HCV Seropositivity Research Articles

Substance use moderates relationships between apolipoprotein E genotype, hepatitis C, cognition, and depression in Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) participants.

The impact of APOE on HIV and HCV disease course, cognition, and memory has been understudied in minoritized populations. This study examined whether scores on cognition and depression measures differed by APOE ε4 carrier status while considering HCV and HIV seropositivity and whether these measures were moderated by substance use. A retrospective analysis examined cognitive and psychological data from participants (n = 493) in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. APOE genotyping was performed on banked blood samples. Multiple linear regression was employed to examine differences across participants living with and without HIV and/or HCV and by APOE ε4 genotype. APOE ε4 carriers living with HCV who used cannabis had higher depression scores than non-ε4 carriers, while nonusers had fewer depressive symptoms. APOE ε4 carriers living with HCV had better cognition scores after adjusting for cocaine, opiate, and cannabis use than non-ε4 carriers. Scores on cognitive and depression measures did not differ between APOE ε4 carriers and non-ε4 carriers in participants living with HIV, and substance use did not moderate this relationship. This study was the first of its kind to examine substance use as a moderator for cognition and depression among individuals with HIV and/or HCV stratified by APOE genotype. Findings support further research evaluating the frequency and duration of 1) domains of cognitive functioning impacted by APOE genotype relevant to substance use and 2) the influence of substance use on cognitive and depressive outcomes among adults living with HIV and HCV, HIV, or HCV.

Safe Injection Self-Efficacy is Associated with HCV and HIV Seropositivity Among People Who Inject Drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region.

Safe injection self-efficacy (SISE) is negatively associated with injection risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) but has not been examined in differing risk environments. We compared responses to a validated SISE scale between PWID in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, and examine correlates of SISE among PWID in Tijuana. PWID were recruited via street outreach for a longitudinal cohort study from October 2020-September 2021. We compared SISE scale items by city. Due to low variability in SISE scores among San Diego residents, we restricted analysis of factors associated with SISE to Tijuana residents and identified correlates of SISE score levels (low, medium, high) using ordinal logistic regression. Of 474 participants, most were male (74%), Latinx (78%) and Tijuana residents (73%). Mean age was 44. Mean SISE scores among San Diego residents were high (3.46 of 4 maximum) relative to Tijuana residents (mean: 1.93). Among Tijuana residents, White race and having previously resided in San Diego were associated with higher SISE scores. HCV and HIV seropositivity, homelessness, fentanyl use, polysubstance co-injection, and greater injection frequency were associated with lower SISE scores. We found profound inequalities between Tijuana and San Diego SISE, likely attributable to differential risk environments. Associations with fentanyl and polysubstance co-injection, injection frequency, and both HIV and HCV seropositivity suggest that SISE contribute to blood-borne infection transmission risks in Tijuana. SISE reflects an actionable intervention target to reduce injection risk behaviors, but structural interventions are required to change the risk environment.

Safe Injection Self-Efficacy is associated with HCV and HIV seropositivity among people who inject drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.

Safe injection self-efficacy (SISE) is negatively associated with injection risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) but has not been examined in differing risk environments. We compared responses to a validated SISE scale between PWID in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, and examine correlates of SISE among PWID in Tijuana. PWID were recruited via street outreach for a longitudinal cohort study from October 2020 - September 2021. We compared SISE scale items by city. Due to low variability in SISE scores among San Diego residents, we restricted analysis of factors associated with SISE to Tijuana residents and identified correlates of SISE scores (low, medium, high) using ordinal logistic regression. Of 474 participants, most were male (74%), Latinx (78%) and Tijuana residents (73%). Mean age was 44. Mean SISE scores among San Diego residents were high (3.46 of 4 maximum) relative to Tijuana residents (mean: 1.93). Among Tijuana residents, White race and having previously resided in San Diego were associated with higher SISE scores. HCV and HIV seropositivity, homelessness, fentanyl use, polysubstance co-injection, and greater injection frequency were associated with lower SISE scores. We found profound inequalities between Tijuana and San Diego SISE, likely attributable to differential risk environments. Associations with fentanyl and polysubstance co-injection, injection frequency, and both HIV and HCV seropositivity suggest that SISE contribute to blood-borne infection transmission risks in Tijuana. SISE reflects an actionable intervention target to reduce injection risk behaviors, but structural interventions are required to intervene upon the risk environment.

Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among vulnerable populations in inner city Vancouver, Canada: Insights into characteristics and clinical outcomes

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on the health, social and economic well-being of people in Canada and around the world. To address vaccine disparity among vulnerable populations facing social-structural challenges, it is crucial to provide evidence-based information on the importance of completion of the recommended vaccination schedule. In this study, we investigated vaccination rates and variables as facilitators or barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among vulnerable populations living in Vancouver’s inner-city residents. On a weekly basis, a team (including health care providers [HCPs] and support staff) conducts a Community Pop-up Clinic (CPC) event at single room occupancy dwellings in Vancouver’s inner city to provide COVID-19 vaccine and/or related information. Participants also completed a survey about their COVID-19 vaccination status and COVID knowledge, including knowledge about COVID vaccination. We collected data from 892 CPC participants between January 2021–August 2023. The median age at baseline was 45 (IQR 36–55) years, with 317 (35.5 %) female and 285 (31.9 %) self-identified as Indigenous. Within the population, 512 (57.4 %) reported unstable housing and 441 (49.5 %) were active injection drug users. Regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, 235 (26.3 %) were unvaccinated, 119 (13.3 %) had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 432 (48.4 %) had received 2 doses, and 106 (11.8 %) had received at least 3 doses. Variables such as age (AOR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.37–3.80, p < 0.001) and HCV seropositivity (AOR 1.91, 95 % CI 1.20–3.04, p = 0.005) were significantly associated with higher odds of vaccination uptake. Conversely, unstable housing was significantly associated with a lower odds of vaccination uptake (AOR 0.53, 95 % CI 0.35–0.79, p = 0.002). Results from this study suggest that targeted community focused initiatives are crucial to address vaccine disparity among vulnerable populations living in Vancouver’s inner city facing unstable housing and drug use injection.

Association of spatial proximity to fixed-site syringe services programs with HCV serostatus and injection equipment sharing practices among people who inject drugs in rural New England, United States

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) disproportionately affects rural communities, where health services are geographically dispersed. It remains unknown whether proximity to a syringe services program (SSP) is associated with HCV infection among rural people who inject drugs (PWID).MethodsData are from a cross-sectional sample of adults who reported injecting drugs in the past 30 days recruited from rural counties in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts (2018–2019). We calculated the road network distance between each participant’s address and the nearest fixed-site SSP, categorized as ≤ 1 mile, 1–3 miles, 3–10 miles, and > 10 miles. Staff performed HCV antibody tests and a survey assessed past 30-day injection equipment sharing practices: borrowing used syringes, borrowing other used injection equipment, and backloading. Mixed effects modified Poisson regression estimated prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Analyses were also stratified by means of transportation.ResultsAmong 330 PWID, 25% lived ≤ 1 mile of the nearest SSP, 17% lived 1–3 miles of an SSP, 12% lived 3–10 miles of an SSP, and 46% lived > 10 miles from an SSP. In multivariable models, compared to PWID who lived within 1 mile of an SSP, those who lived 3 to 10 miles away had a higher prevalence of HCV seropositivity (aPR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.06–1.46), borrowing other used injection equipment (aPR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.46), and backloading (aPR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.17–1.88). Similar results were observed for PWID living > 10 miles from an SSP: aPR [HCV]: 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.40; aPR [borrowing other used equipment]:1.45, 95% CI 1.29–1.63; and aPR [backloading]: 1.59, 95% CI 1.13–2.24. Associations between living 1 to 3 miles of an SSP and each outcome did not reach statistical significance. When stratified by means of transportation, associations between distance to SSP and each outcome (except borrowing other used injection equipment) were only observed among PWID who traveled by other means (versus traveled by automobile).ConclusionsAmong PWID in rural New England, living farther from a fixed-site SSP was associated with a higher prevalence of HCV seropositivity, borrowing other used injection equipment, and backloading, reinforcing the need to increase SSP accessibility in rural areas. Means of transportation may modify this relationship.

THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF BLOOD MARKERS IN PREDICTION OF THE PROBABILITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIBROTIC PROCESS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C VIRUS

Introduction. Recently, a negative trend of increasing the levels of prevalence, disability and mortality caused by chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) infection has been determined. Around the world is defined 0.6-10.0 % suffer from chronic HCV (about 71 million with an annual increase of 1.75 million cases). Even higher are the levels of HCV seropositivity, which according to the WHO are about 100 million people (1.6 % of the world population). The WHO identified the need to improve the diagnosis of chronic HCV and to identify its asymptomatic forms and irreversible consequences (liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis). Increasing the effectiveness of existing and developing new diagnostic approaches to improve early detection of chronic HCV and its consequences (liver fibrosis) is an urgent issue.&#x0D; The aim. To determine the prognostic possibilities of blood markers for the diagnosis of the development of the fibrotic process in chronic viral hepatitis C.&#x0D; Materials and methods. 78 people were examined: 47 (main group) – with chronic HCV and 31 – without chronic HCV (comparison group).&#x0D; Results. Probable associations with increased risks of development of LF in chronic HCV were: increased Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) (OR=4.305; 95.0 % CI 1.187-15.619; p=0.026) and Platelets (OR=0.955; 95.0 % CI 0.922-0.989; p=0.011), which indicated increased chances of developing LF in chronic HCV when exceeding the standard MCH indicators (by 4.305 times) and reduced chances – when increasing Platelets (on 4,5 %).&#x0D; Conclusions. Based on the research, it was determined that blood markers can be used as a significant predictor of the development of LF of patients with chronic HCV. Increased levels of MCH and Platelets in blood serum characterize a significant relationship with the development of LF in patients with chronic HCV, which indicates a significant influence of blood markers on the pathogenesis of LF in patients with chronic HCV.

Correlation Between Serum Ferritin and Degree of Hepatic Fibrosis on Fibroscan in Thalassemic Patients.

Aim and objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum ferritin levels and the degree of hepatic fibrosis as detected on Fibroscan in thalassemia patients. Materials and methods This was a single-center and cross-sectional study conducted from April 2021 to December 2022. The sample population comprised 55 beta-thalassemia patients receiving treatment at the National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan. The data was compiled through a series of patient interviews, anexamination of medical records and was analyzed to obtain the results. Descriptive statistics were used for several variables, including diagnosis, Fibroscan score, blood group, comorbidity, visceromegaly, consanguinity, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), viral markers, and C reactive protein (CRP). The correlation analysis was done using Spearman's correlation test. Results There were 55 participants in the study, 40 of whom were male and 15 of whom were female. The mean age of the patients was eight years, while the average age at diagnosis was nine months with a transfusion frequency of every 20 days. Spearman's rho (r = 0.287), and the significant value of (p = 0.033) confirmed a statistically significant positive correlation between serum ferritin levels and hepatic fibrosis. On Fibroscan, 74.5% of patients had F0-F1 stage fibrosis followed by 14.5% of the patients having F2 stage fibrosis. HCV seropositivity was the most prevalent comorbidity among the patients. 80% of patients had serum ferritin levels greater than 1000 ug/mL. Hepatosplenomegaly was present in 43.6% of the patients. 78.2% of patients were born out of consanguineous marriages. Conclusion In conclusion, this study found a statistically significant positive correlation between serum ferritin levels and hepatic fibrosis in beta-thalassemia patients. The study emphasizes the significance of monitoring serum ferritin levels in thalassemia patients to prevent hepatic fibrosis.

HCV seropositivity and breast cancer in Egyptian population, is there a link?

HCV seropositivity and breast cancer in Egyptian population, is there a link?

Hepatitis B and C in individuals with a history of antipsychotic medication use: A population-based evaluation.

A better understanding of links between mental illness and risk of bloodborne infectious disease could inform preventive and therapeutic strategies in individuals with mental illness. We performed a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in individuals with and without a prior prescription for antipsychotic medications, and to determine whether differences in seroprevalence could be explained by differential distribution in known infection risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between receipt of antipsychotic medication and HBV and HCV seropositivity. Those who had HBV core antibody had 1.64 (95% CI: 0.89, 3.02) times the odds and those with HCV antibody (anti-HCV) had 3.48 (95% CI: 1.71, 7.09) times the odds of having a prescription for at least one antipsychotic medication compared to those who did not have HBV core antibody or HCV antibody, respectively. While prior antipsychotic receipt was a potent risk marker for HCV seropositivity, risk was explained by adjusting for known bloodborne infection risk factors (adjusted ORs 1.01 [95% CI: 0.50, 2.02] and 1.38 [95% CI: 0.44, 4.36] for HBV and HCV, respectively). Prior receipt of antipsychotic medications is a strong predictor of HCV (and to a lesser extent HBV) seropositivity. Treatment with antipsychotic medications should be considered as additional risk markers for individuals who may benefit from targeted prevention, screening, and harm reduction interventions for HCV.

