Infected Liver Research Articles

Awareness and Knowledge of Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Newly Enrolled First-Year Medical Undergraduates in South India: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Hepatitis B poses a significant public health risk, particularly for healthcare professionals who face heightened exposure in clinical settings. This study assesses the awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B vaccination among first-year medical undergraduates in their preclinical stage before transitioning to clinical phases. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among newly enrolled first-year medical undergraduate students at a medical college before the commencement of a planned vaccination drive, allowing the institution to assess baseline knowledge and logistical needs for the drive. A self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate students' awareness and understanding of hepatitis B transmission, vaccination, and the occupational risks associated with healthcare work. The data gathered from this survey provided critical insights for optimizing the logistics and educational components of the upcoming vaccination program for the incoming cohort. Among the 126 respondents, there was a slightly higher representation of male participants (53.17%, n=67), while 46.83% (n=59) were females. Awareness of hepatitis B as a highly contagious liver infection was high, with 88.9% of students agreeing or strongly agreeing. The knowledge that hepatitis B is a public health concern and can lead to severe conditions such as liver cancer was similarly prevalent (97.6% and 90.4%, respectively). Most respondents (80.2%) were aware of the heightened risk for healthcare professionals and viewed vaccination as an effective preventive measure (96.1%). Awareness of transmission routes, including contact with infected blood (96%) and unprotected sexual contact (97.6%), was also strong. However, fewer students were informed about the recommended vaccination schedule (63.4%) or the necessity of booster doses for high-risk individuals (70.6%). Additionally, 93.7% believed healthcare workers should be vaccinated, while 88.9% recognized the need for immunity status checks in healthcare settings. Only 16.66% (n=21) reported receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, with 14.28% having completed the full three-dose series, while 2.38% received only one or two doses. A significant portion (62.69%) reported not being vaccinated, and 20.63% were unsure of their vaccination status. Key reasons for incomplete vaccination included lack of awareness about the full series (58.73%), fear of side effects (6.34%), and perceived lack of necessity (7.93%). Access challenges were also noted by 2.38% of students. Only 1.58% of respondents had checked their immunity status through anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) testing. Newly enrolled medical undergraduates show substantial foundational knowledge of hepatitis B and its prevention. However, targeted educational and peer-led initiatives are recommended to bridge the remaining gaps, ensuring future healthcare professionals have comprehensive knowledge for effective hepatitis B prevention. The findings also underscore the need for improved vaccination awareness and accessibility to achieve comprehensive immunization among medical undergraduates.

Inserting Omp22 into the flagellin protein, replacing its hypervariable region, results in stronger protection against lethal Acinetobacter baumannii infection.

Acinetobacter baumannii, a common nosocomial pathogen, is known for its rapid acquisition of antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the urgent need to develop an effective vaccine against this pathogen. Outer membrane protein 22 (Omp22) regulates the biogenesis of outer membrane vesicles to transport virulence-promoting factors into the host cells and facilitates the progression of A. baumannii infection. In this study, we used a mouse model to assess a vaccine's immunogenicity and protective efficacy using recombinant Omp22 protein within the hypervariable region of flagellin (FliC-Omp22). FliC-Omp22 demonstrated superior protection following challenge with a lethal dose of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii strain 58ST compared to Omp22 alone. In addition, it elicited increased IgG1/IgG2a and IL-4/IFN-γ ratios, indicating a predominant Th2 immune response. Furthermore, the FliC-Omp22 vaccination elicited strong specific antibodies that inhibited the adhesion and invasion of A. baumannii 58ST and enhanced the opsonic killing activity against the pathogen. FliC-Omp22 immunization significantly reduced bacterial loads in infected mice's spleen, lungs, and liver, thereby improving their survival against the lethal infection caused by MDR A. baumannii 58ST. This study suggests that integrating Omp22 into the hypervariable domain of flagellin holds promise for developing an effective vaccine against A. baumannii infections.

Genome sequence of Trueperella pyogenes isolates from liver abscesses in feedlot cattle.

High-grain diets promote polymicrobial liver infections in cattle, commonly involving the bacterium Trueperella pyogenes. We have isolated T. pyogenes from the purulent material of abscesses and sequenced their genomes. These data enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying liver abscess development in cattle.

Liver cyst penetration of antibiotics at the target site of infection: a randomized pharmacokinetic trial.

