Hepatitis B Virus Seropositivity Research Articles

Evaluating Hepatitis B Screening During Pregnancy: A Study on Diagnostic Accuracy and Infection Control in Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a critical public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly among pregnant women in Nigeria. Routine screening using rapid diagnostic kits is common in antenatal care, yet the accuracy of these tests can vary. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalencwe of HBV among pregnant women who had previously undergone screening using rapid diagnostic kits at Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria, to assess the effectiveness of initial screening and identify any missed cases. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 263 pregnant women. Blood samples were tested for HBV markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb) using ELISA. Sociodemographic data and potential risk factors were also analysed. The study found that 7.6% of women were HBsAg positive, indicating active HBV infection, and 49.6% were susceptible to HBV. There was a significant association between higher education levels and HBV seropositivity. Employment status also correlated with HBV prevalence, with self-employed women showing higher seroprevalence. Additionally, a history of blood transfusions was linked to higher HBV seropositivity. The findings highlight the limitations of rapid diagnostic kits in detecting HBV and underscore the need for enhanced infection prevention and control measures, including confirmatory testing, robust vaccination programmes and safe delivery practices to reduce HBV transmission in high-burden regions like Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus infection on Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands: a seroprevalence, knowledge and attitudes study.

A study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among children and their mothers on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands two decades after routine vaccination was introduced in the 1990s. Mothers' knowledge and attitudes towards HBV disease and vaccination were also assessed. Results of a national seroprevalence survey conducted in 2016-2017 and antenatal records were used to determine the prevalence of HBV seropositivity in children aged 6-8years and their biological mothers. The associations between demographic, social and vaccination-related factors and seropositivity were explored using Fisher's exact tests. HBV seroprevalence was 0.3% in children and 6.8% in their mothers (during pregnancy). Coverage of timely HBV vaccination was 90.3% for the birth dose and was significantly associated with factors related to place of residence (P<0.001), place of birth (P<0.001) and number of antenatal visits (P<0.001). Maternal attitudes towards infant vaccination and antenatal screening were largely positive (95.8% and 96.7%, respectively) despite low vaccination rates (20.9%) among mothers. Knowledge levels were low for disease complications, treatment and transmission. Prevalence of HBV in children and mothers residing on Kwajalein Atoll in 2016-2017 was lower than the national average for the Marshall Islands. Timely birth dose administration appears to have been effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV in this setting and should be promoted in remote settings where antiviral therapy is not available. Provision of out-of-cold-chain HBV vaccines should be considered to improve access in remote settings.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV, HCV and HIV among hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Damascus Syria

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among hemodialysis (HD) patients as well as to identify associated risk factors.MethodologyA multicenter cross-sectional study involved patients who had been on HD for at least three months. The study was conducted at five HD centers in Damascus, Syria from August 2019 to September 2021. HBsAg, HCV-Ab and HIV (antibody/antigen) seropositivity were identified using the third generation ELISA technique. Patients’ information was extracted from their records and by face-to-face interview. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to identify risk factors associated with HBV or HCV seropositivity. The significance level was set at 5%.ResultsA total of 637 patients were included in the study with a mean age (SD) of 50.5 (15.6) years and 56.7% of them were men. The dialytic age ranged from one to thirty years with a mean (SD) of 6.10 (5.6) years. The prevalence of positive hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV, co-infection of HBV and HCV, and anti-HIV (antibody/antigen) were 3.2%, 22.1%, 0.7%, and 0%, respectively. After controlling for co-variables, hepatitis B vaccine was the only predictor of seropositivity of HBV (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.057–0.393, P < 0.001), as it significantly protected against contracting HBV. On the other hand, the dialytic age (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12–1.94, P = 0.032) and the dialysis center were significant factors affecting the prevalence of HCV.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HCV and HBV infections among HD patients in Damascus, Syria has decreased remarkably compared with the results from 2001. Nevertheless, it is still considered relatively high. Thus, there is an urgent need to strengthen the prevention and control measures for viral infection transmission in HD centers in Damascus.

Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus Among Blood Donors in Sidi Bel Abbes, West Algeria.

