Serological Markers Of Hepatitis Research Articles

Application of nanomagnetic bead chemiluminescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of serologic markers of hepatitis B virus infection

Application of nanomagnetic bead chemiluminescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of serologic markers of hepatitis B virus infection

Serological and vaccine evaluation for hepatitis B among Community Health Workers.

to identify the vaccination and serological status against hepatitis B among community health workers; to vaccinate against hepatitis B virus and to evaluate the immune response of susceptible workers. phase I, cross-sectional and descriptive study, among community health workers in a capital city of the Midwest region, through a self-administered questionnaire, checking of vaccination cards, and blood collection for testing of serological markers for hepatitis B. Phase II, cohort study carried out in vaccinated non-immune workers identified in phase I. They received one dose of vaccine (challenge dose) and serological testing. a total of 109 workers participated in the study. Most had vaccination record (97; 89.0%) and vaccination completeness (75; 77.3%), while the isolated anti-HBs (Antibodies against hepatitis B virus) marker was detected in 78 (71.6%) workers. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus exposure was 8.2%. Of the ten non-immune vaccinated workers, after challenge dose, one remained susceptible. although most workers are vaccinated and show immunological response to hepatitis B, susceptibility after challenge dose was identified. Therefore, it is necessary to have a surveillance program of the vaccination situation and serological status for this virus, to promote these workers' safety.

Serological Markers of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Truckers Transiting Gusau Town, Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

Serological Markers of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Truckers Transiting Gusau Town, Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

Prevalence and predictors of hepatitis C infection among antenatal attendees in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria.

Hepatitis C virus infection as it specifically relates to pregnancy has been a neglected condition, thus its recognition and treatment in pregnancy is relevant because of the risks of the long-term complications of the infection in the mother, potential effects of the infection on the pregnancy and risk of vertical transmission to the newborn. To determine the proportion of pregnant women with serologic markers of hepatitis C infection, identify risk factors as well as factors that predict the occurrence of the infection in them. Over a 3-week period, blood samples from 456 pregnant women were assessed for antibodies to hepatitis C virus, while a pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data and the presence of risk factors in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. The prevalence of HCV infection in pregnancy was 4.6%. No known risk factors for HCV infection in pregnancy were identified. Only increasing gestational age was a predictor of HCV infection in pregnancy in the study. The prevalence of hepatitis virus infection among the study population was high. Second trimester and increasing gravidity were protective of the infection in pregnancy. There is therefore need for introduction of general routine screening of all pregnant women presenting for antenatal care.

The infection rates of HBV and HCV decreased significantly in Zhejiang Province, China: A comparative study based on the data of two sero-epidemiological surveys in 1992 and 2020.

In 2020, China conducted a nationwide, sero-epidemiological, cross-sectional survey of viral hepatitis. The stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to select the permanent population aged 1-69 years, followed by questionnaire survey and sample collection and detection of the serological markers of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C viruses (HCV). A total of 4747 individuals aged 1-69 years were investigated in Zhejiang Province. The positive rates of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV were 4.3% and 0%, respectively. Compared to a similar sero-epidemiological survey in 1992, the 2020 survey showed that the HBV infection rate in Zhejiang Province decreased by 56.5%. In both surveys, HBV infection rate increased with age (in 1992, χ2 =185.866, p=.000; in 2020, χ2 =1383.836, p=.000). Compared with 1992, the positive anti-HCV rate in those aged 1-69 years in 2020 decreased by 100.0%. This result showed that the HBV vaccine and blood screening to prevent HBV and HCV infection significantly decreased the infection rate of HBV and HCV in the younger generation of Zhejiang province. However, the rate of HBV carriers aged 30-69 years was still high, which underscores the need to strengthen the management and treatment of chronic HBV infection. Hence, Zhejiang province can eliminate the public health threat of viral hepatitis.

