Prevalence Of HBV Markers Research Articles

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Markers among the Women with Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer represents a formidable peril to the female populace on a worldwide level. The association between breast cancer and various factors, including viral infections, has been extensively investigated. Recently, the link between HBV infection and breast cancer patients has garnered attention. The present research aims to assess the prevalence of HBV markers among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ahvaz city, Iran. Serum specimens were procured from 90 patients who had been clinically diagnosed with breast cancer. The age of the patients ranged from 29 to 80 years, with a mean age of 49.42±10.7. Histological examination of biopsy specimens revealed that 75 (83.33%) were ductal, 11 (8.88%) lobular, 2 (2.22%) mucinous, 1 (1.11%) medullary, and 1 (1.11%) was metastatic. The serum samples were subjected to initial HBsAg and anti-HBc testing via ELISA. Samples that tested seropositive (HBsAg + anti-HBc) were subsequently analyzed for the S region of HBV through nested PCR and DNA sequencing. Finally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed for positive HBV DNA tests. Among the 5/90 (5.55%) cancer patients, it was found that 3 (3.33%) cases of ductal carcinoma and one (1.11%) lobular carcinoma displayed positivity for HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBc, HBV PCR). Notably, one (1.11%) patient with ductal carcinoma solely demonstrated anti-HBc positivity. The phylogenetic tree analysis of the S region revealed that all HBV strains identified were categorized as genotype D. The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant findings (p= 0.315) in the distribution of cancer types across different age groups. Among patients diagnosed with breast cancer, a notable prevalence of 5.5% was observed in HBV markers. The dominant HBV genotype among breast cancer patients was identified as genotype D.

VIRAL HEPATITIS B IN THE ARKHANGELSK REGION: LONG-TERM TRENDS AND CURRENT EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION

Introduction. Infection caused by virus hepatitis B is a serious medical and social problem worldwide because of high morbidity, mortality and high costs of treatment. After introduction of mass vaccination for HBV in Russia the main issue related to HBV is high incidence and prevalence of chronic forms. Methods. Forms No. 2 and No. 6 of the state statistical reporting in 1986-2016 were analyzed. A population-based cross-sectional study of Arkhangelsk population aged 18-39 years was carried out to assess the prevalence of HBV markers (HBs Ag, anti-HBc) and antibodies to HBs Ag as well as factors associated with HBV infection. Results. During the study period, the pattern of incidence of acute- and chronic HBV infection in the Arkhangelsk region is similar to the pattern of incidence in Russia, but the magnitude of regional indicators of the incidence of acute HBV was lower while the incidence of chronic HBV infection was higher than nationwide. According to laboratory data, among 1243 participants the prevalence of serological markers (HBs Ag and/or anti-HBc) in the sample was 11.8% among men and 10.2% among women. Altogether, 1.1% of the men and 1.3% of the women had positive results for HBs Ag. In total, 46.4% of the men and 38.9% of the women had all three tests negative. 46.9% of the participants were positive only for antibodies to HBs Ag. Discussion. In the Arkhangelsk region the vaccination has had the greatest influence on intensity of epidemic process of acute HBV infection. The incidence of chronic HBV infection decreased in the region in 3 times after initiation of large-scale vaccination. Conclusion. The percentage of vaccinated persons in Arkhangelsk region is high. Still there are sources of infection in the population.

The burden of HBV infection in HCV patients in Italy and the risk of reactivation under DAA therapy

BackgroundThere is increasing awareness of HBV reactivation in HCV-RNA-positive/HBV-coinfected patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) treated with oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). AimTo provide figures on the prevalence of HBV markers in HCV-RNA-positive subjects in Italy, where these findings are lacking. MethodsAll subjects aged ≥18 years with CLD consecutively referring to Italian liver units located throughout country were prospectively enrolled in two national surveys in 2001 and 2014. ResultsThe total number of HCV-RNA-positive cases was 6984; 356 (5.1%) subjects vaccinated against HBV were excluded. A total of 6628 cases were evaluated. The prevalence rates of HBsAg, isolated anti-HBc and anti-HBc/anti-HBs-positivity were 2.9%, 8.1% and 14.7%, respectively. Among the estimated one million HCV-RNA-positive subjects in Italy, a substantial number of subjects are at risk of HBV reactivation due to DAA therapy. The prevalence of liver cirrhosis was higher than that of CLD in HBsAg-positive subjects (4.4% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.01) but not in those positive for other HBV markers. ConclusionsThese findings outline the burden of HBV markers among HCV-RNA-positive subjects in Italy, where in 2017 reimbursement for DAA therapy by the National Health System became universal for all patients with chronic HCV infection. HBV vaccination coverage should be greatly extended, since nearly two thirds of subjects in this study resulted negative for any HBV marker.

