Preparation of national reference panel of HBV for nucleic acid testing donor screening / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To prepare the national reference panel of hepatitis B virus(HBV) for nucleic acid testing(NAT)donor screening.Methods A number of plasma samples from donors positive for HBV antibody and patients with HBV infection collected from blood centers,plasma stations and biological products companies in Shanghai,Gansu,Henan,Hunan,Hubei and other regions were tested for HBV DNA viral load agent,and negative and positive reference candidates were screened;The HBV DNA national standard was diluted to 10~3 IU/ml with human negative plasma,as a candidate for limit of detection(LOD).National negative and positive reference candidates of HBV for NAT donor screening and LOD reference to be calibrated were distributed to 8 enterprise laboratories for joint detection of HBVHCVHIV NAT donor screening.The homogeneity and stability of the national reference panel were investigated.Results A total of 8 negative samples with HBV viral load of 0 were screened as negative references and 9 positive samples with viral load of 10~3～10~4 IU/mL were used as positive references;One LOD reference was calibrated with WHO HBV DNA standard,and the virus content was 1.0 × 10~3 IU/ml.The national reference panel showed good stability and the homogeneity inspection met the requirements.Conclusion The national reference panel of HBV DNA for NAT donor screening was prepared,which provided a basis for the quality control and standardization of HBV DNA reagents for donor screening.

Analysis of peripheral blood lymphocyte status in low-level-viremia patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection after nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the status of T, B and NK lymphocytes in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection and low-level viremia after nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment and to provide ideas for solving low-level viremia.Methods:This retrospective study involved 344 patients with chronic HBV infection who had been treated with NAs. They were divided into two groups: low-level viremia group (LLV group) and complete virological response group (CVR group). Clinical data including basic information, biochemistry and coagulation test results, HBV DNA, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, PD1 and CD28 expression by T lymphocytes, and perforin and granzyme B expression by NK lymphocytes were collected and compared between the two groups. Propensity matching analysis was performed to verify the accuracy of the results.Results:Among the 344 cases, 162 were in the LLV group and 182 in the CVR group. There were no significant differences in disease diagnosis, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or albumin (ALB) level between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the differences in gender and age were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The differences in the counts and percentages of peripheral blood CD3 +, CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocyte and CD4 + /CD8 + ratios between the two groups were not statistically significant ( P>0.05), but the expression of PD1 and CD28 by peripheral blood CD3 +, CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes was higher in the LLV group than in the CVR group ( P<0.05). The count of peripheral blood CD19 + B lymphocytes in the LLV group was higher than that in the CVR group ( P>0.05), and the percentage of peripheral blood CD19 + B lymphocytes was also higher in the LLV group ( P<0.05). The count of peripheral blood CD16 + CD56 + NK lymphocytes and the expression of perforin in the LLV group were lower than those in the CVR group ( P>0.05). The percentage of peripheral blood CD16 + CD56 + NK lymphocytes and the expression of granzyme B in the LLV group were lower than those in the CVR group ( P<0.05). After propensity score matching, 108 cases in the LLV group and 108 cases in the CVR group showed no significant differences in basic information ( P>0.05); the percentage of CD4 + T lymphocytes and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio in peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were higher in the LLV group than in the CVR group, while the percentage of CD8 + lymphocytes was lower in the LLV group ( P<0.05); the expression of PD1 and CD28 by CD3 +, CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes remained higher in the LLV group ( P<0.05); the differences in the counts and percentages of peripheral blood CD19 + B lymphocytes as well as CD16 + CD56 + NK lymphocytes between the two groups were not statistically significant ( P>0.05); no significant difference in the expression of perforin by CD16 + CD56 + NK lymphocytes was found between the two groups ( P>0.05), and the expression of granzyme B remained lower in the LLV group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Abnormal number and function of T lymphocytes and decreased function of NK lymphocytes might be related to the development of LLV in patients with chronic HBV infection after treatment. Therefore, in addition to adjusting NAs, targeting of T and NK lymphocytes might also be a feasible measure for future LLV treatment.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients with Advanced Renal Failure: A Tertiary Care Centre Study from North Indian Population