Evaluation of the effect of enhanced immunization in adults: A cross-sectional study in the southeast city of China

ABSTRACT The efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in adults was evaluated by comparison of the positive seroprotection rates and the hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) geometric mean titers (GMTs) between intensive intervention areas and non-intensive intervention areas after 8 years post-vaccination in the Zhejiang province. Seven cities (towns) in Zhejiang province were selected as intensive intervention areas, and adults in the demonstration areas receive hepatitis B vaccine voluntarily and for free. Other areas were non-intensive intervention areas. A total of 3587 participants received the full vaccination course (three doses), and blood samples were withdrawn 8 years after the first vaccination comprised the immunized group, and 2000 participants constituted the control group. The anti-HBs positive seroprotection rates of the immunized and control groups were 65.0% and 53.0%, respectively. The anti-HBs GMT of the subjects in the immunized group was 26.30 mIU/mL compared to 9.33 mIU/mL in the control group (P < .001). Significant differences were detected in the 24–35–, 36–45-, and 46–55-year-old subgroups in the positive seroprotection rates and the anti-HBs GMTs (P < .001) between the immunized and control groups. Moreover, significant differences were found in the anti-HBs GMT in the 46–55-year-old subgroup between the two groups (P = .02), while no differences were observed in the positive seroprotection rate (P = .428). In conclusion, adults who did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine in infancy and had negative serological markers of hepatitis B, especially adults <47-years-old, need vaccination.

Prevalence of serological markers for Hepatitis B and C Viruses, human immuno-deficiency virus and Treponema pallidum among blood donors in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

In Sub-Saharan Africa, transfusion safety remains a challenge due to the high endemicity of blood-borne infections. This study aimed to determining the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and Treponema pallidum among blood donors in Ouagadougou. This was a retrospective study in blood donor. HIV 1/2 and HCV antibodies and HBsAg were screened and confirmed with two ELISA (Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay). While T. pallidum antibodies were also screened and confirmed with two serology tests. Only samples positive for both tests were counted as positive. Prevalence rates were calculated among first-time blood donors. Of 63,779 registered blood donors, 54,113 (84.84%) were first-time donors. Overall seroprevalences of HIV, HBV, HCV and Treponema pallidum were 2.56%, 11.87%, 5.89% and 3.22% respectively. Seroprevalences of HIV-HBV, HBV-HCV, HBV- T. pallidum and HIV-HBV-HCV co-infections were 0.36; 1.21; 0.54 and 0.02 respectively. The study reports that HIV, HBV, HCV and Treponema pallidum seroprevalences remain high among blood donors. These results highlight a potential infectious risk to blood products recipients.

Seroprevalence of viral Hepatitis of enteric (A and E) and parenteral / sexual (B and C) transmission of individuals aged 30 to 70 residents in Salvador-Brazil

Viral hepatitis are still considered as public health problems. Hepatitis caused by HAV and HEV, spread by enteric transmission are, acute infections associated with precarious basic sanitation, inappropriate hygiene and consumption of contaminated food. Hepatitis caused by HBV and HCV viruses transmitted by parenteral /sexual route are associated with chronic diseases and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma OBJECTIVES: to estimate the seroprevalence of serological markers of hepatitis A, B, C and E hepatitis, the concomitance of enteric and parenteral / sexual transmission hepatitis in a population aged between 30-70 years and to observe possible relationships with sociodemographic data. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 650 individuals born between 1945 and 1985 attended at a laboratory in the public health network of Salvador-Brazil. Serological tests included IgG anti-HAV, IgG anti-HEV, IgG anti-HBc, IgG anti-HCV. The volunteers answered a questionnaire containing questions about habits, conducts, previous medical procedures and sociodemographic data. RESULTS: 208 of the participants were men (32.00%) and 442 were women (68.0%) and in the groups younger than 31-50 years (301) and older individuals from 51 to 70 years (349). Seroprevalence of HVA (92.46%), HEV(2.15%), HBV (17.76%) and HCV (3.69%). Of the total population, the concomitant seroprevalence of Ig G anti-HAV and IgG anti-HEV (1.85%) and IgG anti-HBc and IgG anti-HCV (1.38%). With the epidemiological and sociodemographic data it is not possible to associate common risk factors for HAV and / or HEV contact in the study population, however, the association of HEV with the proximity of contact / management with swine reported by some participants can not be excluded. Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was associated with unprotected sex, sharing of needles and syringes in the older group, and injecting drug use. The group of older and males had a higher prevalence of contact with B and C viruses. CONCLUSION: The contact markers that presented the highest seroprevalence were anti-HAV IgG, followed by the markers for HBV, HCV and HEV. The anti-HCV IgG marker presented a higher prevalence than in the general population and the HEV presented a low prevalence. The group of older individuals and male gender presented a higher seroprevalence of contact with HBV and HCV. Concomitant seroprevalence was low in both enteric and parenteral / sexual transmission hepatitis.