The EASL cystic liver disease guideline states that drug penetration at the site of infection (liver cyst) is essential for successful treatment, but pharmacokinetic (PK) data on cyst penetration are limited. This study aims to investigate tissue penetration of four antibiotics in non-infected liver cysts and explores influencing factors. We performed a prospective, randomized single-dose PK-study. Before percutaneous drainage of a non-infected liver cyst, an intravenous (IV) dose of either ciprofloxacin and piperacillin/tazobactam (group 1); or co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and doxycycline (group 2) was given. Cyst fluid was collected during drainage. Blood samples were obtained before, during and after drainage (within 12 h). Drug concentrations were measured with a validated LC-MS/MS. Primary outcome was liver cyst penetration, defined as the cyst-fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio (%) expressed as median (IQR). We included 20 patients, and 21 liver cysts were drained (group 1: n = 11, group 2: n = 10). Median drained cyst volume was 700 mL. Median time between infusion and drainage was 139 min (IQR 120-188 min). Median cyst-fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio was 4.2% (IQR 1.6%-8.9%) for ciprofloxacin, 0.3% (IQR 0.0%-1.3%) for piperacillin, 0.2% (IQR 0.0%-1.3%) for tazobactam, 12.2% (IQR 6.3%-16.1%) for trimethoprim, 0.4% (IQR 0.2%-3.8%) for sulfamethoxazole and 1.6% (IQR 0.9%-2.3%) for doxycycline. Time between trimethoprim infusion and cyst drainage was correlated with increased cyst-fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio (P < 0.01). Trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin have the highest penetration ratios amongst antibiotics tested. We found that liver cyst penetration varies widely between drugs after a single IV dose. NTR8499The trial was originally registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (ID: NL7290), which was converted to the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform in 2022.

Deletion of both anaerobic regulator genes fnr and narL compromises the colonization of Salmonella Typhimurium in mice model.

Salmonella Typhimurium (STM), a zoonotic pathogen, can adjust its metabolic pathway according to the variations in the partial pressure of atmospheric oxygen and nitrate via fumarate nitrate reductase regulator (Fnr) and NarL, the response regulator for nitrate reductase. Both Fnr and NarL have been individually reported to be the contributors of virulent phenotypes of STM. Hypoxia along with nitrate-rich environment are prevalent in macrophages and the Salmonella-induced inflammatory lumen of the host's large intestine activates both fnr and narL genes. In this study, the double (fnr and narL) knockout STM showed a synergistic reduction in the swimming (62%), swarming (84%) and biofilm density (86%) phenotypes anaerobically in association with its significant aerobic attenuation. The intracellular replication of the double mutant was reduced by 2.3 logs in chicken monocyte-derived macrophages. Furthermore, the competitive index of the double mutant in liver and spleen was found to be 0.3 and 0.44 respectively at 120h post-infection (PI) in mice. Surprisingly, no double mutant could be recovered from the infected mouse liver 3 days PI. Histopathological findings showed moderate infiltration of mononuclear cells in the large intestine of mice infected with double mutant, but severe infiltration was seen with the wild-type strain.

Microplastics exacerbate tissue damage and promote carcinogenesis following liver infection in mice

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, posing a substantial threat to human well-being. Microplastics (MPs) exposure can harm human health and the carcinogenicity of MP remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated carcinogenesis by MPs exposure. We observed MP significantly exacerbated hepatic injury in infectious conditions. In addition, cancer-related p53 and p21 signals are activated by MPs. Analysis of the liver transcriptomic landscape uncovered a noteworthy intensification of the carcinogenesis pathway by MPs compared with pre-infection. The transcription factor SALL2 could act as an oncogenic promoter in the promotion of cancer regulated by MPs. Further, big data analysis presents the correlation between MPs pollution and human hepatocellular carcinoma. This work revealed a toxic amplification effect of the non-bioactive MPs on the bioactive pathogens. This finding provides new insight into understanding the potential toxicity of the MPs.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection Is not Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Two-year Cohort Study.

Previous studies reported inconsistent results of the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A cohort study of 2063 adults without NAFLD at baseline, who participated in a repeated health check-up including a 13C urea breath test and abdominal ultrasonography, was conducted to evaluate the link between H. pylori infection and NAFLD development. During a mean follow-up period of 1.7 years, we did not found a significant association between H. pylori infection and NAFLD (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.10 (0.86, 1.40), p = 0.4689). We also found that higher age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (systolic BP), diastolic blood pressure (diastolic BP), fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were risk factors, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was a protective factor for NAFLD development. H. pylori infection might not be positively related to NAFLD development.