Abstract: Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) & Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)) related liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the patients with advanced renal failure who are treated with dialysis, and this is due to high number of blood transfusion sessions and/or cross contamination from the dialysis circuits. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in patients with advanced renal failure (ARF). Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in joint collaboration of Department of Nephrology and Department of Gastroenterology, KGMU, Lucknow, from June 2018 to June 2020 among, CRF patients. Clinical data such as age, gender, duration of dialysis; number of transfusions, Serum sample was collected from each patient. Serological markers for HBV and HCV were determined with ELISA by using commercial diagnostic kits. HCV-RNA and HBV-DNA were determined quantitatively by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results: A total 934 patients with advanced renal failure attended the nephrology OPD. Out of 934 patients, 65 (6.96%) patients screened positive for HBV/HCV infection. The results of this study also showed that the prevalence of viral hepatitis infection in the haemodialysis (HD) and without HD patients is 8.25% and 6.3% respectively. Conclusion: It has been found that viral infections, particularly HBV and HCV infections are common in advanced renal failure patients who are on HD.

Analysis of blood screening results of voluntary blood donors from 2011 to 2019 in Guangzhou / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the blood screening results of voluntary blood donors in Guangzhou from 2011 to 2019, so as to provide scientific basis for blood collection and supply in this area. 【Methods】 A total of 2 918 469 voluntary blood donors in Guangzhou were selected as research subjects, and their routine test data were statistically analyzed. 【Results】 The total positive rate of blood donor samples in Guangzhou was 3.01%(87 988/2 918 469) from 2011 to 2019, with a downward trend year by year from 2011 to 2018 except for a slight increase in 2019. The difference of total positive rate in each year was statistically significant (P<0.05). The ELISA-yielding rate(1.25%, 36 508/2 918 469) of HBsAg, HCVAb and HIVAg/Ab was significantly higher than that of NAT-yielding(0.62%, 18 086/2 918 469)(P<0.05). In terms of annual positive rate of various tests, ALT was the highest (1.28%, 37 451/2 918 469), followed by HBsAg (0.82%, 23 827/2 918 469), and NAT (0.62%, 8 086/2 918 469), anti-TP (0.39%, 11 468/2 918 469), anti-HCV (0.31%, 9 155/2 918 469), HIVAg/Ab(0.12%, 3 526/2 918 469) and anti-HTLV (0.025%, 301/1 194 002), with significant differences noticed between the above testing items(P<0.05). And 0.20% (5 947/2 918 469) of the samples were ELISA(-)/NAT(+ ), among which 30.02%(1 785/5 947)were discriminated as positive, including 99.38% (1 774/1 785) HBV positive, 0.28%(5/1 785) HCV positive, and 0.34% (6/17 85) HIV positive samples, with HBV, relative to HCV and HIV, as the most significantly prevalent markers (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 ALT and HBsAg were the two primary deferral causes in Guangzhou, and corresponding testing of those two items could contribute to the minimize of blood discarding, as HTLV EPIDEMIC is STILL IN A LOW PREVALENCE LEVEL.ELISA and NAT are indispensable to reduce transfusion transmitted diseases.

Asari Radix et Rhizoma consumption lacks relevance for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients: A retrospective cohort study / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Although some studies have linked Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Asari Radix) administration to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), few studies have examined the association between the development of HCC and use of Asari Radix among patients in mainland China. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world association between Asari Radix and HCC in patients to strengthen the understanding of Asari Radix safety. Methods: A retrospective cohort study among hepatitis B virus (HBV)-monoinfected patients and non-HBV-monoinfected patients were performed. Patients over 18 years of age were eligible for inclusion. Prescription records of inpatients and outpatients were inquired to distinguish Asari Radix users and nonusers. The risk of developing HCC among Asari Radix users and nonusers in the HBV cohort and the non-HBV cohort was analyzed. Results: There were 49 500 HBV and 133 148 non-HBV patients involved in the two cohorts. Among HBV patients (2 901 users; 46 599 nonusers), the prevalence of HCC in Asari Radix users was lower than that in nonusers (145.70 vs. 265.43 per 10

Risk factors for losing hepatitis B virus surface antibody in patients with HBV surface antigen negative/surface antibody positive serostatus receiving biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: a nested case-control study

