Prevalence Of Antibodies Research Articles

Genetic characteristic of mumps virus from 2012 to 2016 and its serum antibody level among general healthy population during 2018–2020 in Jiangsu Province, China

Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease with high contagious capability. Its incidence declined rapidly since one dose of mumps vaccine was introduced into Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) in 2008 in China. Nonetheless, the outbreaks of mumps remain frequent in China. Here we aim to assess herd immunity level followed by one-dose mumps ingredient vaccine and to elucidate the genetic characteristics of mumps viruses circulating in the post vaccine era in Jiangsu province of China. The complete sequences of mumps virus small hydrophobic(SH) gene were amplified and sequenced; coalescent-based Bayesian method was used to perform phylogenetic analysis with BEAST 1.84 software. Commercially available indirect enzyme-linked immune-sorbent IgG assay was used for the quantitative detection of IgG antibody against mumps virus. Our results show that genotype F was the predominant mumps viruses and belonged to indigenous spread, and most of Jiangsu sequences clustered together and formed a monophyly. The prevalence of mumps reached a peak in 2012 and subsequently declined, which presented an obvious different trajectory with virus circulating in other regions of China. The gene diversity of viruses circulating in Jiangsu province was far less than those in China. The antibody prevalence reached 70.42% in the general population during 2018 to 2020. The rising trend of antibody level was also observed. Although mumps antibody prevalence does not reach expected level, mumps virus faces higher pressure in Jiangsu province than the whole of China. To reduce further the prevalence of mumps viruses, two doses of mumps vaccine should be involved into EPI.

A survey of the tick-borne disease Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in southern Algeria: First serological evidence in the dromedary camel population

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral zoonosis caused by a Nairovirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Despite its wide geographical distribution, the epidemiology of CCHF in northern Africa is incompletely understood and its occurrence in Algeria is virtually unknown. The present survey aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHF antibodies and to identify the potential risk factors associated with CCHFV seropositivity among the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in southern Algeria. A total of 269 camels selected randomly from slaughterhouses in three wilayas were employed in the study. Sera sampled were tested for the presence of CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CCHFV seropositivity was recorded in 255 out of 269 camels accounting for a prevalence rate of 94.8% (95%CI = 92.14–97.45). The seroprevalence by origin was determined to be 97% (193/199) in imported camels and 86% (49/57) in local ones (p > 0.25). Tick presence (OR = 12.35, 95%CI = 1.41–107.43, p < 0.05) was recorded as the only potential risk factor for contracting CCHFV. This study shows for the first time that camels are exposed to CCHFV in Algeria with a significantly high seroprevalence. It also underlines the need for further research to investigate the broader extent of circulating CCHFV in the country, whether in humans, animals, or ticks.

Impact of ivermectin and vector control on onchocerciasis transmission in Togo: Assessing the empirical evidence on trends in infection and entomological indicators.

The World Health Organization's 2021-2030 Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases boosted global commitment towards the elimination of onchocerciasis, but the timeline to elimination will vary strongly between countries in Africa. To assess progress towards elimination in the Republic of Togo, we reviewed the history of control and time trends in infection. We collated all available programmatic, entomological, and epidemiological data since the initiation of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) in Togo through different data sources. We then visualised data trends over time, to assess the impact of interventions on infection and transmission levels. Vector control was initiated by OCP from 1977 (northern and central parts of Togo) or 1988 (southern regions) up to 2002 (most areas) or 2007 ("special intervention zones" [SIZ], parts of Northern and Central Togo). Between 1988 and 1991, Togo initiated ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) in eligible communities. The impact of vector control was high in most river basins, resulting in low annual biting rates and annual transmission potential declining to very low levels; the impact was lower in river basins designated as SIZ. Repeated, longitudinal ivermectin mass treatments have overall strongly reduced onchocerciasis transmission in Togo. Epidemiological surveys performed between 2014 and 2017 showed that the prevalence of skin microfilariae (mf) and anti-OV16 IgG4 antibodies had declined to low levels in several districts of the Centrale, Plateaux, and Maritime region. Yet, relatively high mf prevalences (between 5.0% and 32.7%) were still found in other districts during the same period, particularly along the Kéran, Mô and Ôti river basins (SIZ areas). Trends in infection prevalence and intensity show that onchocerciasis levels have dropped greatly over time in most areas. This demonstrates the large impact of long-term and wide-scale interventions, and suggest that several districts of Togo are approaching elimination.

