HBV Risk Factors Research Articles

Risk Factors for Delta Hepatitis in a North American Cohort: Who Should Be Screened?

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends hepatitis D virus (HDV) screening in certain high-risk groups; however, the effectiveness is unknown. A study of North American patients with hepatitis B (HBV) referred to the NIH was performed to identify risk factors associated with HDV infection. Active HDV was "confirmed" by serum HDV RNA or histologic HDV antigen staining. Six hundred fifty-two were studied, of which 91 were HDV "confirmed." Independent risk factors for HDV included: intravenous drug users, HBV-DNA <2,000 IU/mL, alanine aminotransferase >40 U/L, and HDV endemic country of origin. North American patients with HBV and significant risk factors should be screened for HDV.

The seropervelance of infectious hepatitis viruses (HBV, HCV and HEV) among blood donors and their correlation to risk factors in Qena governorate, Upper Egypt.

This study was performed to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among blood donors and the occurrence of HEV in hepatitis viruses seropositive blood donors. Also, to investigate the correlation between the occurrence of hepatitis viruses and other risk factors (gender, age, occupation, educational level, residency and donors' types). A total of 11,604 blood samples fromapparently healthy blood donors of age range 18-60years old were collected. The blood donors were categorized as voluntary and replacement donors. Blood samples from donors were tested for the presence of HBsAg, HCV and HEV antibodies by using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall results indicated that 671 out of 11,604 blood donors; 370 persons (3.188%) HCV, 295 persons (2.542%) HBV and 6 persons (0.052%) HCV and HBV; were hepatitis viruses seropositive donors. The prevalence of HEV were 193 (28.76%) among these seropositive blood donors. There is a highly significant correlation among HCV, HBV and other risk factors. Also, the HEV showed high significant with age and educational level and significant with donor types and locations. All investigated virus combinations (HEV/HCV, HEV/HBV and HEV/HCV/HBV) were highly significant with the risk factors except for occupation. In conclusion, the HEV is significantly correlated to HCV and HBV seropositive donors and should be screened among blood donors.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of HBV, HCV, and HIV Infection in Thalassemia Patients Requiring Oral and Maxillofacial Care in an Iranian Sub-population

Prevalence and Risk Factors of HBV, HCV, and HIV Infection in Thalassemia Patients Requiring Oral and Maxillofacial Care in an Iranian Sub-population

The Changing Epidemiology of Liver Disease Among United States Children and Adolescents from 1999-2016

Background: Infection with hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are major causes of liver disease in adults. However, data for children and adolescents are limited. To characterize the prevalence, trend, risk factors of HBV (HBsAg+ or anti-HBc Ab+), HCV (antibody+ or RNA+), and potential NAFLD (United States Fatty Liver Index>30) for this population. Methods: We analyzed 6,647 children and adolescents (aged 6-21 years) from the 1999-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Findings: Among individuals aged 6-21 years, HBV prevalence decreased after 2011, from 0·72% in 1999-2004, ·85% in 2005-2010 to 0·27% in 2011-2016 (P 22/26 U/L female/male) (OR: 2·79, 95%CI: 1·63-4·75), dyslipidemia (OR: 3·29, 95%CI: 1·92-5·65), and ≥4 hours a day spent viewing television (OR: 2·16, 95%CI:1·29-3·59) significantly increased risk for potential NAFLD, but not Income: Poverty ratio, hours spent on computer use, or hypertension. Interpretation: While HBV prevalence has decreased in recent years among U.S. children and adolescents, HCV and potential NAFLD have increased. Public health efforts must seek further understanding of the driving factors of this increase so that age-appropriate interventions can be developed and implemented. Funding: None. Declaration of Interests: Ramsey Cheung has received research support from Gilead Sciences. Mindie H. Nguyen has received research support from Gilead, BMS, and Janssen, and has served as an advisory board member or consultant for Dynavax, Gilead, Alnylam, BMS, Novartis, Spring Bank, and Janssen. Other authors have no disclosures. Ethics Approval Statement: The NHANES protocol was approved by the National Center for Health Statistics Research Ethics Review Board, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants 18 years of age or older or from a parent/legal guardian of participants younger than 18 years. This study is considered exempt by the Institutional Review Board at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