SEROPOSITIVITY OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION AMONG BLOOD DONORS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN

Background &amp; Objectives: The HCV epidemic is one of the largest public health crises of the 21st century, which has evolved from a mysterious illness to a global pandemic in less than 20 years. The purpose of this study is to estimate the seropositivity of HCVinfection among blood donors at our blood centre in Western Rajasthan. Methods: ARetrospective study of all donations from January 2022 to November 2022 was conducted for the seropositivity of HCV among the blood donors. A total of 41167 donations were analyzed for seropositivity, data were collected in Excel data sheet and analyzed using statistical calculations by IBM SPSS statistical software platform version 26. Seropositivity rate was calculated, chi square test was applied to test the signicance. Results: Out of the total 41167 donors tested for HCV infection, 91(0.22%) were found to be HCV seropositive. Conclusion: Strict blood donor screening, encouraging people to donate blood freely at regular intervals and widespread Hepatitis C immunization are always to reduce the occurrence of transfusion-transmitted infections. Although it will be challenging, we can still achieve our goal of having all blood donations in India.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C at a Primary Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana

Background: Hepatitis C infection can often be detected by antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. HCV infection frequently goes untreated since it is asymptomatic for decades before symptoms appear as a result of severe liver damage. This study will investigate the prevalence of HCV in the Western region, specifically the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The research sought to improve the knowledge gap by providing data on the prevalence rates of HCV. Methods: 980 samples collected from January to April 2022 were subjected to a retrospective analysis. The HCV serologic test was performed using the one-step immune-chromatographic test kit. Age-related data and the results of all serologic tests for HCV were recorded and evaluated during analysis. Results: A total number of 980 samples were analyzed in this study. Out of which 91.3% (n=895) were seronegative and the remaining 8.7% (n=85) were seropositive. Seropositivity was mainly found significantly among the 35-44, Conclusion: This study recorded a high prevalence rate of HCV seropositivity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the Western region to have considered HCV prevalence. The findings emphasize the necessity for quick public health measures to lower infection rates. These must target screening of high-risk groups, education campaigns about HCV transmission patterns, and the provision of treatment for those who are infected.

A Study of Seropositivity of HIV, HBV, HCV and SYPHILIS in Blood Donors in Tertiary Care Hospital, Rajkot

Background: Blood is elixir of life. Although blood transfusion plays important role in the supportive care of medical and surgical patients, use of unscreened blood transfusion keep the patient at risk of acquiring many TTIs like hepatitis virus (HBV, HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis.Aim: To study the seroprevalence of the HIV, HBsAg, HCV, VDRL and malaria in blood donors. To compare the seroprevalence of these disease in male and female donors. To compare gender and age wise seroprevalence. Methods: The study was conducted in blood bank, Department of pathology, P.D.U medical college and hospital, Rajkot, India from 1st June 2021 to 31st May 2022. Blood samples were collected from blood donors who came to donate at blood bank or donated in voluntary blood donation camp. We collected data from total a total of 18951 donors out of which 18804 were accepted and 147 were rejected.Results: A total of 18,951 donor samples were analyzed during the said period. Out of 18,804 accepted donors, a total of 156 (0.82%) were diagnosed positive for TTI infection.Conclusion: Comprehensive, screening of blood donors for HIV, HBV, HCV, VDRL and malaria, strict selection of donors with emphasis on getting Young voluntary on remunerated donors rather than replacement donors, reestablishment of strict guidelines for blood transfusion and use of sensitive laboratory screening tests may be possible to reduce the incidence of transfusion transmitted diseases in India.

SEROPREVALANCE OF TRANSFUSION TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS(TTIS) AMONG BLOOD DONORS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA.