Transmission transmissible hepatitis B virus markers of infection among sickle cell disease patients receiving care at a tertiary health facility in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Hepatitis B virus infection attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients are at risk of transmission transmissible viral hepatitis due to their constant need for blood transfusion. However, these patients could have been infected with HBV but may not know their status due to asymptomatic nature of the infection. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the burden of HBV markers of infection among SCD patients attending the hematology clinic at a tertiary health facility in Ibadan, Nigeria.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was investigated among 112 consenting SCD patients (M = 45; F = 67) age ranged 15–60 years (mean age = 26.9; mean PCV = 24 ± 4.8) attending a hematology clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. A structured questionnaire was administered to capture demographic and other relevant information. Blood samples from each participant were tested for HBV markers by ELISA technique, while data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 with P < 0.05 considered significant.Results: A total of 5 (4.5%), 0 (0.0%), and 15 (13.4%) were positive for HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBeAb, respectively. Also, 63 (56.3%) of the participants have never been transfused, while 49 (43.8%) had received blood transfusion at a point in time. No significant difference (P = 0.095) found a prevalence of HBV markers among those that had received blood transfusion and those that did not. Highest rates for HBsAg (3.6%) and HBeAb (10.7%) were observed among female than their male (HBsAg (0.9%) and HBeAb (2.8%) counterparts (P = 0.065)). No significant associations (P > 0.05) were found among those with incisions, among those who are sexually active and among the vaccinated individuals for HBV markers. There was a significant difference (P = 0.025) among the married participants for HBeAb with higher HBeAb rate (64.3%).Conclusion: This study reported high rates of HBV markers of infection among SCD patients. It is therefore advocated that donated blood must pass through rigorous screening processes before it is transfused.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation after heart transplant: Incidence and clinical impact

BackgroundOccult hepatitis B infection consists of persistence of HBV genomes in hepatocytes,absence of serum HBsAg, low/undetectable serum HBVDNA. Reactivation of HBV infection may occur during immunosuppression, but few data are available in heart transplant. ObjectivesWe followed-up heart recipients with or without markers of previous HBV infection,evaluating prevalence of HBV markers, incidence of HBV reactivation and its virological and clinical features. Study designHeart failure patients listed for heart transplant (2007–2013) were screened for current or past HBV infection. Transplanted patients with past HBV infection (anti-HBc+/±anti-HBs+/HBVDNA−) were followed up as cases, and an equal number of HBV negative patients as controls. Virological reactivation was detected by standard real-time and home-made highly sensitive PCR (surface/core HBVDNA regions). Clinical status and progression were assessed by liver histology, ultrasound or elastography. Results67 patients underwent heart transplant, including 4 (5.9%) HBsAg+ subjects. Cases were 11/67 (16.4%). During a median follow-up of 30 months, only one of these 11 patients presented viral reactivation (HBVDNA 209IU/mL) at month 22, and started antiviral treatment. Four other recipients showed virological events of uncertain significance (sensitive PCR-only intermittently positive). Clinical signs of liver disease were observed in only one case at the last follow-up. A nonsignificant difference in survival was observed between cases and all other heart recipients without prior HBV contact (death rate 5/11 vs 15/52, respectively; p=0.097). ConclusionsHBV genotypic reactivation in HBsAg−/anti-HBc+/HBVDNA− heart recipients is uncommon. Virological events of uncertain significance occur more frequently; their clinical impact seems to be negligible.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Infections with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) are a major global health problem. Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on hemodialysis constitute a population at risk of HBV and HCV infections. Objective: Determining prevalence of the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in patients who attended dialysis units in the city of Posadas (Argentina). Materials and methods: The studied population comprised 172 patients with CRF in hemodialysis. HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: On a total of 172 hemodialysis patients included in the study, 98 were males (57%) and 74 were females (43%), aged between 12 and 85 years (mean 53.4). 8.7% (15/172) of the patients were positive for HBsAg and 9.9% (17/172) were positive for anti-HCV reagents. 72.1% of patients had a hemodialysis treatment time of less than 5 years. A history of having received previous transfusions was observed in both HBsAg positive cases (7/15) and the anti-HCV positive cases (5/17). Elevated transaminase levels were observed in patients with positive and negative serology. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate a high prevalence of serological markers for HBV and HCV in patients with CRF on hemodialysis in city of Posadas (Argentina), as compared to cities in developed countries.