Community-based sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundHepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are the leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The magnitude of HBV and HCV infections in Ethiopia has not been well studied at community level. This study aimed at investigating the sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of HBV and HCV among HBV unvaccinated community members in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts from March to May 2018. Structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant clinical and socio-demographic data. Three milliliter of blood sample was collected from each study participant and screened for HBV and HCV using one step hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test strip and one step HCV test strip, respectively. Samples found positive for HBsAg were further tested using immunoassay of Alere DetermineTM HBsAg (Alere Inc., USA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.ResultsA total of 625 (51.4% males, age 6–80 years, mean age ± SD = 30.83 ± 13.51 years) individuals participated in the study. The sero-prevalence for HBV infection was 8.0% as detected using one step HBsAg test strip, while it was 7.2% using Alere DetermineTM HBsAg test. The sero-prevalence for HCV infection was 1.9%. Two (0.3%) of the participants were seropositive for both HBV and HCV infections. High sero-prevalence for HBV infection was associated with weakness and fatigue (AOR = 5.20; 95% CI: 1.58, 17.15), while high sero-prevalence of HCV infection was associated with age group between 46 and 65 years (AOR = 13.02; 95% CI: 1.11, 152.41).ConclusionThis study revealed higher-intermediate endemicity level of HBV infection and low to intermediate endemicity level of HCV infection in the study area. Clinical symptoms like weakness and fatigue were found to be indictors for HBV infection, while individuals in the age group between 46 and 65 years were at higher risk for HCV infection. Provision of community- based health education; vaccination, mass screening and providing treatment would have utmost importance in reducing the transmission of these diseases in the present study area.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for HIV, HCV, HBV and syphilis among blood donors in Mali

BackgroundHIV, HBV and HCV remain a global public health concern especially in Africa. Prevalence of these infections is changing and identification of risk factors associated with each infection in Mali is needed to improve medical care.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of all individuals donating blood (n = 8207) in 2018 to the blood bank at university hospital in Bamako, Mali, to assess prevalence and risks factors associated with HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections.ResultsHIV-seroprevalence was 2.16% and significantly increased with age, being married and decreasing education level. In multivariate analysis, after adjustements with age, marital status and geographical setting, only education level was associated with HIV-infection (OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.15–2.07], p = 0.016). HBsAg prevalence was 14.78% and significantly increased with to be male gender. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, marital status and type of blood donation, education level (OR, 1.17 [95%CI, 1.05–1.31], p = 0.02) and male gender (OR, 1.37 [95%CI, 1.14–1.65], p = 0.005) were associated with HBV-infection. HCV-prevalence was 2.32% and significantly increased with living outside Bamako. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for gender, age and education level, living outside Bamako was associated with HCV-infection (OR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.41–2.35], p < 0.001). Syphilis seroprevalence was very low (0.04%) with only 3 individuals infected. Contrary to a prior study, blood donation type was not, after adjustments, an independent risk factor for each infection.ConclusionsOverall, HIV and HBV infection was higher in individuals with a lower level of education, HBV infection was higher in men, and HCV infection was higher in people living outside of Bamako. Compared to studies performed in 1999, 2002 and 2007 in the same population, we found that HIV and HCV prevalence have decreased in the last two decades whereas HBV prevalence has remained stable. Our finding will help guide infection prevention and treatment programs in Mali.

Efficacy and Safety of BAY 94-9027 (Damoctocog Alfa Pegol) Prophylaxis in Patients with Severe Hemophilia a and Comorbidities: A Post Hoc Analysis of PROTECT VIII Data

Efficacy and Safety of BAY 94-9027 (Damoctocog Alfa Pegol) Prophylaxis in Patients with Severe Hemophilia a and Comorbidities: A Post Hoc Analysis of PROTECT VIII Data