Neurocysticercosis- An overlooked tropical disease

Introduction. Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a parasitic disease caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium (T. solium), is a significant public health concern in endemic countries. It is estimated to contribute to roughly 30% of all epilepsy cases and leads to chronic morbidity in nearly 70% of affected patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies to T. solium in individuals with recent-onset seizures. We employed two serological techniques: Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and Enzyme-Linked Immuno Transfer Blot (EITB). Materials and Methods: A total of 100 serum samples were collected: 50 from patients experiencing recent-onset seizures (cases) and 50 from age-matched healthy controls. All samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-cysticercus antibodies to T. solium. Results: Among the 50 cases, EITB detected anti-cysticercus antibodies in six patients (12%), while ELISA identified antibodies in three patients (6%). Notably, only two cases tested positive using both EITB and ELISA. In the control group, one individual was seropositive by EITB, and none were positive by ELISA. Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of implementing high-quality screening methods, employing a vigilant diagnostic approach, and taking prompt preventive measures to mitigate the burden of morbidity associated with NCC.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis among the butchers of Tabriz city, the northwest of Iran: a case control study

IntroductionOccupation plays an important role in the spread of infectious diseases in humans. Toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis are world-wide diseases with different routes of transmission. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis and risk factors associated with these diseases among the butchers of Tabriz City, the northwest of Iran.MethodsIn this case-control study conducted in Tabriz city in 2023, 250 serum samples were collected from butchers (n = 125) and outpatients referred to Imam Reza Hospital (n = 125) and. The ELISA test was used to identify IgG and IgM antibodies against toxoplasmosis and IgG antibodies against hydatidosis. The results were analyzed by statistics tests using SPSS v. 16 software. Risk factors’ association was tested using Chi square or logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that 66/125 (52.8%) cases and 40/125 controls (32%) were positive for toxoplasmosis IgG antibody. Also, 5/125 (4%) and 1/125 (0.8%) were positive for toxoplasmosis IgM antibody in the case and control groups, respectively. In addition, 10/125 people (8%) were positive for anti-hydatidosis IgG antibody in the case group, while no positive cases were found in the control group. The main risk factors for toxoplasmosis were age (OR: 1.014), education level (OR: 0.638), and work experience(OR: 1.695), these factors for hydatidosis included age and education level (OR: 1.765 and 0.271) respectivily.ConclusionsOur results suggest the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis and in butchers of Tabriz, which required special attention and basic measures. Moreover, the prevalence of hydatidosis IgG antibodies also requires more attention to be focused on breaking the transmission and reducing the infection.

ANA Profile in Population of West Bengal

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are significant biomarkers that are used to detect and classify autoimmune connective tissue disorders more efficiently. This paper provides a thorough overview of all the ANA profiling procedures, their testing advancements, clinical significance, and future directions. This study aimed to analyze the ANA profiles along with the prevalence of specific antibodies in patients presumed to have been diagnosed with autoimmune disorders in an Eastern Indian tertiary care hospital. The results were correlated with demographic data to conclude. ANA profiles of 48 patients from Peerless Hospitex Hospital, Kolkata were evaluated between January 24 to June 15, 2024. Out of them, 13 patients (27%) had positive ANA profiles. The most prevalent autoantibodies detected were SS-A and SS-B, which occurred in 7 patients (53.85%), followed by PM-Scl in 4 patients (30.77%). The study demonstrates how the ANA profile varies among different age groups, with the highest prevalence of 6 patients (46.15%) seen in the 60–75 age range. The clinical symptoms of diseases like autoimmune hepatitis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, PSS (progressive systemic sclerosis), SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), and Sjogren's syndrome align with the ANA profile findings. This study offers insights into the distribution of autoantibodies targeting antigens present in ANA profiles, using clinical samples collected from a 550-bed tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches to autoimmune disorders.

Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections in pediatric patients of choledochal cyst

Association of viral infection with obstructive jaundice is well-known however frequency of cholangiotropic virus infection in pediatric choledochal cyst is not known. IgG and IgM antibodies against Cytomegalo virus (CMV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in 48 children with choledochal cysts and 26 controls were analysed using ELISA. We found significantly higher anti-CMV IgG and IgM in patients (95.8% and 77.1%, respectively) compared to controls (73.1% and 42.3%) and a notable prevalence of anti-EBV antibodies among both groups (83.3% versus 65.4% IgG and 77.1% versus 46.1 for IgM in patients and controls respectively). Moreover, 79.2% of patients were positive for both anti-CMV and anti-EBV IgG, and 62.5% for both IgMs. This pilot study suggests that infection with CMV, EBV, or both is frequently seen in pediatric patients with CDC. Molecular screening and follow-up in a larger cohort is therefore required for further validation.

Verification of the reactivity of immunoglobulins in dried blood spots collected for onchocerciasis sero-surveillance by an Escherichia coli ELISA

The World Health Organization guidelines for verification of onchocerciasis elimination include demonstrating that the prevalence of exposure to the parasite in individuals born since transmission was interrupted needs to be less than 0.1%. The guidelines recommend using seropositivity to an Onchocerca volvulus specific antigen (Ov16) for this purpose. Ov16 seropositivity has most often been assessed using the Ov16 ELISA assay. Currently, the Ov16 ELISA assay includes internal positive and negative controls to monitor for proper assay performance but does not control for the quality of the dried blood spots (DBS) being tested. Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of antibodies recognizing Escherichia coli in children. Through the development of an ELISA assay to detect antibodies recognizing E. coli, a common commensal in humans, DBS may be prescreened for quality assurance prior to testing for Ov16. Results demonstrated antibodies to E. coli were detected in 100% of randomly selected serum samples collected from O. volvulus infected individuals residing in an onchocerciasis hyperendemic area. Furthermore, when DBS were improperly stored, the E. coli antibodies were found to decay over a period of one week, while remaining unchanged over the same period in properly stored samples. Similarly, E. coli antibodies were detected in 100% of a batch of field collected properly stored DBS, while being present only in 5% of a batch of improperly stored spots. This study demonstrates the value of E. coli ELISA for DBS quality control testing and validation of proper storage of collections of DBS for the Ov16 ELISA.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE IN BROILER CHICKENS

Infectious bursal disease is one of the diseases frequently diagnosed in broilers chickens in _ Iraq depending on pathological changes in the bursa of Fabricius. It is known that maternal antibodies may interfere with the clinical signs, severity of the infection as well as the responsse of chickens to live virus vaccines. Therefore, serological surveys are of value in determining the prevalence of antibodies to this disease. The agar jel precipitation test was used in this survey because of its simplicity and specificity for detecting antigen-antibody reactions. Serum samples were collected from chickens brought to the veterinary hospital in Baghdad. Precipitation lines appeared between positive serum and antigen prepared from infected bursae and not with negative serum or negative antigen. Positive sera comprised about 67% of the total samples tested, with higher percentage of positive sera were detected among sera collected from chickens of 4-6 weeks of age

High Prevalence of Myositis-Specific and Associated Antibodies in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious condition linked to immune-system dysfunction. Myositis-specific/associated antibodies (MSAs/MAAs) play a role in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), but their significance in PH remains unclear. We believe the presence of these antibodies may be underestimated. This study analyzed adult PH patients without pre-existing IIM for MSA/MAA prevalence using a line-blot assay. We compared PH patients with and without ILD signs to a cohort clinically suspected of IIM/ILD (n = 558). Our PH cohort (n = 121) showed a significantly higher prevalence of overall weak positive MSAs/MAAs and positive overlap syndrome-associated MAAs than the suspected IIM/ILD group (p < 0.001). Notably, MSAs/MAAs were found in PH patients both with and without ILD, though more prevalent in those with ILD. Anti-synthetase and anti-overlap syndrome antibodies were the most common. Our study is the first to systematically show a high MSA/MAA prevalence in PH without IIM presentation. This highlights the need to consider PH when diagnosing MSA/MAA-associated conditions. We recommend MSA/MAA screening for newly diagnosed PH, especially in those with ILD, for early detection and potential immunomodulatory treatment. Further research should explore the link between MSAs/MAAs and PH, and the value of monitoring patients with weak MSA/MAA positivity over time.