A transfusion transmitted infection (TTI) is any infection that is transmissible from person to- person through parenteral administration of blood or blood products.Blood transfusion carries the risk of transmitting infections like HIV,Hepatitis B,Hepatitis C,syphilis and malaria.So in order to provide safe blood transfusion these mandatory tests need to be done with proper monitoring.Aim To determine the seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections(TTIs) among blood donors. Materials and method The present study was conducted in department of hematology and transfusion medicine, Govt lal ded(LD) hospital Srinagar.Study period was from September 2020 to August 2021.A total number of 7235 donors were screened for HIV,HBV,HCV,Syphlis and malaria by ELISA and NAT test Results Out of 7235 donors, 99.23% were males,0.77% were females.0.98% were reactive for TTI.HBV 0.44%, HCV 0.46%,HIV 0.003% and syphilis 0.08% were the major infections in blood donors. None was positive for malaria. Conclusion Seropositivity of HBV,HIV,HCV,Syphilis and malaria among healthy donors indicates the risk of transfusion transmitted infections during blood transfusion.With the implementation of strict donor criteria and use of sensitive screening tests,it may be possible to reduce the incidence of TTI in the Indian scenario.

Demographic features and hematological profile in patients of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in southern Punjab Pakistan.

Objective: To generate data regarding clinicohematological findings of CLL in patients of Southern Punjab Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Hematology Section Pathology Department, Nishtar Medical University, Multan. Period: January 2016 to September 2019. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 44 patients of all age groups diagnosed as CLL were enrolled. Diagnosis was made on morphology and immunohistochemistry of bone marrow trephine biopsies and cases without immunohistochemical panel were excluded from the study. Clinical features and baseline tests were evaluated in all cases. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0. Results: Out of 44 patients, majority were males (70.5%). Mean age was 51±12.6 years. B symptoms were present in 71% patients. Lymph nodes were enlarged in 44%. Splenic and hepatic enlargement was seen in 32% and 15.9% respectively. Anemia was seen in 45.5% and thrombocytopenia in 34.1%. Bone marrow was infiltrated in 100% patients and the most common pattern of infiltration was diffuse (65%). CD20 and CD5 were positive in all of the cases (100%) and CD23 in 96%. Seropositivity for both anti HCV and HBsAg was present in 2.3%. Conclusion: The clinicohematological features of CLL in our patients show some differences to the cited literature with a greater majority presenting at younger age with diffuse bone marrow involvement having lower positivity for HBsAg, anti HCV and less hepatosplenomegaly.

Six-Month Doxycycline Is Safe and Effective As Upfront Monotherapy for Stage-I Malt Lymphoma of the Ocular Adnexae: Primary Endpoint Results of the IELSG39 Trial

