Prevention Of HBV Infection Research Articles

Prevention of HBV infection.

Prevention of HBV infection.

Survey of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in two Selected Health Centers in Lugbe, AMAC, FCT, Abuja

Background: Hepatitis B Virus is a small, double-stranded DNA, and perinatal transmission from mother to infant at birth is highly efficient as many as 90% of infants. This was aimed at investigating the Knowledge and Status of Hepatitis B among pregnant women attending antenatal care in two selected health centres in Lugbe, Abuja.
 Method: A total of 220 pregnant women ranging from 15- 45+ years were randomly selected and assessed on demographic characteristics, HBV, knowledge and prevention of HBV infection using a well-structured self-administered questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0.
 Result: The result revealed that more than half (70.0%) of the respondents have not suffered the infection, while 26.8% have. More than three-quarters (85.0%) of the participants had only a single sexual partner, and 1.4% had more than three sexual partners. The majority (58.6%) identified HBV as the cause of hepatitis. Nevertheless, the majority were not knowledgeable about the risk factors of hepatitis, as more than half of them, believed that avoiding multiple sexual partners, sharing sharp objects, blood transfusion and vaccination do not prevent the contraction of the infection. There is a significant relationship between the participant's marital status, educational level and hepatitis status(p=0.044).
 Conclusion: The status of Hepatitis B virus infection was higher (26.8%) than what has been reported, and can be attributed to a low level of knowledge among the respondents on the causes of the infection. An aggressive campaign to increase knowledge and create more awareness among the respondents in the area should be mounted.

Perceived risk factors and preventive practices of Hepatitis B viral infection among pregnant women in Nigerian hospitals: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe study assessed the perceived risk factors and prevention practices of HBV infection among pregnant women in Nigerian hospitals. Study DesignA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 343 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at two purposefully selected primary health care centers in Ile-Ife. Women were included in the study using systematic sampling. A structured researcher-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential (Chi-square test and Logistic regression) statistical analysis were carried out. ResultsMore than half (53%) of the respondents had a low perceived risk for hepatitis. Majority (73.5%) had been screened for HBV during the index pregnancy but only 30% received complete doses of HBV vaccine. Respondents who underwent HBV screening during pregnancy (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 0.94 – 4.5), who had completed Hepatitis B vaccination had reduced odds ratios for perceiving risk factors for Hepatitis B Viral Infection (OR = 0.224, 95% CI = 0.94 – 4.5). ConclusionPregnant women had a low-risk perception of HBV infection. The low level of risk perception can serve as a basis for developing preventive interventions aimed at educating and empowering expectant mothers in order to prevent HBV infection and its transmission to their children.

Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of low-level HBV DNA screening in occult hepatitis B infection donors: A study from Shandong Blood Center, China

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of individual-donation nucleic acid testing (ID-NAT) in detecting occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) among anti-HBc positive blood donors, compared to minipool nucleic acid testing (MP-NAT). MethodsThe present study analyzed data from the Shandong Blood Center in China during the period from January 2018 to June 2022, where HBsAg-negative blood donors were screened using the 6-sample minipool nucleic acid testing (6-sample MP NAT) method. NAT-positive samples underwent subsequent anti-HBc and anti-HBs testing. Approximately 5000 samples that passed the nucleic acid mixing test were randomly selected for anti-HBc testing, and over 100 anti-HBc positive samples underwent individual donor nucleic acid testing (ID-NAT). Any HBV DNA positive samples detected by ID-NAT were subsequently confirmed using alternative nucleic acid testing methods. ResultsAmong 220,445 HBsAg-negative blood donors, the positivity rate of HBV DNA detection using the 6-sample minipool nucleic acid testing (MP NAT) method was found to be 0.031% (69/220,445). Of the 67 HBV DNA positive samples, 55 (82.09%) and 25 (37.31%) were found to be positive for anti-HBc and anti-HBs, respectively, using the supplementary chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Among the 4797 HBsAg-negative/MP NAT-negative samples, 909 (18.95%) tested positive for anti-HBc. Further NAT testing was performed on 164 arbitrarily selected anti-HBc-positive/MP HBV DNA-negative samples, revealing a HBV DNA positivity rate of 1.22% (2/164). ConclusionUsing individual donation nucleic acid testing can significantly increase the detection rate of occult hepatitis B virus infection in anti-HBc-positive blood donors, resulting in a detection rate of 0.22% (1.22 × 0.1895). This rate is 8.10 times higher than the detection rate achieved by mixed testing methods (0.031%) [calculated as (0.22 + 0.031)/0.031]. Therefore, it is recommended to perform single HBV DNA testing on anti-HBc-positive blood donors, discard plasma with weakly positive or negative anti-HBs but positive anti-HBc, or avoid transfusing anti-HBc-positive plasma to recipients with weakly positive or negative anti-HBs to prevent HBV infection.