Chronic hepatitis B costs and healthcare resource utilization in a Japanese patient population: a retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

Data on the economic burden of chronic hepatitis B infection in Japan are lacking. This study investigated healthcare resource utilization and costs of chronic hepatitis B infection and liver complications in Japan. This non-interventional study used the Medical Data Vision database. For the first analysis, a population with prevalent chronic hepatitis B infection and absence of liver complications was identified and further stratified by nucleos(t)ide analog treatment history. In the second analysis, patients with prevalent chronic hepatitis B infection and incident liver complications were identified. Patients were followed for 1 year in the first analysis and 2 years in the second analysis. Numbers of all-cause outpatient, inpatient, emergency hospitalizations, medication use, and associated costs per person-year were described across patients without/with nucleos(t)ide analog treatment and in those without/with liver complications. For patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, 75,967 had no liver complications while 17,678 patients had liver complications. All-cause outpatient visits were the largest contributor to healthcare resource utilization and costs, for patients without and with liver complications, and were numerically higher for patients on nucleos(t)ide analog than not. Patients with liver complications had numerically higher all-cause healthcare resource utilization and total costs than patients without complications. Japan has a high economic burden of chronic hepatitis B infection, particularly in patients with liver complications. Optimizing treatment to prevent complications may reduce this burden.

Assessment of Quality of Life of Caregivers of Patient with Alcoholic Liberty Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a progressive condition resulting from chronic and excessive alcohol consumption, leading to liver cell damage. Although the liver is the primary site for alcohol oxidation, a small amount is also metabolized in the stomach. Ethanol metabolism primarily produces acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct responsible for symptoms such as facial flushing, headaches, nausea, and increased heart rate, all of which contribute to the development of ALD. The risk of developing ALD varies among individuals, but it generally increases with alcohol intake beyond certain thresholds: more than two standard drinks per day for men and more than one standard drink per day for women. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis, potentially leading to liver infection. The prevalence of ALD fluctuates over time and varies by region due to factors such as alcohol consumption patterns, healthcare accessibility, and public health initiatives. ALD poses a significant global health challenge, highlighting the need for increased awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the promotion of responsible drinking practices. Medical guidance and support are essential in educating individuals about the risks of overconsumption. According to the latest surveillance report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, liver cirrhosis ranked as the 12th leading cause of death in the United States in 2007, with 29,925 deaths, nearly 48% of which were alcohol-related.

Hepatitis B viral infection and its common genotype circulation: A molecular approach

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the causes of liver infection and associated with cirrhosis, carcinoma, and fibrosis of liver. In this research study, we conducted an observational study to evaluate the distribution of HBV infection and its genotypes in selected cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 426 samples were collected from selected cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mardan (n = 163), Dir (Lower) (n = 116), Malakand (n = 53), Miran Shah (n = 29), Dera Ismail Khan (n = 28), Swat (n = 22), and Hangu (n = 15). For molecular identification of hepatitis B virus infection, the ICT (Immunochromatographic techniques) kits were used for the Screening of Hepatitis B virus infection among general population. The positive samples of ICT test were further subjected to Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of which 282 (66.2 %) were males, and 144 (33.8 %) were females. Out of 426 ICT kit positive samples, 218 (51.18 %) were found PCR positive. The maximum number of positive cases, 157 (36.86 %), was found between 15 and 34 years. Sixty samples were further processed for HBV genotyping. A mixed genotype was detected in 29 (48.3 %) individuals, followed by genotype D in 23 (38.3 %) and untypable in 8 (13.3 %). The positivity rate of HBV was recorded high among males compared to females. Most patients who reported positive for HBV were co-infected with two genotypes. This research will help to provide background information to government and health authorities to raise public awareness and improve the capacity of the healthcare delivery system for hepatitis B virus infection.

Roles of X-box binding protein 1 in liver pathogenesis.

The prevalence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and viral liver infections presents significant challenges in modern healthcare and contributes to considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Concurrently, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as a major public health concern, reflecting the increasing rates of obesity and leading to more severe complications such as fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a distinct transcription factor with a basic-region leucine zipper structure, whose activity is regulated by alternative splicing in response to disruptions in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and the unfolded protein response (UPR) activation. XBP1 interacts with a key signaling component of the highly conserved UPR and is critical in determining cell fate when responding to ER stress in liver diseases. This review aims to elucidate the emerging roles and molecular mechanisms of XBP1 in liver pathogenesis, focusing on its involvement in DILI, viral liver infections, MAFLD, fibrosis/cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Understanding the multifaceted functions of XBP1 in these liver diseases offers insights into potential therapeutic strategies to restore ER homeostasis and mitigate liver damage.

