Transmission Of Hepatitis Research Articles

Prevalence of Hepatitis in Prisoners: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence.

Prisoners represent high-risk behaviors such as injecting drug use, sharing syringes, tattooing, and unprotected sexual intercourse. The authors aimed to study the prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D in the prisoners. We conducted a systematic search using the keywords in online databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. Two independent researchers examined the quality of the articles and the probable risk of bias. The most relevant articles by title and abstract were retrieved. Finally, the full text of selected articles was read, and the critical findings were extracted. Reviews of 23 studies showed that most prisoners are susceptible to hepatitis B and hepatitis C. One study also indicated that prisoners could be infected with hepatitis A and hepatitis E. The most common routes of hepatitis transmission in prisons were intravenous drug use, needle sharing, tattooing, and unsafe sex with multiple sexual partners. High-risk sexual behaviors, shared contaminated needles for IV drug injection, and tattooing are the principal routes of hepatitis transmission among prison inmates. Hepatitis treatment is feasible and could be useful for infected prisoners undergoing a well-designed treatment program.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of General Population Regarding Hepatitis A & E Prevention and Control

Aims: To assess the knowledge and attitude of general population, regarding Hepatitis A & E. and practices of study participants to adopt healthy lifestyle for the preclusion of hepatitis A & E. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore, and Mayo Hospital Lahore from 1st November 2021 to May 2022. Methodology: Two hundred and fifty individuals were enrolled. A face to face interview of all study participants was conducted and a questionnaire was filled. Results: There were 98 (39.2%) males and 152 (60.8%) females. Majority of the subjects were more than 30 years old. Two hundred and seventeen (87%) and 212 (85%) had correct knowledge about causative agent and treatment of hepatitis A and E respectively. Two hundred and fifty (100%), 213 (85.2%), 190 (76%) and 165 (66%) were having good practices of washing hands after using toilet, good food hygiene, washing fruits and vegetables before eating and avoid contact with person infected with hepatitis A & E respectively. It was observed that age ≥30 years (P=0.000), higher education (P=0.016) and good practices (P=0.000) were significantly associated with good knowledge of participants regarding hepatitis A and E. Conclusion: The participants having better awareness regarding spread and transmission of hepatitis A and E can improve practices regarding prevention and control of disease. The awareness and prevention control programs should be initiated and guidelines regarding personal hygienic practices should be developed and disseminated through mass media. Keywords: KAP study, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, Prevention of hepatitis, Control of hepatitis

Seroprevalence, co-infection and risk of transmission of Hepatitis B and D virus among hospital attendees in two South-western states in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Infection with both Hepatitis B (HBV) and D (HDV) virus causes more severe liver damage than HBV alone. Superinfections among chronic HBV infected cohorts often lead to HDV persistence with rapid progression to cirrhosis, necessitating continuous surveillance to determine their prevalence and relative contribution to liver pathology. A cross-sectional study among hospital outpatients in Ekiti and Osunstates was conducted using random sampling technique. Blood samples were collected from 410 participants and tested for HBV serological markers. All samples positive for HBsAg samples were tested for Hepatitis D virus antigen (HDAg), serum anti-HDV IgM, and serum anti-HDV IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The prevalence of HBV infection among the 410 samples was 12.4% (CI 9.5–15.9). Past HBV exposure was detected in 120 (29.2%), while 147(35.8%) were susceptible to HBV infection. Among the HBsAg positive individuals, 9.8% were hepatitis D antigen (HDAg) positive, while 3.9% and 1.9% were positive for IgG anti-HDV and IgM anti-HDV, respectively. Risk factors associated with HBV infections in this study were multiple sexual partners and sharing of sharp objects. Our investigation has verified the endemicity of HBV in Nigeria and revealed that HBV- HDV co-infection is highly prevalent in south-west Nigeria.

Intrauterine Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Concomitant with Isolated Severe Fetal Ascites.