Selective inhibition of hepatitis B virus internalization by oxysterol derivatives

Given that the current approved anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) drugs suppress virus replication and improve hepatitis but cannot eliminate HBV from infected patients, new anti-HBV agents with different mode of action are urgently needed. In this study, we identified a semi-synthetic oxysterol, Oxy185, that can prevent HBV infection in a HepG2-based cell line and primary human hepatocytes. Mechanistically, Oxy185 inhibited the internalization of HBV into cells without affecting virus attachment or replication. We also found that Oxy185 interacted with an HBV entry receptor, sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), and inhibited the oligomerization of NTCP to reduce the efficiency of HBV internalization. Consistent with this mechanism, Oxy185 also inhibited the hepatitis D virus infection, which relies on NTCP-dependent internalization, but not hepatitis A virus infection, and displayed pan-genotypic anti-HBV activity. Following oral administration in mice, Oxy185 showed sustained accumulation in the livers of the mice, along with a favorable liver-to-plasma ratio. Thus, Oxy185 is expected to serve as a useful tool compound in proof-of-principle studies for HBV entry inhibitors with this novel mode of action.

Immune Responses to HBV Vaccine in People Living with HIV (PLWHs) Who Achieved Successful Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Understanding immune responses after HBV vaccination is important to prevent HBV infection in PLWH and to achieve successful treatment. Thirty-two PLWHs with CD4+ cell count > 350 cells/µL and HIV RNA < 200 copies/mL were vaccinated with 20 µg of HBV vaccine at weeks 0, 4, and 24 in this prospective study. We measured total HIV DNA levels, HBsAb titers and HBsAg-specific T-cell responses during follow-up time. All patients achieved protective HBsAb titer after immunization. The magnitude of the IFN-r and TNF-a response to HBsAg was 22.0 (IQR: 6.5-65.0) and 106.50 (IQR: 58.5-203.0) spot-forming cells (SFC)/105 PBMC, respectively at week 0. The level of IFN-r secreted at weeks 12 and weeks 36 to 48 was comparable with that at week 0. However, IFN-r response was higher at weeks 12 than that at weeks 36 to 48 (p = 0.02). The level of TNF-a secreted at weeks 12 was higher than that at week 0 (p < 0.001). Total HIV DNA levels were 2.76 (IQR: 2.47-3.07), 2.77 (IQR: 2.50-3.09), 2.77 (IQR: 2.41-2.89) log10 copies/106 PBMCs at weeks 0, 12, 36 to 48, respectively. No correlation was observed between IFN-r and TNF-a levels and HBsAb titer as well as total HIV DNA levels after immunization. Humoral immunity was satisfactory, but cellular immunity and decline in HIV reservoir were not optimal after HBV vaccine immunization in these patients.

Dynamics of Hepatitis B infection prevention practices among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Lubaga Hospital Kampala, Uganda using the constructs of information-motivation-behavioural skills model

