State of the HIV, Hepatitis B and C Virus Pandemic from 2003 to 2022 in Burkina Faso: Evolution of Prevalence Trends and Strategic Recommendations to Achieve the WHO’s Goal for Their Eradication by 2030

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eradicate or at least significantly reduce the prevalence the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) by 2030. The main objective was to provide an evolving overview of the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infection between 2003 and 2022 in Burkina Faso. Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study based on data from 2003 to 2022. The data were collected using information available in the databases of the HOSCO and CERBA laboratories and included all individuals who underwent HIV and/or HBV and/or HCV testing. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, EpiInfo 7, and R version 4.1.0. Results were considered statistically significant if p Results: The study recorded 7432 samples and the mean age of the subjects was 27.98 ± 8.50 years. During this period, the respective prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV were 4.66% (346/7432), 8.77% (582/6636) and 5.54% (322/5816). However, from 2003 to 2022, there was a significant decrease (P y=−1.75x+12.59;y=−0.24x+10.01and y=−0.11x+6.02, with “y” corresponding to prevalence and “x” to the years. Conclusion: Burkina Faso needs to rigorously apply prevention and control strategies recommended by the WHO by 2030.

Viral Hepatitis B and C: Epidemiological, Clinical and Paraclinical Aspects in the Internal Medicine Department of KARA University Hospital in Togo

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B and C constitute real public health problems worldwide. The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects of viral hepatitis B and c in the internal medicine department of Kara University Hospital. Method: this was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the Internal Medicine department of Kara University Hospital, over a period of 3 years from March 2020 to April 2023. It included all patients seen in consultation or hospitalized for hepatitis viral B and/or C. Results: A total of 57 patients were included in our study. The average age was 44.30 years ± 16.75 and the M/F sex ratio was 1.38. Married people were in the majority 63.2%. The circumstances of the discovery of viral hepatitis B and C were dominated by abdominal pain in 35.1% of cases and hepatomegaly in 29.8% of cases and in 33.3% of cases, it was during screening voluntary. Patients with viral hepatitis B only accounted for 64.9% of cases;those with only viral hepatitis C represented 31.6% of cases and 3.5% of cases had HVB/HCV co-infection. We recorded 36.8% complications including 52.4% liver cirrhosis and 47.6% hepatocellular carcinomas. During the evolution, there were 03 deaths. Conclusion: the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus carriage in patients followed in internal medicine at Kara University Hospital is high. It is therefore essential to put in place treatment and prevention strategies against these viruses.

Clinical and Paraclinical Profiling of Patients with Viral Hepatitis B and C Attending Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou (HOSCO)

The present study aims to describe the clinical and paraclinical profile of patients infected by viral hepatitis B and C and follow-up. The clinical and paraclinical data used in this description are from patients infected by viral hepatitis B and C of the HOSCO Hepato-Gastroenterological Department from May 15, 2021 to July 23, 2021. The informed consent was provided to each patient included in this study. “Univariate analyses were evaluated using Pearson’s Chi2 test” using R software version 4.0.2. During the study period, we identified 149 patients with viral hepatitis B and/or C who met our inclusion criteria. The sex ratio was 0.83 at the rate of 68 men for 81 women with the average age at 37.17 years ± 12.21 years. The most represented age group was 30 - 44 years (49.7%). The most incriminated risk factors were medical care by injection (62.58%), excision (31.90%), blood transfusion (4.29%) and scarification (1.23%). HBV infection was the majority with a frequency of 95.97%. The HBV viral load was measured in 91.95% of patients, 77.18% of whom had a detectable DNA viral load ≤ 2000 IU/mL. The clinical and biological course was good in patients after therapeutic initiation. HBV-HCV-HIV co-infection was 0.67%. Abdominal ultrasound was normal in 87.92% of patients. Fibrosis was minimal and moderate in 58.39% and 19.46% of patients. Among patients, 52.35% were on Tenofovir therapy, 2.68% on Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir, 0.67% on ARVs and 44.29% did not require treatment. Viral hepatitis B and C are common, and both affect sex. Thus, new screening strategies need to be implemented to improve the diagnosis of hepatitis B and C. Effective strategies against viral hepatitis B and C must be developed, subsequently.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and C among Inmates of Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre

Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are significant global public health burdens associated with liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and are responsible for over a million deaths yearly. Prisons and other confined facilities offer opportunities for the acquisition and transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C during and after imprisonment. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as well as their associated risk factors among inmates in the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre. A cross-sectional study was conducted among inmates incarcerated in the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre from July to December 2022, and 200 consenting subjects completed a structured questionnaire in addition to screening for the presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies. Data generated from this study was represented as frequency and percentages, and inferential statistics were carried out using chi-square with the aid of GraphPad Prism Software Version 9. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. The seroprevalence of HBV was 4% while 3.5% was recorded for HCV with no cases of co-infections reported. HBV seroprevalence was significantly associated with blood oath and a history of surgery (p p < 0.05). The findings from the current study highlight a relatively lower prevalence of HBV and HCV amongst inmates in Port Harcourt in comparison to studies in Nigeria. These infections can be further controlled by multifaceted approaches by the prison personnel, administration, and Government by employing combative measures such as regular screening, easy access to therapy, awareness, and vaccination programs for HBV are crucial to prevent the transmission of these diseases.

Frequency of B and C Hepatitis Viruses, and Metabolic Profile in Type 2 Diabetics: A Case of the YaoundéCentral Hospital, Cameroon

Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes alters the immune system, increasing the risk of susceptibility to viral infections such as hepatitis B and C infections. This study aimed to determine the frequency of hepatitis B and C and metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetics. This was a cross-sectional study conducted over six months. It was conducted at the National Obesity Center (NOC) of the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH), Cameroon. 100 diabetic patients, with a mean age of 58.41 ± 10.74 years were enrolled in the study. The socio-demographic characteristics of the study population and the risk factors for virus transmission were recorded using a pre-established questionnaire. HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies were revealed by a rapid diagnostic test. Liver function markers’ activities were determined. Commercial kits were used to evaluate the patient’s serum lipid profile, serum fasting glucose level, urea, creatinine, and albumin. With a sex ratio of 3:1, women outnumbered men. Risk factors for HCV and HBV infections evocated by the population were dental care (50%), followed by alcohol consumption (41%). HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies frequency was 3% and 8% respectively. No cases of coinfection were found. In general, hypertriglyceridemia with a mean of 1.61 ± 0.46 g/L and hyperglycemia of 1.35 ± 0.45 g/L were noted. A significant difference (p = 0.028) was found in HDL-cholesterol values between non-co-affected diabetics and HCV+ diabetics. The effect of the duration of diabetes on biochemical parameters revealed that albumin was the only significant decrease over time (p = 0.013). Based on these results, the metabolic profile of patients was altered. It is important to take note of the prevalence of hepatitis seen in type 2 diabetes mellitus since it demonstrates the potential link between both illnesses. Thus, early detection could prevent complications related to B and C hepatitis infections in type 2 diabetics.

