Perception of Medical Students towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination in a Private Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Prevention is one of the safe schemes against the high prevalence of viral Hepatitis. Negative perceptions or perceptions about the risks of hepatitis B among medical students and health care workers may influence the behavioral pattern and adoption of preventive measures against the virus and can affect the uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccine. This study assesses the perception of medical students towards Hepatitis B virus infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination in a Private Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in August 2021 among 236 clinical medical students using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and analysed using the IBM SPSS 28 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: Two-thirds of respondents were of the opinion that they are at risk of contracting HBV. Half were of the opinion that the risk is very much while a third believed the risk is moderate. Among those who think they are not at risk of contracting HBV, the majority felt so because they are vaccinated while 10.3% believe that they are safe. 43.2% of respondents think that HBV Vaccine is very effective in preventing HBV infection while 39.8% think it is slightly effective, and 7.6% think it is not effective. Almost all respondents, 99.2% are of the opinion that HBV Vaccination is important for students while 0.8% think it is not important. The majority of the respondents at 95.8% were willing to be screened for HBV. The majority (85.6%) of respondents are willing to pay for HBV Vaccine as against 14.4% of respondents who are not willing to pay. Conclusion: Summarily, 21 (8.9%) of the students had a negative perception of Hepatitis B Vaccination, and 215 (91.1%) had a positive perception of Hepatitis B Vaccination. Perception-sustaining events like seminars, workshops, road shows, and campaigns should be organized among students and health workers.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection – an important aspect of multifaceted problem

In this editorial we comment on the article published in the recent issue of the W orld Journal of Gastroenterology.We focus specifically on the problem of occult hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,that is a result of previous hepatitis B(PHB)and a source for reactivation of HBV.The prevalence of PHB is underestimated due to the lack of population testing programs.However,this condition not only com-plicate anticancer treatment,but may be responsible for the development of other diseases,like cancer or autoimmune disorders.Here we unveil possible mecha-nisms responsible for realization of these processes and suggest practical approa-ches for diagnosis and treatment.

Current status of liver transplantation for human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in China's Mainland

According to the report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection exceeded 1.2 million individuals by the year 2022,with an annual increase of about 80000 cases.The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among individuals co-infected with HIV reached 13.7%,almost twice the rate of the general population in China.In addition to the well-documented susceptibility to opportunistic infections and new malignancies,HIV infected patients frequently experience liver-related organ damage,with the liver and kidneys being the most commonly affected.This often leads to the development of end-stage liver and kidney diseases.Therefore,organ transplantation has emerged as an important part of active treatment for HIV infected patients.However,the curative effect is not satisfactory.HIV infection has been considered a contraindication for organ transplantation.Until the emergence of highly active anti-retroviral therapy in 1996,the once intractable replication of retrovirus was effectively inhibited.With prolonged survival,the failure of important organs has become the main cause of death among HIV patients.Therefore,transplant centers worldwide have resu-med exploration of organ transplantation for HIV-infected individuals and reached a positive conclusion.This study provides an overview of the current landscape of HIV-positive patients receiving liver transplantation(LT)in main-land China.To date,our transplant center has conducted LT for eight end-stage liver disease patients co-infected with HIV,and all but one,who died two months postoperatively due to sepsis and progressive multi-organ failure,have survived.Comparative analysis with hepatitis B virus-infected patients during the same period revealed no statistically significant differences in acute rejection reactions,cytomegalovirus infection,bacteremia,pulmonary infections,acute kidney injury,new-onset cancers,or vascular and biliary complications.

Risk of hepatic decompensation from hepatitis B virus reactivation in hematological malignancy treatments

In this editorial,we discussed the apparent discrepancy between the findings described by Colapietro et al,in their case report and data found in the literature.Colapietro et al reported a case of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatic decompensation in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia and a previously resolved HBV infection who was receiving Bruton’s tyrosine kinase(BTK)inhibitor therapy.First of all,we recapitulated the main aspects of the immune system involved in the response to HBV infection in order to underline the role of the innate and adaptive response,focusing our attention on the protective role of anti-HBs.We then carefully analyzed literature data on the risk of HBV reactivation(HBVr)in patients with previous HBV infection who were treated with either tyrosine kinase inhibitors or BTK inhibitors for their hematologic malignancies.Based on literature data,we suggested that several factors may contribute to the different risks of HBVr:The type of hematologic malignancy;the type of therapy(BTK inhibitors,especially second-generation,seem to be at a higher risk of HBVr than those with tyrosine kinase inhibitors);previous exposure to an anti-CD20 as first-line therapy;and ethnicity and HBV genotype.Therefore,the warning regarding HBVr in the specific setting of patients with hematologic malignancies requires further investigation.

