Hepatitis B Virus Serology Research Articles

Pre-transplant donor HBV DNA+ and male recipient are independent risk factors for treatment failure in HBsAg+ donors to HBsAg- kidney transplant recipients

BackgroundIn order to reduce the burden on organ shortage around the world, using potential infectious donor might be an option. However, scarce evidences have been published on kidney transplantation (KTx) from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) + donors to HBsAg- recipients [D (HBsAg+)/R(HBsAg-)] without hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunity. Here, we reported the results of D(HBsAg+/HBV DNA- or +)/R(HBsAg-) living KTx recipients with or without HBV immunity.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 83 D(HBsAg+)/R(HBsAg-) living KTx recipients, and 83 hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) + living donors to HBcAb- recipients [D(HBcAb+)/R(HBcAb-)] were used as control group by reviewing medical archives and propensity score matching. Treatment failure (defined as any HBV serology conversion, liver injury, graft loss, or recipient death) is the primary endpoint.ResultsTwenty-four donors (28.9%) were HBV DNA+, and 20 recipients had no HBV immunity in the D(HBsAg+)/R(HBsAg-) group pre-transplantation. HBV prophylaxis was applied in all D(HBsAg+)/R(HBsAg-) recipients, while none was applied in the D(HBcAb+)/R(HBcAb-) group. We observed a significant higher treatment failure in D(HBsAg+)/R(HBsAg-) than D(HBcAb+)/R(HBcAb-) group (21.7% vs. 10.8%, P < 0.001). Interestingly, no significant difference was found between groups on HBV seroconversion, liver and graft function, rejection, infection, graft loss, or death. However, 2/20 recipients without HBV immunity in the D(HBsAg+)/R(HBsAg-) group developed HBV DNA+ or HBsAg+, while none observed in the D(HBcAb+)/R(HBcAb-) group. HBV DNA+ donor and male recipient were significant risk factors for treatment failure.ConclusionD(HBsAg+)/R(HBsAg-) should be considered for living kidney transplantation, but with extra caution on donors with HBV DNA+ and male candidates.

Investigation of hepatitis B virus prevalence and reactivation frequency in malignancy patients administering chemotherapy

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the frequency at which physicians test hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology before treatment and the rate of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) after treatment in patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT) due to a solid organ malignancy (SOM) or hematological malignancy (HM). Materials and Methods: Baseline clinical feature, HBV serology, and liver function test data for 1275 patients ≥ 18 years of age who underwent CT for the first time due to various SOMs and HMs from 2015-2017 were obtained from the database and retrospectively analyzed. HBV serology was studied in 296 (201 HM, 95 SOM) of the 1275 patients retrieved from the database. Results: The prevalence of HBV was 9.5% (121 patients). Only 49 (40.4%) HBV-positive patients had HBV DNA. Of those, 72 (59.5%) underwent prophylactic antiviral therapy. HBVr was detected in only 3 patients (1.5%), and all of those patients had HMs and were recommended oral antiviral therapy but did not. Conclusion: In patients with SOMs, the screening rates of HBV serology, as well as prophylaxis and follow-up HMs were extremely low. Therefore, these patients should be screened for HBV serology and prophylactic treatment should be given when necessary for HBVr.

New Insights on Long-Term Hepatitis B Virus Responses in HIV-Hepatitis B virus Co-infected Patients: Implications for Antiretroviral Management in Hepatitis B virus-Endemic Settings.

