Trial of lamivudine in hepatitis B surface antigen carriers with persistent hepatitis B core IgM antibody

The persistence of hepatitis B core immunoglobulin M [HBc IgM] antibody in hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] carriers is a risk factor with hidden dangers and forecasts the existence of liver damage. A trial of lamivudine in such subset of carriers was carried out for the first time in this study. A total of 62 HBsAg with hepatitis e antibody individuals [age range, 25-45 years] with persistent HBc IgM antibody were randomized to receive either 100 mg lamivudine [32/62] or placebo [30/62] daily for 6 months. The study was performed from June 2000 to October 2002. The carriers were regular attendees of the Virology Center in Mosul, North Iraq for follow up. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was performed to detect the different hepatitis B virus markers. Among the lamivudine group, HBc IgM antibody seroclearance achievement rate was 81.3% and HBsAg seroconversion rate was 9.4% compared to 6.3% and 3.3% in the placebo group. Number of adverse clinical events were observed, but were of mild nature and tolerable by the participants who completed the study. The trial of lamivudine in this subset of HBsAg carriers proved to be safe and efficacious. More studies are needed prior to recommending the drug for routine use on selected HBV carriers

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection in child bearing age women in Mosul, Iraq

The enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay [ELISA] was used for estimation of specific cytomegalovirus IgM and IgG antibodies in sera of 200 pregnant women and 100 unmarried women. IgM was detected in 2.5% and 1% in both groups respectively. IgG was detected in 90.0% and 84.0% in both groups respectively. The seropositivity rate was higher in multigravida than in primigravida. The rate of infection was higher in pregnant women at third stage of gestation than those in the first and second stage. We conclude that infection with CMV in Childbearing age women is high which may carry increasing risk of intrauterine transmission with subsequent congenital infection and late sequalae. Follow up study of infants at risk is needed and has already been planned