Prevalence of hepatitis A virus among migrant workers in Qatar: A national study.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the predominant cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide; however, data on HAV antibody prevalence (seroprevalence) among migrant populations are limited. This study aimed to investigate HAV seroprevalence among Qatar's migrant craft and manual workers (CMWs), constituting approximately 60% of the country's population. HAV antibody testing was conducted on stored serum specimens obtained from CMWs during a nationwide severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) population-based cross-sectional survey between July 26 and September 9, 2020. Associations with HAV infection were investigated through regression analyses. Of the 2,607 specimens with HAV antibody test results, 2,393 were positive, and 214 were negative. The estimated HAV seroprevalence among CMWs was 92.0% (95% CI: 90.9-93.1%). HAV seroprevalence was generally high but exhibited some variation, ranging from 70.9% (95% CI: 62.4-78.2%) among Sri Lankans to 99.8% (95% CI: 98.2-99.9%) among Pakistanis. The multivariable regression analysis identified age, nationality, and educational attainment as statistically significant factors associated with HAV infection. Relative to CMWs aged ≤29 years, the adjusted relative risk (ARR) was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.10) in CMWs aged 30-39 years and reached 1.15 (95% CI: 1.10-1.19) in those aged ≥50 years. In comparison to Indians, the ARR was lower among Sri Lankans, assessed at 0.81 (95% CI: 0.72-0.91), but higher among Nepalese at 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04-1.11), Bangladeshis at 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07-1.13), Pakistanis at 1.12 (95% CI: 1.09-1.15), and Egyptians at 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08-1.23). No evidence for differences was found by geographic location or occupation. HAV seroprevalence among Qatar's CMW population is very high, with over nine out of every ten individuals having been exposed to this infection, likely during childhood.

Hypothyroid Patients Show Significant Association with Antithyroid Antibodies: A Cross Sectional Study in Khulna

Background and Objectives: A high prevalence of thyroid disorder is found worldwide and it is a serious public health problem. A community‑based investigations showed that; overall occurrence of thyroid disease was 20.43%, highest incidence of diffuse goiter (7.35%), followed by sub-clinical hypothyroidism (6.59%), hypothyroidism (4.97%), hyperthyroidism (0.86%) and sub-clinical hyperthyroidism (0.65%) in Khulna, Bangladesh. Antithyroid autoantibodies are one of the most important causes of thyroiditis resulting hypothyroidism. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antithyroid antibody to hypothyroid patients in Khulna region. Methods: This cross‑sectional study was done on Hypothyroid patients of Khulna Medical College Hospital and Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science (INMAS), Khulna, from July 2023 to December 2023. After having informed written consent of adult sixty hypothyroid patients, was interviewed and examined the blood sample for relevant information; data recorded in a preformed, semi-structured data collection sheet (Patient particulars form) and analyzed. Results: About 20 percent had positive family history of hypothyroidism, 27 percent patient was associated with other autoimmune diseases and about 80 percent was associated with anti-thyroid antibody. Out of the sixty hypothyroid patients about fifty percent was obese, eighty percent was female of 30-60 years age group. Ninety percent of them belongs to poor socioeconomic conditions and came from rural area of Khulna district. Conclusions: Most of the patients were rural female of low socioeconomic back ground of reproductive age groups. There was very significant association of anti-thyroid antibody with these patients. They also associated with chronic autoimmune diseases and poverty.

Prevalence of Anti-PLA2R Antibodies in Biopsy Proven Membranous Nephropathy in Egyptian Patients