3191 Two Cases of False Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen With Positive Hepatitis B E-Antigen

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), is a HBV surface protein particle that indicates current HBV infection. Hepatitis B e Ag (HBeAg) indicates active HBV replication. HBsAg, is a sensitive test, that utilizes anti-HBs to bind to and detect surface antigens to HBV. Any weakly positive HBsAg test needs to be further confirmed using a neutralization test to confirm infection. Below we have briefly described two cases of unusual hepatitis B serology. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: Case 1- 78-year-old Caucasian male, with CKD, was worked up for hepatitis B as he was being considered for dialysis. Initially, on history he had provided positive risk factors (use of illicit drugs and multiple sexual partners) for hepatitis B infection. He denied any recent vaccinations. The transaminases were within normal limits. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was positive. However, the neutralization test was not confirmatory on two occasions. He had hepatitis B e Ag (HBeAg) positive as well. He was negative for Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs Ab), hepatitis B core total antibody (AntiHBc-T), hepatitis B core IgM (AntiHBc- IgM) and HBV e antibody (anti-HBe). The hepatitis B viral DNA was also negative. The patient was negative for hepatitis C and HIV. The results were similar 6 months later. Case 2- 65-year-old Caucasian male, with psoriatic arthritis, was screened for hepatitis B as part of his management for psoriatic arthritis and was found to have a reactive HBsAg. He had no defined risk factors for HBV. His initial HBsAg was negative 7 years back. His hepatitis B serological profile was similar to the first patient. DISCUSSION: Heterophile antibodies could explain why the confirmatory test for HBsAg, after neutralization, was negative. Our patient had not received the HBV vaccination. Also, it does not explain why the HBeAg would be positive. HBsAg “escape” mutants are generally considered when the HBeAg and/or the HBV DNA is positive, in chronic HBV infection, which was not our case. Though we have come a long way in improving diagnostic laboratory capabilities, we still require better assays to accurately diagnose HBV. Present HBV guidelines do not define our case. We were unable to identify similar case reports. We continue to monitor our two patients, for if we decide to start them on hemodialysis (our first patient) or initiate immunosuppressive agents (for our second patient), the challenges of HBV reactivation are real.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV Viruses Among People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) in Kabul, Health Care Facilities

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses infect millions of people around the world. People who use drugs (PWUD) are at high risk of such viral diseases and could be the source of these infections to other people. Shared needle, unsafe extra-marital sexual contact, skin popping and other risky behaviors are well-known risk factors for the prevalence of these infections among PWUD worldwide. There is no valid information regarding the danger and rate of the above-mentioned viral infections and associated risk factors among PWUD referred to healthcare facilities in Kabul, Afghanistan for the treatment and support. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HBV, HCV, and HIV among PWUD in Kabul, healthcare facilities. Methods: This study was conducted in 7 public and private healthcare facilities at the primary care level in Kabul, which provides social support and medical care to PWUD. All patients who referred to the healthcare facilities from May 2016 to October 2016 and signed the consent were included in this study. Results: Out of 410 PWUD, 15 (3.7%) were positive for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), 45 (11%) were positive for HCV antibody, and one (0.2%) was positive for HIV antibody. Among the risk factor variables studied, the administration of drugs by injection was considered the most important for HCV (OR = 3.80, P < 0.01) and viral infections among PWUD (OR = 5.40, P < 0.01). Conclusions: This study draws attention to the high prevalence and spread of viral hepatitis among PWUD in Kabul, Afghanistan. The prevalence of HCV and HBV was higher among PWUD compared to general populations, and drug use via injection was an important risk factor for transmitting viral infections. Based on our results, active preventive programs focusing on educational campaigns targeted at the youth populations should be undertaken in Afghanistan. Further studies, especially among PWUD living without shelter in Kabul and other major cities of Afghanistan, are recommended in order to better analyze the dangers among drug addicts in Afghanistan.

PREVALENCE AND POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS IN A SAMPLE OF CHILDREN IN TWO SELECTED AREAS IN YEMEN

The global epidemic of hepatitis B is a significant public health problem. The endemicity of HBV infection used to be believed high in Yemen. Data for the prevalence of HBsAg among children in rural and urban areas in Yemen is scarce and incompetent. The study was made to determine prevalence of HB surface antigen among children in 2 selected areas in Yemen. Eight hundred forty and 212 children were randomly chosen from Sana'a city and Shabowah governorate, respectively. Sera were tested for HBs antigen by ELISA technique, and HB genome was tested for positive HB surface antigen specimens to confirm positivity using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based test. Each's data collected in a pre-designed questionnaire including sex, age, and risk factors of HBV and prior vaccine of HBV. The prevalence of HB surface antigen among children in Sana'a city was only 1.8%, and in Shabowah governorate was 3.8%. There was a significant association of non-vaccinated children, birth by cesarean, and with a history of parental exposure with contracting HBV infection. Evidence from these studies in Yemen suggests that there is a steady increase in exposure to HBV over a lifetime. Hospital-acquired HBV infection is common in Yemen, and high vaccination coverage rate should be achieved, particularly in rural areas, in parallel with health education.

SAT-232 HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE FROM TWO PRESUMED HIGH-RISK CENTERS IN SRI LANKA

Community prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) infection is low in Sri Lanka. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for HBV and HCV infections. We determined the prevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV among CKD patients in two Teaching Hospitals in Sri Lanka.