Effect of Temperature and Salinity on Survival of Protoscoleces of Hydatid Cyst in Liver In Vitro.

Hydatid cyst is the metacestode stage of Echinococcus granulosus that occurs in herbivores and humans as intermediate hosts by consuming parasite eggs through forage and vegetables. Carnivores, as definitive hosts, become infected by consuming infected vesicles of herbivores. The most effective treatment for a hydatid cyst is surgical operation. Inactivating E. granulosus protoscoleces through heating, cooling, or chemicals such as sodium chloride can be considered an effective method for controlling hydatidosis in both humans and animals. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different temperatures and salinity conditions on the survival of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. For this purpose, 50 g of infected liver (in triplicate) was separately treated with different temperatures (+10°C, +50°C, +60°C, +72°C, and -20°C) and concentrations of sodium chloride (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Additionally, 50 g of infected liver was stored separately in the refrigerator (+4°C) as a control group. The survival rate of the protoscoleces was evaluated by staining with 1% eosin under a light microscope. The results showed that the protoscoleces were significantly affected, with 100% mortality at -20°C after 0.5 h, and complete death at +72°C, +60°C, +50°C, and +10°C after 1, 1.5, 3, and 24 h, respectively (p < 0.005). Similarly, the protoscoleces in the liver mass survived at 5% NaCl after 3 h but died at 10% after 24 h, at 15% after 12 h, and at 20% after 6 h. It is concluded that exposing the liver infected with protoscoleces hydatid cyst to a temperature of -20°C and a sodium chloride concentration of 10% for 24 h is suitable for inactivating the protoscoleces.

The Culprit Behind HBV-Infected Hepatocytes: NTCP.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a globally prevalent human DNA virus responsible for over 250 million cases of chronic liver infections, leading to conditions such as liver inflammation, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) is a transmembrane protein highly expressed in human hepatocytes and functions as a bile acid (BA) transporter. NTCP has been identified as the receptor that HBV and its satellite virus, hepatitis delta virus (HDV), use to enter hepatocytes. HBV entry into hepatocytes is tightly regulated by various signaling pathways, and NTCP plays an important role as the initial stage of HBV infection. NTCP acts as an initiation signal, causing metabolic changes in hepatocytes and facilitating the entry of HBV into hepatocytes. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of NTCP's role is crucial. In this review, we will examine the regulatory mechanisms governing HBV pre-S1 binding to liver membrane NTCP, the role of NTCP in HBV internalization, and the transcriptional and translational regulation of NTCP expression. Additionally, we will discuss clinical drugs targeting NTCP, including combination therapies involving NTCP inhibitors, and consider the safety of NTCP as a therapeutic target.

Chronic Viral Infections and Hepatic Oncogenesis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) are major contrib¬utors to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Discovered in the 1960s and 1980s, these viruses are associated with significant global health burdens. HBV, a member of the He¬padnaviridae family, is a partially double-stranded DNA virus responsible for chronic liver infections that can lead to HCC. Despite the success of HBV vaccination, challenges such as vaccine escape mutants and non-responders persist. HCV, a member of the Flaviviridae family and a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, affects millions globally. While direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can achieve high rates of viral clearance, vaccine development remains hindered by genetic diversity and immune evasion. HDV, the smallest known human virus, relies on HBV for its propagation. It exacerbates liver disease and increases HCC risk, particularly in co-infected individuals. HDV does not integrate into the host genome, suggesting indirect mechanisms of carcinogenesis, potentially through interactions with HBV. Addressing these chal¬lenges requires enhanced vaccination strategies, improved antiviral therapies, and continued research to understand the complex interplay between these viruses and liver cancer development.