Serological and molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus infection in chronic kidney disease patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are more vulnerable to blood-borne viral infections due to frequent invasive procedures. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in this cohort of patients has been a matter of concern worldwide. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the frequency of serological markers for hepatitis B, and the occurrence of overt and occult HBV infection (OBI) and its molecular characterization in serum samples from 644 CKD patients in HD units located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2013 to 2017. HBV DNA was investigated in HBsAg reactive and “anti-HBc alone” samples to determine infecting genotypes and genetic relatedness between sequences. The prevalence of serological markers HBsAg+, anti-HBc alone, anti-HBc+/anti-HBs+, anti-HBs+, anti-HBc/anti-HBs/HBsAg were 5.9%, 2.8%, 30.7%, 26.6%, 34.0%, respectively. HBV DNA was detected in 39.5% (15/38) of the HBsAg+ and in 5/18 (27.8%) of the “anti-HBc alone” individuals, indicating a high prevalence of OBI within this group. We found a higher prevalence of HBV/A1 (65%), followed by HBV/D3 (20%), and HBV/A2 (15%). Bayesian MCC tree with a highly supported clade, genetic distance comparison, and identical nucleotide sequences suggested a nosocomial spread of HBV in some units. The high prevalence of HBV infection and low number of individuals immune to infection reinforces the need for vaccination in this group. The presence of closely related strains in the same HD unit reinforces the importance of continuous improvement of safety control measures and laboratory surveillance of serological markers to prevent the risk of infection and transmission of HBV.

Hyperenzymemia after vaccination against COVID-19: complex equation with simple variables

The article presents clinical case of the jaundice development and severe hyperenzymemia in GAM-Covid-VAK (Sputnik V) vaccination against COVID-19 in a 69-year-old patient. History — systematic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to persisting pain after knee arthroplasty in 2018; frequent trips for several years to another region for sanatorium treatment, the use of mineral water. The diseases caused by hepatitis viruses, drug damage and post-vaccination reaction were included in diagnostic search. The markers of hepatitis B and C infection viruses were not detected during the enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction. The indicator for determining the relationship of a drug with the liver damage development was 6 points (borderline value) and only indicated the likelihood of drug hepatotoxicity. At the same time, it is known from history that repeated administration of the drug did not cause liver dysfunctions. The diagnosis of coronavirus infection was established based on the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital with repeated laboratory testing and competing diagnosis of hepatitis A has been confirmed on the basis of hepatocellular damage and the presence of serological marker of hepatitis A virus (immunoglobulin M antibodies). The treatment was continued in the infectious hospital, where the diagnosis of co-infection was confirmed. The pneumofibrotic changes in the S5 region of the left lung were revealed according to computed tomography. The normalization of aminotransferase activity and bilirubin was noted during dynamic observation. Apparently HAV infection led to a decrease in the immune response, the formation of an insufficient level of neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated against COVID-19 patient M. and contributed to the development of a new coronavirus infection with minimal manifestations in contact with SARS-CoV-2.

Concentration of LDLR, degree of hepatic fibrosis and hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Epidemiological data indicate that one-third of the world's population have serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatic steatosis is often observed in patients with chronic liver diseases. The exact mechanisms of hepatic steatosis progression and the efficacy of antiviral therapy in patients with CHB and hepatic steatosis are not yet fully understood.The aim of the study was to investigate the LDLR concentration and degree of hepatic fibrosis and hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection during tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy.The study group consisted of 54 patients with CHB. The LDLR concentration, assessment of the degree of hepatic fibrosis, hepatic steatosis, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and triglyceride concentrations, were assessed at the beginning of therapy, 6 months later, and 12 months after commencement of therapy. The control group consisted of 18 healthy individuals.The mean LDLR concentration in the studied groups was statistically significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the controls. The antiviral therapy based on TDF had no influence on the LDLR concentration and HBsAg level.The results indicate a statistically significant lower(p<0.05) concentration of LDLR in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Negative correlations between HBsAg level and LDLR concentration in patients with chronic HBV, at all stages of the study may indicate, that HBsAg protects hepatocytes from LDL accumulation.

