Presence Of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Research Articles

Development of a dual channel detection system for pan-genotypic simultaneous quantification of hepatitis B and delta viruses

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem and, in associated co-infection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV), causes the most severe viral hepatitis and accelerated liver disease progression. As a defective satellite RNA virus, HDV can only propagate in the presence of HBV infection, which makes HBV DNA and HDV RNA the standard biomarkers for monitoring the virological response upon antiviral therapy, in co-infected patients. Although assays have been described to quantify these viral nucleic acids in circulation independently, a method for monitoring both viruses simultaneously is not available, thus hampering characterization of their complex dynamic interactions. Here, we describe the development of a dual fluorescence channel detection system for pan-genotypic, simultaneous quantification of HBV DNA and HDV RNA through a one-step quantitative PCR. The sensitivity for both HBV and HDV is about 10 copies per microliter without significant interference between these two detection targets. This assay provides reliable detection for HBV and HDV basic research in vitro and in human liver chimeric mice. Preclinical validation of this system on serum samples from patient on or off antiviral therapy also illustrates a promising application that is rapid and cost-effective in monitoring HBV and HDV viral loads simultaneously.

Burden, Outcome, and Comorbidities of Extrahepatic Manifestations in Hepatitis B Virus Infections.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections affect approximately 296 million people around the world, and the prevalence of any past or present HBV infection during the years 2015-2018 was as high as 4.3%. Acute HBV infection often presents with nonspecific symptoms and is usually self-limited, but 5% of patients can have persistent infections leading to chronic HBV infection and the risk of turning into chronic HBV infection is significantly higher in babies with vertical transmission (95%). Patients with chronic HBV infection are usually asymptomatic, but 15 to 40% of chronic HBV carriers develop cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to liver-related disorders, HBV is also associated with several extrahepatic complications, including glomerulonephritis, cryoglobulinemia, neurologic disorders, psychological manifestations, polyarthritis, and dermatologic disorders. Making the diagnosis of HBV can be challenging since patients with chronic infections can remain symptom-free for decades before developing cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, and patients with acute HBV infection may have only mild, nonspecific symptoms. Therefore, understanding how this virus causes extrahepatic complications can help clinicians consider this possibility in patients with diverse symptom presentations. The pathophysiology of these extrahepatic disorders likely involves immune-related tissue injury following immune complex formation and inflammatory cascades. In some cases, direct viral infection of extrahepatic tissue may cause a clinical syndrome. Currently, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends treatment of chronic HBV infections with interferon therapy and/or nucleos(t)ide analogs, and this treatment has been reported to improve some extrahepatic disorders in some patients with chronic HBV infection. These extrahepatic complications have a significant role in disease outcomes and increase medical costs, morbidity, and mortality. Therefore, understanding the frequency and pathogenesis of these extrahepatic complications provides important information for both specialists and nonspecialists and may help clinicians identify patients at an earlier stage of their infection.

Determination of the Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

The relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an inflammatory biomarker, is limited in studies on the general population. Thus, this study aimed at determining the relationship between CRP levels and Hepatitis B surface antigen in patients with hepatitis B. A total of 70 samples were screened for the presence of hepatitis surface antigen by one step hepatitis B Surface antigen test strip (serum/plasma) package insert. The samples were further subjected to ELISA test and quantitative real time PCR to determine the viral load. The performance of the assay on the 70 samples showed 17 (24.29%) patients were positive and 53 (75.71%) patients were negative for serological test. Out of the 17 samples which were positive for HBV, CRP was positive in 5 patients while 12 patients were negative for CRP. While out of 53 patients who were negative for HBV, 9 were positive for CRP and 44 were negative for CRP. For the significance of viral load for clinical monitoring, three titer groups were presented. Among the 70 samples tested for viral load of HBV, 50% (35/70) of samples showed low titer by the Ct˂30, while only 15.71% (11/70) of samples were detected with high viral load by Ct˃30. Statistical analysis showed insignificant relationship between CRP and HBV. Positive predictive value of CRP was lower;it is revealed that the presence of HBV infection cannot be predicted on the basis of CRP analysis only. The reason behind lower CRP concentration in HBV positive cases remains unclear but there is a perception that high CRP levels in the blood can be a marker of inflammation.

