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 and hepatitis C virus in a rural community with a high risk for blood-borne infections in central China

Illegal blood donation in the past decade has caused human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreaks in some rural areas in China. Other HIV-associated virus infections, such as those caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), in such areas are still not well defined. In order to explore HHV8 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence and potential risk factors in such areas, a cross-sectional study with 305 HIV-positive and 315 HIV-negative subjects recruited from a rural county in Shanxi province was conducted, in which illegal blood collection was reported. Interview questionnaires and serum testing were carried out with these participants. HCV and HHV8 seroprevalence were found to be higher in the HIV-positive than in the HIV-negative group (76.4% vs. 2.5% and 15.4% vs. 4.8%, respectively), whereas the difference in HBV seroprevalence was not significant. Co-infection with HCV and HHV8 was also more prevalent in the HIV-positive group. HIV status (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.16–6.30) and HBV status (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.14–5.75) were independently associated with HHV8 infection. HIV status (OR 23.03; 95% CI 9.95–53.27) and blood/plasma selling history (OR 14.57; 95% CI 7.49–28.23) were strongly associated with HCV infection. These findings demonstrate that both HHV8 and HCV infections are prevalent in this community. HIV infection is an important risk factor for both HHV8 and HCV infection. HBV infection is associated with HHV8 infection but not with HCV infection. It is possible that HHV8 and hepatitis B virus, but not HCV, have similar modes of transmission in this population.

Shifting in Seroprevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HCV during Recent 10 Years in Adults Resident in Daegu and Gyeongbuk Province

There have been only few studies on the population-adjusted seroprevalence of HBV and HCV and on the change of them for more than 10 years in Korea. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate them at a single health center in Daegu and Gyeongbuk province considering the population composition ratio. We analyzed the seromarkers of HBV and HCV of 6,237 randomly sampled adults who had received health screening at the health promotion center in Dongsan hospital during the periods from year 1997 to 1999 (Period A) and from 2007 to 2009 (Period B). The seroprevalences of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HCV were 4.8%, 70.2%, 47.4%, and 0.5%, respectively. There is no difference in the seroprevalence of HBsAg between period A and B. However, downward tendency of prevalence through A to B from 6.8% to 4.5% could be found in 40s, and upward tendency from 4.7% to 6.8% in 50s. As for the seroprevalence of anti-HCV, although there was no difference through A to B, for 50s, it decreasd from 2.0% to 0.3% (p=0.007). However, for 60s, it increased as much as decreasd for 50s. The seroprevalence of HBsAg in Daegu/Gyeongbuk province was 4.8% and showed no difference through the time period of 10 years. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 0.5% and also showed no difference through the time periods.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus in HIV-1 and HIV-2 infected Gambians

BackgroundThe prevalence of HIV/hepatitis co-infection in sub-Saharan Africa is not well documented, while both HIV and HBV are endemic in this area.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV virus in HIV-infected subjects in the Gambia.MethodsPlasma samples from HIV infected patients (190 individuals with clinically defined AIDS and 382 individuals without AIDS) were tested retrospectively for the presence of HBV sero-markers and for serum HBV DNA, screened for HCV infection by testing for anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA.ResultsHBsAg prevalence in HIV-positive individuals is 12.2%. HIV/HBV co-infected individuals with CD4 count of <200 cells uL-1 have a higher HBV DNA viral load than patients with higher CD4 count (log 4.0 vs. log 2.0 DNA copies/ml, p < 0.05). Males (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.2) were more likely to be HBsAg positive than female. HCV seroprevalence was 0.9% in HIV-positive individuals.ConclusionThe prevalence of HBsAg carriage in HIV- infected Gambians is similar to that obtained in the general population. However co-infected individuals with reduced CD4 levels, indicative of AIDS had higher prevalence of HBeAg retention and elevated HBV DNA levels compared to non-AIDS patients with higher CD4 count.

Prevalence- and Gender-Specific Immune Response to Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Patients in Lesotho

The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of coinfecting viruses and Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) in a cohort of 205 antiretrovirally treated HIV-infected individuals (152 females and 53 males, aged: 19-71 years) in rural Lesotho. Furthermore agent-specific immune responses were investigated by analyzing antibody titers against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and against T. pallidum. Serum samples were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against HSV-2, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, and T. pallidum. Seroprevalences (95% confidence intervals) were found to be 100% (98.5%-100%) for anti-cytomegalovirus, 98.5% (95.7%-99.7%) for anti-hepatitis A virus, 35.5% (28.9%-42.6%) for anti-HBc, 5.5% (2.8%-9.6%) for hepatitis B surface antigen, and 0.5% (0.0%-2.8%) for anti-hepatitis C virus. Only 78.5% (72.2%-84.0%) were anti-HSV-2 positive and 29.0% (22.8%-35.8%) had antibodies against T. pallidum. Only anti-HSV-2 titers showed gender- and CD4 cell-count dependent differences: females with >500 CD4 cells/microL had an average anti-HSV-2 titer of 446 compared with males of 398 AU/mL (not significant), but in those with 250 to 500 CD4 cells/microL, there was a significant difference with a mean titer of 467 compared to 302 AU/mL in males (P = 0.001). A high seroprevalence of CMV, HAV, and HBV was found in both genders. One-third of the patients had been exposed to HBV and T. pallidum. The generally high HSV-2 prevalence showed gender- and CD4 cell count-dependent differences in HSV-2 antibody titer.

HBV and HCV viral markers seroperevalence in first-time healthy blood donors refered to transfusion centers of bushehr province, South of Iran (April 2004 to March 2008)

Background The risk of infection by transfusion-transmitted viruses has been reduced remarkably. However, a zero-risk blood supply is still desirable. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) viruses are transmitted mainly by parenteral route, following which, a remarkable proportion of infected cases, may progress to chronic hepatitis. In this study we analyzed seroprevalence, demographic and epidemiologic characteristics of positive HBV and HCV cases in first time blood donors of Bushehr province.