Wastewater-based surveillance of hepatitis A virus across municipalities and neighbourhoods in Alberta, Canada.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is responsible for acute viral hepatitis worldwide, mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route either through direct contact or by consuming contaminated food. Thermal inactivation is widely applied in the food industry to inactivate viruses and ensure the safety of food products. The effectiveness of inactivation treatments depends on the initial viral load and the sensitivity of the method quantifying infectious viruses. This study aimed to assess the real-time cell analysis (RTCA) assay in the framework of heat inactivation studies, compare its suitability to the traditional PFU assay and molecular-based methods (RT-qPCR, integrity-RT-qPCR), and model thermal inactivation kinetics. Our results showed that the RTCA assay is a suitable method for quantifying the decrease in infectious HAV as the time-temperature scale increases. No more infectious virus was detected after treatment at 37°C, 50°C, 65°C, 72°C, and 80°C, lasting 9 days, 24 h, 10 min, 5 min, and 2 min, respectively. The Geeraerd model was identified as the best fit to describe HAV thermal inactivation kinetics. The D values, corresponding to the time required to achieve a 1 log10 reduction in HAV titer, were comparable between both cell-culture-based methods across all tested temperatures. In contrast, molecular methods yielded significantly higher D values. Kinetic parameters were subsequently validated, confirming that the isothermal-derived parameters can reliably predict viral inactivation under dynamic thermal conditions. This study demonstrates that the RTCA assay provides a powerful tool for modeling HAV thermal inactivation that can offer valuable guidance for implementing effective food safety strategies.IMPORTANCEThere has been a significant increase in viral foodborne outbreaks following the consumption of raw or minimally processed foods. Thermal treatments may ensure food safety, with efficacy depending on viral load and method sensitivity. In this study, we present a powerful real-time cell analysis assay that advances our analytical ability to quantify infectious hepatitis A virus. By providing kinetic parameters comparable to those obtained with the traditional infectious titration method, this high-throughput assay overcomes its limitations to conduct viral inactivation studies on a larger scale. In addition, the successful validation of kinetic parameters confirms that isothermal-derived parameters can reliably predict viral inactivation under dynamic thermal conditions. This offers a reliable and essential tool to strengthen food safety measures to be applied in the food industry.

Since 1991, the CDC has recommended screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnancy and universal hepatitis B vaccination of all medically stable infants at birth, serving as a core strategy to prevent perinatal and postnatal infection and eliminate HBV transmission nationwide. On December 5, 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted (1) among women who screen negative in pregnancy, parents decide, in consultation with providers, when or if to vaccinate their child for hepatitis B, and if not at birth, then no earlier than 2 months of age, and (2) consider collection of infant immune titers to guide decision-making for completing the vaccine series. We conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence of the safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness of the birth dose and a delayed first dose, and of the potential role of serology for clinical decision making. We analyzed studies of the epidemiology of HBV infection, clinical trials, systematic reviews, vaccine safety from surveillance and clinical studies, and potential impact of revised guidelines on individual and public health. We synthesized the history of ACIP recommendations and resulting trends in HBV incidence. The review found strong evidence for the safety and effectiveness of the birth dose, and no improved safety or effectiveness with a delayed first dose. We found no evidence to support use of post-vaccination serology. Infant vaccination has resulted in a 99% reduction in pediatric HBV infections; we found no evidence to support a change in vaccine recommendations but identified potential health consequences.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection are the global public health challenge. Family members of the HBV and HCV infected patients have a high risk of exposure to many blood-borne diseases including Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viral infections as well. So the objectives of the present study was to see the seropositivity of HBV and HCV among the family members of chronically infected viral hepatitis patients. Materials and methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 80 family members of 50 patients with chronic HBV and HCV infection. After ethical clearance and written consent, 1stdegree family members of those chronically infected hepatitis patients were explained about the objectives of the study and a standard questionnairewere introduced and recorded. Venous blood samples was taken from every participant with universal precautions and was tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Hepatitis B surface antigen, anti HCV. Data analysis was done later by SPSS. Results: Eighty (80) family members of HBV[45(90%)] and HCV[5(10%] positive cases were screened. Among the family member, male were 45(56.3%) and female were 35(43.8%) and male to male ratio 1.28:1. Total 23(28.8%)family members were vaccinated against HBV. HBsAg and Anti HCV screening status of the relatives revealed HBsAg and anti HCV was found positive in 4(5%) and 1(1.3%) cases respectively. Conclusion: Relatives of the HBV and HCV infected patients are also at risk. So they should take proper preventive measures and should be vaccinated. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.24 (1); Jan 2025; Page 37-40