Hepatitis B Related Liver Cirrhosis in Oman.

ObjectivesAn estimated 887 000 deaths were due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) related complications in 2015 worldwide. Most of these deaths were related to decompensated liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Oman is a country with an intermediate prevalence of CHB. The Hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in Oman in 1990, with a vaccine coverage rate of > 95% reported in 2005. Despite the association between CHB and liver cirrhosis and HCC, no available data from Oman demonstrates CHB-related liver cirrhosis. We sought to estimate the prevalence of CHB among patients with liver cirrhosis from Oman.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Armed Forces Hospital between January 2006 and April 2013. All pediatric and adult patients with liver cirrhosis were included. We collected demographic data and liver cirrhosis investigations.ResultsA total of 419 patients were included. Two-thirds of the patients were males. The median age was 59 years. Omani patients represented the majority (97.1%) of patients with cirrhosis. Diabetes mellitus was present in almost half of the patients, and 22.2% indicated alcohol consumption. Evidence of previous or current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was found in about half of the cohort (51.3%). Only 3.3% of CHB patients were positive for hepatitis B e-Antigen. HBV DNA was detected in 47 patients (21.9%), of which 20 patients had a high viral load > 2000 IU/ml. More than a third (36.7%) had positive hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), indicating immunity to HBV, and 27.1% was due to previous HBV infection, 5.2% was immune due to vaccination, and 3.7% had positive anti-HBs and unknown anti-HBc status. Negative anti-HBs was found in 34.1% of the cohort and 29.9% had unknown immunity status. HBV coinfection with HCV was found in 24.7% of HBV patients with cirrhosis.ConclusionsSerological markers of CHB are common among liver cirrhosis patients in Oman. CHB related cirrhosis was more common in old age males than females (70.7% vs. 29.3%, respectively; p < 0.010). Evidence of past or present HBV infection was found in > 50% of the patients.

ASPP2 reduction attenuates HBV induced chronic liver damage: A hybrid mouse model study

Background & AimP53 Apoptosis Stimulating Protein 2 (ASPP2) is confirmed to participate in cellular activities including apoptosis, proliferation, autophagy, injury and so on. However, the role of ASPP2 in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has not been reported in detail. The study explored the role of ASPP2 in HBV induced chronic liver damage. MethodsTranscriptome profiling of ASPP2-konckdown mouse liver were analyzed by RNA-sequencing. HBV-ASPP2-knockdown mice was the hybrid offspring of HBV transgenic mice and ASPP2 knockdown mice. Liver tissues were taken for the experiments such as western Blot (WB), PCR, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Immunohistochemistry and high throughput sequencing of transcriptome. ResultsPathological and transcriptomic analysis of liver tissue from ASPP2 knockdown vs con mice showed that after ASPP2 knockdown, the pathological changes in the liver tissue of mice were not significant, but transcriptomics showed obvious changes in immune system process, and response to stimulus, metabolism, Human Diseases and other directions etc.In the HBV-ASPP2-knockdown mice, liver tissue HE staining found less cell swelling and necrosis foci; F4/80 and MPO staining showed less inflammatory cell infiltration; serum ALT and AST decreased than the HBV-ASPP2-con mice. Transcriptome results showed significantly changed in HBV-ASPP2-knockdown mice including immune system process, inflammatory response, and innate immune response etc. Further comparison of the two transcriptomes yielded 9 identical pathways related to inflammatory and cell injury. The PPAR pathway was verified, and found that the increase of PPARγ caused by the reduction of ASPP2 is likely to be the reason for the reduction of HBV-related liver injury. The expression of PPARγ was then analyzed by transcriptome and PCR, it was found that in the absence of HBV, ASPP2 knockdown resulted in a mild decrease in PPARγ, and in the presence of HBV infection, ASPP2 knockdown resulted in a marked increase in PPARγ.In addition, this study found that high expression of ASPP2 had opposite effects on HCC (HBV-none) and HCC (HBV-yes). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that reduction of ASPP2 reduces HBV-induced hepatocyte damage during chronic HBV infection. This phenomenon is related to the different regulation of PPARγ by ASPP2 in the presence or absence of HBV stimulation.