Demyelinating neuropathy in patients with hepatitis B virus: A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B rarely leads to demyelinating neuropathy,despite peripheral neuropathy being the first symptom of hepatitis B infection.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old man presented with sensorimotor symptoms in multiple peripheral nerves.Serological testing showed that these symptoms were due to hepatitis B.After undergoing treatment involving intravenous immunoglobulin and an antiviral agent,there was a notable improvement in his symptoms.CONCLUSION Although hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is known to affect hepatocytes,it is crucial to recognize the range of additional manifestations linked to this infection.The connection between long-term HBV infection and demyelinating neuropathy has seldom been documented;hence,prompt diagnostic and treatment are essential.The patient's positive reaction to immunoglobulin seems to be associated with production of the antigen-antibody immune complex.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients treated with monoclonal antibodies

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation poses a significant clinical challenge,espe-cially in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapies,including mono-clonal antibody treatments.This manuscript briefly explores the complex rela-tionship between monoclonal antibody therapy and HBV reactivation,drawing upon current literature and clinical case studies.It delves into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon,highlighting the importance of risk assessment,monitoring,and prophylactic measures for patients at risk.The manuscript aims to enhance the understanding of HBV reactivation in the context of monoclonal antibody therapy,ultimately facilitating informed clinical decision-making and improved patient care.This paper will also briefly review the definition of HBV activation,assess the risks of reactivation,especially in patients treated with monoclonal antibodies,and consider management for patients with regard to screening,prophylaxis,and treatment.A better understanding of patients at risk can help clinicians provide optimum management to ensure successful patient outcomes and prevent morbidity.

Chronic hepatitis B and occult infection in chemotherapy patients-evaluation in oncology and hemato-oncology settings:The CHOICE study

BACKGROUND Reactivation of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a well-known risk that can occur spontaneously or following immunosuppressive therapies,including cancer chemotherapy.HBV reactivation can cause significant morbidity and even mortality,which are preventable if at-risk individuals are identified through screening and started on antiviral prophylaxis.AIM To determine the prevalence of chronic HBV(CHB)and occult HBV infection(OBI)among oncology and hematology-oncology patients undergoing chemo-therapy.METHODS In this observational study,the prevalence of CHB and OBI was assessed among patients receiving chemotherapy.Serological markers of HBV infection[hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)/anti-hepatitis B core antigen(HBc)]were evaluated for all patients.HBV DNA levels were assessed in those who tested negative for HBsAg but positive for total anti-HBc.RESULTS The prevalence of CHB in the study cohort was determined to be 2.3%[95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.0-4.2].Additionally,the prevalence of OBI among the study participants was found to be 0.8%(95%CI:0.2-2.3).CONCLUSION The findings of this study highlight the importance of screening for hepatitis B infection in oncology and hematology-oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy.Identifying individuals with CHB and OBI is crucial for implementing appropriate antiviral prophylaxis to prevent the reactivation of HBV infection,which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.

Viruses and autism: A Bi-mutual cause and effect

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a group of heterogeneous,multi-factorial,neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from genetic and environmental factors interplay.Infection is a significant trigger of autism,especially during the critical developmental period.There is a strong interplay between the viral infection as a trigger and a result of ASD.We aim to highlight the mutual relationship between autism and viruses.We performed a thorough literature review and included 158 research in this review.Most of the literature agreed on the possible effects of the viral infection during the critical period of development on the risk of developing autism,especially for specific viral infections such as Rubella,Cytomegalovirus,Herpes Simplex virus,Varicella Zoster Virus,Influenza virus,Zika virus,and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Viral infection directly infects the brain,triggers immune activation,induces epigenetic changes,and raises the risks of having a child with autism.At the same time,there is some evidence of increased risk of infection,including viral infections in children with autism,due to lots of factors.There is an increased risk of developing autism with a specific viral infection during the early developmental period and an increased risk of viral infections in children with autism.In addition,children with autism are at increased risk of infection,including viruses.Every effort should be made to prevent maternal and early-life infections and reduce the risk of autism.Immune modulation of children with autism should be considered to reduce the risk of infection.