Perinatal Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) transmission occurs in 4-7% of the cases with detectable viremia at delivery. HCV testing in pregnancy is recommended. The fetal infection was previously described as asymptomatic although there are two cases, including this one, to report the presence of isolated fetal ascites in HCV infected fetuses. A 42-year-old patient, 3G, 3P, presented in the Emergency Room for painful uterine contraction. The third-trimester ultrasound examination noted severe fetal ascites, accompanied by hyperechoic bowels and polyhydramnios. The diagnosis required a detailed ultrasound exam, invasive testing (amniocentesis, cordocentesis, and fetal paracentesis), and a complete workup. The mother tested positive for HCV antibodies, and the fetal cord blood tested positive for HCV RNA. The ascites resolved after paracentesis, and the gastrointestinal and respiratory functions markedly improved. The fetus was delivered at term in good condition. The etiology of isolated fetal ascites is broad. This case may indicate that intrauterine HCV transmission is a potential cause of isolated fetal ascites in the absence of other explanation, and isolated fetal ascites can be the only sign revealed on a routine examination. We suspected, having no other detected cause for ascites, the intrauterine transmission of HCV. Invasive procedures, such as paracentesis, are required for abdominal decompression to manage isolated fetal ascites, as it may be a saving procedure. A genetic investigation is needed, and a good neonatal outcome is expected in the absence of fetal structural or genetic abnormalities, as in our case.

Prospective cohort study of prevention of mother to child transmission of hepatitis B infection and 9 months follow-up of hepatitis B-exposed infants at Ile-Ife, Nigeria

ObjectivesEliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is central to WHO’s target of reducing hepatitis B infection in children to <0.1% by 2030. While Nigeria accounts for 8.3%...

Household transmission of hepatitis A virus after infection of the mother

Household transmission of hepatitis A virus after infection of the mother

15-year evaluation of changes in the HBsAg positivity rate in pregnant women in Turkey: the prominent effect of national vaccination.

The detection of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity in pregnant women before delivery is crucial to preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus. This study aimed to evaluate the status and rate of testing for hepatitis B surface antigen, rate of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, hepatitis B surface antigen positivity distribution rate by age, and changes in hepatitis B surface antigen positivity rate in pregnant women over the study period. We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional, descriptive study covering the period January 2005 to June 2019 for 2 145 668 pregnant women from 27 provinces in all 7 regions of Turkey, collected using Microsoft Excel before statistical analysis. We found that 1 012 593 (47.1%) pregnant women were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen over the 15-year period, out of which 11 471 (1.1%) were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive. Overall, 97% of the hepatitis B surface antigen positive women were born before 1998, the year that national HBV vaccination was launched in Turkey. The rate of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity in that group was 1.1%, compared with 0.3% among women born after 1998. There was a downward trend in the hepatitis B surface antigen positivity rate among pregnant women in the younger age groups, especially among those born after universal hepatitis B vaccination was inaugurated, and low rate of HBsAg testing during pregnancy.

Frequency and risk factors of bloodborne infectious diseases among informal solid waste handlers: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: To determine the frequency and risk factors of bloodborne infectious diseases among informal solid waste handlers. Study Design: Cross-sectional Analytical study. Setting: Marghzar Colony, Lahore, Pakistan. Period: October to November 2019. Material &amp; Methods: Convenience enrollment of 101 informal solid waste handlers out of total 150 invited subjects resulted in a response rate of 67.3%. A predesigned proforma was administered to collect demographic and clinical information. Whole blood specimen collected for subsequent screening of hepatitis B, hepatitis C &amp; human immunodeficiency virus by rapid immune-chromatographic technique. Crosstabs analysis performed to calculate the odds ratios for bloodborne infectious diseases and chi square test used to find the association between risk factors and bloodborne infectious diseases. Results: Mean age of study population was 31.9±12.8 years. Participation of females 65.3% was higher than males 34.7%. Overall 4.0% frequency of bloodborne infectious diseases included 2.0% hepatitis B and 2.0% hepatitis C. None of the respondents had HIV or co-infection of hepatitis B and C. Frequency of those who collected waste from clinical sites was 6.0%, who received sharps injuries (100.0%), and who never used personal protective equipment (100.0%). Gender male [OR=6.094; 95.0% CI, 0.609–60.927], smoking [OR=5.056; 95.0% CI, 0.454–56.245], and waste collection from clinical site [OR=6.133; 95.0% CI, 0.537–70.057] showed a higher risk of bloodborne infectious diseases. Conclusion: The proportions of hepatitis, sharps injuries and not using personal protective equipment were high among informal solid waste handlers. Waste collection from clinical sites showed higher risk of occupational transmission of hepatitis.