Hepatitis B elimination in children of Slovenian origin born in Slovenia after the introduction of preventive strategies: The results of a national study

IntroductionIn Slovenia national strategies to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children were introduced in the mid-nineties. The aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of chronic hepatitis B infection in children in Slovenia after the introduction of mandatory HBV vaccination of children and mandatory screening of pregnant women for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) with consecutive active and passive immunization of newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers.MethodsChildren from all regions of Slovenia whose blood samples tested positive for HBsAg at the national reference laboratory for viral hepatitis between January 1997 and December 2010 were included. Demographic, epidemiological and virological data were reviewed retrospectively. Statistical evaluation of the patients’ characteristics was performed and possible trends during the observation period determined.ResultsAmong 52 HBsAg-positive children, there were 22 (42.3%) girls and 30 (57.7%) boys. Among 40 children tested for HBeAg, 17 were positive (42.5%). The most frequent risk factor for acquiring HBV infection was “presence of HBV infection within the family” (24/35; 68.8%). A significant association between the presence of HBeAg and a viral load of >20,000 IU/ml was found (p=0.001). The difference in the proportion of children of Slovenian origin born before 1994 and after was statistically significant (p=0.039). A statistically significant negative linear trend of the number of diagnosed children in the observed period was found (p=0.006).ConclusionsPrevention strategies adopted in the mid-nineties have resulted in the elimination of chronic hepatitis B in children of Slovenian origin born in Slovenia.

Assessment of Hepatitis B Vaccination Status and Associated Factors among Healthcare Workers in Bosaso, Puntland, Somalia 2020.

Introduction Hepatitis B virus disease is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a major public health problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, two billion people worldwide have serologic evidence of past or present HBV infection. The risk of infection is high among health professionals due to the risk of occupational contact with fluids of infected patients and the risk of needle stick injury. This study is aimed at assessing HBV vaccination coverage and reasons for possible defiance of the vaccine among healthcare workers in Bosaso, Somalia. Methodology. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using a quantitative approach to identify hepatitis B virus vaccination coverage and reasons for vaccine defiance in Bosaso from September 2020 to November 2020. Healthcare workers (HCWs) in Bosaso city both in public and private health facilities who accepted to participate in this study were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire, and SPSS was used to analyze the collected data. Results We found that only (16.4%) of HCWs were fully vaccinated. The main reasons for not taking the vaccine by the participants were the unavailability of the vaccine (42%), high vaccine cost (28.7%), lack of time (20.7%), and fear of vaccine side effects (7.5%). The majority (69.7%) of HCWs demonstrated good knowledge about HBV infection. The vaccination uptake was significantly higher among midwives (p = 0.02; OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.39 − 67.41) and individuals aged under 30 years (p = 0.03; OR = 8.6; 95%CI = 1.17–63.26). Conclusion Our study revealed that vaccination coverage of HCWs in Bosaso was very low because of the unavailability of vaccines, high cost of the vaccine, lack of time, and fear of vaccine side effects. Therefore, the development and implementation of policies related to HBV vaccination are recommended.