HBV C基因型有关的HBsAg阴性HBV DNA阳性患者S区突变对HBsAg的影响

目的通过构建HBV C基因型突变质粒研究HBsAg阴性HBV DNA阳性患者HBV S区突变对HBsAg水平的影响。方法收集2022年8月至2023年4月首都医科大学附属北京佑安医院107例HBsAg-/HBV DNA+患者血液样本,对成功提取扩增的HBV DNA S区进行测序,通过构建HBV C基因型突变质粒对HBV S区突变位点进行细胞功能验证,探讨OBI可能发生的分子机制。结果对成功提取扩增的68例患者进行测序,发现HBV S区存在大量突变,包括免疫逃逸突变(如sG145R、sK122R、sS114T、sT131P等)和跨膜结构域(transmembrane domain,TMD)突变(如sT5A、sG10D、sF20S等)。通过构建HBV C基因型突变质粒,进行细胞转染和细胞免疫荧光实验发现sG145R突变会明显降低HBsAg的表达,但是sK122R、sI26N、sQ29N、sR169H、sS114T、sT131P这6个突变位点并未影响细胞内外HBsAg的表达。结论通过测序发现HBsAg-/HBV DNA+患者HBV S区存在大量突变位点,通过构建sG145R、sK122R、sI26N、sQ29N、sS114T和ST131P等突变质粒发现sG145R突变会明显降低细胞内外HBsAg的表达,但是sK122R、sI26N、sQ29N、sR169H、sS114T、sT131P并未明显降低细胞内外HBsAg的表达。

Clinical characteristics and 28-d outcomes of bacterial infections in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND Acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF),which includes hepatic and multiple extrahepatic organ failure,is a severe emergency condition that has high mortality.ACLF can rapidly progress and requires an urgent assessment of condition and referral for liver transplantation.Bacterial infections(BIs)trigger ACLF and play pivotal roles in the deterioration of clinical course.AIM To investigate the clinical characteristics and 28-d outcomes of first BIs either at admission or during hospitalization in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-ACLF as defined by the Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B(COSSH).METHODS A total of 159 patients with HBV-ACLF and 40 patients with acute decompensation of HBV-related chronic liver disease combined with first BIs were selected for a retrospective analysis between October 2014 and March 2016.The characteristics of BIs,the 28-d transplant-free survival rates,and the independent predictors of the 28-d outcomes were evaluated.RESULTS A total of 194 episodes of BIs occurred in 159 patients with HBV-ACLF.Among the episodes,13.4%were community-acquired,46.4%were healthcare-associated,and 40.2%belonged to nosocomial BIs.Pneumonia(40.7%),spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP)(34.5%),and bloodstream infection(BSI)(13.4%)were the most prevalent.As the ACLF grade increased,the incidence of SBP showed a downward trend(P=0.021).Sixty-one strains of bacteria,including 83.6%Gramnegative bacteria and 29.5%multidrug-resistant organisms,were cultivated from 50 patients with ACLF.Escherichia coli(44.3%)and Klebsiella pneumoniae(23.0%)were the most common bacteria.As the ACLF grade increased,the 28-d transplant-free survival rates showed a downward trend(ACLF-1,55.7%;ACLF-2,29.3%;ACLF-3,5.4%;P<0.001).The independent predictors of the 28-d outcomes of patients with HBV-ACLF were COSSH-ACLF score(hazard ratio[HR]=1.371),acute kidney injury(HR=2.187),BSI(HR=2.339),prothrombin activity(HR=0.967),and invasive catheterization(HR=2.173).CONCLUSION For patients with HBV-ACLF combined with first BIs,pneumonia is the most common form,and the incidence of SBP decreases with increasing ACLF grade.COSSH-ACLF score,acute kidney injury,BSI,prothrombin activity,and invasive catheterization are the independent predictors of 28-d outcomes.

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 rate 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 co- infections in these patients at the earliest.