Performance evaluation of NeuMoDx 96 system for hepatitis B and C viral load

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus(HBV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)viral load(VL)estimation is essential for the management of both HBV and HCV infections.Due to a longer turnaround time for VL estimation,many patients drop out from the cascade of care.To achieve the global goals of reducing morbidity and mortality due to HBV/HCV and moving towards their elimination by 2030,molecular diagnostic platforms with faster and random(i.e.single sample)access are needed.AIM To evaluate the performance of the recently launched NeuMoDx 96 random access system with the conventional COBAS^(■)AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan system for HBV and HCV VL estimation.METHODS Archived once-thawed plasma samples were retrieved and tested on both platforms.Correlation between the assays was determined by linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis.The study included samples from 186 patients,99 for HBV of which 49 were true infected HBV cases(hepatitis B surface antigen,antihepatitis B core antibody,and HBV DNA-positive)and 87 for HCV assay in which 39 were true positives for HCV infection(anti-HCV and HCV RNA-positive).RESULTS The median VL detected by NeuMoDx for HBV was 2.9(interquartile range[IQR]:2.0-4.3)log_(10)IU/mL and by COBAS it was 3.70(IQR:2.28-4.56)log_(10)IU/mL,with excellent correlation(R2=0.98).In HCV,the median VL detected by NeuMoDx was 4.9(IQR:4.2-5.4)log_(10)IU/mL and by COBAS it was 5.10(IQR:4.07-5.80)log_(10)IU/mL with good correlation(R2=0.96).CONCLUSION The overall concordance between both the systems was 100%for both HBV and HCV VL estimation.Moreover,no genotype-specific bias for HBV/HCV VL quantification was seen in both the systems.Our findings reveal that NeuMoDx HBV and HCV quantitative assays have shown overall good clinical performance and provide faster results with 100%sensitivity and specificity compared to the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan system.

Standford B型主动脉夹层腔内治疗围手术期超敏C反应蛋白等相关指标应用意义的临床研究

目的探讨超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、D-二聚体(D-D)、降钙素原(PCT)对Standford B型主动脉夹层(TBAD)患者胸主动脉腔内修复术预后的影响。方法选取2017年4月至2022年3月抚州市第一人民医院行胸主动脉腔内修复术(TEVAR)的80例TBAD患者作为研究对象,于术前1 d和术后7 d检测hs-CRP、D-D、PCT水平。根据患者预后分为预后良好组和预后不良组,比较两组患者术前1 d和术后7 d的血清hs-CRP、D-D、PCT水平,分析血清hs-CRP、D-D、PCT水平与患者预后的关联性。结果80例患者中预后良好(预后良好组)63例(78.75%),预后不良(预后不良组)17例(21.25%)。两组患者术后7 d血清hs-CRP、D-D、PCT水平高于本组术前1 d,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);预后良好组患者术前1 d和术后7 d的血清hs-CRP、D-D、PCT水平低于预后不良组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);logistic回归模型分析结果显示,术前1 d血清hs-CRP(β=0.617,OR=1.854,95%CI=1.217~2.696)、D-D(β=0.639,OR=1.895,95%CI=1.841~2.635)、PCT(β=0.554,OR=1.741,95%CI=1.547~3.052)和术后7 d hs-CRP(β=0.892,OR=2.440,95%CI=1.251~4.761)、D-D(β=0.797,OR=2.219,95%CI=1.669~3.141)、PCT(β=0.604,OR=1.829,95%CI=1.058~2.969)水平是接受TEVAR治疗的TBAD患者预后的影响因素,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论监测围手术期血清hs-CRP、D-D、PCT水平对接受TEVAR治疗的TBAD患者预后判断具有一定的参考价值。

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers among refugees in Athens

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

Occult hepatitis B virus co-infection in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: A review of prevalence, diagnosis and clinical significance

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and hepatitis B virus(HBV) co-infection is high as they share similar mechanisms of transmission. The development and widespread use of highly sensitive tests for HBV diagnosis has demonstrated that a significant proportion of apparently healthy individuals with evidence of exposure to HBV continue to carry fully functional HBV DNA in their hepatocytes, a situation that predisposes them to the development of progressive liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The presence of co-infections frequently influences the natural evolution of each of the participating infections present by either facilitating their virulence or competing for resources. Furthermore, the drugs used to treat these infections may also contribute to changes in the natural course of these infections, making the analysis of the impact of co-infection more difficult. The majority of studies has examined the impact of HIV on overt chronic hepatitis B, finding that co-infection carries an increased risk of progressive liver disease and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the effect of HIV on the natural history of occult hepatitis B infection(OBI) has not been fully assessed, all available data suggest a persisting risk of repeated flares of hepatitis and progressive liver disease. We describe studies regarding the diagnosis, prevalence and clinical significance of OBI in HIVpositive patients in this short review. Discrepancies in worldwide prevalence show the urgent need for the standardization of diagnostic criteria, as established by the Taormina statements. Ideally, standardized protocols for testing should be employed to enable the comparison of data from different groups. Additional studies are needed to define the differences in risk for OBI without HIV and in HIV-HBV co-infected patients with or without overt disease.