Health status and infectious diseases in male unaccompanied immigrant minors from Africa in Spain

IntroductionThe aim was to examine the health status and infectious diseases in a cohort of unaccompanied immigrant minors (UIMs) from Africa in Spain, and to detect if there are differences according to the geographical area of origin. MethodsCross-sectional study in 622 African male UIMs at the time of admission to residential care in Aragon (Spain) during 2005-2019. A physical, nutritional and laboratory examination was performed following sanitary guidelines. ResultsThe mean age of the African UIMs was 16.1 years (SD 1.7; range 13-17). 88.9% were from Maghreb (mean age 15.9 years; SD 1.5) and 14.1% from Western Sub-Saharan (mean age 16.8 years; SD 1). We found that the prevalence of caries, iron deficiency and dermatological problems was significantly higher (p<.05) among Maghrebian, and the prevalence of past and present hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, intestinal parasitosis, eosinophilia (p<.00001) and latent tuberculosis (p=.0034) was significantly higher in those of Sub-Saharan origin. ConclusionThe most relevant finding was the high prevalence of present HBV infection (14.8%) among Sub-Saharan adolescents. This finding highlights the importance of recommending targeted screening, preventive vaccination programs, and integration into local health care systems that allow for long-term treatment and follow-up as a way to prevent the transmission of HBV infection.

Clinical, epidemiological aspects, and trends of Hepatitis B in Brazil from 2007 to 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a concern for public health due to its high prevalence, high infectivity, morbidity, and mortality worldwide. Brazil presents a low HBV prevalence, but has considerable heterogeneity among its geographic regions. Here, we describe the epidemiological profile of HBV infection in different regions of Brazil during 2007–2018, as well as the historical trends associated with the infection. We conducted an observational, ecological time-series study using secondary data collected from the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Our findings suggest that HBV infection was more likely to occur in young, sexually active adults. Individuals from Northeast and Midwest regions were more likely to present acute HBV infection, while individuals from South region were more likely to present chronic HBV infection, reinforcing that specific strategies are required for each particular region. Additionally, we observed a general decreasing trend of infection starting in 2014, however there was an increasing trend of infection in men and in individuals over 40 years old. Although we observed a decreasing trend in HBV infection, active surveillance is needed to prevent HBV spread and possible epidemics, as well as encouraging the vaccination of adults, especially young adult males. Our findings can inform the conduct of large-scale observational studies to evaluate clinical, economical, and social impacts of HBV infections, leading to improved social policies. Finally, our results highlight the need to improve data quality and completeness of epidemiological data, minimizing eventual errors that can make prevention and control strategies difficult.

Treatment or Prophylaxis against Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Patients with Rheumatic Disease Undergoing Immunosuppressive Therapy: An Update.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) flares or reactivations are serious causes of morbidity or mortality in rheumatologic patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The recent insights in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases led to the use of new immunosuppressive therapies indicated in case of failure, partial response, or intolerance of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Based on these premises, this review examines and discusses the main rheumatologic treatments that could require the initiation of prophylactic treatment or close monitoring of occult HBV infection in patients beginning antiviral therapy at the first signs of HBV reactivation, or antiviral treatment in chronic HBV-infected patients. We searched for relevant studies published in the last five years. Studies suggested that the presence of HBV infection is common in rheumatic patients and HBV reactivation during these immunosuppressant treatments is quite frequent in these kinds of patients. Therefore, before starting an immunosuppressive therapy, patients should be screened for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc and, on the basis of markers positivity, they should be carefully characterized for HBV infection phases. In conclusion, screening of HBV infection in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy with subsequent HBV monitoring, prophylaxis or treatment consistently reduces the risk of clinical consequences.

Enhancing Electronic Health Systems to End Transmission of Chronic Hepatitis B During COVID-19: A Collaborative Approach.

Enhancing Electronic Health Systems to End Transmission of Chronic Hepatitis B During COVID-19: A Collaborative Approach.

Susceptibility to Hepatitis A and B Virus Among Clients at a Syringe Services Program in Philadelphia, 2018.