Dental health professionals (DHPs) are at risk for bloodborne viruses. We evaluated hepatitis B and hepatitis C seroprevalence and knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding viral hepatitis in Georgia. We randomly selected 214 dental facilities. DHPs underwent face-to-face interviews and provided blood samples. High knowledge and practice were defined as correctly responding to 70% or more of the questions. Samples were tested for antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and, if reactive, for HCV RNA; total hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) and, if reactive, for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Specimens reactive for HBsAg were tested for antibody to hepatitis D virus (anti-HDV). Among 519 participants, 6.6% and 7.9% correctly identified all HBV and HCV transmission modes, respectively. Approximately half had high knowledge scores for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Nurses had lower odds than dentists to have high scores. While 56% agreed that the hepatitis B vaccine is essential for healthcare workers, only 23.9% reported being vaccinated. Overall, 89.4% had high practice scores; 41.6% experienced a blood splash on their face, 43.7% a needle-stick injury and 20.6% an injury with a contaminated instrument. Practice scores were lower among those who had not been screened or vaccinated for hepatitis B. Among 517 blood samples tested, 0.8% were anti-HCV reactive, but none had detectable HCV RNA; 12.2% were anti-HBc reactive and 0.6% were HBsAg reactive. None tested reactive for anti-HDV. Enhanced training and policy reforms are critical to improve hepatitis knowledge, vaccination uptake and infection control practices among DHPs in Georgia.

The exhaled breath of infected, mechanically ventilated patients poses an infection risk to health care workers. Proper expiratory gas filtration with heat and moisture exchanger filters (HMEF) or filters could reduce that phenomenon. Current laboratory means of assessing the filtration efficiency are limited to the use of monodisperse aerosols at a single humidity level and flow. This study aims to examine the filtration efficiency of various devices under simulated clinical conditions, namely against a broad range of particle sizes containing viruses at different levels of gas humidity and flow. A wind tunnel was adapted to evaluate the filtration efficiency of 4 devices (HME, HMEF, filters, and HEPA-HMEF) against viral aerosols. Bacteriophages PhiX174 and MS2 were used as a proxy for human viruses. In general, particulate filtration was significantly increased under dry versus humid conditions and with low versus high flows (P < .05). The HEPA filter significantly outperformed all other devices under all tested conditions in filtration efficiency. Both HMEF and filter showed approximately a 1% decrease in absolute differences compared with the reference method (∼99% vs 99.99%). This difference could represent an emission of as many as 102 SARS-CoV-2 copies per hour by an ICU patient, which is enough to spread the infection. Accurate testing of filtration function has long gone unexamined, and in preparation for the next respiratory pandemic, better evaluation of devices that filter potentially dangerous pathogens is vital for health care professionals and systems. Standard filtration testing should be adapted to mimic the clinical usage of HMEs and filters.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remain major public health challenges in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities with limited access to prevention and screening services. This study determined the prevalence and determinants of HBV and HCV infections among adults in Fufore Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, Nigeria. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 adults selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, and blood samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic test kits. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence. Chi-square tests assessed associations between independent variables and hepatitis infection. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent determinants of hepatitis infection, defined as positivity to either HBsAg or anti-HCV. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Determinants were analyzed using a combined hepatitis infection outcome due to overlapping transmission risk factors. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.8 ± 10.6 years. The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections was 17.2% and 11.7%, respectively, while 4.7% of participants had HBV–HCV co-infection. Overall, 33.6% of respondents tested positive for at least one hepatitis infection. Independent determinants of hepatitis infection included unprotected sexual intercourse (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.31–4.45), traditional unsafe invasive procedures (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.09–4.17), sharing of sharp objects (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.30–4.70), age 35–44 years (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.02–3.49), low educational level (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.08–4.53), and marital status (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.01–3.02). Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among adults in Fufore LGA is high, indicating sustained transmission in this rural community. Behavioral and sociodemographic factors were significant determinants, underscoring the need for targeted screening, vaccination, and community-based risk-reduction interventions.