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is considered a significant global public health challenge with infectivity as well as estimated potential for transmission more than 50 to 100 times that of HIV. Over time, numerous empirical studies have shown that majority of HBV-related yearly global deaths are secondary to carcinoma of the liver. It is also known that HBV infected Women have the potential to transmit the infection vertically to their infants during pregnancy. This accounts for the WHO reported 3.16% prevalence among children less than 5 years of age in Uganda. This study assessed the predictors of HBV infection prevention practices among eligible consenting pregnant women using Lubaga health facility for antenatal care (ANC).MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study employing quantitative data collection based on the constructs of IMB model was used to capture data on the study variables among 385 randomly selected eligible pregnant women attending antenatal care at Lubaga hospital between September 2020 and October 2020. Data derived from the quantitative instrument was analysed by data reduction and transformation to summaries of descriptive statistics using (SPSS version 26) and regression analysis was performed to establish characteristics of the association between the variables with significance level set as (p < 0.05). Chi-square goodness-of-fit test was employed for significant differences in the proportion of dichotomous responses.ResultsThe findings showed that more than half of the respondents (59%) were between the ages of 18 and 28 and majority of them (42.3%) had secondary education. Furthermore, an average but inadequate knowledge (overline{X }= 5.97 ± 6.61; B = 0.57; p < .001), positive perception (overline{X }= 17.10 ± 18.31; B = 0.97; p = .014) and good behavioural skills (overline{X }= 12.39 ± 13.37; B = 0.56; p < .001) for adopting prevention practices all statistically predicted the averagely acceptable level of prevention practices (overline{X }= 15.03 ± 16.20) among the study respondents as measured on rating scales of 12, 33, 21 and 30 respectively.Conclusion and recommendationThere were observed gaps in their knowledge about some basic features of the infection like transmission and risk factors as well as some misperceptions about vaccination despite the relatively average score level for both, which is likely to influence their prevention behaviours and predispose them to the risk of the infection if actions are not taken. Therefore, personalized health education is needed during antenatal visits and subsequent health campaign in order to inform better prevention practices among this vulnerable population group.

Seroprevalence of viral Hepatitis B in the Marrakech region

Viral hepatitis B (HBV) is a major public health problem worldwide. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 2 billion the number of people who have been exposed to this virus, about 30% of the world population, 18% in sub-Saharan Africa and 41% in Asia, of which 5% with chronic infection or 300-350 million. So the HBV prevalence is 5.4% globally, against 1% for the HIV and 3% for hepatitis C. More than 1 million of them die each year complications essentially cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnostic of HBV (recent or chronic infection) relies on research HBs antigen in the serum of patients, it is the witness of a recent or past infection with HBV according to the presence or absence of other serological markers (HBe Ag, anti-HBs Ig and total anti-HBc and anti-HBe antibody IgM) but they do not provide information on the status of viral replication. The detection and quantification of HBV genome (replication of viral marker) can be performed in serum, liver tissue or in blood mononuclear cells. They typically based amplification methods: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The treatment of viral hepatitis B is for patients with hepatitis B associated with viral replication (HBV DNA positive), cytolysis (elevated transaminases) and presence on biopsy of an activity necroinflammatory or significant fibrosis. Despite the recent antiviral therapeutics, treatment of chronic hepatitis B is difficult and expensive, and the prevention of HBV infection through routine immunization policy and prevention measures currently remains the best option for reducing morbidity and mortality from liver failure and liver cancer. Morocco is considered far, according to WHO data, such as having an intermediate prevalence of viral hepatitis B. Currently, few studies relate the epidemiology of hepatitis B (HBV) in Morocco. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the HBV infection prevalence in a Moroccan workers population, and compare with national and international studies. A total of 20192 individuals were screened for HBsAg. HBV screening was conducted by immunoassay chemiluminescent micro particle (CMIA) PLC (Abbott Architect) and with a prevalence rate of HBsAg estimated at 0.55%. These data are of interest for the diagnosis and prognosis, and therapeutic decision, and can be for the development of an eventual national strategy for the prevention of the transmission of HBV.

Establishment of a Monoclonal Antibody against Human NTCP That Blocks Hepatitis B Virus Infection.