TT virus and hepatitis G virus infections in Korean blood donors and patients with chronic liver disease

AIM: To determine the prevalences of TTV and HGV infections among blood donors and patients with chronic liver disease in Korea, to investigate the association of TTV and HGV infections with blood transfusion, and to assess the correlation between TTV and HGV viremia and hepatic damage.METHODS: A total of 391 serum samples were examined in this study. Samples were obtained from healthy blood donors (n= 110), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive donors (n=112), anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV)-positive donors (n=69), patients with type B chronic liver disease (n=81), and patients with type C chronic liver disease (n= 19).TTV DNA was detected using the hemi-nested PCR. HGV RNA was tested using RT-PCR. A history of blood transfusion and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were also determined.RESULTS: TTV DNA was detected in 8.2 % of healthy blood donors, 16.1% of HBsAg-positive donors, 20.3 % of antiHCV-positive donors, 21.0 % of patients with type B chronic liver disease, and 21.1% of patients with type C chronic liver disease. HGV RNA was detected in 1.8 % of healthy blood donors, 1.8 % of HBsAg-positive donors, 17.4 % of anti-HCV-positive donors, 13.6% of patients with type B chronic liver disease, and 10.5% of patients with type C chronic liver disease. The prevalence of TTV and HGV infections in HBV- or HCV-positive donors and patients was significantly higher than in healthy blood donors (P＜0.05),except for the detection rate of HGV in HBsAg-positive donors which was the same as for healthy donors. There was a history of transfusion in 66.7% of TTV DNA-positive patients and 76.9% of HGV RNA-positive patients (P＜0.05). No significant increase in serum ALT and AST was detected in the TTV- or HGV-positive donors and patients.CONCLUSION: TTV and HGV infections are more frequently found in donors and patients infected with HBV or HCV than in healthy blood donors. However, there is no significant association between TTV or HGV infections and liver injury.

HBsAg阳性孕妇及新生儿血清IL-6、IL.17、IL-23水平与HBV宫内感染关系

目的:探讨乙肝表面抗原(HBsAg)阳性孕妇及新生儿血清白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-17、IL-23水平与乙肝病毒(HBV)宫内感染关系。方法:回顾性收集2021年1月-2023年12月本院就诊的HBsAg阳性孕妇140例的临床资料为HBsAg阳性组,按照新生儿脐带血检测结果分为宫内感染组(n=28)与未感染组(n=112),同期HBsAg阴性孕妇140例为HBsAg阴性组。比较孕妇孕28周时外周血及新生儿脐血血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-23水平。受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析HBsAg阳性孕妇血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-23水平判断HBV宫内感染临床价值。结果:宫内感染组孕妇血清IL-6(104.33±24.92 ng/L)、IL-17(282.65±76.71 ng/L)、IL-23(269.52±64.28 ng/L)水平均高于未感染组(70.34±18.61、123.41±43.02、113.75±41.68)ng/L与HBsAg阴性组(68.13±17.18、119.53±37.13、110.32±44.43)ng/L(均P<0.05),未感染组与HBsAg阴性组无差异(P>0.05),各组新生儿脐带血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-23水平无差异(P>0.05)。ROC曲线分析,HBsAg阳性孕妇血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-23评估HBV宫内感染的曲线下面积分别为0.791、0.725、0.745,敏感度及特异度在61.6%~78.6%,有一定临床参考价值。结论:宫内感染孕妇孕28周时血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-23水平升高,3项指标对判断HBsAg阳性孕妇发生HBV宫内感染风险有一定临床指导价值。

Management strategies for common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Viral infections have been considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation in pediatric cohort.Children are at high risk of acquiring virus-related complications due to immunological immaturity and the enhanced alloreactivity risk that led to maintenance of high immunosuppressive regimes.Hence,prevention,early detection,and prompt treatment of such infections are of paramount importance.Among all viral infections,herpes viruses(herpes simplex virus,varicella zoster virus,Epstein-Barr virus,cytomegalovirus),hepatitis B and C viruses,BK polyomavirus,and respiratory viruses(respiratory syncytial virus,parainfluenza virus,influenza virus and adenovirus)are common in kidney transplant recipients.These viruses can cause systemic disease or allograft dysfunction affecting the clinical outcome.Recent advances in technology and antiviral therapy have improved management strategies in screening,monitoring,adoption of prophylactic or preemptive therapy and precise treatment in the immunocompromised host,with significant impact on the outcome.This review discusses the etiology,screening and monitoring,diagnosis,prevention,and treatment of common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