Introduction Blood transfusions can transmit various viruses. Among them, the most common are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These viruses can cause fatal and life-threatening diseases. Worldwide, many people are infected with these viruses. Blood safety has made majorprogress in recent years. Yet, blood-borne viruses continue to be a major concern for patients, physicians, and policymakers. The aim of this study was to assessthe prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in blood donors. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to assess HIV, HBV, and HCV seropositivity in blood donors. This research was carried out at the blood bank of Sidi Bel Abbes University Hospital. This was a retrospective study based on records of blood donors. All data of 10,386 donors were analyzed from January 2015 to December 2015. Biological screening was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibodies and/or antigens. The combined HCV and HIV antigen and antibody ELISA test was utilized. To confirm the results, the blood bank and the virology laboratory used the same technique in duplicate. Results The overall seroprevalence of blood-borne viral infections (HIV, HBV, and HCV) in blood donors was 0.8%. The prevalence of HIV was found to be 0.1%, while the prevalence of HBV and HCV was 0.4%. Coinfection was rare with only one case of HBV with HIV.There was a significant difference in seroprevalence rates among blood donors compared to the general population. Significant variations were observed between the prevalence of this study and those conducted in West, East, Central, and South African countries but not with those of neighboringNorth African countries. The study found no association between seropositivity in blood donors and factors like age, gender, donor status, type of donation, or site. Besides, HIV, HBV, or HCV prevalence was not influenced by ABO and Rhesus blood group. Conclusion The study showed that blood donors in Algeria have a lower prevalence of blood-borne viral infections than the general population. The seropositivity rate of viral markers was similar throughout North African countries. This rate remained low compared to other African countries. Residual risk of infection persists. There is a need to increase blood safety for recipients. This report is the first comprehensive overview of blood-borne viruses among Algerian blood donors. There is a need for further nationwide studies to get a whole picture of the situation.

A Tale of Two Viruses: Seroepidemiological and a Cross-Sectional Insights into HIV/HBV Coinfection in Selected Hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a circular DNA virus with humans serving as the only reservoir, remains a worldwide public health problem. The similarity in transmission routes for HBV and HIV makes co-infection very common. Thus, this study aimed at unveiling the seroepidemiological patterns of HBV coinfections among HIV-infected individuals in some selected hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 HIV-infected individuals attending ART clinics at selected hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria. Sociodemographic data were collected based on interviewer-based questionnaire, and clinical history was obtained from participants' medical records. Serological analysis for HBsAg was done using ELISA method. Results: Of the 350 HIV-infected patients, 9(2.6%) were positive for HBsAg. The majority of HIV/HBV coinfected participants were in age groups &gt;41 (3.7%), females (2.9%), singles (3.0%), tertiary education holders (3.5%), and business owners (1.1%) as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, immunological and virological markers analysis revealed that HBV seropositivity is more common with patients having CD4 count of 350-499 cells/mm3 (6.2%) and viral loads as target not detected (TND) with 5.4%. Conclusion: This study observed an HIV/HBV coinfection rate of 2.6% which has further confirmed the persistence of HIV/HBV co-infection in Rivers State, Nigeria. Ongoing and persistent public health interventions among the study population are thereby advocated.

Contribution of Aflatoxin B1 Exposure to Liver Cirrhosis in Eastern Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study.

Liver cirrhosis is a global health problem due to a large number of disability-associated life years and mortality. However, evidence is scarce on its causes in Eastern-Ethiopia, a place where there is a high prevalence of liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology. This study attempted to identify the risk factors related to liver cirrhosis in the area. A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from January 2020 to July 2021. Following diagnoses using an ultrasound-based cirrhosis scale, a total of 127 cases were identified and compared with 253 control patients. A structured questionnaire and data abstraction form were used to collect demographic, lifestyle, and clinical information. A blood sample was also taken from each participant for clinical chemistry, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus tests as well as for an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) albumin adduct (AF-alb) assay. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of liver cirrhosis. AF-alb levels were detected in 75% of the cases and 64% of the controls, with a median (IQR) level of 11 pg/mg (5.5-25) and 7.0 pg/mg (4.3-20.5), respectively (p<0.05). Moreover, the number of subjects with high AF-alb levels (≥8.6 pg/mg) was greater in cases (45%, p<0.05)) than controls (28%). Age ≥55 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8), being a farmer (AOR= 3.0; 95% CI: 1.5, 6.0), family history of liver disease (AOR= 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.9), HBV seropositivity (AOR=4.0; 95% CI: 1.9, 8.8), and exposure to high levels of AF-alb (AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.7) were significantly associated with liver cirrhosis. This study found a strong link between AFB1 exposure and liver cirrhosis. Mitigation of aflatoxin exposure and a better understanding of additional environmental risk factors like pesticides may be necessary to reduce the disease burden in Ethiopia.