ABSTRACT In 2019, a hepatitis A outbreak in an Anabaptist community was reported to the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Epidemiological data suggested untreated spring water as a potential outbreak exposure. An environmental investigation was conducted to evaluate this less common hepatitis A virus (HAV) exposure source. We collected water samples from the main spring used for drinking and produce irrigation by the primary household where cases were identified, from springs feeding the main spring, and from the household's gray water discharge and human waste systems. Samples were tested for HAV, and viral and bacterial fecal indicators. HAV was detected in the main spring water and downstream of the household gray water discharge pipe. HAV was repeatedly detected in the follow-up samples from spring water and in wastewater from a new septic system. The environmental investigation confirmed HAV contamination of the household drinking water. Human-specific and general fecal indicators indicated a hydrological connection between the waste system and the drinking water source. Given that private springs are unregulated in the United States, spring water should be considered as a risk factor in HAV and other waterborne virus outbreaks within communities less likely to utilize water treatment systems.

Liver diseases account for 1 in 25 deaths worldwide. Owing to the asymptomatic nature across the dynamic spectrum of steatotic liver disease (SLD) and the absence of targeted screening programmes, individuals at risk of progression to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unlikely to pursue liver disease testing. Historically, hepatitis B and C were the leading causes of liver injury that can progress to cirrhosis or HCC. Global efforts to implement screening and vaccination programmes, expand testing and treatment, and encourage active viral hepatitis case finding followed the widespread availability of curative treatment for hepatitis C and effective suppressive therapy and vaccines for hepatitis B, further supported by changes in law, regulation and public policy. With encouraging declines in new viral hepatitis infections in many countries, greater attention should turn to SLD, now the leading global indicator for cirrhosis and HCC. Screening and active case finding for SLD lag far behind its increasing prevalence, leaving most people undiagnosed. This Expert Recommendation draws on lessons learned from legal, regulatory and policy changes required to combat the viral hepatitis public health threat. Our recommendations can contribute to a concerted shift in legal frameworks and policies to enhance screening programmes, increase testing and improve health outcomes.

Background/Objectives: In England, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are eligible for vaccination at NHS sexual health services, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines. However, current research shows limited understanding of the factors influencing vaccination uptake among GBMSM. This study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators affecting the offer and uptake of these vaccination programmes. Methods: A qualitative interview study following the Person-Based Approach (a systematic method for developing and optimising health interventions) involving GBMSM and sexual health service staff from two regions of England. Purposive sampling aimed to include GBMSM with diverse backgrounds and engagement with sexual health services. Patient and public involvement shaped the study design and interview topic guides. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed to identify barriers and facilitators which were interpreted using the COM-B model of behaviour change. Results: Twenty GBMSM and eleven staff took part. The findings showed that opportunistic delivery of HPV, HAV, and HBV vaccination within sexual health services is mostly acceptable and feasible for GBMSM and staff, while also highlighting areas for optimization. Despite low knowledge of these viruses and their associated risks, willingness to be vaccinated was high, with healthcare provider recommendations and the convenience of vaccine delivery during routine clinic visits acting as important facilitators. However, the reach of opportunistic models was limited, particularly for individuals underserved by sexual health services or disengaged from GBMSM social networks. System-level barriers such as complex vaccine schedules (particularly when multiple schedules are combined), inconsistent access to vaccination histories, and limited system-level follow-up processes (e.g., automated invites and reminders) were also found to act as obstacles to vaccination uptake and delivery. Conclusions: To improve equitable uptake, sexual health services should explore the feasibility of addressing both individual and structural barriers through additional strategies, including targeted and persuasive communication to increase knowledge, leveraging regular contact with GBMSM to promote uptake, and implementing enhanced approaches to support vaccination completion (e.g., automated prompts or reminders).

The present study describes the ten-year (2014–2024) validation of a Class 100,000ISO 8 qualified air system used in the manufacture of non-sterile pharmaceutical dosage forms in a GMP-certified facility. The lifecycle evaluation included design, installation, qualification, continuous operation, environmental monitoring, cleaning and disinfection verification, and annual third-party validation. The system was assessed for critical parameters, including air renewal rates, airflow directionality, the integrity of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filters, environmental recovery times, and non-viable particle counts. Particle monitoring focused on 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm channels within the 0.5–5 μm range specified by ISO 14644-1 for ISO 8 areas. The 0.5–1.0 μm range was prioritized because it provides higher statistical representativeness for evaluating filter performance and controlling fine particulate dispersion, which is particularly relevant in non-sterile pharmaceutical production, while larger particles (&gt;5 μm) are more critical in aseptic processes. The influence of personnel and air exchange rates on cleanliness was also assessed during the final years of the study. Results demonstrate that continuous, systematic validation ensures the controlled environmental conditions required for pharmaceutical production and supports the sustained quality and safety of the finished products. This study provides a technical reference for engineers, pharmacists, and quality professionals involved in cleanroom design, qualification, and regulatory compliance.