Abstract Background Membranous nephropathy (MN) is among the most common causes of the nephrotic syndrome in nondiabetic adults, accounting for approximately 20 to 30 percent of cases of nephrotic syndrome in White adults. MN is most often primary (previously called idiopathic), although it may be secondary with hepatitis B infection, autoimmune diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), malignancies, and the use of certain drugs such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). MN in young females should raise the suspicion of SLE. Aim of the Work The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of anti-PLA2R antibodies in Egyptian patients with biopsy proven membranous nephropathy. Patients and Methods Our cross-sectional study included 70 Egyptian patients with nephrotic range proteinuria on first presentation for whom laboratory investigations including serum anti- PLA2R antibodies titer by indirect immunoflouresence and kidney biopsy were done. Results Membranous nephropathy has been diagnosed in 35.71% of adult Egyptian patients presented with nephrotic range proteinuria. 84% of the cases of membranous nephropathy had been diagnosed with primary membranous nephropathy and 16% diagnosed with secondary membranous nephropathy. Sensitivity of circulating anti-PLA2R antibodies in primary MN was 42.85% versus 80.95% for its detection within the glomerular extracts. Specificity of PLA2R is close to 100%; however, in other studies; PLA2R has been detected in the immune deposits of some patients with secondary MN. Patients with high anti-PLA2R titer had higher baseline proteinuria than patients with lower anti-PLA2R titer. Conclusion Membranous nephropathy (primary and secondary) may be considered the most common glomerulonephritis by biopsy finding in patients presenting with nephrotic range proteinuria followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (35.7 %&amp; 30% respectively). 84% of the cases of membranous nephropathy had been diagnosed with primary membranous nephropathy and 16% had been diagnosed with secondary membranous nephropathy. Circulating anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected within serum in 42.85% of primary MN cases while detection of anti- PLA2R antibodies within the glomerular extracts of primary MN cases was much higher (80.95%). Specificity of PLA2R is close to 100%; however, in other studies; PLA2R has been detected in the immune deposits of some patients with secondary MN. Patients with high anti-PLA2R titer had higher baseline proteinuria than patients with lower anti-PLA2R titer.

Sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants raised on private holdings in North-Western Pakistan.

This study investigated the sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants in North-Western Pakistan. A total of 3,173 serum samples were collected from small (n = 1,651) and large (n = 1,522) ruminants being reared by farmers in 14 districts. Antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) were detected usingcompetitive ELISA. The overall prevalence of BTV antibodies was 65%. A significant association (P < 0.05) between the prevalence of BTV antibodies and the risk factors including sex, species, age, area, husbandry practices and breed was shown by univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, the seroprevalence was 6.5 (95% CL = 3.7-11.4), 5.9 (95% CL = 3.8-9.4) and 2.4 (95% CL = 1.5-3.7) timeshigher in buffaloes, cattle and goats than sheep, respectively. The seroprevalence was 1.4 (95% CL= 1.1-1.7) times higher in local breeds than in cross/exotic breeds. The seroprevalence was 1.6 (95% CL = 1.1 to 2.3) times higher in sedentary animals than in nomadic animals. The seroprevalence was significantly associated with age. Further work is required to determine the BTV serotypes prevalent in the study area for effective control of the disease.

O-201 Antinuclear antibodies in women with recurrent early pregnancy loss: prevalence and impact on subsequent pregnancy outcome

Abstract Study question What is the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in women with recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL) and do they affect subsequent pregnancy outcome? Summary answer The prevalence of ANAs in women with REPL was 13.0%, and their presence did not negatively impact subsequent pregnancy outcomes, including EPL and livebirth rates. What is known already An etiological factor cannot be identified in more than half of the couples experiencing REPL. Immunologic mechanisms could be involved, with the presence of autoimmune disease (AD) associated to lower reproductive outcomes. For the mere presence of ANAs, in the absence of AD, the evidence on the association with REPL is controversial, with most studies having a small sample size with important clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Study design, size, duration This is a single-centre, retrospective cohort study from a tertiary referral hospital including 960 women referred for REPL between January 2014 and December 2019. During the entire study period, maternal serum ANA detection was part of the routine diagnostic REPL work-up, defined as two or more pregnancy losses before the 10th week of gestation, including previous spontaneous conceptions and pregnancies following autologous IVF/ICSI treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women under the age of 40 at ANA analysis were eligible for inclusion. Confirmed AD, uterine anomalies, parental chromosomal abnormalities and uncontrolled endocrine disorders were exclusion criteria. The prevalence of positive ANA titers and the impact of ANA positivity on the outcome of a subsequent pregnancy were investigated with EPL rate as the main outcome parameter and biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical miscarriage rate and live birth rate as secondary outcome measures. Main results and the role of chance Positive ANA screening at a titer of ≥ 1/80 was observed in 125/940 women (13.0%), a prevalence in line with previously published data in the general population not experiencing REPL. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, or conception method between ANA-positive and -negative women. No higher number of previous EPLs was observed in ANA-positive compared to ANA-negative women (respectively 2.7 versus 2.8, p = 0.06). Women with ANAs had significantly more thyroid antibodies (21.6% versus 10.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). For a subsequent pregnancy, no association was observed between ANA positivity and reproductive outcome with an unadjusted EPL rate of 30/86 (34.9%, ANA-positive) versus 206/509 (40.5%, ANA-negative, p = 0.32). Logistic regression analysis did not identify ANAs as an independent predictive risk factor for additional EPL (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.45-1.20, p = 0.22). Similarly, there was no significant difference in live birth rates between both groups (p = 0.5), with 54/86 (62.8%) in ANA-positive and 300/509 (58.9%) in ANA-negative patients. Limitations, reasons for caution The current data are limited by the absence of a formal control group without REPL, the retrospective nature of the study and potential bias due to unmeasured confounders. Wider implications of the findings These findings further questions systematic ANA measurement in the diagnostic work-up of REPL without AD. Furthermore, when ANAs are detected, patient counselling and treatment adaptations should be considered with caution, given our inability to eventually detect any significant differences in the pregnancy outcomes between ANA-positive and -negative REPL patients. Trial registration number not applicable