A Pilot Study on Presence of SARS-CoV-2-RNA in Iranian Blood Donors

Background: With the rapidly increasing incidence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in plasma, blood supply safety has become a main concern. Objectives: Due to some reports on the detection of RNAemia in SARS-CoV-2-infected blood donors, this study examined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in asymptomatic blood donors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, about 400 blood donors from the Tehran Blood Transfusion Center with negative results for viral serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were included in the study. Moreover, all samples were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in blood donors was identified by targeting RNA-dependent, RNA polymerase (RdRp), and N (nucleocapsid protein) genes using Real-Time PCR. Furthermore, the RNase P gene was used as an internal control. Results: The SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test showed that 60 (15%) of blood donors had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, and 340 (85%) of the participants have not been exposed to the virus. The cycle threshold (Ct) for positive control in the RT-PCR test for nucleocapsid (N) and RdRP SARS-CoV-2 genes was &lt; 40 (CT = 20.37). Moreover, internal control (RNase P gene) in all samples had Ct &lt; 40. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the blood sample of none of the blood donors. In this regard, there has been no report of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to blood recipients yet. Conclusions: The blood-borne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 seems to be highly unlikely, and coronavirus RNA screening is unnecessary among blood donors. Preventive measures should be adopted to reduce the theoretical risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 by the blood from asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.

Serological markers of Hepatitis B virus infection among Health Care Workers in Accra, Ghana

Introduction: The prevalence of HBV among the Ghanaian population is high and also occupational exposures to blood and body fluids that could potentially result in HBV infection is also high among HCWs. However the distribution of serological markers of HBV infection among Health care workers remains largely unknown. The aim of the study was to describe the distribution of HBV serological markers among the Ghanaian HCWs.&#x0D; Methods: A hospital based cross sectional survey involving 363 HCWs drawn from five health institutions selected through stratified random sampling procedure was undertaken. A structured pretested questionnaire was the research instrument that was utilized to collect data from health care workers who also gave 5mls of venous blood to be evaluated qualitatively for the presence of five serological markers of HBV. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) procedure was subsequently undertaken to detect IgM HBcAb. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.&#x0D; Results: The predominant HBV maker among the population was Anti-HBs; 57.4% (195/340) and the least was HBeAg; 1.5% (5/340). One third (123/340) of the HCWs were naïve to HBV. Lifetime exposure to HBV (Anti-HBc) prevalence was 8.2% (28/340) (95% CI= 5.0%-11). &#x0D; Conclusions: Even though Anti-HBs is the predominant antibody marker identified among the population of HCWs evaluated, one third of the participants still remain susceptible to HBV infection. Protective measures need to be instituted to prevent new infections among HCWs who are currently naïve to the virus. Sanitary workers or orderlies need to be given special consideration in HBV prevention campaigns.&#x0D;

Laboratory healthcare gap of hepatitis B care in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (HBsAg, anti-HBs, hepatitis B envelope antigen [HBeAg], anti-HBe, and anti-hepatitis B core [HBc] IgM/IgG) was used as the basis for diagnosis and differences in the chronicity of hepatitis B infection. This study aims to explore the laboratory healthcare gap of the patient with hepatitis B infection in our setting and whether laboratory data completeness affects the results. This study used retrospective data taken from the Medical Records of hepatitis B patients at Dr. Sardijto Hospital in 2020. The subjects in this study were hepatitis B patients with positive HBsAg. The exclusion criteria were individuals who had co-infection with the hepatotropic virus or HIV. This study was funded by Deputi Bidang Penguatan Riset dan Pengembangan, Kementerian Riset dan Teknologi/Badan Inovasi Nasional. A total of 232 patients were included in the study. All patients underwent HBsAg examination and tested positive, with 65.09% of subjects had HBV DNA examination. HBeAg examination result was only found in 18% of patients. Anti HBc examinations were only found in 2 patients. No subjects were examined for anti-HBs in this study. The proportion of subjects examined for the liver function was still low (< 50%), with the most widely checked parameters are AST and ALT while other parameters are very rare. The utilization of serological tests and hepatic function in hepatitis B patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia is still low. Intervention and financial support are needed to improve the quality of life of patients with hepatitis B who were treated.