Seroprevalance of Hepatitis B Virus Markers Among Village Midwives in Khartoum State, Sudan, 2014

Background information: HBV infection is a serious health problem and a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine HBV markers ((Anti-HBcore (IgM), Anti-HBcore (IgG), HBsAb, HBsAg, and HBeAg)) among Village Midwifes in Khartoum State, Sudan, 2014. Method: It is a cross sectional study where 335 village midwives were surveyed. A pre-tested close ended questionnaire was used for demographic data. Five ml of venous blood was collected; sera were separated and stored at-20° centigrade for Eliza testing. All specimens were tested for Anti-HBcore (IgM), Anti-HBcore(IgG) and HBsAb. Positive specimens for Anti-HBcore were tested for HBsAg and positive specimens for HBsAg were tested for HBeAg. Data was analyzed by using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version (16). Z-test for single proportion was used to compare between the actual prevalence of HBV markers and the expected rates in the absence of risk. P value equal or less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant value. Result: Positive Anti-HBcore (IgG) accounted to 113 (34%), positive HBsAgwas 57 (57%), and positive HBsAb was 7%. The results were significant at 5% confidence level, since all P-values were less than 0.001. There was no positive HBeAgto express high infectivity rate or Anti-HBcore (lgM) to reflect acute infection rate among the respondents. Conclusion: Infection rate of HBV was high, while the related immunity was low among Village Midwives in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Hepatitis B virus infection among institutionalized mentally ill patients in Brazil

ObjectivesThe main objective was to evaluate HBV infection and occult HBV infection (OBI) cases in mentally ill patients based on serological and molecular profiles. Material and methodsSerum samples of 333 long-stay mentally ill patients were tested for the prevalence of HBV markers by serological (ELISA) and molecular (PCR) assays. The PCR products were sequenced to determine viral genotypes. ResultsIt was observed a global prevalence of 12.9% (43/333) for HBV infection markers, considering HBsAg and/or anti-HBc positivity. Fourteen samples tested positive for anti-HBs alone. All samples positive (n=57) for any HBV serological markers were tested for HBV-DNA and six were positive: HBsAg/anti-HBc (n=1), anti-HBc/anti-HBs (n=1), anti-HBs alone (n=1), and anti-HBc alone (n=3). The rate of OBI was 9.2% (5/54) from samples that were anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs positive. All sequenced samples were characterized as genotype A. ConclusionThe high rate of HBV infections found in this study suggests the possibility of HBV transmission due to risk factors displayed by some patients, and highlights the importance of vaccination of susceptible patients and the staff of that institution.

Prevalence of HBV in HIV Patients Referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2008-2010