Seroprevalence and trends of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus in Syrian blood donors at Damascus University Blood Center between 2004 and 2021.

Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted viral infections (TTVIs) is a valuable indicator for assessing blood safety, population health and health system performance in the times of peace and conflicts. Only scarce information is available on the impact of the decade-long violent conflict on the prevalence of TTVIs in Syria. Moreover, hepatitis B vaccine was introduced to the national vaccination program in 1993; however, no data is available on the vaccine effectiveness. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we compiled the screening results for major TTVIs, namely hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), of volunteer donors at Damascus University Blood Center from May 2004 to October 2021. Prevalence was expressed in percentages for the entire study group and subgroups. Chi-square test and linear regression were used to examine the differences and describe trends in prevalence, respectively, based on demographic characteristics (i.e., age and gender) and time. P-value of <0.005 was considered statistically significant. Of the total 307,774 donors (82.27% males, median age 27 years), 5,929 (1.93%) had serological evidence of at least one TTVI, and 26 (0.0085%) had multiple infections. The lowest prevalence (1.09%) was detected in donors aged 18-25 years old, and a higher prevalence (2.05%) was evident in males in comparison with females (1.38%). The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV was 1.18, 0.52, and 0.23%, respectively. Trend analyses revealed a significant regression in HBV and HIV prevalence from 2011 to 2021. HBV seropositivity depicted a temporal decline by ~80%, from 0.79% in 2011 to 0.16% in 2021 in those born in 1993 and thereafter. The seroprevalence of HBV, HIV, and to a lesser extent HCV dropped over the study 18-year period. Possible explanations may include implementation of the HBV vaccine, robust national health system, conservative sociocultural values, and isolation.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in pre-mass vaccination era among children residing in a rural area of Bangladesh

Background and objectives: There are few details available regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the general Bangladeshi population. There is a dearth of data on prevalence of HBV infection in children and adolescents who were born before the hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The objective of the current study was to use archived data to describe the seroepidemiology of HBV infection (HBsAg and anti-HBc Antibody) among school children in a particular rural area of Bangladesh. Also, the study correlated serum vitamin A level with the HBV infection status among a subset of children. Materials and method: The study analyzed the archived data of a study conducted in 2003 and 2004. The samples were collected from 1995 children, aged 5 to 15 years, from a purposively selected rural area located about 100 km north-east of capital Dhaka. HBsAg (HBV surface antigen) and anti-HBc antibody were determined by ELISA method. Vitamin A (retinol) in blood was assayed by HPLC technique. The prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HBc antibody was determined by simple percentages. All associations between different characteristics were tested by Chi square test. Results: Of the total 1995 children, 988 (49.5%) and 1007 (50.5%) were male and female respectively. Among them, 23 (1.2%) were HBsAg positive or HBV carriers and 79 (8.1%) were anti-HBc antibody positive. Neither HBsAg nor anti-HBc antibody positivity rate showed any difference in male and female children. There was also no significant difference of HBsAg positivity rate amongst children of different age groups; whereas, anti-HBc antibody positivity rate increased significantly (p &lt;0.005) with increase of age. Serum vitamin A was estimated in a subset of children. The mean serum vitamin A concentration was found significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower among HBsAg positive children compared to their age and sex matched healthy control group. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that rural children are in risk of exposure to HBV infection. Increasing HBV seropositivity with age emphasizes the need for devising prevention strategies and to create awareness among the rural children. Further studies are necessary to find out the hitherto undetected sources namely occult hepatitis B cases and the ways of spread of HBV in the community. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(2):007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.017 *Correspondence: M Abu Sayeed, Department of Community Medicine, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A, Ibrahim Sarani, Segunbagicha, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; Email: sayeed1950@gmail.com; J. Ashraful Haq, Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Medical College, Segunbagicha, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Email: jahaq54@yahoo.com