Factors Affecting the Interest of Pregnant Women to Conduct PPIA Examination (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) in Senggreng Village, Sumberpucung District, Malang Regency

Background: The government's policy that requires all pregnant women to undergo PPIA (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) examination is one of the prevention of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis transmission from mother to child, but PPIA (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) visits to pregnant women in Senggreng village are still low. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the interest of pregnant women in the PPIA (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) examination in Senggreng Village, Sumberpucung District, Malang Regency. Methods: The design of this research is quantitative with correlative analytic type. The population of this study were all third trimester pregnant women in Senggreng Village, as many as 31 people. By using the total sampling technique obtained a sample of 31 people. Analysis of the data used is multiple logistic regression. Results: The results showed that the parity factor with a value of p = 0.034 and the level of knowledge with a value of p = 0.040 had an effect on the interest of pregnant women in the PPIA (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) examination. And the dominant factor that influences the request for pregnant women in the PPIA (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) examination is the parity factor with the Exp(?) value of 6.153. Conclusion: Increasing the knowledge of pregnant women about the importance of PPIA (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) as well as accurate information related to the schedule for the implementation of the PPIA (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) examination should be improved. The cooperation of all parties, including cadres, families, and health workers, is needed to increase the achievement of PPIA(Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) visits.

A Pilot Trial for Prevention of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission From Donor to Organ Transplant Recipient With Short-Course Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir.

A 7-day course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir started in the preoperative period prevented transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from viremic donors to 10 HCV-negative recipients (2 heart, 1 lung, 6 kidney, 1 heart/kidney) with 100% sustained virological response at 12 weeks.

Horizontal Modes of Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant transmission route in households, among contact sport athletes and institutionalized individuals. Children often are infected by non-sexual close contacts with an increased tendency to become chronic carriers. Hence, the awareness about various high-risk behaviours leading to horizontal transmission in the community is essential. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to assess quantitatively the pooled prevalence of horizontally transmitted HBV infection globally. The study was started after ruling out registered or ongoing systematic reviews related to this topic in the PROSPERO database. The study protocol was documented in PROSPERO with a registration number CRD42021235165. We searched electronic databases for published articles in English between 1981 and April 2021 reporting horizontal modes of hepatitis B transmission among unvaccinated contacts. Meta-analysis was carried out in STATA version 13.0 (College Station, Texas 77,845 USA). The forest plots were constructed using metaprop package in STATA. Forty-one studies were systematically reviewed and 15 studies were qualified for the meta-analysis, including 1619 hepatitis B cases and 4869 contacts. The overall pooled prevalence of horizontally transmitted HBV infection among the contacts was 38% (95% CI 30%-46%). The pooled prevalence among 3,912 household contacts from nine qualified studies was estimated as 44% (95% CI 35%-54%). The pooled prevalence rates among institutionalized individuals and contact sport athletes were 30% (95% CI 23%-37%) and 18% (95% CI 5%-32%), respectively. The likelihood of horizontal transmission of HBV is greater among household contacts of chronic carriers of HBV and institutionalized individuals.