Although many people who use drugs meet criteria for vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), estimates of susceptibility (ie, lack of immunity) are not well established. This study sought to identify the prevalence of and characteristics associated with HAV and HBV susceptibility among people who use drugs attending an urban syringe services program. We initiated this seroprevalence study in 2018 among 438 clients of a syringe services program who met study criteria, including provision of a blood specimen and a self-reported history of drug use. We assessed HAV and HBV susceptibility and infection via serological testing. We examined associations between participant characteristics and serology status by using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models. Of the initial 438 clients identified, 353 (80.6%) met study criteria. Of 352 participants with conclusive HAV test results, 48.6% (n = 171) were HAV susceptible; of 337 participants with conclusive HBV test results, 32.6% (n = 110) were HBV susceptible, 24.3% (n = 82) showed evidence of past or present HBV infection, and 43.0% (n = 145) had vaccine-derived immunity. Compared with participants born before 1970, participants born during 1980-1989 had 5.90 (95% CI, 2.42-14.40) times the odds of HAV susceptibility and 0.18 (95% CI, 0.06-0.53) times the odds of HBV susceptibility, and participants born during 1990-1999 had 6.31 (95% CI, 2.34-17.00) times the odds of HAV susceptibility. Decreased odds of HAV susceptibility were associated with homelessness (adjusted odds ratio = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28-0.82). Despite applicable HAV and HBV vaccination recommendations, substantial gaps exist in HAV and HBV susceptibility among a population of people who use drugs. These findings highlight the need for increased HAV and HBV vaccination efforts among people who use drugs.

Health status and infectious diseases in male unaccompanied immigrant minors from Africa in Spain

IntroductionThe aim was to examine the health status and infectious diseases in a cohort of unaccompanied immigrant minors (UIMs) from Africa in Spain, and to detect if there are differences according to the geographical area of origin. MethodsCross-sectional study in 622 African male UIMs at the time of admission to residential care in Aragon (Spain) during 2005-2019. A physical, nutritional and laboratory examination was performed following sanitary guidelines. ResultsThe mean age of the African UIMs was 16.1 years (SD 1.7; range 13-17). 88.9% were from Maghreb (mean age 15.9 years; SD 1.5) and 14.1% from Western Sub-Saharan (mean age 16.8 years; SD 1). We found that the prevalence of caries, iron deficiency and dermatological problems was significantly higher (p<.05) among Maghrebian, and the prevalence of past and present hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, intestinal parasitosis, eosinophilia (p<.00001) and latent tuberculosis (p=.0034) was significantly higher in those of Sub-Saharan origin. ConclusionThe most relevant finding was the high prevalence of present HBV infection (14.8%) among Sub-Saharan adolescents. This finding highlights the importance of recommending targeted screening, preventive vaccination programs, and integration into local health care systems that allow for long-term treatment and follow-up as a way to prevent the transmission of HBV infection.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and HIV Infection Among Patients With Newly Diagnosed Cancer From Academic and Community Oncology Practices