WHO treatment guidelines recommend tenofovir plus lamivudine or emtricitabine as the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone in first-line regimens for HIV-infected adults. Lamivudine alone is not recommended, because of the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance. We studied HBV responses in a large cohort of co-infected patients in a resource-limited setting. Clinical centers in Uganda and Zimbabwe. DART was a randomized trial of monitoring practices in HIV-infected adults starting antiretroviral therapy. Baseline samples were tested retrospectively for HBV serological markers and HBV DNA. Longitudinal HBV DNA testing at 48 weeks and the last available sample before HBV-relevant modification of antiretroviral therapy was performed on patients with detectable HBV DNA at baseline. Two hundred twenty-four hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients were followed for up to 4.8 years. Of the drugs with anti-HBV activity, 166 were prescribed lamivudine-tenofovir and 58 lamivudine alone. Ninety-eight percent (96/98) patients with baseline HBV DNA <6 log10 IU/mL achieved viral suppression at 48 weeks (HBV DNA <48 IU/mL), regardless of regimen, compared with 50%(26/52) for HBV DNA >6 log10 IU/mL. Of the 83 patients suppressed at 48 weeks and with follow-up data, only 7(8%) experienced viral rebound (range 200-3460 IU/mL). Of the 20 patients not suppressed at 48 weeks and with follow-up data, HBV DNA levels generally declined with lamivudine-tenofovir, but increased with lamivudine alone. Alanine transaminase flares were not observed in any patient who experienced viral rebound. The suppressive effect of lamivudine alone was highly durable (up to 5 years) in HIV-HBV co-infected patients with baseline HBV DNA <6 log10 IU/mL. It may be feasible to develop stratified approaches using lamivudine as the only drug with anti-HBV activity.

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Infection in HIV-infected Pregnant Women on Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV) in Abidjan (Côte d&amp;apos;Ivoire)

Liver disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Diagnosis of these co-infections should be a priority in HIV-infected pregnant women so that they can receive appropriate and effective treatment. However, the prevalence of these infections in this vulnerable population remains poorly documented in Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of this study is to assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infections in HIV-infected pregnant women undergoing ARV treatment in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). A cross-sectional study among HIV-infected pregnant women was conducted from September 2017 to May 2018 in Abidjan. HBV and HCV serological tests were performed with the electrochemiluminescence method "ECLIA" on Cobas E 411. A total of one hundred (n = 100) HIV-infected pregnant women were included. The results showed that 6% (n=6/100) of the HIV-infected pregnant women had positive HBV serology and no HIV-HCV co-infection was detected. Of the 100 HIV-infected pregnant women included in this study, 23% had undergone surgery. In this population, HBsAg was positive in 9% of patients and HCV antibodies were negative in all patients. The data from this study support the implementation of large-scale sentinel surveillance in Côte d'Ivoire in order to refine data on the prevalence and circulation of viral hepatitis B and C in high-risk populations such as pregnant women.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection and its influence on maternal and fetal outcomes

Objective To investigate the factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, their pregnancy outcome, and related influence on neonates. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 317 pregnant women with chronic HBV infection who were treated, gave birth, and were followed up in Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January to December 2017, and according to the presence or absence of GDM, they were divided into chronic HBV+GDM group and chronic HBV control group. Related data were recorded, including HBV serology, liver function, HBV DNA quantification, pregnancy comorbidities, mode of delivery, and the condition of neonates at birth. The t-test or t′-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups; a binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for GDM in mothers with chronic HBV infection. Results Among the 317 mothers, 64 (20.19%) had chronic HBV infection and GDM, and there were 253 mothers (79.81%) in the control group. Compared with the control group, the chronic HBV+GDM group had significantly higher age (Z=-2.652, P Conclusion HBV DNA quantification and old age are risk factors for GDM in mothers with chronic HBV infection, and GDM in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection may increase the incidence rate of premature rupture of membranes, fetal intrauterine distress, and premature delivery.

Viral hepatitis B and C in HIV-exposed South African infants

BackgroundWhilst much attention is given to eliminating HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), little has been done to ensure the same for hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. The introduction of HBV immunization at six weeks of age has reduced HBV horizontal transmission in South Africa. However, in order to eliminate HBV MTCT, further interventions are needed. The risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) MTCT in HIV-infected (HIV+) African women is not yet well described. This study aimed to determine the rate of HBV and HCV vertical transmission in HIV-exposed infants in South Africa.MethodsSerum samples from infants enrolled in an isoniazid prevention study (P1041) were screened for HBV and HCV serology markers; screening was performed on samples collected at approximately 60 weeks of age of the infants. HBV DNA was quantified in HBsAg positive samples and HBV strains characterized through gene sequencing. All HCV antibody samples with inconclusive results underwent molecular testing.ResultsThree of 821 infants were positive for both HBsAg and HBV DNA. All HBV strains belonged to HBV sub-genotype A1. The rtM204I mutation associated with lamivudine resistance was identified in one infant, a second infant harboured the double A1762T/G1764A BCP mutation. Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering between mother and infant viral genomic sequences. Twenty-one of 821 HIV-exposed infants tested had inconclusive HCV antibody results, none were HCV PCR positive.ConclusionsThis study suggests that HBV vertical transmission is likely to be occurring in HIV-exposed infants in South Africa.. A more robust strategy of HBV prevention, including birth dose vaccination, is required to eradicate HBV MTCT. HCV infection was not detected.