Trends in hepatitis B prevalence and associated risk factors among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous prison entrants in Australia, 2004 to 2013

ObjectiveThis study describes and compares prevalence trends of markers for hepatitis B (HBV) from 2004 to 2013 and HBV risk factors between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous prison entrants. MethodsA cross‐sectional survey carried out over two weeks in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013 in reception prisons in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. ResultsThe study included 2,223 prison entrants; 544 were Indigenous. Indigenous prison entrants had significantly higher hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) prevalence than non‐Indigenous prisoners in 2004 (29% vs. 18%, P=0.026), 2007 (40% vs. 15%, P<0.001) and 2010 (21% vs. 16% 2010, P=0.002), and similar anti‐HBc prevalence to non‐Indigenous entrants in 2013 (14% vs. 14%, P=0.888), with a significant decline from 2007 for Indigenous entrants (P=0.717)ᶺ. Being more than 30 years old and coming from an area classified as ‘non‐highly accessible’ were associated with anti‐HBc positivity in both populations. For Indigenous prison entrants, first time in prison and survey year was associated with anti‐HBc positivity. For non‐Indigenous participants, a history of injecting drug use and body piercings was associated with anti‐HBc positivity. ConclusionThere are unique risk factors associated with HBV prevalence for both Indigenous and non‐Indigenous prison entrants. Implications for public healthIn developing public health programs and policies for HBV, consideration of similarities and differences of associated HBV risk factors between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous offenders is required.

Seroprevalence of HBV among people living with HIV in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Co-infection of HBV with HIV is associated with significant morbidity and mortality globally. In spite of increasing reports of HIV/HBV co-morbidities in Nigeria, little or no data exists on this subject in Anyigba. Therefore, we determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigenemia among HIV positive patients on anti-retroviral treatment programme in Anyigba, Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria. Sera samples obtained from 200 consented HIV patients were screened for HBsAg using the commercial rapid test membrane-based qualitative immunoassay. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on patients' demographic variables and probable risk factors for HBV transmission. Overall, 3.5% of HIV patients were seropositive to HBsAg and the difference between seroprevalence rates and patients' age as well as gender was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was significant difference between patients' demographic variables such as marital status (p=0.013) and educational level (p=0.004) and HBsAg seropositivity. Patients with a history of surgical applications (p=0.01) and who indulged in alcoholism (p=0.03) significantly had higher rates of concomitant HIV/HBV infection in the study area. Our findings underscore the importance of routine screening for HBV in the HIV infected populations especially in developing countries where the infection is endemic. We advocate for public enlightenment programmes on routes of virus acquisitions with a view to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated HIV/HBV co-infection.

Understanding hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV among people who inject drugs in South Africa: findings from a three-city cross-sectional survey

BackgroundPeople who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV without accessible harm reduction programmes. Coverage of needle and syringe and opioid substitution therapy (OST) services in South Africa is below global recommendations and no hepatitis services exist for PWID. We assessed HCV, HBV and HIV prevalence and risk factors among PWID accessing harm reduction services in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria to inform policy and programming.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among PWID in these cities between August 2016 and October 2017. Participants were opportunistically sampled while accessing services. Study team members administered a questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, drug use and sexual risk practices. We tested for HCV (antibody, viral load and genotype), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed associations with HCV serostatus.ResultsNine hundred and forty-three PWID were included in the per protocol analysis. The majority (87%, 819/943) were male, the overall median age was 29 and most lived on the street (66%, 626/943). At last injection, 77% (722/943) reported using a new needle and syringe and 17% (163/943) shared equipment. HIV prevalence was 21% (196/926), HBsAg positivity 5% (47/936), HCV seroprevalence 55% (513/937), HCV viraemic prevalence (proportion tested with detectable HCV) 43% (404/937) and HCV viraemic rate (proportion HCV antibody positive with detectable HCV) 79% (404/513). HCV genotype 1a (73%, 270/368) was the most prevalent. In multivariate analysis, HCV infection was positively associated with residing in Pretoria (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.27, 95% CI 1.21–1.34), living on the street (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.38–2.60), frequent injecting (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.15–2.16) and HIV infection (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.15–2.47), and negatively associated with black race (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36–0.74) and sexual activity in the previous month (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88).ConclusionsHCV and HIV are major health threats affecting PWID in these cities. Access to OST and needle and syringe services needs to be increased and integrated with HCV services. Social and structural factors affecting PWID who live on the street need to be addressed.