Universal screening of patients with newly diagnosed cancer for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV is not routine in oncology practice, and experts disagree about whether universal screening should be performed. To estimate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection among persons with newly diagnosed cancer. Multicenter prospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed cancer (ie, identified within 120 days of cancer diagnosis) at 9 academic and 9 community oncology institutions affiliated with SWOG (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group) Cancer Research Network, a member of the National Clinical Trials Network, with enrollment from August 29, 2013, through February 15, 2017. The data analysis was conducted using data available through August 17, 2017. The accrual goal was 3000 patients and the primary end point was the presence of HBV infection (previous or chronic), HCV infection, or HIV infection at enrollment. Patients with previous knowledge of infection as well as patients with unknown viral viral status were evaluated. Of 3092 registered patients, 3051 were eligible and evaluable. Median (range) age was 60.6 (18.2-93.7) years, 1842 (60.4%) were female, 553 (18.1%) were black, and 558 (18.3%) were Hispanic ethnicity. Screened patients had similar clinical and demographic characteristics compared with those registered. The observed infection rate for previous HBV infection was 6.5% (95% CI, 5.6%-7.4%; n = 197 of 3050 patients); chronic HBV, 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4%-1.0%; n = 19 of 3050 patients); HCV, 2.4% (95% CI, 1.9%-3.0%; n = 71 of 2990 patients); and HIV, 1.1% (95% CI, 0.8%-1.6%; n = 34 of 3045). Among those with viral infections, 8 patients with chronic HBV (42.1%; 95% CI, 20.3%-66.5%), 22 patients with HCV (31.0%; 95% CI, 20.5%-43.1%), and 2 patients with HIV (5.9%; 95% CI, 0.7%-19.7%) were newly diagnosed through the study. Among patients with infections, 4 patients with chronic HBV (21.1%; 95% CI, 6.1%-45.6%), 23 patients with HCV (32.4%; 95% CI, 21.8%-44.5%), and 7 patients with HIV (20.6%; 95% CI, 8.7%-37.9%) had no identifiable risk factors. Results of this study found that a substantial proportion of patients with newly diagnosed cancer and concurrent HBV or HCV are unaware of their viral infection at the time of cancer diagnosis, and many had no identifiable risk factors for infection. Screening patients with cancer to identify HBV and HCV infection before starting treatment may be warranted to prevent viral reactivation and adverse clinical outcomes. The low rate of undiagnosed HIV infection may not support universal screening of newly diagnosed cancer patients.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Western China: Epidemiological Survey Results of General Adult Population

Aim: This study aimed to determinate the prevalence and risk characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adult population. Methods: A total of 409,488 participators were recruited and multivariate regression analysis was used to determinate the risk factors of present and past HBV infections. Results: The present and past HBV infection rate was 8.0% (32,601/409,488) and 11.0% (41,409/376,887) respectively. Main risk characteristics of current infection were HBV family history, marital status, male gender, vaccination status, BMI and lower education levels (all p &lt; 0.05); and main risk characteristics of past infection were marital status, HBV family history, surgery/blood transfusion history, male gender, lower BMI and lower education levels (all p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection is relatively higher in this region and risk characteristics were similar between present and past HBV infections.

Distinct notch signaling expression patterns between nucleoside and nucleotide analogues treatment for hepatitis B virus infection

Nucleos(t)ide analogues therapies are currently approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which effectively suppress HBV replication and correlate with the anti-HBV-specific immune response. Notch signaling serves pleiotropic roles in the immune system that also contribute to virus-specific immunity. In this study, we assessed Notch signal-related gene expression after administrating nucleoside or nucleotide analogues to HBV-replicating cells and clinical liver tissues. We found distinct Notch signaling expression patterns under nucleos(t)ide analogues therapies, with high expression for nucleotide analogues (adefovir pivoxil or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and low expression for nucleoside analogues (lamivudine or entecavir) in the presence of HBV infection. Furthermore, activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation was also observed after nucleotide analogue treatment. In conclusion, nucleoside and nucleotide analogues displayed different patterns of Notch signaling activity under HBV infection, and the induction of mTORC2-Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation may contribute to nucleotide analogues-mediated Notch signaling activation.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C and factors for infection and nonimmune in inflammatory bowel disease patients in China.

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and the risk factors related to the infection and nonimmune status. A retrospective study was carried out at two clinical centers. The prevalence of viral markers and risk factors related to HBV and HCV infection and nonimmune status were analyzed in IBD patients. Age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited as the controls. A total of 980 IBD patients were included in this study. Present and past HBV infection was detected in 41.21% of the IBD group, which was higher than that in the general population (P=0.003). Age older than 30 years (P=0.000), ulcerative colitis (P=0.002), and previous surgery (P=0.039) were found to be significant risk factors for HBV infection in the multivariate analysis. 36.43% of the patients in the IBD group had nonimmune status against HBV, and age less than 40 years (P=0.011) and Crohn's disease (P=0.002) were identified as independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis. The prevalence of HCV infection was low and similar to that of the general population. The prevalence of HBV infection in IBD patients in China was higher than that in Europe, USA, and the general population in China, but the prevalence of HCV infection in IBD patients was similar to that in the general population in this study. The frequency of nonimmune status against HBV was high, especially in young Crohn's disease patients, and HBV vaccination should be intensified and have a targeted coverage.