Background Chronic viral hepatitis infections (hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D viruses (HDV)) are responsible for over 1 million deaths annually, due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Mongolia has a high prevalence of all these infections, resulting in the highest incidence and mortality from liver cancer in the world. Other factors, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can impact viral hepatitis, although the interaction is not fully understood. Several successful viral hepatitis screening programmes have been carried out among Mongolians living in Spain, USA, and Sweden. Protocol We describe a community-informed protocol for the implementation of liver health screening among Mongolians living in London (UK), designed by a multi-disciplinary team. This observational, mixed-methods study (‘Hep-MoLo’) has three domains. (i) In the clinical domain, liver screening events will be held in London, in collaboration with the Mongolian Community Organisation. An awareness-raising educational component will precede point-of-care screening for blood-borne infections (HBV, HCV, HIV), liver fibrosis and steatosis, and screening for cardiometabolic risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes); (ii) Laboratory studies will focus on the interaction between HBV and MASLD; (iii) A qualitative approach will be used to explore community views on liver health screening, access and engaging in care. Discussion This protocol provides a framework for a public health intervention targeting a high-risk population, combined with laboratory and qualitative research to give a multi-dimensional insight into viral hepatitis and liver health in the London Mongolian community. This is a community-academic-clinical partnership, fostering collaboration to generate data to inform clinical and public health interventions.

BackgroundDengue fever and acute viral hepatitis have emerged as significant global public health challenges, including India. Acute viral hepatitis is most commonly caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the Hepatitis E virus (HEV), both of which are transmitted through faeco-oral route. This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of acute viral hepatitis among clinically suspected dengue cases presented at the National Institute of TV and Respiratory Diseases in 2024.MethodsTo identify the presence of acute viral hepatitis caused by HAV and HEV, 119 specimens were selected from dengue-suspected clinical samples in 2024, based on the presence of symptoms indicative of acute viral hepatitis. Later, serological diagnosis was performed on these samples using anti-HAV IgM and anti-HEV IgM ELISA kits.ResultsBased on seropositivity for IgM antibodies, 7 (6.5%) dengue virus (DENV) seropositive samples tested positive for both HAV and HEV. Among DENV seronegative cases, 18 (29.7%) samples were positive for HEV, and 5 (3.8%) samples were positive for HAV, indicating the potential for misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms. Co-infection with both HAV and HEV was observed in 3 samples.ConclusionThe findings of this study highlighted the presence of acute hepatitis infections among the dengue cases both monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Overlapping of clinical manifestations of these diseases can lead to misdiagnosis incidences raising risk for underreporting of the true cases of acute viral hepatitis infection. Based on the findings, it is recommended that dengue-suspected patients with selected symptoms during both monsoon and post-monsoon seasons should also be screened for acute hepatitis infections.DisclosuresAll Authors: No reported disclosures

Contamination with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) represents a significant etiological factor in acute hepatitis, occasionally progressing to liver failure. HAV transmission is primarily linked to the consumption of HAV-polluted water and food. The effectiveness of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on the infectivity reduction of a HAV strain on edible seaweed Ulva lactuca was evaluated under varying treatment durations (control, 10, 30, and 60 min), and its impact on the quality of the seaweed was also examined. To identify infectious and non-infectious virus components, HAV was exposed using RT-qPCR with propidium monoazide/sarkosyl. HAV was decreased in seaweed when compared control to DBD (0.37 -1.43 log10copy number/µL) and in non-PMA reduction titers were (0.37, 0.42, and 0.54 log10copy number/µL) and PMA + Sarkosyl-treated group (0.64, 0.68, and 1.43 log10copy number/µL), respectively. The acidity (pH) and Hunter color assessments of control and DBD-treated seaweed exhibited no significant disparities (P > 0.05). These outcomes indicate the potential applicability of PMA/RT-qPCR in detecting HAV infectivity without compromising the quality of seaweed subsequent to DBD treatment. HAV infectivity was significantly reduced in the foods after DBD treatment for 60 min, indicating potential for commercial application. With further optimization, DBD plasma has the potential to be utilized by food processors as a nonthermal method for inactivating foodborne viruses.