Dear Editor, Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and hepatitis B are prevalent and important viral infectious throughout the world and are considered as an important problem (1) HIV related immunosuppressive increases significantly the risk of acquiring opportunistic infections due to hepatitis B. The opportunistic infection is a major source of mortality and mobility in HIV-related patients. Globally an estimated 350-400 million people are chronically infected with HBV and 33 million are living with HIV infection today (2). In Iran, it was estimated that HIV cases are approximately 22000 to 30000 and over 35% of the Iranians have been exposed to HBV, about 3% are chronic carries and its frequency ranges from 2 to 3 percent (3), despite of known efficacy of highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) of HIV infected patients (4). Various international studies have been conducted to demonstrate the rate of co-infection with HBV and the result are naturally sought according to subpopulation and country (5). Recently, hepatitis B co-infection was associated with a poor overall survival in patients with HIV (6). On the other hand, few studies investigated the chronic HBV prevalence and correlated factors among HIV patients. The aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors among HIV patients referral to Imam Khomeini hospital of Tehran, the capital of Iran. This was a cross-sectional study which was done on 213 patients with HIV referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex at Tehran University of Medical Sciences for evaluation of HBV serologic markers from October 2008 to October 2010. Our samples were all of HIV patients who referred to Imam Khomeini hospital after getting the informed consent data sheet completed by interviews. Data included (gender, education, occupation, marital status), clinical characteristics (CD4 count through flocymetry, opportunistic infection, antiretroviral treatment), risk behavior pattern (blood transfusion, alcohol consumption, high risk sexual activities, Intravenous Drug User (IDU)). The serum sample 5 cc of venous blood from confirmed HIV positive patients were measured by commercially available Enzyme Linked Immunosorbet Assay (ELISA) and the HBsAg kit (Biokite Spanish). Participation in the study was done voluntarily after obtaining informed consent. We used mean + SD (standard deviation) or proportions for continuous or categorical variables. Independent risk factor for HBV infection was assessed using multivariate logistic regression model. P values of 0.05 or less were considered statistically significant. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (SPSS, version, 16). Two hundred thirteen HIV infected patients had referred to Imam khomeini hospital from 2008 to 2010 .The range of HIV patients’ age was between 16-58 old years with average of 35 + 8/1. Their mean CD4 count was 202.9 + 9.5 cell/ml. Our samples were 91.5% male and 8.5% female. The seroprevalence of HBS Ag among 213 HIV/AIDS patients was 11.2%. CD4 counts (cells/ml) were categorized into 3 groups: CD4 500 (cells/ml). Majority of patients had CD4 count 200-499 cell/ml. Mean of CD4 count in HIV/HBV were 207.89 + 29.21. Most common risk factors for HIV infection were injection, drug use (46. 4%) and sexual transmission (28.6%) (Table 1).There was significant relationship only between seroprevalence in case of HBs Ag and HIV drug users (P = 0.001). Table 1. Risk factors of Patients for HIV Infection In our study, it is indicated that the average prevalence of HBV among HIV infected patients was 11.3 %, Rahimi-Movaghar et al. indicated that HBV infection among those infected with HIV reached to 7.8% (7). Also, according to Zago and her Colleagues, the overall estimated HBV prevalence among patients infected with HIV was 3.8% (7). Our present study indicates that the frequency of HBSAg was significant in IV drug users. Drug user was an important route of transmission of HBV. Dimitrakopoulos et al. found a higher frequency of HBSAg among IV drug users than among homo/bisexuals and also, the prevalence of HBV markers in that group was 67.4%: 71.8% in homo/bisexuals, 35.3% in heterosexuals, 91.7% in IDUs and 90.9% in blood transfusion recipients (8). Alavi et al. reported the co-infections of HBV in 104 HIV positive drug addicts who were hospitalized in the infectious ward between 2001-2003 in Razi hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, it was estimated to 44.35% (9). The results of this research showed that only Intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) had a significant risk factor for HBV/HIV. In a similar study performed on 130 HIV positive patients in Iran, none of these patients showed significant difference for co-infection with HIV/HBV (10). According to these results, it is defined that IDU is the highest risk factor for acquisition of HBV/HIV infections. We recommend screening for HBSAg positive in HIV infected patients, especially for patients with high risk behaviors.

Prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women assisted at the public maternity hospitals of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important worldwide public health problem. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health estimates that 15% of the population has had contact with HBV, and that the mean rate of chronic carriers in Northeastern Brazil is around 0.5%. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV markers in pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the public maternity hospitals of São Luís. MethodsDemographical and epidemiological data were collected from 541 pregnant women according to the research protocol. Blood samples were collected, and the anti-HBc test was performed first. If positive, the sample was subsequently tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs. All HBsAg and/or anti-HBc positive samples were additionally tested for HBV-DNA. Results40 (7.4%) pregnant women turned out positive for anti-HBc. Of those, five (0.9%) were HBsAg positive, four (0.7%) were anti-HBc positive with negative HBsAg and anti-HBs, and 31 (5.7%) were positive for anti-HBc and anti-HBs. Anti-HBc positivity was associated with family history of hepatitis and education level below 11 years of schooling. HBV-DNA was positive in only one HBsAg-positive sample. There was no HBV-DNA positivity among HBsAg negative samples. ConclusionsThe prevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women in this study confirmed that São Luís is a low endemicity area. Occult hepatitis B was not detected in these samples.

Hepatitis B marker seroprevalence and vaccination coverage in adolescents in the City of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, in 2008

Hepatitis B infection constitutes an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Brazil, however, the current epidemiological situation is not clear. Considering the importance of establishing this prevalence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV markers in voluntary adolescents, junior high (secondary school) students, in the City of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A seroepidemiological, transverse study was conducted with 353 randomly chosen adolescents from elementary school in 2008. Blood samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs. All analyses were conducted by automated microparticle enzyme immunosorbent assay (Abbott®, AxSYM system, Deerfield, IL, USA), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The prevalence of HBsAg was 0.6% (CI 95% 0.1 - 2.0), that of anti-HBc was 1.1% (CI 95% 0.3 - 2.9) and that of detectable anti-HBs was 83.6% (CI 95% 79.3 - 87.3). Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 97.5% (CI 95% 95.2 - 98.8). These results demonstrate the success of the vaccination program against hepatitis B in the region studied and indicate that prevention strategies must be maintained and, if possible, expanded to contribute to the establishment of positive prevalence rates in all age groups.

OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) may increase chance of acquiring hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections through occupational exposure.Aim of the study: The prevalence of markers for HBV and HCV were studied among HCWs at El-Minia University Hospitals over a 24 months period starting from Jan.2008.Subjects and methods: The study consisted of wide survey of all HCWs in direct contact with blood from different hospital departments using standardized questionnaire. Blood samples of 10 ml of venous blood were tested for HBV and HCVantigens in 180 exposed HCWs and 181 controls.Results: The study showed a total incidence of HBV antigens of 7.5% in male exposed HCWs and 6.0% in female exposed HCWs compared to 2.6 % in male controls and 2.8% in female controls. As regard HCV markers, the total incidence in HCWs showed 3.7% in male and 5% in female exposed HCWs compared to 1.3% in male controls and 1.9% in female controls. HCV showed higher incidence of seropositivity in medical staff working in dialysis units and operative rooms. Conclusion: The study showed that the risk of transmission of HBV and HCV infections to HCWs could be due to the lack of knowledge of hazards and ignorance of protectionprotocols. Vaccination of exposed HCWs to HBV and enforcing quality improvement projects and preventive programs will reduce the incidence of occupational exposure.

HBV and HCV serological markers in patients with the hepatosplenic form of mansonic schistosomiasis

Blood transfusion is one of the major risk factors for the transmission of the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses. However, there are no reports describing the endoscopic transmission of these viruses in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis. To estimate the prevalence of serological markers of HBV and HCV in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis and evaluate the possible risk factors associated with these infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 patients with hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis who attended a university hospital in Recife, Northeastern Brazil, from February to August 2008. The patients answered a standardized questionnaire about risk factors. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-HBc total, anti-HBs, HBsAg, and anti-HCV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed. The prevalence was 30% for anti-HBc total and/or HBsAg and 7.4% for anti-HCV. There was a higher frequency of the serological markers in females and in patients aged .50 years. A significant association was detected between the presence of anti-HCV and the receipt of six or more blood transfusions. There was no association of history and number of digestive endoscopies with the serological markers analyzed. We observed a higher prevalence of serological markers for HBV and a lower prevalence of anti-HCV. Our results indicate that females and patients of an advanced age are the most affected categories and that patients that received multiple transfusions are at a higher probability of HCV infection.