Hepatitis B Seropositivity in Hospitalized Children Suffering from Acute &amp; Chronic Liver Disease, Bangladesh Perspective

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is often found in the pediatric population. Virus-related liver diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. The present study will provide information regarding the seropositivity of HBV infection, risk factors &amp; clinical profile of children suffering from hepatitis. This will ultimately help in early diagnosis and appropriate preventive and curative measures in order to reduce the burden of liver disease in our country. Objective: To ascertain the frequency of Hepatitis B Infection among hospitalized children with acute &amp; chronic liver disease. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A total thirty (30) pediatric patients with acute or chronic liver disease were enrolled in this study. The study was of six months duration from July 2018 to December 2018 in (BSMMU), Paediatric Gastroenterology &amp; Nutrition Department. Children with stigmata of acute &amp; chronic liver disease (ALD /CLD), history of jaundice, and raised ALT level were included and normal ALT level, organomegaly with ascites other than liver disease, patients with acute hepatic failure, suffering from acute hepatitis other than viral infection were excluded. The presence of HBsAg in these patients was detected by (ELISA). In addition to HBsAg, CBC with film, serum bilirubin, prothrombin time , Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), and serum total protein of each patient was done. Both clinical and laboratory data were collected in a data sheet. Result: Mean age was 8.83 + 4yrs; where all patients were 1 to 14 years age . The male and female ratio was 3.3:1. Non-specific symptoms were Jaundice (76.7%), ascites (50.0%), nausea and vomiting (46.7%) &amp; abdominal pain (40.0%). In this study 76.7% had hepatomegaly and 40.0% had splenomegaly. The Seropositivity rate of HBsAg was found 36.7%. Among all patients of CLD 7 (41.2%) had positive HBsAg and 4 (30.8%) patients of acute ALD had positive HBsAg. Overall Seropositivity rate of HBsAg was found 36.7% of ALD. Conclusion: High seropositivity of HBV in hospitalized pediatric patients which might indicate significant infection among the general pediatric population. KYAMC Journal Vol. 13, No. 03, October 2022: 165-169

SERO SURVEY OF HIV, HBV AND HCV AMONG THE PATIENTS VISITING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Objective: The emergence of Human immunodeciency virus(HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has posed the greatest challenge to public health in modern era. Study was done retrospectively to nd out burden of HIV, HBV and HCV in community. Similarly we tried to study other sociodemographic factors and correlates of HIV. Methodology: A retrospective study was done. Serum samples were processed and analysed in the department of microbiology, in tertiary care hospital since JAN 20 to JAN 22. The study included all OPD and IPD patients sample. Results: A total of 21600 samples were analysed retrospectively. Prior consent was taken. Of these, 13490 were males and 8110 were females. The seroprevalence of HIV was found to be 0.5% , HBsAg 0.70% and HCV was 0.25 among population visiting Tertiary Care Centre. Coinfection rate of hepatitis B and hepatitis C with HIV positive patients was found to be 5 (0.23%). Conclusions: Prevalence HIV, HBV and HCV seropositivity was found to be very low in this population around our tertiary care hospital. Sexually transmitted infection history was most relevant risk factors of co-infection among seropositive population. Coinfection rate of hepatitis B and hepatitis C with HIV positive patients was on higher side among patients with high risk sexual behaviour..