Wildland and wildland–urban-interface (WUI) fires substantially elevate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in surrounding communities. Portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers are widely recommended to reduce indoor PM2.5 exposure during such events, yet this guidance largely derives from studies of traffic exhaust, secondhand smoke, or indoor sources, rather than real-world WUI fire episodes. To address this gap, we leveraged data from ongoing randomized crossover trials of long-term use of portable HEPA purifiers in Los Angeles residences. During the Eaton Fire (January 2025), 11 homes were under HEPA intervention and 16 under non-HEPA control. Continuous indoor and outdoor PM2.5 monitoring before, during, and after the Eaton Fire (over 6 weeks) showed outdoor PM2.5 levels rose 148% (19 to 47 µg/m3) and indoor levels 91% (10 to 19 µg/m3) during the fire. HEPA homes had indoor PM2.5 levels 3 µg/m³ (15%, p = 0.01) lower than non-HEPA homes, while outdoor concentrations were comparable. Indoor PM2.5 reductions were unaffected by pre-filter use or clean air delivery rate (CADR)-to-room-volume ratio (0.8–4.9). These findings indicate that portable HEPA purifiers provided statistically significant but modest reductions in PM2.5 levels during WUI fire events. Complementary building-level and behavioral interventions remain critical to reduce indoor exposure in fire-affected communities.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), traditionally a paediatric illness in endemic regions, is now exhibiting an emerging age shift in symptomatic cases. This study investigates the sero-molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis A in Puducherry and surrounding regions. Between January and November 2024, 513 acute viral hepatitis cases were evaluated for serum IgM anti-HAV. Representative samples underwent sequencing and B-cell epitope analysis. Of the 150 patients (29.23%) tested positive for HAV, children under 12 years (50%) were most affected, with an increasing trend in adult infection (31.33%), while adolescents aged 12-17 years accounted for 18.66%. All viral strains were genotype IIIA with no major B-cell epitope changes. A total of 732 asymptomatic individuals (2023-2024) were screened for IgG anti-HAV across different age strata (1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20 and 21-30 years). The seroprevalence of HAV IgG varied by age: 1-5 years (58.5%), 6-10 years (52.87%), 11-15 years (44.95%), 16-20 years (56.88%) and 21-30 years (83.16%). Hepatitis A remains a significant health concern in Puducherry and its surrounding regions, with symptomatic infections occurring more frequently in children, followed by adults. However, HAV seroprevalence was higher in young adults and comparatively lower in children and adolescents.

P0442 Prevalence of viral hepatitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A nationwide population-based study in South Korea

Copper-enhanced electrochemical immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles for the quality control of hepatitis A virus vaccines.

Combined detection of foodborne pathogens in irrigation water in Jiangsu, China.

ABSTRACTBackgroundTyping Aspergillus species is crucial for understanding the sources of infection in hospital environments.ObjectivesThis study analysed clinical and air samples as well as their relationship with the clinical forms of aspergillosis. Additionally, we examined the usefulness of the Short Tandem Repeats (STR) technique with two highly discriminatory markers for analysing the Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) profile.Patients/MethodsSeventy‐five air samples (September 2013–July 2014) and 116 clinical samples (2009–2014) were collected in a university hospital. Seventy‐two samples were typed by STR with two markers, MC3 and MC5.ResultsOf the 75 air samples collected, 10 were positive in the Bone Marrow Transplant unit, a ventilated unit with HEPA filters as were 18 in the Haematology ward, a naturally ventilated unit. Of the 116 clinical samples of Aspergillus spp., 95 were identified as A. fumigatus. High diversity was found, with 42 genotypes in 67 clinical samples and four in five environmental samples. Most isolates were collected during the demolition and renovation of the Emergency unit in the Hospital from 2013 to 2014. Genotype 1 was found in several units during different years. Despite the heterogeneity, identical genotypes were observed three times at short intervals in the same or different wards. Some of these identical genotypes were confirmed as possible clones by genome sequencing while others' genotyping matches failed to be confirmed.ConclusionDespite the diversity of clinical and environmental samples, useful correlations can be established in invasive aspergillosis surveillance programs by using this simple STR method as a preliminary step.