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus (HBV) infects 240 million people worldwide. Current therapy profoundly suppresses HBV replication but requires long-term maintenance therapy. Therefore, there is still a medical need for an efficient HBV cure. HBV enters host cells by binding via the preS1 domain of the viral L protein to the Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). Thus, NTCP should be a key target for the development of anti-HBV therapeutics. Indeed, myrcludex B, a synthetic form of the myristoylated preS1 peptide, effectively reduces HBV/hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection and has been approved as Hepcludex in Europe for the treatment of patients with chronic HDV infection. We established a monoclonal antibody (MAb), N6HB426-20, that recognizes the extracellular domain of human NTCP and blocks HBV entry in vitro into human liver cells but has much less of an inhibitory effect on bile acid uptake. In vivo, administration of the N6HB426-20 MAb prevented HBV viremia for an extended period of time after HBV inoculation in a mouse model system without strongly inhibiting bile acid absorption. Among the extracellular loops (ECLs) of NTCP, regions of amino acids (aa) 84 to 87 in ECL1 and aa 157 to 165 near ECL2 of transmembrane domain 5 are critically important for HBV/HDV infection. Epitope mapping and the three-dimensional (3D) model of the NTCP structure suggested that the N6HB426-20 MAb may recognize aa 276/277 at the tip of ECL4 and interfere with binding of HBV to the region from aa 84 to 87. In summary, we identified an in vivo neutralizing NTCP-targeting antibody capable of preventing HBV infection. Further improvements in efficacy of this drug will pave the way for its clinical applications.IMPORTANCE A number of entry inhibitors are being developed to enhance the treatment of HBV patients with oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NA). To amplify the effectiveness of NA therapy, several efforts have been made to develop therapeutic MAbs with neutralizing activity against HBs antigens. However, the neutralizing effect of these MAbs may be muted by a large excess of HBsAg-positive noninfectious particles in the blood of infected patients. The advantage of NTCP-targeted HBV entry inhibitors is that they remain effective regardless of viral genotype, viral mutations, and the presence of subviral particles. Although N6HB426-20 requires a higher dose than myrcludex to obtain equivalent suppression of HBV in a model mouse system, it maintained the inhibitory effect for a long time postadministration in proportion to the half-life of an IgG MAb. We believe that further improvements will make this antibody a promising treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Impact of body mass index on immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in bariatric surgery candidates: A retrospective study

AimsHepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization is regarded as the most effective method for the prevention of HBV infection. Various factors, including body mass index (BMI), may contribute to decreased immunization responses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI at the time of vaccination with anti-HBs levels over the following years. MethodsIn this retrospective study, 790 vaccinated participants were recruited. Of these, individuals were selected whose hepatitis B antibody (HBsAb) information was available in 2017. The researchers contacted participants by phone to gather data regarding vaccination history, and weight at the time of vaccination. All data analysis was performed by SPSS. ResultsThis study included 165 eligible adults (28 males and 137 females). Among them, 79% participants were obese. Additionally, 46 (27.88%) and 119 (72.12%) had negative and positive HBsAb, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences seen across all characteristics, except for the number of HBV vaccinations between the positive and negative HBsAb groups. Multiple logistic regression also indicated no meaningful relationship between BMI and positive antibodies. ConclusionThere was no relationship observed between BMI and immune response to HBV vaccine in bariatric candidates. Known risk factors (age, sex, diabetes, and the number of HBV vaccinations) were not independent predictors of the antibody response to the HBV vaccine.

HBV-infection rate and long-term outcome after liver-transplantation of anti-HBc-positive liver-grafts to HBV-naïve recipients: A retrospective study

BackgroundAnti-HBc only positive liver grafts may be suitable for HBV-naive recipients insofar as an appropriate infection prophylaxis is performed. Therefore, we investigated the effect of prophylactic regimens on HBV infection prevention and long-term outcome of anti-HBc-positive graft recipients. Patients and methodsThis retrospective monocenter study consisted of a cohort of 1912 patients who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation at our transplant center between June 1987 and July 2019. 81 HBV-naïve patients after reception of an anti-HBc-positive liver-graft and consecutive HBV prophylaxis were selected for further examination. HBV infection rate and host- and graft-survival rates were compared to a matched control group consisting of 162 HBV-naïve patients after reception of anti-HBc-negative grafts. Pharmaceutical HBV prophylaxis included: only HBIG, only NUCs, or combined HBIG and NUCs. ResultsCompared to control cases of HBV-naïve anti-HBc-negative graft recipients, no differences in host- and graft-survival rate were determined.13 of 81 anti-HBc-positive graft recipients (16%) developed HBV-infection after liver transplantation. No patient suffered from HBV infection after receiving modern NUCs. Survival analysis showed no statistical differences between patients with and without infection concerning host- and graft-survival. ConclusionEspecially in times of organ shortage, anti-HBc-positive liver grafts may be useful for liver transplantation in HBV-naïve recipients. Efficient prophylactic regimens can prevent HBV-infection.