Anti HBs Levels among Children with Chronic Liver Disease from a Super Speciality Hospital

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem worldwide. In present context HBV infection is still not an uncommon problem leading to frequent hospitalization. The anti HBs status of children admitted in this hospital is not known amongst whom HBV vaccination could be advocated. Aim: To evaluate the anti HBs status among children with chronic liver disease attending Gastroenterology Department, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Methods: 88 children (50 Males,38 Females) of chronic liver disease (CLD) admitted between April 2013 and March 2015 were included in the study (exclusion HBV infected patients).Clinical features of patients, diagnostic investigations including abdominal ultrasonography were recorded. Two ml. of blood was collected from each patient and serum was stored at -20 0 C. Tests for detection of HBsAg, anti HCV and quantitative anti HBs levels were uniformly done on all samples by ELISA. Results: Overall 35 children with CLD (39.77%,35/88 pts.) had nil level of anti HBs antibody. 12 children (13.63%,12/88 pts.) had anti HBs level of 150 mIU/ml. All patients were non reactive for anti HCV. Conclusions: 46.59% children with chronic liver disease had sero-protective anti -HBs titer. 39.77% children of chronic liver disease undergoing hospital treatment had undetectable anti-HBs antibody and were susceptible to Hepatitis B virus infection. Prophylactic vaccination against HBV infection should be advised in

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Kenya, 2007.

Current estimates put the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Kenya at 5-8%. We determined the HBV infection prevalence in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative Kenyan adult and adolescent population based on samples collected from a national survey. We analyzed data from HIV-negative participants in the 2007 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey to estimate the HBV infection prevalence. We defined past or present HBV infection as presence of total hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and chronic HBV infection (CHBI) as presence of both total HBcAb and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We calculated crude and adjusted odds of HBV infection by demographic characteristics and risk factors using logistic regression analyses. Of 1,091 participants aged 15-64 years, approximately 31.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 28.0-35.3%) had exposure to HBV, corresponding to approximately 6.1 million (CI = 5.4-6.8 million) with past or present HBV infection. The estimated prevalence of CHBI was 2.1% (95% CI = 1.4-3.1%), corresponding to approximately 398,000 (CI = 261,000-602,000) with CHBI. CHBI is a major public health problem in Kenya, affecting approximately 400,000 persons. Knowing the HBV infection prevalence at baseline is important for planning and public health policy decision making and for monitoring the impact of viral hepatitis prevention programs.

Low prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with autoimmune diseases in a Chinese patient population

Hepatitis B is a very common communicable disease in China but the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with autoimmune diseases is unknown. We retrospectively investigated the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in patients with HBV infection. The medical records of 4060 patients with autoimmune or nonautoimmune diseases were reviewed. A positive test result for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was used to indicate the presence of HBV infection. Autoimmune diseases included autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ulcerative colitis. Nonautoimmune conditions included inguinal hernia, appendicitis and pregnant or postpartum women. The proportion of autoimmune disease patients who were HBsAg positive (2.24%) was significantly lower than that of nonautoimmune disease patients who were HBsAg positive (4.58%; P=0.0014). Regarding hepatic autoimmune diseases, the positivity rates for HBsAg in autoimmune hepatitis patients (0.83%) and primary biliary cirrhosis patients (1.02%) were both significantly lower than in nonautoimmune patients (4.58%; P=0.006 and 0.004, respectively). Patients with hepatic autoimmune disease were significantly less likely to be HBsAg positive (0.93%) than patients with non-hepatic autoimmune disease (3.99%; P=0.002). Patients with autoimmune diseases, especially those with hepatic autoimmune disease, may more efficiently clear HBV than patients with nonautoimmune diseases.