Construction and characterization of an experimental ISCOMS-based hepatitis B polypeptide vaccine

AIM: To characterize the biochemical and immunological properties of an experimental ISCOMS vaccine prepared from a novel therapeutic polypeptide based on T cell epitopes of HBsAg, and a heptatis B-ISCOMS was prepared and investigated. METHODS: An immunostimulating complexes(ISCOMS)-based vaccine containing a novel therapeutic hepatitis B polypeptide was prepared by dialysis method, and its formation was visualized by electron microscopy and biochemically verified by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amount of the peptide within ISCOMS was determined by Bradford assay, and specific CTL response was detected by ELISPOT assay. RESULTS: Typical cage-like structures of submicroparticle with a diameter of about 40nm were observed by electron microscopy. Results from Bradford assay showed that the level of peptide incorporation was about 0.33g.L(-1). At the paralleled position close to the sixth band of the molecular weight marker(3480kDa) a clear band was shown in SDS-PAGE analysis, indicating successful incorporation of polypeptide into ISCOMS. It is suggested that ISCOMS delivery system could efficiently improve the immunogenicity of polypeptide and elicit specific immune responses in vivo by the results of ELISPOT assay, which showed that IFN-gamma producing cells(specific CTL responses) were increased(spots of ISCOMS-treated group: 47+/-5, n =3; control group: 5+/-2, n =3). CONCLUSION: ISCOMS-based hepatitis B polypeptide vaccine is successfully constructed and it induces a higher CTL response compared with short polypeptides vaccine in vivo.

Comparative Assay of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection Markers by Different Assay Kits^1

In order to compare sensitivity of EIA and RIA assay kits for hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV, respectively) infection markers, 100 serum samples in total were collected form 50 adult women each in urban and rural areas in northeast China. The number of positive cases to the three infection markers on HBV (i.e., HBsAg +, anti HBs +, and anti HBc +) and the one on HCV (anti HCV +) were examined in two laboratories, i.e., in Laboratory A with EIA kits produced in China and in Laboratory B with RIA kits. HCV infection positivity (anti HCV +) was examined by EIA kits in both laboratories, but from different sources in and outside of China, respectively. The assay in Laboratory A gave 2 HBsAg + cases out of the 100 cases examined, whereas there were 9 positive cases in Laboratory B. In contrast, 19 cases were positive to anti HCV when examined in Laboratory A, and there were 3 cases in Laboratory B. Thus, the kits used in Laboratory A gave fewer HBsAg + and more anti HCV + cases than the kits used in Laboratory B. The prevalence of anti HBs + or anti HBc + and cases did not differ when assayed in the two laboratories with EIA and RIA kits, respectively. The agreement of positive and negative findings between the two sets of testing were 93%, 93%, 93%, 86% and 82% for HBsAg, anti HBs, anti HBc, HBV (i.e., either positive to anyone of the three markers or negative to all three markers), and anti HCV, respectively. The implication of the observation on epidemiology on HBV and HCV infection prevalence was discussed.

Investigation and Countermeasures of the Development of Chinese Pharmaceutical E-commerce in the B2C Model Based on PEST-SWOT Analysis

Objective To analyze the problems of pharmaceutical e-commerce and provide strategies for its development in the future B2C mode since drug network management has great potential in China.Methods By collecting,identifying,and conducting literature research,PEST-SWOT identification and positioning of pharmaceutical e-commerce in the B2C mode were carried out.Results and Conclusion A PEST-SWOT analysis matrix was established to analyze the status of B2C pharmaceutical e-commerce,and to summarize its advantages,disadvantages,opportunities and threats from four perspectives of politics,economy,society and technology.Suggestions on cultivating compound talents proficient in medicine and e-commerce,exploring online payment methods for medical insurance,integration of upstream and downstream of the industrial chain and data sharing are put forward to promote the healthy and long-term development of pharmaceutical e-commerce under the background of big data.