1057. CpG-adjuvanted Hepatitis B vaccination improves seroprotection rates in Veterans with HIV

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global health issue, leading to complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Individuals co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and HBV have increased liver-related morbidity and mortality compared to those with HBV mono-infection. Vaccination can effectively prevent HBV infection, but certain critical populations including people living with HIV (PLWH) are less likely to achieve seroprotection (antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAb) titer ≥ 10 IU/mL) after vaccination; seroprotection rates (SPR) in PLWH range from 34 to 88% in clinical trials, with improved SPR in those with immunologic reconstitution and viral suppression. With improved immunologic status, SPR have dramatically improved in our Veteran Infectious Disease clinic population. However, a subset of patients remain HBV vaccine nonresponders despite re-vaccination attempts, perhaps due to intrinsic immunologic anergy. We hypothesized that Veterans with HIV who were nonresponders to prior HBV vaccines may respond to a more immunogenic vaccine. Heplisav-B is a 2-dose series, with improved SPR in other classically difficult to vaccinate groups (including the elderly and those with diabetes), but has not yet been studied in individuals with HIV.MethodsHBV vaccine nonresponders who had previously been vaccinated and boosted with median 3 and up to 8 doses of alum-adjuvanted HBV vaccines were re-vaccinated with Heplisav-B. HBsAb titers were assessed at days 0, 30, and 60 to follow vaccine responses.ResultsParticipants had a median age of 65 (range 44 to 83) and were virologically suppressed on antiretroviral therapy. Enrollment and vaccination was interrupted by the COVID-10 pandemic, but 8 of 10 (80%) enrolled participants had seroprotective titers at day 60, with 6 having titers > 1000 IU/mL. Of the 8 additional participants who had available serologies after the first dose, all were seroprotected, and 3 had titers > 1000 IU/mL.16 of 18 (89%) participants achieved seroprotection with Heplisav-B.ConclusionHeplisav-B is immunogenic in persons with HIV and should be a reasonable option for HBV vaccination of PLWH who are previous nonresponders.Disclosures Shyam Kottilil, MD PhD, Arbutus Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Gilead Sciences (Grant/Research Support)Merck Inc (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member)

Analysis of HBsAg screening among rural childbearing age people in Yunnan province during 2013-2017

Objective: To explore the current status of HBV infection before pregnancy among rural childbearing age people in Yunnan province, find out the population at high risk and areas with high incidence and provide evidence for promoting pre-pregnancy aristogenesis and medical interventions for prevention of HBV infection. Methods: The subjects in the study were rural childbearing age people aged 18-49 who received the national free pre pregnancy eugenic health examination in Yunnan province during 2013-2017. Descriptive analysis was conducted for HBsAg positive rate and its difference among various characteristics. The SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 2 180 841 rural childbearing age people were surveyed, the HBsAg positive rate before pregnancy was 3.13%(68 314/2 180 841) in Yunnan. And the HBsAg positive rate was 3.56% (37 694/1 057 376) in men, higher than that in women (2.73%, 30 620/1 123 465). The HBsAg positive rate was highest in age group 41-49 years (3.77%, 3 126/82 931). The HBsAg positive rate was higher in minority ethnic group (3.77%, 27 974/742 518) than in Han ethnicity group (2.81%, 40 024/1 425 870). Moreover, the highest HBsAg positive rate of was 8.20%(851/10 378) in Yao ethnic group. The people with education level of primary education had the highest HBsAg positive rate (3.97%, 17 294/435 219). The HBsAg positive rate was highest in Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture (6.65%, 3 875/58 232) in Yunnan. Moreover, the HBsAg positive population in severe poor area (3.32%, 19 755/595 665) was higher than those in less poor area (3.17%, 29 750/939 101) or normal areas (2.91%, 18 809/646 075). There was significant difference in HBsAg positive rate among populations in different age groups, ethnic groups, education level groups, areas and economic level groups (P<0.001). Conclusions: The HBsAg positive rate in rural childbearing age people in Yunnan was related to multi factors, including sex, age, ethnic group, education level, area and economic development level. The HBsAg positive rate was higher in men, older age and lower education level, minority ethnic group (especially in Yao ethnic group), from Xishuangbanna prefecture and the poor living conditions in childbearing age population.