Increased All-cause Mortality in People With HIV and Comorbidities: Hepatitis B and C Virus Seropositivity and Hyperglycemia in Myanmar, 2005-2017.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection are associated with increased mortality in people with HIV (PWH), and hyperglycemia is a common comorbidity in PWH. In this study, we used routinely collected clinical data to assess the associations between HBV and HCV seropositivity with all-cause mortality and whether this relationship differs by hyperglycemia status. Eligible participants included adult PWH (≥15 years) who initiated antiretroviral therapy between May 2005 and June 2016 in Myanmar. HBV and HCV serostatus and hyperglycemia were measured at enrollment to HIV care using HBV surface antigen, HCV antibody tests, and random blood glucose (≥140 mg/dL), respectively. Among 27 722 PWH, 2260 (8%) were HBV seropositive, 2265 (9%) were HCV seropositive, 178 (0.6%) were HBV-HCV seropositive, and 1425 (5%) had hyperglycemia. During the median follow-up (interquartile range) of 3.1 (1.5-5.1) years, 3655 (13%) PWH died, and the overall mortality rate was 3.8 (95% CI, 3.7-3.9) per 100-person-years (PY). The mortality rate (per 100 PY) among PWH who were HBV seropositive was 4.6, among PWH who were HCV seropositive it was 5.1, and among PWH who were HBV-HCV seropositive it was 7.1. When stratified by glycemic status, the mortality rate was higher among patients with hyperglycemia compared with those with euglycemia (5.4 vs 4.0 per 100 PY), and the difference in mortality rate between patients with hyperglycemia and euglycemia was highest among those with HCV seropositivity (9.8 vs 5.0 per 100 PY). Increased mortality rates associated with HBV and HCV seropositivity in PWH differed by their glycemic status. PWH with HCV seropositivity and hyperglycemia had the highest mortality rates.

Investigation of HBV, HCV, and HIV seropositivity in healthcare workers of reproductive age

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections are health problems that threaten human health. This study, it was aimed to investigate HBV, HCV, and HIV seropositivity in female healthcare workers of childbearing age in our hospital.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 1224 women working in our hospital, who were of childbearing age, were included in the study. The HBsAg, Anti-HBc total, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV, and anti-HIV results of the patients were analyzed using the hospital database.&#x0D; Results: Seven (0.5%) of reproductive-age female healthcare workers were positive for HBsAg. While anti-HBs positivity was detected in 1128 (93.6%) of 1224 healthcare workers, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were positive in 80 (6.53%) patients. Both anti-HBs and anti-HBc were negative in 16 (1.3%) subjects (neither vaccinated nor exposed to HBV).&#x0D; Conclusions: Healthcare workers are at high risk for viral hepatitis and other infectious viral diseases. The fact that the frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV among healthcare professionals of reproductive age is quite low in our region shows that the training for healthcare professionals has been quite successful in recent years, both in our country and in our region.&#x0D; Due to the high contagiousness of viral hepatitis B in our country, not only healthcare professionals of reproductive age but all healthcare personnel should be meticulously vaccinated. It is very important to implement standard infection control programs for HBV, HCV, and HIV and to increase compliance with national and international programs.

Alanine aminotransferase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio and hepatitis B virus on metabolic syndrome: a community-based study.

BackgroundThe serum aminotransferase elevation in metabolic syndrome (MetS) reflected hepatosteatosis, but there is a conflict with the coexistence of viral hepatitis, especially for the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ratio, MetS, and HBV infection in a rural Taiwanese population.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis in southern Taiwan between March and December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographics, education, dietary behaviors, irregular exercise, substance use, and viral markers were performed to investigate the association between the ALT/AST ratio and MetS.ResultsAltogether, 2,416 participants (891 men and 1,525 women; mean age, 64.1 ± 14.9 years) were enrolled. Of the participants, 22.7% (n = 519) were seropositive for viral hepatitis. In the multivariable analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, p < 0.001], ALT/AST ratio >1 (OR 2.63, 95% CI 2.15–3.21, p < 0.001), education (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, p < 0.001), and HBV seropositivity (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.95, p = 0.021) were associated with the risk of MetS. The area under the curve of the ALT/AST ratio was 0.62 (95% CI 0.60–0.64, p < 0.001), and the cutoff value was >0.852 for the Youden index.ConclusionAn ALT/AST ratio >1 could be a simple index for MetS prediction during community checkups. In contrast to age and betel nut chewing, HBV seropositivity and higher education might be inversely associated with MetS. Aggressive health promotion for MetS prevention has emerged as essential in participants without HBV and with lower education levels. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are needed to unlink these correlations.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Primary Liver Cancer in Mainland China From 2003 to 2020: A Representative Multicenter Study.