Changes of Hepatitis B Immune Status after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in HBsAg Negative/Anti-Hbc Positive Patients: A Single Center Observational Study

BACKGROUD: Low levels or lack of antibodies to the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBsAg, respectively) have been associated with an increased risk of developing an hepatitis B virus (HBV) response in patients with resolved HBV infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Levels of HB core antibodies (anti-HBc) is a new marker associated with the natural history and treatment response of chronic HBV infection. AIMS: This study aims to determine whether different changes in anti-HBc and anti-HBs levels during allo-HSCT can predict the impact of HBV on the survival of patients who underwent allo-HSCT. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 141 patients who underwent allo-HSCT at the Union Medical College Hospital of Fujian Medical University between 2013 and 2016. The cohort included 65 patients with acute myeloid leukemia, 25 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 7 with chronic myeloid leukemia, 15 with aplastic anemia, 5 with lymphoma, and 8 with myelodysplastic syndrome. Based on HBsAg and anti-HBc results, patients were classified as HBsAg-positive (n=16), HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive (n=81), and HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-negative (n=44). Hepatitis B serological markers (ELISA) and HBV DNA (PCR) were assayed before and every two weeks after HSCT. After transplant, patients received antiviral treatment with a nucleoside analog entecavir given before the transplantation. Antiviral therapy was continued for 1 year after stopping immunosuppressive therapy after transplantation. Death, overall survival (OS), incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and drug-induced liver injury were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The three groups were well matched demographically. All patients achieved successful engraftment within one month post-transplant. There was no difference in time to leukocyte and platelet engraftment in the three groups. Comparing OS between the three groups, the two-year OS was 64.3% vs 53.5% vs 52.4%, respectively, with no significant difference (p=0.866). After allo-HSCT, 22/81 (27.1%) subjects in the HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive group exhibited loss of anti-HBc at the median time 6 months (3-21m). The incidence of acute GVHD (46.9 % versus 40 %, P =0.163) was similar in the loss anti-HBc group (n=22) versus no-loss anti-HBc group (n=59). With a median follow-up time of 588 days (range: 46-1582 days), the incidence of liver injury in the two groups was similar (52.2% versus 46.5% p=0.633). The difference in the post-transplantation cumulative survival rates between the groups with loss of anti-HBc (n=22) and no-loss (n=59) was significant (83.3% versus 43.1%, P =0.001). CONCLUSION: Loss of anti-HBc early in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may help predict patient outcome. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Hepatitis delta virus propagation enabled by hepatitis C virus-Scientifically intriguing, but is it relevant to clinical practice?

In vitro cell culture experiments and animal models have demonstrated that hepatitis delta virus (HDV) can theoretically propagate being enveloped by human pathogenic viruses other than hepatitis B virus (HBV), namely hepatitis C virus (HCV) and dengue virus. However, the clinical relevance of these findings and whether HDV replication occurs in real-world hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative HCV patient cohorts remain unknown. To this aim, we analysed 323 HCV-RNA-positive and HBsAg-negative sera for the presence of HDV-RNA and anti-HDV antibodies (anti-HDV). All 323 (100%) samples were negative for HDV-RNA. Interestingly, 8/316 samples tested positive for anti-HDV. The HBV serology of these eight patients showed a positive result for HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc) indicating a seroconversion of an acute HBV infection in the past. None of the anti-HBc-negative patients were positive for anti-HDV. Our results indicate a distinctly low probability of replicative HDV infection in HCV mono-infected patients in Germany. Current German clinical guidelines rightly recommend performing HDV screening only in HBsAg-positive patients. However, larger studies on this subject should be performed in regions that are endemic for chronic HBV/HDV as well as HCV infections.