HBV Infection Prevention During Hemodialysis Outside the Dedicated Renal Unit: Issues and Implications in the Acute Care Setting

<h3>Background</h3> Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at increased risk for contracting hepatitis B (HBV). Special precautions, including patient, staff and equipment segregation, are observed while HBV positive patients undergo dialysis, because standard precautions alone are insufficient to protect patients and staff from HBV exposure during dialysis. Renal staff are familiar with HBV dialysis precautions; however non-renal healthcare teams may not be aware of the need for precautions during dialysis treatments, including continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). <h3>Methods</h3> Existing policies were reviewed and an extensive literature review was performed, including an attempt to identify guidance for HBV dialysis precautions during CRRT. The Inpatient Renal and Infection Prevention & Control teams collaborated on developing policy to address HBV positive patients receiving CRRT or intermittent HD in settings other than a dedicated renal unit and strategies for educating non-renal healthcare personnel. <h3>Results</h3> No institutional policies addressed HBV dialysis precautions for the CRRT population, and no guidance for HBV infection prevention during CRRT was identified in the literature. A new Clinical Practice Policy was developed to ensure compliance with national regulations in all locations and modalities of renal replacement therapy, including CRRT. House-wide standards and education for HBV dialysis isolation were developed and implemented for non-renal staff. Barriers identified and addressed included how to identify patients requiring HBV dialysis precautions (including HBV serology testing and HBV vaccination workflows), how to apply infection prevention precautions for HBV positive patients receiving CRRT, and how to communicate need for HBV dialysis precautions outside of the renal unit to non-renal healthcare personnel. <h3>Conclusions</h3> HBV dialysis precautions may be inconsistently applied to inpatient settings other than the renal unit, particularly to patients receiving CRRT. Policy development and educational efforts are required to ensure measures to prevent HBV transmission are extended to all hospitalized patients undergoing intermittent HD or CRRT.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice on Hepatitis B Infection Prevention and Associated Factors among Health Science Students in Woldia University, Northeast Ethiopia.

Background Hepatitis B virus is a global problem, with 66% of all the world population living in areas where there are high levels of infection. HBV is the leading risk factor for HCC globally and accounts for at least 50% of cases of HCC. Medical and health science students, being part of the health-care system, are exposed to the infection as a risk as other health-care workers when they come in contact with patients and contaminated instruments. Objective The main aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of hepatitis B virus infection prevention and its associated factors among health science students in Woldia University. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 30 to May 30, 2019, among health science students of Woldia University who had previous clinical attachments. Two hundred students were selected by the systematic random sampling method. Association of dependent and independent variables was computed using a bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model. P<0.05 was considered as significantly associated. Result The study revealed that, out of 200 participants, 96 (48%) have poor knowledge, whereas 104 (52%) showed good knowledge about HBV. Regarding the practice of participants, 79 (39.5%) of the students have good practice to prevent HBV, whereas 121 (59.5%) had poor practice towards HBV infection prevention. Conclusion Based on the current study, greater than half of the students who participated in the study have good knowledge of hepatitis B infection prevention and most of the students have poor practice about infection prevention of hepatitis B virus.

Awareness regarding hepatitis B and it’s vaccination status among medical students, doctors and paramedics studying &amp; working at DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Introduction: Hepatitis B is a risk factor for Health Care Workers (HCW) and medical students attending wards at hospital. Hepatitis B vaccine has been recommended since 1982 for use by HCWs to prevent HBV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vaccination coverage among HCWs and medical students, their level of knowledge regarding vaccination as well as and their beliefs regarding Hepatitis B vaccine at a Teaching District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital of Punjab, Pakistan.&#x0D; Subjects and Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study based on a questionnaire-based survey was carried out at DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal, Pakistan from 01-04-2019 to 31-07-2019. Doctors, medical students and paramedical staff involved in active physical care of the patients were included in the study.&#x0D; Results: A total of 300 participants were provided questionnaire including consent, out of which 285 participants responded. There were 127 doctors (44.56%), 86 medical students (30.18%) and 72 paramedics (25.26%). 132 (46.31%) participants were fully vaccinated, 9.12% had received 2 doses of vaccine, 8.77% received only one dose whereas 35.43% were unvaccinated. Out of unvaccinated individuals, 32.35% reasoned lack of time being the main cause followed by other reasons including lack of need, lack of awareness and accessibility.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed that vaccination coverage among HCWs was alarmingly low along with lesser knowledge of vaccination and infection. Therefore, HCWs and medical students are at an increased risk of acquiring Hepatitis B infection.