Background: Overall survival of patients with limited-stage ocular adnexa MALT lymphoma (OAML) is favorable, with a few lymphoma-related deaths. In geographical areas where OAML is frequently associated with Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) infection, bacterial eradication with doxycycline monotherapy is associated with good disease control. In the IELSG27 trial (Ferreri, et al. JCO 2012), a 3-week regimen of doxycycline has been associated with an overall response rate (ORR) of 65% and a 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 60%. However, successful Cp eradication has been achieved only in half of patients, which strongly conditioned therapeutic results. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that, during its biological cycle, Cp often persists within macrophages under the form of elementary bodies, which is a metabolically inert condition, refractory to antibiotics. An extended exposure to effective antibiotics could result in a higher bacterial eradication rate and better lymphoma control. This hypothesis was tested in an international phase II trial (IELSG39), where patients with limited-stage OAML were treated with a six-month regimen of doxycycline. Herein, we report primary endpoint results. Methods: HIV-negative adults with newly diagnosed stage IEA OAML, ECOG-PS 0-2 and measurable disease were enrolled and treated with doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for four weeks followed by four weeks rest, repeated for three times (treatment duration: six months). Patients with HBV or HCV seropositivity, myasthenia gravis or systemic lupus erythematous were excluded. Cp infection was assessed by TETR-PCR analysis on tumor tissue at diagnosis and monitored on conjunctival swabs and PBMC every six months. Tumor response was assessed by orbit MRI and ophthalmologist evaluation every six months. The primary endpoint was the 2-year PFS, a Fleming phase 2 design was used. The main goal of this experimental treatment was to improve the efficacy of antibiotic therapy reported in the IELSG27 trial (2-year PFS= 60%; P0) to a 2-year PFS of 75% (P1). To detect such a difference, a total number of 30 patients with Cp-positive OAML was required (one-sided test, type I error 5% and power 80%); whenever ≥17 patients with Cp-positive OAMZL were progression-free at 2 years, the experimental therapy would be considered effective. Results: 44 patients (median age 58 yo, range 31-85; male:female ratio 0.63) were enrolled in eight participating centres, between March 2013 and May 2016. Lymphoma site was conjunctiva in 27 (61%) patients, orbit soft tissues in 10 (23%), lachrymal gland in 6 (14%), and eyelid in one (2%). Cp DNA was detected in 20 (71%) of 28 assessed patients; TETR-PCR analysis is ongoing in 16. Treatment was well tolerated; all patients completed the treatment in the planned time. Grade 1-2 nausea was complained by 8 (18%) patients. The best objective response was complete in 14 patients and partial in 14, with an ORR of 64% (95% CI= 50-78), 11 patients had stable disease, and five experienced progressive disease. The time to the best response was longer than one year in 11 (46%) of 24 patients with responsive disease (median 9 months; range 3-34). At two years from enrolment (primary endpoint), 30 patients remain relapse-free; 17 of them had a Cp-positive OAML. At a median follow-up of 79 months (range 33-112), 23 patients remain relapse-free, with a 2- and 5-year PFS of 72% (95%CI= 71-73) and 53% (95%CI= 47-58), respectively; all patients are alive. Patients with Cp-positive lymphoma had a better PFS (5-year: 60% and 37%; p= 0.14). A post-hoc explorative analysis showed that this six-month doxycycline treatment was associated with a trend towards better PFS in comparison with the shorter regimen used in the IELSG27 trial (median follow-up 75 months; range 5-155), both when whole populations (upper figure) and Cp-positive subgroups (lower figure) were considered. Conclusions: The assessed six-month administration regimen of doxycycline was safe and effective in patients with stage-I OAML. This experimental treatment achieved the predetermined efficacy threshold and compares favorably with the 3-week regimen used in the IELSG27 trial, suggesting that a prolonged exposure to antibiotics improves lymphoma control. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Correlation of ABO-Rh blood group and transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) among blood donors

The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the pattern of distribution and to detect association of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) with ABO and Rh blood groups.A retrospective study was conducted at the Prathama blood centre, Ahmedabad, India over a period of five years from 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2020. A total of 1,43,687 healthy voluntary donors were included in the study. At the time of donation, blood samples are collected in plain and EDTA vaccuttes for TTI testing. Along with blood group and antibody screening, all the donor blood units were screened for HbsAg, HIV, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria. All testing was done with fully automated ELISA system (Bio-rad) and majority of the samples were subjected to NAT testing also. In the current study, sero-reactive samples from ELISA testing are included.The most common blood group was B positive (33.62%) while the least common was AB Negative (0.52%). The total sero-reactivity of TTI was 0.58%. Out of the total 1,43,687, 0.31% donors were reactive for HbsAg, 0.047% for HIV, 0.036% for HCV, and 0.19% for syphilis. Maximum sero-reactivity was seen in blood group B positive (0.19%) and O positive (0.17%) followed by A positive (0.13%). A significant association was seen between Rh Positive and Rh-negative blood group and HbsAg seropositivity. In TPHA positive donors, there was also significant association between TPHA infection and Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood group. Seropositivity for TTI was found more in Rh positive donors. Blood group B positive showed highest seropositivity for TTI (0.19%). There was no significant association of TTI with any other blood group. However, only one B negative blood group revealed seropositivity for HCV. Therefore, more studies are required for association of blood groups with TTI.