血清HBsAg、HBV RNA、GGT及GPR联合检测对慢性HBV感染自然史的诊断价值

目的探讨慢性乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染自然史各期患者血清乙型肝炎病毒表面抗原(HBsAg)、乙型肝炎病毒核糖核酸(HBV RNA)、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(GGT)、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶/血小板比值(GPR)水平变化及联合检测对慢性HBV感染自然史分期的诊断价值。方法选取2020年11月至2023年12月在昆明市第三人民医院就诊的未经抗病毒治疗的172例慢性HBV感染患者为研究对象,根据HBV感染进程分为HBeAg阳性慢性HBV感染(EPI)组(n=77)、HBeAg阳性CHB(EPH)组(n=42)、HBeAg阴性慢性HBV感染(ENI)组(n=26)、HBeAg阴性CHB(ENH)组(n=27)。比较各组患者血清HBsAg、HBV RNA、GGT、GPR水平差异,绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线探究血清HBsAg、HBV RNA、GGT、GPR联合检测对慢性HBV感染自然史中EPH期和ENH期的诊断价值。结果4组患者血清HBsAg、HBV RNA、GGT、GPR水平比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血清HBsAg、HBV RNA、GGT、GPR联合检测诊断EPH期和ENH期的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.869和0.836,敏感度和特异度分别为76.19%、59.26%和84.42%、96.15%。结论血清HBsAg、HBV RNA、GGT、GPR联合检测对慢性HBV感染自然史诊断有较高的准确性和低误诊率,有望取代传统的有创检查,对于慢性HBV感染自然史各期患者的精准诊断及个体化治疗策略的制订发挥着重要的临床意义。

HBV DNA与乙肝五项定量在不同年龄段乙肝病毒感染患者病情进展中的意义

目的探讨乙肝病毒(HBV)DNA与乙肝五项定量[包括乙肝表面抗原(HBsAg)、乙肝表面抗体(HBsAb)、乙肝e抗原(HBeAg)、乙肝e抗体(HBeAb)、乙肝核心抗体(HBcAb)]在HBV感染进程中各个阶段的差异,从而为慢性乙型肝炎、乙肝肝硬化、肝癌不同阶段的诊治提供参考依据。方法选择2020年1月至2021年12月收治的295例HBV感染患者为研究对象,根据年龄将其分为青年组(≤45岁,105例)、中年组(46~59岁,128例)和老年组(≥60岁,62例)。比较三组慢性乙型肝炎、乙肝肝硬化、肝癌患者的HBV DNA及乙肝五项定量。结果三组慢性乙型肝炎、乙肝肝硬化和肝癌患者的年龄比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。青年组和中年组中,慢性乙型肝炎、乙肝肝硬化和肝癌患者的HBV DNA、HBsAg、HBeAg水平比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);慢性乙型肝炎患者的HBV DNA、HBsAg、HBeAg水平明显高于乙肝肝硬化和肝癌患者(P<0.05)。老年组中,慢性乙型肝炎、乙肝肝硬化和肝癌患者的HBV DNA、HBsAg、HBsAb、HBeAg、HBeAb、HBcAb水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论青中年患者中,随着慢性乙型肝炎向乙肝肝硬化、肝癌的病程进展,HBV DNA、HBsAg、HBeAg水平均呈现下降趋势,监测相关指标趋势对于提示疾病发展具有一定意义。

Hepatitis B virus infection in patients with Wilson disease:A large retrospective study

BACKGROUND Wilson disease(WD)is the most common genetic metabolic liver disease.Some studies have shown that comorbidities may have important effects on WD.Data on hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection in patients with WD are limited.AIM To investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of HBV infection in patients with WD.METHODS The clinical data of patients with WD were analyzed retrospectively,and the data of patients with concurrent WD and HBV infection were compared with those of patients with isolated WD.RESULTS Among a total of 915 WD patients recruited,the total prevalence of current and previous HBV infection was 2.1%[95%confidence interval(CI):1.2%-3.0%]and 9.2%(95%CI:7.3%-11.1%),respectively.The main finding of this study was the identification of 19 patients with concurrent WD and chronic hepatitis B(CHB)infection.The diagnosis of WD was missed in all but two patients with CHB infection.The mean delay in the diagnosis of WD in patients with concurrent WD and CHB infection was 32.5 mo,which was significantly longer than that in patients with isolated WD(10.5 mo).The rates of severe liver disease and mortality in patients with concurrent WD and CHB infection were significantly higher than those in patients with isolated WD(63.1%vs 19.3%,P=0.000 and 36.8%vs 4.1%,P<0.001,respectively).Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of severe liver disease at the diagnosis of WD in patients with current HBV infection[odds ratio(OR)=7.748;95%CI:2.890-20.774;P=0.000)]or previous HBV infection(OR=5.525;95%CI:3.159-8.739;P=0.000)than in patients with isolated WD.CONCLUSION The total prevalence of current HBV infection in patients with WD was 2.1%.The diagnosis of WD in CHB patients is usually missed.HBV infection is an independent risk factor for severe liver disease in WD patients.The diagnosis of WD should be ruled out in some patients with CHB infection.