Hepatitis B and C virus co-infections in human immunodeficiency virus positive North Indian patients

AIM： To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections in human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） -positive patients at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. METHODS： Serum samples from 451 HIV positive patients were analyzed for HBsAg and HCV antibodies during three years （Jan 2003-Dec 2005）. The control group comprised of apparently healthy bone-marrow and renal donors. RESULTS： The study population comprised essentially of heterosexually transmitted HIV infection. The prevalence Fate of HBsAg in this population was 5.3% as compared to 1.4% in apparently healthy donors （P 〈 0.001）. Though prevalence of HCV co-infection （2.43%） was lower than HBV in this group of HIV positive patients, the prevalence was significantly higher （P 〈 0.05） than controls （0.7%）. Triple infection of HIV, HBV and HCV was not detected in any patient. CONCLUSION： Our study shows a significantly high prevalence of hepatitis virus infections in HIV infected patients. Hepatitis viruses in HIV may lead to faster progression to liver cirrhosis and a higher risk of antiretroviral therapy induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, it would be advisable to detect hepatitis virus coinfections in these patients at the earliest.

Hepatitis B and C virus reactivation in immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory bowel disease

In recent years,a number of case reports and clinical studies have highlighted the risk of hepatitis B and C virus reactivation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are treated with immunosuppressive drugs.The cases of viral hepatitis reactivation that have been reported are characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations,from viremia without clinically relevant manifestations to fulminant life-threatening hepatitis.The development and dissemination of biological immunosuppressive drugs have led to a significant increase in the number of reports of interest to physicians in a variety of clinical settings.On this topic,there have been a number of published guidelines and reviews that have collected the available evidence,providing recommendations on prophylactic and therapeutic strategies and methods for monitoring patients at risk.However,it should be noted that,to date,very few clinical studies have been published,and most of the recommendations have been borrowed from otherclinical settings.The published studies are mostly retrospective and are based on very heterogeneous populations,using different therapeutic and prophylactic regimens and obtaining conflicting results.Thus,it seems clear that it is desirable to concentrate our efforts on prospective studies,not conducting further reviews of the literature in the continued absence of new evidence.

Nucleoporin 88 expression in hepatitis B and C virus-related liver diseases

AIM: To investigate the expression of nucleoporin 88 (Nup88) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases. METHODS: We generated a new monoclonal Nup88 antibody to investigate the Nup88 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 294 paraffin-embedded liver specimens comprising all stages of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. In addition, in cell culture experiments HBV-positive (HepG2.2.15 and HB611) and HBV-negative (HepG2) hepatoma cell lines were tested for the Nup88 expression by Western-immunoblotting to test data obtained by IHC.RESULTS: Specific Nup88 expression was found in chronic HCV hepatitis and unspecific chronic hepatitis, whereas no or very weak Nup88 expression was detected in normal liver. The Nup88 expression was markedly reduced or missing in mild chronic HBV infection and inversely correlated with HBcAg expression. Irrespective of the HBV- or HCV-status, increasing Nup88 expression was observed in cirrhosis and dysplastic nodules, and Nup88 was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinomas. The intensity of Nup88 expression significantly increased during carcinogenesis (P < 0.0001) and correlated with dedifferentiation (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, Nup88 protein expression was significantly downregulated in HBV-positive HepG2.2.15 (P < 0.002) and HB611 (P < 0.001) cell lines as compared to HBV-negative HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: Based on our immunohistochemical data, HBV and HCV are unlikely to influence the expression of Nup88 in cirrhotic and neoplastic liver tissue, but point to an interaction of HBV with the nuclear pore in chronic hepatitis. The expression of Nup88 in nonneoplastic liver tissue might reflect enhanced metabolic activity of the liver tissue. Our data strongly indicate a dichotomous role for Nup88 in non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the liver.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies among Drug Users in Burkina Faso