Assessment of knowledge, practices and associated factors toward prevention of hepatitis B virus infection among students of medicine and health sciences in Debre Berhan University, NorthShewa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major public health problems in the world. HBV can be transmitted from one infected person to another easily by different mechanism. In our institution, the knowledge and practices of trainees in the health professions towards occupational risk of HBV was not investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices toward prevention of HBV infection and identify predictors among students of medicine and health sciences. MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken. A total of 355 students of healthcare professions were approached for the study using a simple random sampling technique. Data towards HBV was assessed by using a pre validated self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS version 22.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors with knowledgeand practice. ResultOut of 422 distributed questionnaires, 355 were returned with a response rate of 84.12%. Majority of the students 268 (75.49%) were in the age group 20–24 and 279 (78.59%) of the respondents were male. Our study showed that the overall knowledge regarding HBV, its mode of transmission and prevention was high 276 [77.75%; 95%CI= (64.43–91.82)]. ConclusionsOur study found that trainees in health profession are at a very high risk of contracting HBV infection during their training owing to the low HBV vaccine uptake rate and high rate of accidental exposure to blood. Thus, we recommend that all students in the health profession should be vaccinated prior to their entry into professional practices.

Patterns of hepatitis B virus exposure and associated predictors in Vietnam: A crosssectional study

Objective: To examine the magnitude of isolated anti-HBc and other HBV serological patterns and associated predictors among adults seeking general health check-up at a large health center in Vietnam.Methods: All 564 outpatients seeking general health checkup between January 2016 and December 2016 were asked to undertake HBV surface antigen, surface antibody, IgG and IgM core antibody (anti-HBc total), platelet counts, and liver function testing. An administered questionnaire was used to collect information regarding demography, in-house sources of infection, lifestyle, health condition and treatment, and HBV vaccination. Results: Male gender (P=0.043), age (P=0.000), living in urban areas (P=0.040), HBV vaccination status (P=0.033), and ALT (P=0.040) were associated with isolated anti-HBc. HBV infection was associated with HBV vaccination status (P=0.001), ALT levels (P=0.010), AST levels (P=0.020), and platelet counts (P=0.007). Past/resolved HBV infection was associated with AST levels (P=0.005), ALT levels (P=0.014), and age (P=0.000). Conclusions: Isolated anti-HBc is quite prevalent. Predictors of isolated anti-HBc include male gender, living in rural areas, and HBV non-vaccination. The prevalence of isolated anti-HBc also increases with age. To timely detect occult HBV infection and prevent transmission, anti-HBc testing should be included in the health check-up for high risk individuals and screening program where HBV nucleic acid test is not available. To prevent transmission, clinicians need to pay more attention on those who are at risk of having isolated anti-HBc and closely follow-up patients with isolated anti-HBc and educate them about the prevention of HBV infection.

Knowledge and practice of pregnant women and health care workers on hepatitis B prevention in the Limbe and Muyuka health districts of the south west region of Cameroon.

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem worldwide owing to its high prevalence and significant morbidity and mortality. There are about 2 billion people living with HBV worldwide and over 360 million chronic carriers. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of pregnant women and health care workers in the ANC and maternity units on HBV infection and its transmission.MethodsAbout 270 women attending ANC and 31 health care workers were selected by convenience sampling. They were evaluated using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge and practices on HBV prevention and transmission.ResultsPregnant women in the Limbe Health District demonstrated good knowledge but adopted poor practices whereas in the Muyuka Health District, pregnant women demonstrated poor knowledge and adopted poor practices regarding the mode of transmission and prevention of HBV infection. Health care workers in both the Limbe and Muyuka Health Districts however, demonstrated good knowledge and adopted good practices.ConclusionThere was a significant relationship between the knowledge and practice of pregnant women and health care workers on Hepatitis B prevention in the Muyuka Health District (P = 0.0006).

HBV infection prevention and strategies of elimination

HBV infection prevention and strategies of elimination