Viral hepatitis in correctional facilities in the Northern Territory of Australia 2003\u20132017

BackgroundThe demographic of Northern Territory prison population differs than elsewhere in Australia and the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C may therefore be somewhat different from other jurisdictions. There has been no study which has specifically described the serological results of a large proportion of prisoners in Northern Territory correctional facilities over an extended period of time.MethodsThis retrospective longitudinal study reviewed serological results and testing rates for hepatitis B, and hepatitis C performed in correctional facilities in the Northern Territory of Australia between July 1st, 2003 and June 30th, 2017.ResultsThe proportion of positive records over 14 years for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 641/12,066 (5.3, 95% CI 4.9–5.7), for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) 4937/12,138 (40.1, 95%CI 39.8–41.6), for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) 6966/13,303 (52.4, 95% CI 51.5–53.2), and for hepatitis C antibody 569/12,153 (4.7, 95% CI 4.3–5.1). The proportion of prisoners tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C has decreased since 2015, while a high proportion of prisoners remain non-immune to hepatitis B.ConclusionThere is a relatively high proportion of positive serological markers of hepatitis B, and a lower proportion of positive hepatitis C serology in the Northern Territory’s correctional facilities compared to overall Australian rates. As the proportion of prisoners tested for hepatitis B and C has decreased recently, and a high proportion of prisoners remain non-immune to hepatitis B, there are opportunities to increase testing and vaccination rates in this population.

Prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B in inflammatory bowel disease – Experience from a tertiary care centre in South India

Inflammatory bowel disease patients are at risk of hepatitis B infection. Data on this prevalence from South Asia are limited. We conducted a prospective study comprising of 76 inflammatory bowel disease patients between October 2013 and August 2014. Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients were 2.6%, 2.4% and 3% respectively and that of markers of hepatitis B exposure (hepatitis B surface antigen /hepatitis B core antibody) were 11.8%, 14.3% and 9.1% respectively. Risk factors found significantly more common in those positive for viral markers compared to those negative were age, non-inflammatory bowel disease related surgery and hospital admission. Only 7(9.2%) had completed hepatitis B vaccination. There is a need to create awareness among physicians regarding the importance of hepatitis B screening and vaccination in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Serological markers for hepatitis a among captive and free-living wild mammals in the State of Pará, Brazil

The hepatitis A virus (HAV, Hepatovirus A) in humans has a relevant impact on public health, especially in geographic regions with poor basic sanitation, such as the Brazilian Amazon. Isolates related to hepatoviruses have been described in non human primates, chiropterans, marsupials, rodents, marmots, shrews, and terrestrial hedgehogs. However, the circulation of these viruses in the Amazonian mammal fauna remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies against this hepatovirus in captive and free-living wild mammals belonging to the orders Didelphimorphia, Primates, Carnivora, and Artiodactyla. Serum samples from 71 animals, from three municipalities in the State of Pará (Belém, Santarém, and Capitão-Poço) were tested for total anti-HAV and anti-HAV IgM through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total anti-HAV antibodies were detected in 29.5% (21/71) of non-human primates, 8.4% (6/71) of carnivores, and 5.6% (4/71) of didelphos. All tayassuidos 0% (0/2) were seronegative. Anti-HAV IgM antibodies were not detected in any of the samples tested. The highest total anti-HAV seropositivity in the municipalities studied was in Santarém with 54.24% (12/22), followed by Capitão Poço with 50% (15/30), and then Belém with 21.05% (4/19). Among the seropositive animals, animals kept in exposure cages showed 43.9% (18/41), quarantined animals with 60% (9/15), and free-living animals with 26.6% (4/15). The serological results indicated a profile of previous exposure to hepatovirus among these animals. Therefore, additional studies to characterize HAV-related viruses in captive and free living wild animals need to be conducted to better understand the impact of the circulation of this virus on human and animal health.