PF-2 Hepatitis B virus and risk factors among HIV+ and HIV− Nigerian men who have sex with men

Introduction: Despite the advent of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) vaccine since 1982, HBV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) ranges between 8% and 18%, differing by population settings and geographic regions of Nigeria. Because of shared risk factors for viral acquisition, HBV is more common in HIV infected individuals and MSM are 2–4 times more likely to be infected with HBV as compared to the general population. We conducted a cross sectional study to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of HBV among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected MSM. Methods: From March 2013 to December 2017, the TRUST/RV368 study recruited MSM into HIV care and treatment services in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria using respondent driven sampling. Men were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen using ELISA and confirmed to have active infection with PCR detection of HBV DNA. All participants with HBV and HIV diagnoses at baseline were included in the analysis (n = 717). Differences in demographics and behavioral characteristics were compared using Pearson χ2 test for categorical outcomes. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted using logistic regression models. Results: Median age was 24 years (Inter quartile range: 21–27) and the prevalence of HBV was similar between the HIV uninfected and HIV-infected (9% vs 10%, P = 0.60). Among the HIV-infected, prevalence was higher for those not on an ART regimen with anti-HBV activity (tenofovir, lamivudine, or emtricitabine) as compared to those with anti-HBV regimen (11% vs 5%), although not statistically significant (P = 0.12). In the multivariable analysis, HIV infection status was not associated with HBV prevalence (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6 to 2.0). Any condomless sex at last anal intercourse was associated with a 2-fold higher odds of HBV as compared to those always using condoms (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.5). Those self-reporting as homosexual as compared to bisexual trended towards a higher odds of HBV (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.9 to 2.5). Age, access to health care, concurrent STIs, receptive partnerships, and concurrency were not associated with HBV. Conclusions: HBV prevalence was modest in this high risk population and did not differ by HIV status. This lower than expected prevalence may be attributed to ART with anti-HBV activity. Although condomless sex continues to elevate the risk of HBV, reinforcing the need to increase communication and education on HBV and its potential complications.

Epidemiology (Seroprevalence and Risk Factors) of Parenteral Hepatitis (B and C) among Prisoners in Menoufia Governorate

AbstractBackground: During incarceration, prisoners may acquire new infections due to overcrowding, poor medical diagnosis and treatment, insufficient infection control, an absence of harm reduction efforts like condom use or needle exchange, and sudden transfer to other facilities or discharge into the community without provisions for ongoing therapy. Prisons are considered facilities liable of high risk of infectious disease. Investigations carried out in prisons around the world have shown a high prevalence of blood borne hepatitis viruses.Aim of Study: This study conducted aiming to determine the prevalence and behavioral correlates of HCV, and HBV infections among Egyptian prisoners with especial emphasis on their risk factors.Patients and Methods: All studied prisoners were subjected to a predesigned questionnaire including socio-demographic data, pre-imprisonment risk factors and intra-prison risk factors. Blood samples were collected from the studied pris-oners who had never investigated before for HBV and or HCV infection and examined for Anti-HBc and Anti-HCV.Results: Prevalence of HBV among studied group was 8.02%, HCV was 16.4% and with both HBV and HCV infec-tion was 1.9%. Multivariate analysis of risk factors of HBV and HCV infection among prisoners revealed that previous imprisonment history, education status, age, history of tattoo, history of intra-prison dentist visiting, imprisonment duration 10 years were independent predictors of viral hepatitis infection among prisoners.Conclusion: Prisoners with chronic HCV infection should undergo a full diagnostic procedure and clinical staging before being considered for treatment, since inmates with HCV related chronic hepatitis can achieve a sustained virological response with the same frequency as free patients.Recommendations: The prison authorities and physicians should implement strategies to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to HCV in prisoners, general screening for anti HCV antibody being the first step in this approach.