Multi-step synthesis, kinetics and in silico explorations of indole-Phenyl-1,2,4-triazole Bi-heterocyclic hybrids unified with 3-substituted benzamides as elastase inhibitors

In the present research work, a library of unique indole-phenyltriazole hybrids comprising 3-substituted-benzamide moiety was synthesized through convergent multi-step strategy. The structural confirmation of all synthesized molecules was corroborated by IR, 1H NMR, 13C MMR, EI-MS and CHN analysis data. The results of in vitro inhibitory potential of novel benzamides against elastase enzyme revealed that all molecules were potent inhibitors and 10d was most active compound among them having IC50 value of (0.197 ± 0.027 µM), relative to the standard (13.421 ± 0.016 µM). The Kinetics mechanism analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots which exposed that 10d inhibited this enzyme competitively by forming an enzyme-inhibitor complex. The inhibition constant Ki determined from Dixon plot for compound 10d was 0.85 µM. Moreover, cytotoxicity of these compounds was also profiled by hemolytic activity and it was observed that almost all these benzamides compounds displayed low cytotoxicity. These molecules also exhibited mild cytotoxicity toward red blood cell membrane. In addition, the in silico computational explorations fully supported the in vitro enzyme inhibitory results. The binding energy ranges from -7.1 to -9.1 kcal/mol, which showed that compound possessed good interaction tendencies to the pancreatic elastase target protein. So, it was anticipated from the experimental results and computational investigations of the current research that these derivatives might lead to further research gateways for obtaining better and safe nontoxic medicinal scaffolds for dealing with the elastase related ailments such as lungs diseases, pruritic skin disease and liver infection.

Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Induces Reactive Oxygen Species Generation via Activation of p53 in Human Hepatoma Cells.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), particularly through the HBx protein, induces oxidative stress during liver infections. This study reveals that HBx increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) via two distinct mechanisms. The first mechanism is p53-independent, likely involving mitochondrial dysfunction, as demonstrated by elevated ROS levels in p53-deficient Hep3B cells and p53-knocked-down HepG2 cells after HBx expression or HBV infection. The increase in ROS persisted even when p53 transcriptional activity was inhibited by pifithrin-α (PFT-α), a p53 inhibitor. The second mechanism is p53-dependent, wherein HBx activates p53, which then amplifies ROS production through a feedback loop involving ROS and p53. The ability of HBx to elevate ROS levels was higher in HepG2 than in Hep3B cells. Knocking down p53 in HepG2 cells lowered ROS levels, while ectopic p53 expression in Hep3B cells raised ROS. HBx-activated p53 downregulated catalase and upregulated manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase, contributing to ROS amplification. The transcriptional activity of p53 was crucial for these effects, as cells with a p53 R175H mutation or those treated with PFT-α generated less ROS. Additionally, HBx variants with Ser-101 increased p53 and ROS levels, whereas variants with Pro-101 did not. These dual mechanisms of HBx-induced ROS generation are likely significant in the pathogenesis of HBV and may contribute to liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

Characterizing Unique Clinical and Virological Profiles in Concurrent Chronic Hepatitis B and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Disease: Insights from a Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: The concurrent presence of chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) presents a unique clinical scenario with implications that are not yet fully understood. This study aims to characterize the distinct clinical and virological features of CHB in the context of MASLD and evaluate its impact on disease progression and outcomes. Methods: Utilizing a comprehensive health maintenance organization database, this study included 1186 patients with CHB from 2000-2020. Patients were categorized into two groups: CHB-MASLD (n = 188) and CHB alone (n = 998). CHB diagnosis was confirmed by serological markers, while MASLD was diagnosed based on imaging and cardiometabolic risk factors. Comparative analysis and multiple regression models were applied to assess variables related to viral parameters and clinical outcomes. Results: The CHB-MASLD group was older (mean age of 45.2 vs. 39.1, p < 0.001) with higher rates of obesity (46.8% vs. 23.8%, p < 0.001), diabetes (36.2% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001), and dyslipidemia. Distinct viral profiles included higher HBeAg negativity (96.2%), a higher rate of HBeAg-negative infection (70.4% vs. 63.8%; p < 0.001), and increased HBeAg seroconversion under treatment. Cirrhosis was more prevalent in the CHB-MASLD group (9.6% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.007), while HCC rates were comparable. Multivariate analysis identified age, male gender, chronic active hepatitis, and diabetes as predictors of cirrhosis. Conclusions: CHB-MASLD patients were distinguished by a higher prevalence of metabolic features, along with a distinct viral profile marked by increased chronic HBeAg infection, higher rates of HBeAg seroconversion, and a potential association with worse disease outcomes.

Morphological and molecular identification of Euclinostomum heterostomum (Trematoda: Clinostomidae) from spotted snakehead Channa punctata in Bangladesh.