Epidemiological characteristics of de novo hepatitis B infection in liver transplant recipients-An experience from a tertiary care centre in Qatar.

The emergence of hepatitis B surface antigen in a patient with previously negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology post-orthotropic liver transplant (OTLX) is known as de novo hepatitis B (DNHB). As there are no data on patients with DNHB available from Qatar, we aim to do a pioneer study indexing their clinical profile and epidemiology of patients with DNHB in Qatar. This descriptive epidemiological study was done by retrospectively reviewing records of 159 post-OTLX patients. HBV serology of these patients post-OTLX was reviewed, and 17 were identified as DNHB cases. Baseline epidemiological characteristics were defined and compared between DNHB cases and the rest. DNHB cases were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier curve. The majority of the subjects were men (65%) and Qataris (40%). Mean age was 57.4±12.5years. Bulk of them underwent OTLX in China (44%). The overall incidence of DNHB was 10.7%, with transplants in China having significantly higher incidence than transplants from all other countries. The mortality rate was 23.5% in DNHB cases compared to 2.8% in non-DNHB. 67% of patients survived at least 64months after the diagnosis of DNHB. Five-year survival did not vary significantly between those with DNHB and those without. Orthotropic liver transplant in centers selecting donors liberally without screening for HBV poses the risk of DNHB. We recommend having protective levels of HBs antibodies before OTLX. Prophylactic antiviral treatment should be considered until peri-operative HBV transmission has been excluded by screening hepatic tissue for HBV DNA.

Hepatitis B Seropositivity is Associated with Increased Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy after Heart Transplantation

Viral triggers have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), the Achilles heel of heart transplantation (HT). Cytomegalovirus is associated with impaired coronary endothelial function, and in pediatric HT patients a variety of viruses, particularly adenovirus, are associated with graft dysfunction or loss. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with vasculitis and vascular processes in non-HT patients. We thus investigated the association between HBV seropositivity and CAV after HT. The 173 HT patients assessed for HBV serology from 1997 to 2017 were divided into hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) positive (n=29) and HBcAb negative (n=144) groups. Primary outcomes were CAV and the combined end-point of CAV or cardiovascular mortality. Baseline patient and donor clinical and demographic data for the 2 groups were similar. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 20-year freedom from CAV was significantly higher in the HBcAb-negative vs HBcAb-positive group (80 vs 50%, log-rank p=0.003, Figure 1A). Similarly, 20-year freedom from CAV or cardiovascular mortality was higher for the HBcAb-negative group (75 vs 45%, log-rank p=0.018). Consistently, multivariable analysis showed HBcAb positivity to be independently associated with a significant ∼3-fold increased risk of CAV (95% CI 1.38-5.01, p=0.003, Figure 1B), and a 2-fold increased risk of CAV or cardiovascular mortality (95% CI 1.11-3.90, p=0.021). Hepatitis B seropositivity is independently associated with an increased risk of CAV in HT recipients. Future studies are needed to examine the effect of anti-viral therapies.

Serological hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity in patients with HBV infection and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Previous epidemiological studies suggest an association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical characteristics and serological indicators of HBV activity in patients who were diagnosed with both HBV infection and indolent or aggressive B-NHL. Seventy-two patients with current or resolved HBV infection and B-NHL were identified between 2000 and 2017 at our institution. Forty-five (63%) and 27 (37%) patients were identified with aggressive and indolent B-NHL, respectively. In indolent B-NHL, the proportion of HBsAg-positive patients was significantly higher compared with aggressive B-NHL (59% vs 38%, P=.03). HBV-DNA levels were significantly higher in patients with indolent compared to aggressive B-NHL (P=.01). In the subgroup analyzes of follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the rate of HBsAg positivity in FL is significantly higher than that in DLBCL (83% vs 44%, P=.04), and HBV-DNA levels were significantly higher in FL compared with DLBCL (P=.007). Our results suggest that serological HBV activity is higher in patients with both HBV infection and indolent B-NHL compared to those with aggressive B-NHL.