Introduction: The epidemiology of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among drug users (DUs) is little known in West Africa. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among drug users in Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional biological and behavioral survey conducted between June and August 2022, among drug users in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso, the two main cities of Burkina Faso. A respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit drug users. Hepatitis B surface antigen was determined using lateral flow rapid test kits and antibodies to hepatitis C virus in serum determined using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data were entered and analyzed using Stata 17 software. Weighted binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of hepatitis B and C infections and a p-value Results: A total of 323 drug users were recruited with 97.5% males. The mean age was 32.7 years old. The inhaled or smoked mode was the most used by drug users. The adjusted hepatitis B and hepatitis C prevalence among study participants were 11.1% and 2.3% respectively. The marital status (p = 0.001), and the nationality (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with hepatitis B infection. The type of drug used was not significantly associated with hepatitis B infection or hepatitis C infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies among DUs are comparable to those reported in the general population in Burkina Faso. This result suggests that the main routes of contamination by HBV and HCV among DUs are similar to those in the population, and could be explained by the low use of the injectable route by DUs in Burkina Faso.

Epidemiology and transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses in Kazakhstan

AIM: To investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the two major ethnic groups in Kazakhstan. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study of HBV and HCV seroprevalence was performed among individuals born in Kazakhstan with no history of chronic hepatitis or liver disease. RESULTS: There were 290 volunteers (140 Russians and 150 Kazakhs) aged 10 to 64 years, males accounted for 46%. Active HBV infection (HBsAg positive) was present in 3.8%, anti-HBc in 30%. The prevalence was similar in females and males (33% vs 25%) (P = 0.18). The prevalence of anti-HBc increased from 19% in 10-29 years old volunteers to 53% in 50-years and older volunteers. The prevalence of HBV infection was higher in married than in single adults (38% vs 26%, respectively) (P = 0.2) and more common in Kazakhs (35%) than in Russians (24%) (P = 0.07). HCV infection was present in 9 subjects (3.2%), 5 of them also were positive for anti-HBc in the absence of HBsAg. CONCLUSION: The frequency of active HBV infection (3.8%) coupled with a high prevalence of HBV exposure in those > 50 years of age increases with age, which suggests that horizontal transmission likely relates tothe use of contaminated needles. The low prevalence of HCV infection suggests that HBV and HCV are acquired differently in this group of subjects.

Serum concentration of sFas and sFasL in healthy HBsAg carriers,chronic viral hepatitis B and C patients

AIM:To estimate the amount of apoptosis among healthy HBsAg carriers,patients with chronic HBV infection treated wibh lamivudine and patients with chronic HCV infection treated with interferon alpha and ribavirin.Activity of apoptosis was evaluated by serum sFas/sFasL concentration measurement. Moreover dependence between apoptosis and HBV-DNA or HCV-RNA levels was studied. METHODS:Eighty-six persons were included into study:34 healthy HBsAg carders,33 patients with chronic HBV infecl^on and 19 patients with chronic HCV infection.Serum levels of sFas/sFasL were measured by ELISA assay.HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA were measured by RT-PCR assay.Levels of sFas/sFasL were determined before and 2 and 12 wk after therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infection. HBV-DNA or HCV-RNA was detected before treatment and 6 mo after treatment. RESULTS:Twenty-four (71%) healthy HBsAg carders showed HBV-DNA over 10~5/mL,which was comparable to the patients with chronic hepatitis B.independently from HBV-DNA levels, the concentration of sFas among healthy HBsAg carders was comparable to healthy persons.Among patients with chronic hepatitis B and C,the concentration of sFas was significantly higher in comparison to healthy HBsAg carriers and healthy persons.In chronic hepatitis B patients the concentration of sFas was decreased during lamivudine treatment.Among chronic hepatitis C patients the concentration of sFas was increased during IFN alpha and ribavirin treatment,sFasL was not detected in control group.Furbhermore sFasL occurred more frequently in chronic hepatitis C patients in comparison to chronic hepatitis B patients. CONCLUSION:There are no correlations between apoptosis and HBV-DNA levels.However ther is an association between apoptosis and activity of inflammation in patients with chronic HBV infection.Apoptosis can be increased in patients with chronic hepatitis C by effective treatment which may be a result of apoptosis stimulation by IFN-α.