Presence of entry receptors and viral markers suggest a low level of placental replication of hepatitis B virus in a proportion of pregnant women infected with chronic hepatitis B

The transplacental route of vertical transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) has been known for over a decade. Here we present evidence which suggest HBV can replicate in placenta. Forty-one HBsAg positive and 10 control pregnant women were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent. HBV positives were further divided in the High Viral Load (HVL) Group and Low Viral Load (LVL) Group according to INASL guidelines 2018. The Presence of the HBV DNA and expression of NTCP in the placenta was analyzed by qPCR/RT-qPCR and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC). The presence of cccDNA was assessed using Digital Droplet PCR while the presence of pre-genomic (pg) RNA was assessed through qRT-PCR and sequencing. The presence of HBeAg and HBcAg in the placenta was assessed by IHC. Immunostaining of NTCP, HBeAg and HBcAg on trophoblasts along with the presence of total HBV DNA, cccDNA and pgRNA indicated, that these cells are not only susceptible to HBV infection but may also support viral replication. This is further supported by the finding that trophoblasts of the several HBeAg seronegative samples harbored the HBeAg. Although, we did not find any correlation in NTCP expression and viral markers with viral load indicates placental replication may not aping hepatocytes. The presence of the HBV receptor, NTCP along with the presence of cccDNA, pgRNA, and HBeAg in placenta of HBV infected females without circulating HBeAg suggest that placenta act as a replication host.

New progress towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in China.

BackgroundWe conducted an evaluation on the potential data resources for the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission in China, so as to provide reference for WHO and other countries in the validation of HBV elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) in a real-world large country setting.MethodsWe used the indicators set out in WHO Interim guidance for country validation of viral hepatitis elimination as the benchmark to evaluate the availability of data and progress against indicators for the elimination validation in China. We used descriptive analysis to illustrate the status of all indicators and parameters.ResultsAccording to the indicators which are recommended by WHO for HBV EMTCT validation, the national data in China are attainable, though not for HBV DNA testing for the HBsAg-positive mothers and their subsequent management. The remaining challenges for China are to consider how the national serosurvey might be conducted in future in the context of low HBV prevalence among children under 5 years; to collect systematically the programmatic impact data; to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration among immunization, maternal and child health, hospital services, as well as other stakeholders.ConclusionThe available data on HBV EMTCT are sufficient to support the validation of the elimination of HBV mother–to-child transmission in China.

Tenofovir alafenamide in blocking mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: a multi-center, prospective study

Background Data of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TAF for preventing MTCT. Methods Pregnant women with chronic HBV infection, positive for HBeAg and high-level HBV DNA, received oral TAF from gestational weeks 24–28 until postpartum week 4. All infants received HBV immunoprophylaxis. All mothers and infants were followed up until postpartum seven month. The primary outcome was the rate of MTCT at seven month. Results Eighty-nine mothers delivered and 91 infants were born. All were followed up to postpartum seven month. TAF was initiated at a mean gestational age of 25.0 (±1.0) weeks with the mean treatment duration of 14.3 (±1.2) weeks before delivery; 92.1% (82/89) mothers discontinued TAF, the median [IQR] time was 5.9 [4.7] weeks postpartum. The HBsAg positive rate was 0% at seven months in 91 infants, no growth retardation and congenital defects. All mothers were tolerated during TAF treatment. At delivery, 82.02% (73/89) mothers achieved HBV DNA < 200,000 IU/ml, 21.35% (19/89) achieved HBV DNA < 500 IU/ml. No significant changes on the mean (±SD) serum phosphate between baseline (1.20 ± 0.10 mmol/L) and at delivery (1.21 ± 0.13 mmol/L, p > .05). Serum creatinine at delivery (52.23 ± 8.50 µmol/L) was higher than baseline (45.97 ± 5.60 µmol/L, p < .05), but within normal range. Nine of 82 mothers stopped TAF treatment after delivery had mild ALT elevation. Conclusion TAF therapy initiated during the second trimester was effective in preventing MTCT with no safety concerns for mothers and infants (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04065230).

Nasal transmission of equine parvovirus hepatitis.

Equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) is highly prevalent and causes subclinical to fatal hepatitis, which can occur in outbreaks. Whereas iatrogenic transmission is well documented, the mode of horizontal transmission is not known. The virus is shed in nasal, oral and fecal secretions, and PO transmission has been reported in a single horse. Investigate the efficiency of PO and nasal transmission of EqPV-H in a larger cohort. Prospective experimental transmission study. Eleven EqPV-H-negative horses were inoculated with 5 × 106 genome equivalents EqPV-H. Serum PCR and serology for EqPV-H were performed weekly and monthly, respectively. Horses first were inoculated PO, and then intranasally 8 weeks later. No horse became viremic or seroconverted within 8 weeks after PO inoculation. After intranasal inoculation, 5 horses became viremic within 6 to 12 weeks and seroconverted within 10 to 19 weeks. After a period without monitoring from 12 to 19 weeks postinoculation, another 5 horses were found to be viremic at 19 to 22 weeks. The second set of 5 horses could have been infected by horizontal transmission from the first 5 because of cohousing. We demonstrated that EqPV-H can be transmitted nasally. The prolonged eclipse phase before detectable viremia indicates biosecurity measures to control spread could be impractical.

Effect of tenofovir disoproxil and telbivudine on the growth and development of infants by blocking mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus

Purpose: To investigate the effect of tenofovir disoproxil and telbivudine on the growth and development of infants after blocking mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV).&#x0D; Methods: Seventy pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were recruited and allocated to tenofovir disoproxil group (n = 35) and telbivudine group (n = 35) using random number table method. Tenofovir disoproxil group was given 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil orally four times daily, while telbivudine group was given telbivudine 600 mg orally four times daily.&#x0D; Results: After treatment, both groups showed no significant differences in serum HBV-DNA and ALT levels before delivery and 3 months after delivery (p &gt; 0.05). Both groups showed no remarkable differences in the incidence of hypohydramnios, cholestasis, hypothyroidism, anemia, prolonged labor, fetal distress, and placental adhesions (p &gt; 0.05). Both groups showed no significant differences in the rates of premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, vaginal delivery, and cesarean section (p &gt; 0.05). Both groups showed no significant differences in neonatal sex, gestational age at birth, weight, length, and Apgar scores (p &gt; 0.05). The differences in the positive rates of HBVsAg, HBsAb, and HBeAg at birth and at 12 months were not statistically noticeable (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Tenofovir disoproxil and telbivudine reduce HBV-DNA levels, effectively blocks MTCT, and have a similar safety profile for infants. Further investigations to confirm th

Association of Donors With US Public Health Service Risk Criteria and Outcomes After Adult vs Pediatric Cardiac Transplant

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) evaluates donor risk for acute transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C based on US Public Health Services (PHS)-specific criteria. However, recent data regarding use and outcomes of those donors with PHS risk criteria among pediatric and adult heart transplant recipients are lacking. To compare use and outcomes of graft from donors with PHS risk criteria vs those with a standard-risk donor (SRD) in children vs adults in a contemporary cohort. This cohort was a nationwide analysis of heart transplants in the US that used data from the UNOS database. Participants were children (<18 years old) and adults (≥18 years old) who received a heart transplant from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021. UNOS-defined donor risk status. Trend analysis compared changes in PHS risk criteria use among children and adults. Patient survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves with log rank and Cox proportional hazards to compare PHS risk-criteria outcomes vs SRD-criteria outcomes in children and adult heart transplant recipients. Additional analysis was performed among adults who received a PHS-risk criteria graft that was previously declined for pediatric recipients. Of 5115 pediatric transplant recipients (donor without PHS risk median [IQR] age, 5 [0-13] years and donor with PHS risk median [IQR] age, 8 [0-14] years) and 30 289 adult heart transplant recipients (donor without PHS risk median [IQR] age, 56 [46-63] years and donor with PHS risk median [IQR] age, 57 [47-63] years), PHS risk criteria comprised 8% in children vs 25% in adults. PHS criteria are being increasingly used over the past decade with the proportion of recipients transplanted with PHS risk-criteria donors being approximately 3 times greater among adult recipients than children recipients. Pediatric recipients of a PHS risk-criteria donor had greater pretransplant ventilatory support, whereas adult recipients of a PHS risk-criteria donor had greater pretransplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. Patient survival was similar between pediatric recipients of PHS risk-criteria grafts vs SRD-criteria grafts and slightly higher among adult recipients of PHS risk-criteria grafts vs SRD-criteria grafts. The 1778 adult recipients who received a PHS criteria-risk donor that was previously declined for pediatric recipients had similar patient survival recipients compared with SRD-criteria donors (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.81-1.03; P = .18). In the current era, a 3-fold greater proportion of adult recipients receive a PHS risk-criteria graft compared with children despite similar posttransplant patient survival. The ongoing organ donor shortage underscores the need for consideration of PHS risk criteria where these donors remain underused.