A Cross-sectional Study to Identify Risk Factors for Hepatitis C in Punjab, India.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence in Punjab, India (0.56%) is higher than the national average (0.32%), but primary drivers of local transmission are unclear. The objective of this study was to identify behavioral and demographic predictors of screening positive for HCV in Punjab. Interviews assessing exposure to potential HCV risk factors were administered cross-sectionally to persons screening for HCV across 10 treatment facilities. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using generalized estimating equation models accounting for clustering by health facility. One thousand seven hundred and sixty-three patients tested anti-HCV positive; 595 were negative. 57.7% of respondents were male; the median age was 40 years. 13.8% reported injecting drugs. Males were more likely to test positive than females (RR: 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.21). Unmarried men were at higher risk of anti-HCV positivity compared with married men (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.24), but unmarried women were at lower risk (RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-0.98). The strongest risk factors were history of injecting drugs (RR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.51), incarceration (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12-1.33), acupuncture use (RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.09-1.33), having household member(s) with a history of incarceration (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08-1.26), and tattoos (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.24). Additional risk factors among men included receiving injections in a public hospital or from unregistered medical practitioners and among women included a history of childbirth. Injecting drugs was most strongly associated with anti-HCV positivity in this population. Greater attention to HCV prevention is needed, with a focus on people-centered harm reduction programs, behavioral change interventions, and increasing safety in potential transmission settings.

Prevalence of chronic hepatitis C infection in the general population: results from a national survey, Romania, 2020 to 2023.

IntroductionA national study from 2006 to 2008 showed a high antibody prevalence of 3.2% against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Romania, but more recent epidemiological data on hepatitis C prevalence are lacking.AimWe aimed to estimate the current prevalence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and chronic HCV infection in the general adult population in Romania, as a crucial element in monitoring progress towards eliminating hepatitis C.MethodsWe used anonymised leftover sera from a SARS-CoV-2 survey conducted between July and October 2020 (n = 2,100), supplemented with sera collected prospectively between July 2022 and March 2023 (n = 574). These included sera collected from adults visiting laboratories for routine medical check-ups. Sera were tested for anti-HCV and HCV core antigen and classified according to anti-HCV and chronic infection status.ResultsOf the total 2,674 specimens tested, 44 were anti-HCV-positive with a weighted anti-HCV prevalence of 1.4% (95% CI: 1.0-1.9), and 29 were HCV core antigen-positive with a weighted prevalence of chronic infection of 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5-1.2). The prevalence of chronic infection did not differ significantly between men and women. It was higher in persons 60 years and older (2.0%; 95% CI: 1.1-3.0) and in specimens from the North-East region (2.2%; 95% CI: 0.8-3.7).ConclusionAlthough the overall HCV prevalence in Romania is currently low, targeted screening, prevention measures and treatment scale-up are needed especially for the population 60 years and older and in the north-eastern part of the country to achieve the goal of ending the hepatitis C epidemic.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: Retrospective Study of 91 Cases.