Long-term growth and bone development in children of HBV-infected mothers with and without fetal exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the preferred treatment to prevent maternal transmission of HBV, owing to its efficacy and safety. However, data are lacking on the long-term safety outcomes in children following fetal exposure to TDF. Children participating in a prospective, multisite trial of maternal TDF treatment during late pregnancy were recruited for follow-up visits once a year. Growth parameters, serum biochemistry, HBV serology, and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometery scan were measured. One hundred and twenty-eight children, 71 in the TDF and 57 in the control group, completed 255 follow-up visits at the age of 2 to 7 (median, 4.08) years. No differences in z-scores for weight-for-age (0.26 ± 0.90 vs. 0.22 ± 0.99, p= 0.481), z-scores for height-for-age (0.20 ± 1.02 vs. 0.25 ± 0.98, p= 0.812), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (169.12 ± 50.48 vs. 169.06 ± 34.46 ml/min/1.73m2, p= 0.479) were detected. After adjustment for age, sex and HBV status by multiple linear regression, children in the TDF and control group had comparable levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, calcidiol and BMD of lumbar spines (0.55 ± 0.01 vs. 0.57 ± 0.01 g/cm2, p= 0.159) and left hip (0.56 ± 0.01 vs. 0.56 ± 0.01 g/cm2, p= 0.926). Children of HBV-infected mothers who did or did not receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment during late pregnancy had comparable long-term growth, renal function, and bone development up to 6-7 years after delivery. NCT01312012 (ClinicalTrials.gov) LAY SUMMARY: Currently there are insufficient long-term safety data in children born to mothers who took antiviral agents during pregnancy to prevent mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). In this study, we found that children of HBV-infected mothers who did or did not receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment during late pregnancy had comparable long-term growth, renal function, and bone development up to 6-7 years after delivery.

Anti-HBc impacts on the risk of hepatitis B reactivation but not on survival of solid-organ transplant recipients.

Immunosuppression can lead to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in hepatitis B core antigen antibodies (anti-HBc) positive patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, although there is limited data on solid organ recipients, especially lung transplantation. Our aim was to analyze the risk of HBV reactivation and the potential impact of anti-HBc-positive status (both donors and recipients) on prognosis in a lung, kidney, and liver transplantation cohort.Retrospective analysis including data from all transplants in adults (2011–2012) in a tertiary hospital, with prospective HBV serology study to assess the risk of reactivation and its possible impact on survival.In total, 392 transplant recipients were included (196 kidney, 113 lung, 83 liver). Pre-transplantation anti-HBc screening was more frequent in liver recipients (P < .001) and donors (P < .001) than in kidney or lung. Fifty-five (14%) recipients were anti-HBc-positive and were not undergoing antiviral prophylaxis. Three (5.4%) cases of HBV reactivation occurred: 2 in pre-transplant anti-HBc-positive recipients and 1 with prior unknown anti-HBc status. All were HBeAg+ with HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) >10E8 IU/mL and only mild fibrosis. Baseline recipient anti-HBc positive status was the only factor associated with HBV reactivation. No reactivation cases occurred in lung or kidney recipients of anti-HBc positive grafts. Survival was lower in lung transplants, especially in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients and those with prior immunosuppression.Anti-HBc positive status is a risk factor for HBV reactivation in solid organ recipients. Anti-HBc testing is highly recommended in solid-organ transplant recipients in order to identify those anti-HBc positive and therefore candidates for periodical hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA screening after transplant.