English

Hepatitis is a significant disease of the liver caused by different genotypes of hepatitis B virus. Neonates delivered of HBsAg and HBeAg positive mothers are most susceptible. The sequelae of infection and prognosis vary with the age of patient infected and the genotype (A-J) of the virus involved. These genotypes have 7.5 to 8% difference in their genomic sequences. This study was aimed at identifying the genotypes among hepatitis B surface antigen positive individuals. Four hundred and ten blood samples were randomly collected in a hospital-based cross sectional study. Sera samples were obtained for qualitative identification of the serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg, Anti-HBs, HBeAg, Anti-HBe and Anti-HBc) using rapid chromatographic immunoassays test kit (Qingdao Hightop Biotech Co., China). However, 34 presumptive hepatitis B surface antigen positive samples were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using universal outer primer for identification of all HBV genotypes. Nested polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to determine genotype composition of the positive samples. The outcome of the molecular analysis of the 34 positive samples showed that 9 (26.5%) were positive comprising only 2 genotypes (B and E) which presented in mixed infections. Hepatitis B virus genotypes B and E were identified. The identification of genotype E corroborates reports of its existence in the West African region. However, the identification of genotype B in West Africa region is novel. Key words: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), genotype, Borno, Nigeria.

Studies on the serological markers for hepatitis B virus infection among type 2 diabetic patients.

BackgroundHepatitis B infection is a public health concern globally. HBV can be associated with type II diabetes mellitus, as HBV outbreaks have been observed among diabetics in healthcare facilities. This study evaluates the prevalence of HBV infection among patients with type II diabetes mellitus.MethodA total of one hundred and eighty (180) diabetic patients and one‐hundred non‐diabetics (Controls) were recruited for this study. Structured questionnaires were administered to the consented participants to obtain relevant data. Sera samples obtained were screened using the HBsAg ELISA kit; CTK Biotech, Inc, while the 5 panel kit—rapid diagnostic test, was used to assay for serological markers. Questionnaires were used to obtain relevant information and demographic data.ResultOverall prevalence of HBV infection among diabetes patients was 13.3%. Breakdown showed 9 (5.0%) seropositivity was obtained among male subjects compared to 15(8.3%) recorded among the females, P = .834; P < .05. Subjects aged 41‐50 years recorded, 7(3.9%) positivity P = .774; P > .05. Educational status of participants showed 22 (12.2%) positivity among subjects with tertiary level of education P = .032; P < .05). Risk factors considered showed that 5(2.8%).seropositive subjects were alcoholic consumers (P value = .9711; P > .05). Result among non‐diabetics (Control) subjects showed (4%) seropositivity among the male subjects compared to (5.0%) seropositivity recorded among the female subjects (P = .739; P > .05).ConclusionThere is an indication of higher risk of HBV infection among type 2 diabetic patients when compared to non‐diabetics. There is the need for more research on this area of study, to further validate the association between HBV infection and Diabetes Mellitus.

The spleen size in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Introduction:Inflammation promotes the progression of chronic renal failure, and the start of dialysis worsens inflammation. The enlargement of the spleen is associated with inflammation, and patients on hemodialysis may show a large spleen. The aim of the present study was to compare the spleen size of patients undergoing hemodialysis versus controls to update this thread.Methods:Controls and patients were eligible to participate in the study provided they were negative for serological markers of hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV, if they had no lymphoproliferative disorder, and if they were at least 18 years of age. Age, sex, and the duration of dialysis were recorded. Laboratory variables (hemoglobin, hematological cell count, serum creatinine) and the underlying cause of end-stage renal disease were analyzed. The spleen sizes of the patients were divided into tertiles.Results:The 75 controls and 168 patients selected were sex-matched. The patients were older, had larger spleens and lower platelet counts than controls. The relationship between spleen size and age in the controls and patients was quite similar. The patients in the first tertile of spleen size compared with those in the third were older and had a higher platelet counts. The underlying disease and dialysis vintage had no effect on spleen size.Discussion:The patients had larger spleens and a greater range of spleen sizes than the controls. In patients, the association between larger and smaller spleen with lower and higher platelet counts, respectively, sparked the speculation of occurrence of hypersplenism and hyposplenism.