Facial Merkel cell carcinoma in a patient with diabetes and hepatitis B:A case report

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders are at a higher risk of developing aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma(MCC). Diabetes is a common chronic inflammatory disease that is possibly associated with MCC;however, there are still no reports on the association between hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection and MCC. Whether there is an association between these three diseases and the specific mechanisms behind their effects is worth further research in the future.CASE SUMMARY We herein report a rare case of MCC with extracutaneous and nodal invasion in an Asian individual with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic HBV infection, but no immunosuppression or other malignancies. Such cases are uncommon and have rarely been reported in the literature. A 56-year-old Asian male presented with a significant mass on his right cheek and underwent extensive resection combined with parotidectomy, neck lymphadenectomy, and split-thickness skin grafting. Based on the histopathological findings, a diagnosis of MCC involving the adipose tissue, muscle, nerve, and parotid gland with lymphovascular invasion was made. Subsequently, he received radiotherapy with no adverse reactions.CONCLUSION MCC is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with frequent local recurrence, nodal invasion, and metastasis, which usually arises in older people of the white race. Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders are at a higher risk of developing aggressive MCC. The diagnosis can be confirmed with histology and immunohistochemistry. For localized MCC, surgery is the preferred treatment option. However, for advanced MCC, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have proven to be effective. In cases where chemotherapy is not effective or in the advanced stages of MCC, immune therapy plays an important role in treatment. As with any rare disease, the management of MCC remains an enormous challenge for clinicians;thus, follow-up should be individualized and future progress needs multidisciplinary collaborative efforts. Furthermore, physicians should include MCC in their list of possible diagnoses when they come across painless, rapidly growing lesions, particularly in patients with chronic HBV infection or diabetes, as these patients are more susceptible to the development of this condition and it tends to be more aggressive in them.

Circulating predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infected patients have an almost 100-fold increased risk to develop hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). HCC is the fifth most common and third most deadly cancer worldwide. Up to 50% of newly diagnosed HCC cases are attributed to HBV infection. Early detection improves survival and can be achieved through regular screening. Six-monthly abdominal ultrasound, either alone or in combination with alphafetoprotein serum levels, has been widely endorsed for this purpose. Both techniques however yield limited diagnostic accuracy, which is not improved when they are combined. Alternative circulating or histological markers to predict or diagnose HCC are therefore urgently needed. Recent advances in systems biology technologies have enabled the identification of several new putative circulating biomarkers. Although results from studies assessing combinations of these biomarkers are promising, evidence for their clinical utility remains low. In addition, most of the studies conducted so far show limitations in design. Attention must be paid for instance to different ethnicities and different etiologies when studying biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma. This review provides an overview on the current understandings and recent progress in the field of diagnostic and predictive circulating biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma in chronically infected HBV patients and discusses the future prospects.

Hepatitis B virus infection and genotype in asymptomatic people from 10 ethnic groups in Yunnan, China

AIM: To evaluate the infection and genotype distribution of hepatitis B virus(HBV) in ethnic groups in Yunnan, China.METHODS: Two thousand five hundred and eightyfour asymptomatic local people from 10 ethnic groups were investigated in Yunnan, China. Infection and genotype distribution were evaluated by serological and genetic methods. Genotyping was verified by sequencing. Ethnic genotype distribution was compared by proportion test. RESULTS: Four types of infection model based on HBV serum markers were identified, and the average HBV infection rate was 5.7% in those asymptomatic local people. The genotype prevalence was 59.6% for B, 21.1% for C and 19.3% BC; subgenotypes Ba, Cs and Ce were identified in this study. Hepatitis B surface antigen-positive rate and the proportion of genotype B were significantly lower in ethnic groups with a northern origin compared to those with a southern origin(50% vs 73.9%, P = 0.037; 4.2% vs 10.5%, P = 0.000).CONCLUSION: Genotype B is dominant and genotype BC has high occurrence in asymptomatic local ethnic groups in Yunnan. HBV infection status and genotype distribution may associate with ethnic origin.