Hepatitis B virus among hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: Antiviral impact in seroconversion, engraftment, and mortality in a Latin American center.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide concern with a broad distribution. In immunosuppressed populations, such as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, it can reactivate leading to acute hepatic failure. Different risk factors are known for higher rates of reactivation, and entecavir, tenofovir, and lamivudine are often used for prophylaxis and treatment. However, data regarding the impact of antiviral drugs in neutrophil and platelet engraftment are still unknown and concern the management of viral hepatitis post-HSCT. We performed a single-center, retrospective, observational study reviewing medical records of patients referred for hematopoietic stem cell transplant from 2010 to 2017, which were also HBV infected, aiming to describe outcomes related to antiviral treatment and also the impact on platelet and neutrophil recovery after transplant. A secondary goal consisted of analyzing the impact of HBV infection in early and late mortality post-HSCT. The study included patients with positive blood bank screening for hepatitis B infection (HBsAg, Anti-HBc or HBV-NAT), confirmed later on by a laboratory routine serology. A total of 1132 hematopoietic stem cell recipients were assessed between 2010 and 2017. Eighty-six patients were confirmed to have HBV infection, of which six were HBsAg-positive, 20 were isolated anti-HBc-positive, and 60 had resolved infection (anti-HBc-positive and anti-HBs-positive). With regard to prophylaxis, 19 patients underwent HSCT on HBV antiviral therapy or prophylaxis: two were HBeAg-positive, three were HBeAg-negative and HBV-DNA was only detectable in three of them. Moreover, one patient had an occult HBV infection. Regarding therapy, 9 patients were on entecavir, 6 patients on lamivudine, two on tenofovir, and two of them on a combination of tenofovir+lamivudine due to HIV co-infection. Reverse seroconversion was not identified in any patients receiving antiviral therapy or prophylaxis, but it was detected in one patient with occult hepatitis B and another with resolved infection. No severe side effects led to therapy discontinuation in the treated group, which also did not have any significant delay in neutrophil or platelet engraftment when compared to patients without antiviral therapy. In addition, the only factors associated with increased mortality were transplant onset after 50years, allogeneic transplant and myeloablative conditioning regimens. Interestingly, the presence of HBsAg or detectable HBV-DNA was not related to worse outcomes, neither the use of rituximab. In multivariate analysis, the use of antiviral therapy, the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease or CMV reactivation also was not linked to increased mortality. To sum up, HBV serology, ALT, and HBV-DNA monitoring are essential to detect hepatic flares earlier, even in populations with chronic inactive hepatitis, due to the possibility of later seroconversion. HBV infection was not related to increased 2-year mortality post-transplant. Antiviral prophylaxis did not cause any important clinical or laboratory side effects that could demand discontinuation, and its use was not associated with later neutrophil and platelet engraftments.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients with Psoriasis on Biologic Therapies: A Retrospective Study

Background: There are limited data on the safety of biological therapies in psoriasis patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the literature, and are still ongoing controversies about HBV reactivation in patients treated with biologics for psoriasis. Aims: This was aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the patients with HBV seropositive receiving biological treatment for psoriasis. Study Design: This was a retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: Ninety-seven patients with psoriasis treated with biologics in the outpatient clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Of these, 16 patients with HBV seropositive were included in the study. Patients with positive HBV serology were divided into three groups as chronic HBV infection, past HBV infection, and isolated core antibody positivity (HBV core-specific antibody [HBcAb]). The demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the patients were obtained from the records. Results: Of the patients, 5 patients were female (31.2%), and 11 were male (68.8%). The mean age of the patients was 55.81 ± 11.05. Thirteen of the patients had past HBV infection, three had isolated HBcAb positive. Infliximab (n = 13) was the most common biologic agent used, followed by adalimumab (n = 6), secukinumab (n = 4), ustekinumab (n = 2), and etanercept (n = 2). The mean duration of treatment was 3.59 ± 2.76 years. The HBV reactivation occurred in only one patient with past HBV infection receiving infliximab (6.2%). Conclusion: It remains unclear how exactly the biologic drugs for psoriasis impact viral reactivation. For the safe use of biological agents in psoriasis patients with HBV seropositive, screening tests must be performed with a triple serology, including HBV surface antigen, HBV surface-specific antibody, and HBcAb. The patients who have positive HBV serology must be monitored closely with reactivation markers and receive antiviral prophylaxis if they are at moderate-to-high risk of HBV reactivation.