Knowledge, Serological Markers and Risk Factors associated with Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection among Kuje Prison Inmates, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Background: Prisons are known to be high-risk environments for the spread of blood borne and sexually transmitted infections. Compared to the general population, prevalence of Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV/HCV) infections are disproportionately higher among penitentiary institutionalized individuals worldwide. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infection among Kuje prison inmates, Nigeria. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. Inmates who consented were randomly selected and stratified into convicts and awaiting trial stratum. Interviewer administered Questionnaires were used to obtain information on participants socio-demographic characteristics, HBV risk factors, previous HBV test and vaccination history. Blood samples were collected from all participants and analysed for HCV, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb markers using rapid lateral chromatographic immunoassay kit. HBsAg positive samples were confirmed using ELISA. Epi-info version 7.2.0 was used for univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. Results: 271 inmates (63 convicts and 208 awaiting trial inmates) were recruited for the study. The mean age of the participants was 32.7 SD ± 9 years. Of the 116(42.8%) who had ever heard of HBV infection, 114 (98%) had poor knowledge of the disease. HCV sero-prevalence was found to be 5.9%, (95% CI; 3.4-9.6) and HBV 13.7%, (95% CI; 9.8-18.3). 55.4% (95% CI; 49.2-61.4) of inmates were susceptible to HBV infection, 20.7% (95% CI; 16.0-26.0) had past or resolved HBV infection while 10.3% (95% CI; 7.0-14.6) had acquired natural or artificial HBV Immunity. Factors found to be associated with HBV infection include age group ≤25 (aOR 8.0; 95% CI = 2.9-22.3), ever married (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.7-10.4) and history of alcohol consumption (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.3-8.4). Conclusion: There is poor knowledge and high sero-prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among Kuje inmates. This study demonstrates the need for prison focused health intervention initiatives in Nigeria. We advocated HBV vaccination for all susceptible inmates and treatment for HBV positive inmates to reduce the transmission of HBV infection among inmates.

Prevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV in prisoners in Iran: a national bio‐behavioural surveillance survey in 2015

To provide more accurate estimates of the prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) and their contributing factors among prisoners in Iran. Cross-sectional study of 6200 Iranian prisoners in 2015. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. HBV infection and HCV exposure status of the participants was determined by HBsAg and HCV antibodies blood tests using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed in STATA-12. Prevalence of HCV exposure was 9.48% (95% CI: 8.73-10.27), and prevalence of HBV was 2.48% (95% CI: 2.07-2.89) in the general prison population. In multivariate analysis, the most important risk factor for HBV was a history of drug use in lifetime (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.17-3.02). The main risk factors for HCV exposure were a history of drug use in lifetime (AOR: 4.08, CI: 2.56-6.27), age over 30 (AOR: 2.68, CI: 2.01-3.56), and having tattoos (AOR=1.67, CI: 1.35-2.07). Although vaccination is used to control HBV among prisoners, prevalence of HCV exposure is alarming in the prison population of Iran, especially among people who inject drugs. Eliminating viral hepatitis in Iran by 2030 requires a national commitment and rapid measures for targeting this high-risk group. Given the increased efficiency of HCV treatment in recent years, prisons provide an opportunity to access patients for treatment.

Assessment of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of HBV AND HIV CO- Infections among HIV Infected Patients Attending Art Clinic in Port Harcourt

Assessment of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of HBV AND HIV CO- Infections among HIV Infected Patients Attending Art Clinic in Port Harcourt

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Kurdistan, Iraq

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis B and C viral (HBV, HCV) infections are major the health problems worldwide. Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are more vulnerable to acquire such infections than the general population. The current study aimed at assessing the prevalence and risk factors of HBV and HCV infections among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Kurdistan, Iraq. Methods: The current cross sectional study was carried out at five governmental dialysis units in Kurdistan, Iraq; most of the current study patients were recruited from 10 August 2015 to 11 February 2016. All the participants were clinically evaluated and detailed history of blood transfusion, duration of HD, and all the other parameters were also noted. Hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAgs) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV Ab) were measured and seropositive HCV samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for confirmation. Data regarding the serological status of such patients and potential risk factors were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 510 patients undergoing HD were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence of HBV, HCV, and coinfection in the studied subjects was 1.8%, 9.2%, and 0.2%, respectively. HBV and HCV infections were independently associated with age and history of HD (P = 0.005). HBV vaccination was a strong protective factor against HBV infection (P = 0.001), but the rate of fully vaccinated patients (77%) was still suboptimal. Other risk factors for HCV infection were the duration of HD, history of kidney transplantation, and history of dental and surgical procedures. Conclusions: The prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in the patients undergoing HD in the centers in Kurdistan was low to moderate. HBV vaccination was an efficient protective measure. The factors associated with viral hepatitis within HD units were highly suggestive for nosocomial transmission. Strict adherence to infection control measures and more effective follow-up procedures may reduce the prevalence of the studied infections.