Heterogeneous distribution of hepatitis B serological markers in rural areas of Mexico

To study the distribution of the hepatitis B antibody (anti-HBc) based on a national serosurvey from 10 Mexican states showing a mean HBV prevalence higher than the national one. This was a cross-sectional study. During 2003, anti-HBc was analyzed at INSP in 19 907 sera, and the related sociodemographic factors were determined. Anti-HBc prevalence was greater among men, but it was also associated to age, residence in a rural area, low socio-economic status, and illiteracy. Clusters of very high anti-HBc prevalence were found in several rural communities where the prevalence of anti-HBc in adults is 3 to 20 times the national average. Besides a low endemicity of HBV in Mexico, distribution is heterogeneous as was shown in several of the states studied, where there are rural towns with very high prevalence of HBV markers. National serosurveys are useful tools for identifying communities with hepatitis B hyperendemicity, where focused research and control measures are needed.

Rubella Serosurvey Among Unvaccinated Young Girls in Rafsanjan, South East of Iran

Results: During the study, 1160 males with the mean age of 31± 13 years and 876 females with the mean age of 20± 12 years were studied. In males, the prevalence of (HBsAg, anti-HBe), HBeAg, (anti-HBs, anti-HBc) and isolated anti-HBc were 72.3%, 8.1%, 16.6% and 3% respectively. In female, these rates were 67.7%, 8.9%, 18.5% and 5%, respectively. There were not any significant differences for prevalence of HBV markers between sexes except that the prevalence of isolated anti-HBc was higher in females (p = 0.014). Resolved HBV infection was seen in 354 (17.4%) of the cases and persistent HBV infection in 1603 (78.7%) cases. one hundred-seventy two (8.4%) cases were HBeAg positive. Conclusion: The results show that in our society, previous HBV infection mostly occurred vertically or early childhood period.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus among middle to high socio-economic antenatal population in Sierra Leone

This study was designed in order to find out the prevalence of HBV markers amongst pregnant women of middle and high socio-economic class in Sierra Leone. The aim was to determine the necessity and likely benefits of a scheme aimed at the vaccination of children of seropositive mothers who can afford the cost until mass immunisation is possible. A total of 302 women were studied. The seroprevalence rate formed in this study population was 6.2%. The proposed intervention would markedly reduce the HBV status in Sierra Leone, taking into account the high prevalent rate amongst this group. The low anti-HBs found in this population was suprisingly (5.1%); considering the high degree of antigenemia, this should be a subject for future research.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers among refugees in Athens.

To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C serological markers in a population of refugees living in Athens. One hundred and thirty refugees (81 males and 49 females, mean age +/-SD: 31.7+/-8 years) were included in the study. The hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), the hepatitis B virus core antibody (anti-HBc) and the hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) were detected using a third-generation immunoassay. Twenty individuals (15.4 %) were HBsAg positive and 69 (53.1 %) were anti-HBc positive. The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc was higher among refugees from Albania and Asia (statistical significant difference, P<0.008 and P<0.001 respectively). The prevalence of these markers was found irrelevant to age or sex. Anti-HCV was detected in the serum of 3 individuals (2.3 %). No differences among age, sex or ethnicity regarding anti-HCV prevalence were found. It can be concluded that refugees living in Athens are an immigrant population characterized by a high incidence of HBV infection. The prevalence of HBV markers is higher among refugees from Albania and Asia. It is therefore believed that the adherence to general precautions and the initiation of HBV vaccination programs will be necessary in the future, especially in these communities. Although the prevalence of HCV infection seems to be relatively low, extended epidemiological surveys are needed to provide valid results.