BackgroundThe contribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) to primary liver cancer (PLC) and their association with cancer aggressiveness remains uncertain in China, a country with half of global PLC. We aimed to characterize this using data from four representative medical centers.MethodsIn total, 15,801 PLC patients were enrolled from the centers distributed in Easter5n, Southern, Northern, and Western China from 2003 to 2020. Of those, 7585 with curative surgery were involved in survival analysis. A nomogram was constructed using preoperative parameters to predict postoperative survival.ResultsHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma accounted for 93.0%, 4.3%, and 1.6% in PLC, respectively. The seropositivities of HBV and HCV were 84.4% and 3.2% in HCC, respectively. The seropositivity of anti-HCV antibody was significantly higher in HBV-negative than in HBV-positive HCC patients (13.2% vs. 1.1%). Compared to HCV-positive HCC (HCV-HCC), HBV-positive HCC (HBV-HCC) was associated with 12-year earlier onset, higher proportions of males, high α-fetoprotein, large tumor size, advanced Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and vascular tumor thrombus. The proportions of HCC and HBV seropositivity increased, whereas that of anti-HCV decreased, from 2003 to 2020. Postoperative five-year survival rate was 73.5%, 64.1%, 34.9%, and 19.7% in HCC at BCLC stage 0, A, B, and C, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HBV seropositivity, incomplete tumor capsule, vascular tumor thrombus, tumor diameter (≥3 cm), advanced BCLC stage (B+C), α-fetoprotein (≥20ng/ml), and direct bilirubin (>8µmol/L) contributed independently to shorter overall survival (OS); whereas post-operative radiofrequency ablation and second resection independently improved OS in HCC. HCV-HCC had a more favorable prognosis than did HBV-HCC (Log-rank test, P<0.001). A nomogram composed of age, gender, and the preoperative independent risk factors was accurate in predicting postoperative survival in HCC (C-index: 0.735; 95% confidence interval: 0.727–0.743).ConclusionHBV contributes to 84.4% of HCC in China, and actively promotes hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression. A favorable postoperative survival obtained in patients at the early BCLC stage highlights the importance of screening for early HCC in high-risk populations. Our preoperative prognosis prediction model is important in clinical decision-making.

Potential role of HBV DNA-induced CD8high T cell apoptosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA-induced CD8high T cell apoptosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe activity and HBV seropositivity rates of patients with SLE and RA were determined. The proportions of T cell subgroups were detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The apoptosis of T cell subgroups was detected after peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with HBV DNA.ResultsThe HBV infection rate was higher in patients with RA than in patients with SLE. Current or previous HBV infection was more common among patients with inactive SLE than among those with active SLE. Conversely, previous or current HBV infection was more common among patients with active RA than among those with inactive RA. CD4−CD8high T cell counts were higher among patients with active SLE than in those with inactive SLE. However, CD4−CD8high T cell counts were lower in patients with active RA patients than in those with inactive RA. HBV DNA increased the apoptosis of CD4−CD8high T cells.ConclusionHBV DNA-induced CD8high T cell apoptosis appears to play different roles in SLE and RA.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.

BackgroundUnderdeveloped countries suffer a huge burden of infectious diseases, among which hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are of major concern. Our study sought to determine the seroconversion rate for HBV via hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) and HCV via anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV) among patients on maintenance hemodialysis in the dialysis unit of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.MethodologyThis study was carried out from October 2020 to January 2022 at the hemodialysis unit and the urology department of a tertiary care hospital in Multan. A total of 172 patients of both genders were screened for HBV and HCV seropositivity. Data analysis was done through IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Conclusions were drawn accordingly.ResultsAt the one-year follow-up, screening revealed that 20 (11.7%) patients were positive for HBsAg and 39 (23%) were positive for anti-HCV. Five patients had dual seropositivity for HBsAg and anti-HCV, while three were positive for both HBsAg and anti-HDV. Four out of 20 patients who screened positive for HBsAg and 11 out of 39 patients screened for anti-HCV had a history of one more blood transfusion. Though the correlation between the duration of hemodialysis and viral markers was significant (p<0.05) for the patients screened positive for anti-HCV, a similar correlation was not observed in the patients with seropositivity for HBsAg.ConclusionOur study concludes that seroconversion is statistically significant for HCV infection compared to HBV infection. Tight adherence to standard preventive measures to minimize the transmission of these pathogens can lead to a decline in the incidence of these infections. Screening should be done widely to control and optimally manage these infections.