Parasites belonging to the trematode family Clinostomidae have a global distribution. Freshwater fish in Bangladesh frequently serve as hosts for different clinostomid species. During the metacercaria stage, the digenetic trematode Euclinostomum heterostomum exhibits a specific preference for Channidae species, where it undergoes encystment within the liver, kidneys, and muscles of these hosts. The study aimed to identify E. heterostomum in Channa punctata through combined morphological and molecular analysis. Light and scanning electron microscopy were conducted to investigate the morphological characteristics of the species. The histological examination of the infected liver tissue revealed the presence of encysted flukes, inflammatory leukocyte infiltrates, and degeneration and loosening of hepatic tissue. In molecular analysis, the generated internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S ribosomal DNA and ITS2 regions sequence (GenBank accession no: OR591452) of 830 bp showed 100% identity with Euclinostomum heterostomum identified in India (MT785786). The phylogenetic reconstruction provided substantial evidence of genetic similarities (0-1% genetic distance) among different isolates of the genus Euclinostomum, suggesting that there is a shared heritage.

No impact of HIV coinfection on the mortality in patients with hepatitis C virus infection after sustained virological response.

In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection and advanced liver disease, the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection on the clinical outcome after sustained virological response (SVR) has not been sufficiently clarified. The aim of this study was to compare the mortality after SVR of patients bearing HCV chronic infection and advanced liver fibrosis, with and without HIV-coinfection after a prolonged follow-up. This was a prospective multicenter cohort study including individuals with HIV/HCV-coinfection and patients with HCV-monoinfection from Spain, fulfilling: 1) Liver stiffness (LS) ≥9.5 kPa before treatment; 2) SVR with a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) based regimen; 3) LS measurement available at SVR. The main outcome was overall survival. Mortality attributable to liver disease and non-hepatic causes was also assessed. 1,118 patients were included, of whom 676 (60.5%) were living with HIV. The median (Q1-Q3) follow-up was 76 months (57-83). After SVR, 46 (10%) HCV-monoinfected and 74 (11%) HIV/HCV-coinfected patients died. The overall mortality rate (95% CI) was 1.9 (1.6-2.2) per 100 person-years, 1.9 (1.4-2.5) per 100 person-years in patients with HCV-monoinfection and 1.8 (1.6-2.3) per 100 person-years in people living with HIV. In the multivariable analysis, HIV-coinfection was not associated with a shorter survival [0.98 HR (95% confidence interval, CI) = (0.61-1.58), p=0.939]. In patients with HCV chronic infection and advanced fibrosis, HIV-coinfection does not reduce the overall survival after SVR.

Prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and direct financial losses in cattle slaughtered in Bamenda and Bafoussam abattoirs, Western Highlands, Cameroon.

Bovine fascioliasis is a parasitic disease that affects cattle. It leads to direct and indirect great economic loss due to animal mortalities, growth retardation and expenditure on anthelmintics, reduction livestock productivity and essentially condemnation of infected liver by inspection service. The study was carried out to determine the seasonal prevalence and estimated financial losses of fascioliasis in cattle in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. A total of 2167 cattle were selected. Later, the cattle, have being the carcasses, were dissected, and the livers were dissected and carefully examined for adult liver flukes. Faeces were collected immediately after the cattle were killed and examined using the formol-ether concentration technique. Condemned livers were weighted to estimate the financial losses using the average price of a kilogram of liver. A total 428 of cattle were found with infected livers or egg in the faeces giving a total prevalence of 19.75%. Among the infected carcass, 18.64% had both the Fasciola eggs in the faeces and flukes in the liver while 1.10% had only flukes in the liver. Results revealed that prevalence of Fasciola spp. was significantly higher during the rainy season (23.48%) than 16% in the dry season (p=0.00). A significantly (p=0.000) higher prevalence was also observed in females (33.9%) than in males (13.1%). Age range showed significant (p=0.000) influence with the animals of 8-10 years old recorded the highest prevalence of 39.3%. Furthermore, 433.1kg of liver was condemned giving a direct financial loss of 1221,550 FCFA (2049.64 USD) and an annual financial loss due to liver condemnation estimated to 1814,775 (3045.01 USD). Findings of this study indicated that bovine fascioliasis is prevalent in cattle in the Western Highlands of Cameroon, and it leads to an important financial loss particularly in the rainy season.