Noninvasive assessment and risk factors of liver fibrosis in pediatric patients with beta thalassemia major using transient elastography

BackgroundIn beta-thalassemia major (TM) patients, levels of liver iron overload and the presence of chronic hepatitis C are directly correlated with the onset and severity of liver fibrosis. A noninvasive approach that can evaluate cirrhosis and liver fibrosis in these patients is transient elastography (TE). We aimed to find out the role of noninvasive elastography in the assessment of liver fibrosis in young beta-thalassemia major patients receiving frequent blood transfusions. Identifying the patients' risk factors for liver fibrosis is another goal. The study comprised 53 patients, all of whom had a thorough history-taking procedure, clinical examination, and investigations such as CBC, serum ferritin, HCV and HBV serology, and liver function testing. It was carried out transient elastography to find liver fibrosis.ResultsAccording to transient elastography, 52.8% of the patients had severe fibrosis (F2 and higher). 9.4% of people had positive HCV serology results. Significant liver fibrosis was correlated with all serum ferritin levels (708.2 ± 182.1, 3213.5 ± 1272.9, nonsignificant vs. significant fibrosis), HCV infection, age, blood transfusion frequency, and irregular chelation therapy. But no significant correlation regarding sex and BMI was detected.ConclusionTransient elastography is an alternate noninvasive approach that assesses liver fibrosis in beta-thalassemia major patients. The risk of liver fibrosis is related to iron overload, HCV seropositivity, advanced age, frequent blood transfusion, and irregular chelation therapy.

Effect of HCV seropositivity on outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Effect of HCV seropositivity on outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Sağlık Çalışanlarında Hepatit A, Hepatit B, Hepatit C ve HIV Seroprevalansı

Amaç: Hepatit A, hepatit B, hepatit C ve HIV kan ve vücut sıvılarının bulaşı açısından önde gelen hastalıklardır. Bu çalışmada, sağlık çalışanlarında HAV, HBV, HCV ve HIV seropozitifliğinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.Materyal ve Metot: Sağlık çalışanlarının serum örneklerinde HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HAV IgG, anti-HBc IgG ve anti-HIV testleri kemilüminesans esasına dayanan ELISA yöntemi ile çalışıldı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen 647 sağlık çalışanından 391’i erkek (%60,43) ve 256’sı kadındı (%39,57). Çalışanların 201’i (%31,1) hemşire, 92’si (%14,2) doktor, 94’ü (%14,5) temizlik görevlisi ve 260’ı (%40,2) diğer sağlık personeli idi. HBsAg pozitifliği 12 kişide (%1,8) saptandı. Anti-HBs pozitifliği 561 kişide (%86,7) tespit edildi. Anti-HCV ve anti-HIV pozitifliği herhangi bir sağlık çalışanında saptanmadı. Anti-HAV IgG bakılan 552 kişiden 499 kişide test sonucu pozitif (%90,3), 53 kişide ise negatif (%9,7) olarak sonuçlandı.Sonuç: Sağlık çalışanları HAV, HBV, HCV ve HIV açısından yüksek risk grubunda bulundukları için dönemsel olarak bu virüsler açısından tarama yapılması ve HAV ile HBV’ye karşı bağışık olmayanların aşılanmaları gerekmektedir.

A cross-sectional study of hepatitis C prevalence and correlates among persons who inject drugs in rural and non-rural communities.

Persons who inject drugs (PWID) have been experiencing a higher burden of new hepatitis C (HCV) due to the opioid epidemic. The greatest increases in injection have been in rural communities. However, less is known about the prevalence of HCV or its risk factors in rural compared to non-rural communities. This study compared HCV infection history, current infection, and associated behavioural and sociodemographic correlates among PWID recruited from rural and non-rural communities from Upstate New York (NY). This cross-sectional study recruited 309 PWID, using respondent-driven sampling. Blood samples were collected through finger stick for HCV antibody and RNA tests. A survey was also self-administered for HCV infection history, sociodemographics and behavioural correlates to compare by setting rurality. HCV seropositivity was significantly higher among PWID from rural than non-rural communities (71.0% vs. 46.8%), as was current infection (41.4% vs. 25.9%). High levels of past year syringe (44.4%) and equipment (62.2%) sharing were reported. Factors associated with infection history include syringe service program utilization, non-Hispanic white race, sharing needles and methamphetamine injection, which was higher in rural vs. non-rural communities (38.5% vs. 15.5%). HCV burden among PWID appears higher in rural than non-rural communities and may be increasing possibly due to greater levels of methamphetamine injection. On-going systematic surveillance of HCV prevalence and correlates is crucial to respond to the changing opioid epidemic landscape. Additionally, improving access to harm reduction services, especially with special focus on stimulants, may be important to reduce HCV prevalence among PWID in rural settings.