Prevalence and behavioural risk factors for hepatitis B in Upper Dolpo, Nepal

Nepal is a country of low endemicity for chronic hepatitis B, with a prevalence of 0.9%. However, in Dolpo District, a higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was reported in small samples, anecdotal reports and, recently, among pregnant women. We determined data on HBV endemicity and risk factors among people from Dolpo (Dolpopa). We conducted a cross-sectional HBV prevalence study among two separate convenience samples of overall 524 Dolpopa, assessing HBV serology on a medical supply tour to Upper Dolpo (Group 1, n = 223) and assessing detailed HBV serology, markers for hepatitis D virus (HDV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, as well as a questionnaire-based survey of risk behaviour and alcohol consumption patterns in Dolpopa visiting the Dolpali “Winter Clinic” in Kathmandu (Group 2, n = 301). The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 18.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 15.6–22.3%]. HBsAg prevalence was independent of age group and gender, but was significantly higher in the settlements lining the trading route between Nepal and China. From the HBsAg-positive participants, 68.8% (95% CI 56.6–78.8%) also tested positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Viral load among HBeAg-positive samples ranged from 3.12 × 107 to 1.42 × 109 IU/mL. HDV and HIV coinfection was not found. Questionnaires confirmed that 92% had never used a condom and 27.6% showed a risky alcohol consumption pattern. HBV prevalence in Dolpo is significantly higher than in the rest of Nepal. Targeted interventions are recommended to address liver and sexual health education, including the introduction of birth dose HBV vaccinations, HBV screening and HBV vaccinations for pregnant women in Dolpo.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Seroconversion in End-Stage Renal Failure Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Renal replacement therapy in the form of either dialysis or transplantation is the only option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are of special concern in these patients because of their high incidence. Although there are sufficient data from the developed world, there is scarcity of data from developing countries such as India. All newly diagnosed ESRD patients initiated on hemodialysis after attending the Department of Nephrology, PGIMER, Chandigarh between January 2015 and October 2015 were included in the study. All the subjects were initially screened for HCV and HBV serology status and subsequent HCV and HBV status on follow-up at the end of 6 months and evaluated by standardized precoded questionnaires and biochemical examinations. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify the risk factors for seroconversion. A total of 196 patients were recruited for the study after confirming seronegative status. At the end of 6 months, 61 patients lost to follow-up. Anti-HCV antibody had shown moderate association to HCV RNA testing at the end of 6 months by kappa test. Out of 135, 16.3% seroconverted to HCV RNA positive and 0.7% patient became hepatitis B surface antigen positive. Isolation of dialysis machine and nursing staff was associated with lower seroconversion. In a real-life scenario, HCV seroconversion is observed in 15% of the patients initiated on hemodialysis. Isolation of both dialysis machine and personnel was associated with lower seroconversion.

Evaluation of Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-Hbc Igg) Seropositivity in Chronic Hepatitis C Infected Patients