Background Detection and quantification of anti-thyroid antibodies make it possible to confirm the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction as well as its autoimmune origin and monitor thyroid damage in diabetic patients. The aim of this study is to determinethe seroprevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies in hospitalized diabetic patients. Materials and methods This retrospective study focused on 91 diabetic patients hospitalized in the endocrinology department of Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat, Morocco, between January 1 and December 31, 2022. The study population was divided into two groups: 19 patients with type 1 diabetes (13 females and six males, with an age range of 20-70 years) and 72 patients with type 2 diabetes (52 females and 20 males, with an age range of 40-71 years). Hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (Hb-HPLC) analyzer from blood samples collected in EDTA tubes, and anti-thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and/or anti-TG) were measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays (CMIA) in human serum using the ALINITY analyzer. Results Among type 1 diabetic patients, 42.1% (n = 8)were positive for anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies, while 31.5% (n = 6)were positive only for anti-TPO antibodies. Among type 2 diabetic patients, 15.2% (n = 11) were positive only for anti-TPO antibodies, while 20.8% (n = 15) were positive for anti-TPO and/or anti-TG antibodies. The prevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies was higher in females, consistent with other studies. This could be linked to the involvement of autoimmune processes in the development of thyroid dysfunction in type 2 diabetics. Conclusions Testing for anti-thyroid antibodies in diabetic patients and their relatives helps detect subclinical conditions, which could later manifest as biological and clinical deficiencies, guiding monitoring parameters.

Reduced seasonal coronavirus incidence in high-risk population groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Epidemiological data on seasonal coronaviruses (sCoVs) may provide insight on transmission patterns and demographic factors that favor coronaviruses (CoVs) with greater disease severity. This study describes the incidence of CoVs in several high-risk groups in Ottawa, Canada, from October 2020 to March 2022. Serological assays quantified IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-229E. Incident infections were compared between four population groups: individuals exposed to children, transit users, immunocompromised, and controls. Associations between antibody prevalence indicative of natural infection and demographic variables were assessed using regression analyses. Transit users and those exposed to children were at no greater risk of infection compared to the control group. Fewer infections were detected in the immunocompromised group (p = .03). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was greater in individuals with low income and within ethnic minorities. Our findings suggest that nonpharmaceutical interventions intended to reduce SAR-CoV-2 transmission protected populations at high risk of exposure. The re-emergence of sCoVs and other common respiratory viruses alongside SARS-CoV-2 may alter infection patterns and increase the risk in vulnerable populations.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among People Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study assesses HIV/HCV coinfection and associated risk factors among patients at Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, highlighting the seroprevalence of HCV among HIV/AIDS reactive individuals. The novelty lies in its detailed demographic analysis, revealing significant age, gender, tribal, educational, and occupational disparities, with a notably high seropositivity among people who inject drugs. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted HCV screening and intervention strategies in HIV/AIDS patients, particularly in demographic subgroups identified as having higher seroprevalence, to improve early diagnosis and management. Full Abstract The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a large healthcare burden. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and HCV coinfection are major global health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to assess the HIV/HCV coinfection and the potential risk factors among people attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of HCV infection was carried out on 77 HIV/AIDS reactive subjects attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, from 30th March 2021 to 4th May 2021. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using immunochromatographic test. Of the 77 study participants, the overall anti-HCV antibody prevalence was 5.2%. The 36-40 age group revealed the highest seropositivity of 18.18%, followed by 51-55 years (14.29%) and the least (11.11%) among 26-30 years. Females had the highest seropositivity of 6.25% and males least (3.45%). The highest seropositivity was seen among the Hausa tribe (7.14%), while the least in Fulani (5.56%). The highest seropositivity was recorded among people with no formal education (6.82%), while people with formal education had the least (5.88%). The highest seropositivity was seen in self-employed individuals (6.52%) regarding occupational status, while employed individuals had the least (4.17%). Married individuals had the highest seropositivity of 7.69%, while the divorced and widow/widower had 5.26% and 4.76% respectively. People who injected drugs recorded the highest seropositivity of 33.33%, with multiple sex partners at 6.90%, while people who shared sharp objects had the least (6.67%). There were no significant differences statistically in HCV seroprevalence among the different age categories, gender, tribe, education, occupation, marital and risk factors (p&gt;0.05). The HCV prevalence rate (5.8%) observed in this study underscored the need to intensify HCV screening among people living with HIV/AIDS for early diagnosis and management of cases.