HEALTH EDUCATION ANALYSIS OF TRIPLE ELIMINATION OF HIV, SYPHILIS, AND HEPATITIS B TOWARDS INTEREST IN SCREENING OF PREGNANT WOMEN

The triple elimination program for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B is a government program aimed at preventing vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B from mother to child. The method is one group pre-test post-test design. The research subjects were all pregnant women who visited according to the inclusion-exclusion criteria. The sample was selected by purposive sampling of 35 respondents. The results showed that most of the respondents had a moderate interest in screening before being given Health Education by 68.4% and after 100%. Analysis with the Wilcoxon test found that there was an effect before and after being given Health Education on interest in screening for pregnant women other Valuof e 0.00 &lt; = 0.05. The discussion showed that there was a difference before and after being given Health Education about the Triple Elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in the interest in screening for pregnant women

Factors associated with receipt of a timely infant birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine at a tertiary hospital in North-Central Nigeria.

The World Health Organization recommends universal vaccination of medically stable infants with Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the proportion of infants who receive a timely birth dose is extremely low in Nigeria. We reviewed the implementation of an infant HBV vaccine schedule at a single center and identified factors affecting the receipt of a timely birth dose of HBV vaccine. We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the INFANT study, a 2013-2017 prospective cohort study of pregnant women with and without HIV and their infants We utilized bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to assess if maternal characteristics, or the day of the week on which the infant was born were significantly associated with timely receipt of a birth dose of HBV vaccine. Receipt of HBV vaccine on the day of birth or the following calendar day were considered a timely birth dose. Among 409 infants in our cohort, 133 infants (33%) received a timely birth dose of HBV vaccine. Only the day of the week on which infants were born was significant (p<0.0001): when compared to Friday, infants born Monday through Thursday had significantly higher odds of receiving a timely birth dose, while infants born on a Saturday or Sunday had similar (low) odds. We found no association between maternal age, education, marital status, HIV status, parity and mode of delivery, and infant receipt of a timely birth dose of HBV vaccine. National immunization programs could improve timely HBV birth dose rates by providing access to vaccine immediately following birth at all infant delivery venues on all days of the week. Where not possible, there should be rapid linkage to the nearest facility where HBV vaccination is immediately available.

Knowledge of Hepatitis C Among General Population in Kosovo

Goal: The goal of the study was to measure the public awareness on Hepatitis C (HCV) infection, in Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital. The cross-sectional survey was undertaken in October 2019 using an investigator-developed questionnaire about Hepatitis C virus knowledge. With a 95 percent confidence level and a confidence interval of 4.4, a sample size of 502 persons was calculated. Results: In terms of public awareness about the cause of Hepatitis C, 53 percent of survey participants were appropriately informed. Moreover, 54 percent of survey participants were properly informed about the transmission of Hepatitis C virus through tattooing and piercing procedures. Around 53.6 percent of survey participants were correctly informed that there is still no vaccine for protection against Hepatitis C virus. Regarding, application of knowledge in prevention, only 35.3 percent of the study participants claimed to have been tested for Hepatitis C virus during their routine blood tests. Furthermore, there exist relationship between the age group of the respondents and the knowledge regarding the question that Hepatitis C can be transmitted from the partner. The same relationship exists between the age group of the respondents and the knowledge that Hepatitis C can also be transmitted by blood transfusion and syringe exchange. Yet, other relations exist between the age group of the respondents and the knowledge regarding the chronic carrierof Hepatitis C virus but as well that pregnant women with Hepatitis C can transmit the disease to infants. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps necessitate public awareness initiatives which may increase testing and diagnosis. Knowledge on Hepatitis C virus might serve as an effective tool in decision making regarding appropriate preventive measures. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21 No. 04 October’22 Page : 751-758