Giriş: Kronik Hepatit C (HCV) enfeksiyonu, siroz ve hepatosellüler karsinom (HCC) etyolojisinde rol ayan etkenlerden olup, son yıllarda tedavide direkt etkili antiviral (DEA) ilaç kombinasyonları sayesinde oldukça iyi tedavi başarıları mevcut olup, son yayınlar kalıcı viral yanıt oranlarının %97-99 seviyelerinde olduğunu bildirmektedir. Kronik HCV enfeksiyonunda tedavinin amacı; HCV eradikasyonu, siroz, HCC ve ekstrahepatik komplikasyon (esansiyel mikskriyoglobulinemi, HCV-immun kompleks ilişkili nefropati, B hücreli Non Hodgkin Lenfoma) gelişimininin engellenmesi, mortalite ve morbiditenin azaltımasıdır. Tedavi öncesi tüm hastaların; Hepatit B virüs (HBV), Hepatit Avirüs (HAV) ve (Human Immmunodeficiency Virus) HIV açısından tetkik edilmesi önerilmektedir. HCV tanısı ile DEA ilaç tedavisi alan ve izole hepatit B kor antikoru (anti-HBc IgG) pozitif olan hastalarda şiddetli hepatit B reaktivasyonu olabileceği unutulmamalıdır.Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu çalışmada; Ocak 2016 ile Aralık 2018 tarihleri arasında polikliniğimize başvuran kronik HCV tanılı hastalardaki, HBV koenfeksiyonu ve izole hepatit B kor antikoru seropozitifliği araştırıldı. Bulgular: Çalışma grubunu oluşturan toplam 313 hastanın, 135’i (% 43.1) kadın, 178’i (%56.9) erkekti, yaş ortalaması 48.2±11.5 idi. 19 (%6) hastada eşlik eden HBsAg pozitifliği, 8 (%2.5) hastada HBV-DNA pozitifliği ve 39 (%12.5) hastada izole Anti-HBc IgG seropozitifliği saptandı. Kronik HCV tanılı hastalarda izole Anti-HBc IgG seropozitifliği; 20-29 yaş aralığında %5.3, 30-39 yaş aralığında %8.7, 40-49 yaş aralığında %9.7, 50-59 yaş aralığında %15.6, &amp;gt;60 yaş %29 ve tüm yaş gruplarında %12.5 olarak tespit edildi. Sonuç: Çalışmamızda saptanan izole Anti-HBc IgG seropozitiflik oranı ülkemizde yapılan çalışmalara benzer bulunmuştur. Kronik HCV tanılı hastaların HBV serolojisi açısından taranması, seronegatif kişilerin HBV koenfeksiyonu gelişmesini engellemek amaçlı aşılanması gerekmektedir.

An Automated, Quantitative, and Multiplexed Assay Suitable for Point-of-Care Hepatitis B Virus Diagnostics

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a global reach with high prevalence in resource-limited areas like China and Africa. HBV patients in these areas have limited access to the currently used, costly HBV assays, which are performed in centralized clinical laboratories using single-plexed assays with bulky and expensive instruments. We aim to overcome these limitations by developing a simple and affordable HBV diagnostic platform to allow for timelier diagnosis and intervention of HBV infection. Using giant magnetoresistive (GMR) biosensor chips, we developed an automated and multiplexed quantitative platform for the measurement of a panel of HBV serology markers, including HBV “e” antigen (HBeAg), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and the antibody against HBsAg (anti-HBs). Our assay platform was able to detect each HBV marker with high specificity and sensitivity (with three orders of magnitude in dynamic range for each marker). Blinded analysis of HBV patient sera showed excellent correlation between our multiplexed quantitative HBsAg results and the qualitative results obtained using FDA-approved immunoassays, as well as those obtained using quantitative, single-plexed, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The portable, automated, multiplexed, quantitative HBV serology assay platform we designed shows great promise as a more accessible alternative for HBV screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.

Hepatitis B virus recurrence after living donor liver transplantation of anti-HBc-positive grafts: A 22-year experience at a single center.

The use of hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)-positive grafts is one strategy for expanding the donor pool for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after living donor LT (LDLT) of anti-HBc-positive grafts. From January 1996 to December 2018, a total of 609 LDLT procedures were performed at our center. A retrospective review was performed for 31 patients (23 males and 8 females; median age = 47 years) who underwent LDLT for HBV-unrelated liver disease from anti-HBc-positive donors. The factors associated with HBV recurrence were evaluated and compared between the HBV recurrence and non-recurrence groups. The median follow-up period after LT was 135 months (range, 6-273 months). Four of 31 patients (12.9%) developed post-LT HBV recurrence. All four cases were HBV-naïve patients (anti-HBc-negative and Hepatitis B surface antibody-negative). The median interval between LDLT and HBV recurrence was 42 months (range, 20-51). The overall actuarial rates of HBV recurrence at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 years were 0%, 7.2%, 15.7%, 15.7%, and 15.7%, respectively. Although there were no significant differences between the HBV recurrence and non-recurrence groups, HBV recurrence tended to occur in HBV-naïve recipients (P = 0.093). HBV-naïve status may contribute to HBV recurrence after LDLT for HBV-unrelated liver disease from anti-HBc-positive donors. Careful monitoring for serological HBV markers is needed, particularly in this group.