Prevalencia de marcadores serológicos para hepatitis B y delta e infección intrafamiliar en el valle del río Pampas, Perú¹

Objective: To determine the prevalence of serum markers in infection by B (HBV) and Delta (HDV) hepatitis virus in school population of the Pampas River valley, and to assess the risk for familial transmission of HBV. Materials and methods: This research was carried out in eight sites in Pampas River valley (Ayacucho-Andahuaylas) between March and November 2000, and it had two phases: In the first phase (prevalence), we selected a randomly stratified sample comprising 130 subjects from the total school population. The subjects were assessed in order to determine the presence of HBsAg, anti- HBcAg and anti-HDV antibodies (the latter test was performed only in the subjects found to be positive for HBsAg). In the second phase (familial transmission), we performed a case-control study. The cases were families of the HBsAg reactive students and controls were families of non-HBsAg reactive students (1/1 relation). In all of them, we determined the presence of anti-HBcAg, HBsAg, and HbeAg. Results: 18 (13,8%) students were found to be HBsAg carriers, 93 (71,5%) had anti-HBcAg antibodies and 3 (16,7%) of the 18 HBsAg carriers had anti-HDV antibodies. There were no significant differences for the prevalence of serologic markers for HBV between cases and controls. Conclusions: The sites at Pam- pas River valley (Ayacucho-Andahuaylas), have high endemicity for HBV and intermediate endemicity for HDV. No risk for familial transmission was found.

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C in HIV-positive Greek patients: relationship to survival of deceased AIDS patients.

To determine the prevalence of hepatitis viruses B (HBV) and C (HCV) co-infections in HIV-infected patients and the overall impact of these co-infections on deceased AIDS patients survival. One hundred and eighty-one patients (159 males, 22 females) infected with HIV, attending an academic AIDS unit in Athens, Greece, constituted the study population. The study population consisted of 124 homo/bisexual men, 34 heterosexuals, 12 intravenous drug users (IDU) and 11 blood transfusion recipients. Virological markers tested for HBV infection included HBsAg, anti-HBs and total anti-HBc by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Detection of HCV antibodies was carried out by third generation enzyme-linked immunoassay, and repeatedly positive samples were further tested by a supplemental enzyme-linked immunoassay; only sera reactive by both methods were considered to be HCV-positive. The prevalence of HBV markers was 67.4%: 71.8% in homo/bisexuals, 35.3% in heterosexuals, 91.7% in IDUs and 90.9% in blood transfusion recipients (P = 0.00004). The prevalence of HCV antibodies was 13.8%: 8.1% in homo/bisexuals, 8.8% in heterosexuals, 58.3% in IDU and 45.5% in blood transfusion recipients (P<0.000001). The prevalence of HCV antibodies was not significantly higher in homo/bisexuals than in heterosexuals (P= 0.8). Coinfection with HBV or HCV, or both, did not influence the survival of deceased AIDS patients (n = 73). HBV infection was equally prevalent among homo/bisexuals and IDU with HIV infection, whereas HCV infection was more prevalent in IDU than in homo/bisexuals with HIV infection. The prevalence of HCV infection was equal among heterosexuals and homo/bisexuals, indicating that if sexual transmission of HCV occurs, homo/bisexuals are not at greater risk than heterosexuals. Finally, the survival of deceased AIDS patients was not affected by the presence of HBV and HCV co-infections.

Prevalence of antibiotics to hepatitis C in a population of intravenous drug users in Valencia, Spain, 1990-1992.

Hepatitis C has been related to other viral diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) or hepatitis B (HBV). The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and determinants of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in intravenous drug users (IVDU) in Valencia (Spain) and to compare the seroprevalence between the HCV, HIV and HBV in this high risk group. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 1056 current IVDU from the Valencia area who attended the city's AIDS Information Centre between January 1990 and December 1992. Information on sociodemographic, sexual behaviour, and drug use variables was collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Antibodies to HCV, HIV and HBV were assayed by ELISA test. The seroprevalence of HCV for the whole period was 85.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83.2-87.5%), ranging from 76.5% in 1990 (95% CI: 71.9-81.1%) to 87.8% in 1992 (95% CI: 82.5-93.1%). Year of testing and prevalence of HBV markers showed an independent association with HCV seroprevalence. When only IVDU aged < 25 years were analysed, sharing of needles also appeared as an independent dominant. Of those IVDU with less than one year of addiction, 69% were HCV seropositive compared with 41% for HBV and 14% for HIV. Intravenous drug users in Valencia showed one of the highest reported hepatitis C seroprevalences (85.5%). A more efficient parenteral transmission of hepatitis C virus than HBV or HIV is suggested.