Risk Factors, Clinical Features, Baseline Alanine Aminotransferase and CD4+ Count of Children with HIV Co-Infection with Hepatitis B and C at a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C viruses are endemic in sub- Saharan African countries including Nigeria. Researchers have studied the burden of co-infection of HIV with hepatitis B and hepatitis C but the risk factors and clinical presentation have not been much addressed especially in children. Methodology: This was a prospective cross sectional study that determined the prevalence, risk factors, clinical features, baseline CD4+ count, CD4+ percentage, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of newly diagnosed, HAART na?ve HIV co-infection among children who were managed at a Tertiary Hospital in Ilorin, Nigeria. Result: Of the 60 HIV- infected children recruited, 11.7% had HIV co-infection with HBV or HCV. Children with co-infec- tions (mean age 8.43 ± 2.37 years) were significantly older than their HIV mono-infected counterparts (mean age 5.25 ± 3.96 years) (p = 0.011). There was no significant difference between HIV monoinfection and HIV co-infection with respect to gender (p = 0.758), ethnicity (p = 0.707), religion of parents (p = 0.436), family type (p = 0.184), social class (p = 0.535), previous transfusion (p = 0.053), scarification (p = 0.612), female genital mutilation (p = 0.778), and sharing of clippers (p = 0.806). The mean BMI, immunological staging (p = 0.535), baseline ALT (p = 0.940), and mean baseline CD4+ count (p = 0.928) were comparable. However, the body mass index of HIV co-infec- ted children decreased with age up till age 10 years. Conclusion: There were no risk factors, nor clinical features predictive of co-infection identified in this study. Co-infection did not negatively impact baseline, CD4+ count and ALT.

Viral Hepatitis B and C Detection among Ebola Survivors and Health Care Workers in Makeni, Sierra Leone

Viral hepatitis B and C infections are among the leading cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of knowledge and awareness in the general population as in health care settings may enhance the propagation of these diseases. We aimed at determining the prevalence of HBV and HCV in Ebola survivors and health care workers (HCWs) of the Makeni town in Sierra Leone. We conducted a cross-sectional study during the last 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak in Makeni among Ebola survivors (N = 68) and 81 Health care workers from Holy Spirit hospital and Loreto clinic, two health care facilities in Makeni district. Serological markers of HBV (HBs Ag, anti-HBs Ab and anti-HBc Ab) and anti-HCV antibodies detection were done using ELISA techniques. The positive detection rates for HBs Ag, anti-HBs Ab and anti-HBc antibodies in Ebola survivors were 23.53% (16/68), 32.35% (22/68) and 88.89% (16/18) respectively. Survivors with a current HBV infection had a positive rate of 38.89% (7/18) and 16.66% (3/18) of them were considered immune due to past HBV infection. HCV prevalence was 26.47% (18/68) and about 10.29% (7/68) were HBV/HCV co-infected. The positive detection rates of HBsAg, anti-HBs Ab and anti-HBc Ab were 37.07% (30/81), 33.33% (27/81) and 30.86% (25/81) respectively in health care workers. We observed that 4.94% (4/81) of the HCWs were currently infected with HBV. Participants considered as immune due to past infection represented 23.47% (19/81) and those immune due to vaccination represented 2.47% (2/81). The prevalence of HCV infection among health staff was 2.47% (2/81) with 1.23% (1/81) being HBV/HCV co-infection. Our findings showed that viral hepatitis infection is a burden for Sierra Leone government. There is an urgent need to develop and implement strategies that could improve population immunization against HBV and vulgarization of HCV treatment programs.