Sero-prevalence of 19 infectious pathogens and associated factors among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo systematically assess the sero-prevalence and associated factors of major infectious pathogens in China, where there are high incidence rates of certain infection-related cancers.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting10 (5 urban, 5 rural) geographically...

Association between ABO and RH blood groups and Hepatitis B virus infection among young Nigerian adults.

SummaryBackgroundSeveral diseases are reported to be associated with ABO/Rh blood groups. Data on the association between ABO and Rh D blood group antigens in the Nigerian population is sparse. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection as well as its association with ABO and Rh D antigens among young Nigerian adults.MethodsWhole blood was collected from 496 students and screened for the presence of HBsAg using an immuno-chromatographic technique. The ABO and Rh D antigen status of participants were also determined using standard techniques.ResultsIn this study, the prevalence of HBV infection was 10/496 (2.10%). Of all factors assessed, only age of participants was identified as a risk factor (P < 0.05) for HBV seropositivity. Over half 257/496 (51.5%) of subjects were of the blood group O type, while 18/496 (3.6%) were of the AB blood type which was the least in occurrence. Rh D negative blood group was observed among 24/496 (4.8%) subjects. Those with the B blood type were observed to have an insignificantly (P > 0.05) higher prevalence of HBV infection. However, with respect to Rh D antigen alone, participants negative for the antigen were observed to have a five times higher risk of acquiring HBV infection than those positive for it (OR = 5.273, 95% CI = 1.056, 26.321, P > 0.05). Combining the ABO and Rh blood group systems, an association (OR = 20.174; P > 0.05) was found to exist between B Rh D negative status and HBV infection.ConclusionPossession of B antigen without Rh D antigen is associated with increased risk of acquiring HBV infection.

Seroprevalence of Blood-borne Viral Infections among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kalaburagi District, Karnataka, India

Introduction: Transfusion of blood and its components is a life- saving manoeuvre but has life threatening hazards as well. Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) is covered by “Drug and Cosmetics Act” and has legal implications. Hence, strict criteriae are followed while selecting a donor, particularly emphasising on Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI), which may improve safe transfusion practices. Aim: To study the seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among Voluntary Donors (VD) in blood centre, tertiary care hospital, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: The present study was retrospective observational study done for four consecutive years from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2020. Data of all donors screened for HIV, HBV and HCV was retrieved from the records of Gulbarga Institute Medical Sciences (GIMS) Blood Centre, GIMS Hospital, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. The results were tabulated and analysed using descriptive statistics.. Results: Total blood units taken were 15,466 from VDs. There were 96.8% (14,966/15,466) male and 3.2% (500/15,466) female donors. The overall seropositivity of HBV, HCV and HIV was 1.8%, 0.006% and 0.12%, respectively. The highest seroprevalence of TTI was found to be in the age group of 18-30 years (169 donors; 55.6%) followed by 31-40 years age group (103 donors; 33.9%). Conclusion: This study shows increasing trend for total blood donation. Strict selection and retention of voluntary low-risk blood donors is recommended to improve the blood safety. Use of highly sensitive screening tests like Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) technology may be implemented in all blood centres to possibly reduce the incidence of TTI.

A study on seropositivity for Hepatitis B virus among Healthcare Workers at PGIMER, Chandigarh

Background and Aims: Health care workers (HCWs) are predisposed to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, mainly due to occupational exposures. This study aimed at estimating the seropositivity of HBV and HBV vaccination status of HCWs at PGIMER, Chandigarh.