Abstract Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation consequent to immunosuppressive therapy is an increasingly prevalent problem with serious clinical implications. Treatment with biologic agents conduces to the loss of protective antibody to HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs), which significantly increases the risk of HBV reactivation. Hence, we investigated the risk factors for losing anti-HBs in patients with rheumatic diseases and HBV surface antigen negative/anti-HBs positive (HBsAg-/anti-HBs+) serostatus during treatment with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methods: Using a nested case-control design, we prospectively enrolled patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis/psoriasis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who were treated with biologic DMARDs at Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan, from January 2013 to June 2019 and had HBsAg-/anti-HBs+ serostatus; the analytic sample excluded all patients with HBsAg+ or anti-HBs- serostatus. Anti-HBs titers were monitored 6-monthly and cases were defined as anti-HBs < 10 mIU/ml during follow-up. Cases were matched one- to-all with controls with anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/ml on the same ascertainment date and equivalent durations of biologic DMARDs treatment (control patients could be resampled and could also become cases during follow-up). Between-group characteristics were compared and risk factors for anti-HBs loss were investigated by conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: Among 294 eligible patients, 23 cases were matched with 311 controls. The incidence of anti-HBs loss was ∼ 2.7%/person-year during biologic DMARDs treatment. Besides lower baseline anti-HBs titer (risk ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97), cases were significantly more likely than controls to have diabetes mellitus (risk ratio 4.76, 95% CI 1.48-15.30) and chronic kidney disease (risk ratio 14.00, 95% CI 2.22-88.23) in univariate analysis. Risk factors remaining significantly associated with anti-HBs loss in multivariate analysis were lower baseline anti-HBs titer (adjusted risk ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.97) and chronic kidney disease (adjusted risk ratio 45.68, 95% CI 2.39-871.5). Conclusions: Besides lower baseline anti-HBs titer, chronic kidney disease also strongly predicts future anti-HBs negativity in patients with HBsAg-/anti-HBs+ serostatus who receive biologic DMARDs to treat rheumatic diseases. Patients with low anti-HBs titer (≤ 100 mIU/ml) and/or chronic kidney disease should be monitored during biologic DMARDs therapy, to enable timely prophylaxis to preempt potential HBV reactivation.

HBV infection in voluntary blood donors in Qingdao, China: Serological and viral characterizations / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To study and analyze the serological and viral charactereristics of hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection in voluntary blood donors in Qingdao. 【Methods】 315 520 blood samples of voluntary blood donors were screened by ELISA combined with nucleic acid testing (NAT). All HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ samples were subjected to high-precision viral load detection and five serological markers of HBV. The sequence of HBV S gene was detected by PCR direct sequencing, and virus genotypes and amino acid mutations were analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 604(0.20%)HBV ELISA or NAT reactive samples were detected: HBsAg+ /HBV DNA- in 307(0.10%) cases, HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ in 138(0.04%) and HBsAg+ /HBV DNA+ in 157(0.05%). Among the 138 HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ donors, 118(85.5%) carried anti-HBc, and 45 (32.61%) carried sole anti-HBc and 5 (3.62%) carried both HBsAg and anti-HBc. In viral load detection, 64 were quantitatively negative and 74 were quantitatively positive, of which 42 were HBV DNA 20 IU/mL. 13 HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ samples were successfully amplified and sequenced, and 5 were genotype B, presenting a total of 17 amino acid mutations without any deletion or insertion, and 8 were genotype C, presenting a total of 41 amino acid mutations and 2 amino acid deletions. 【Conclusion】 NAT, in combination of ELISA, provides additional safety in detecting potentially infectious HBV during the window period and occult HBV infection (OBI). The viral load was low in OBI infected donors, and anti-HBc+ was the main manifestation.The dominating HBV genotypes are genotype B and C, suggesting HBsAg amino acid mutations may be related to the formation of OBI.

Assessment of prevalence of sexually transmissible infections among voluntary blood donors and its comparison with replacement donors at Hassan Institute of Medical Science, Hassan, Karnataka, India

Background: Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are important STDs which can be transmissible to the recipients of blood transfusion. The aim of the present study is to study the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infection in the blood among voluntary and replacement donors in HIMS Hassan during 2010 to 2012.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at blood bank of HIMS, Hassan for the years 2010 to 2012. The donors with Hemoglobin>12gm% for both sexes, weight >50 kg, no history of chronic illness, hepatitis, high risk behaviours were included in the study. All the blood samples collected were screened for HIV, HBV and HCV using ELISA kits. All the blood samples were sent to NACO (national AIDS control organization) and subjected to NAT (nucleic acid test) for detection of antigens. Results compared for both voluntary and replacement donors.Results: Total of 10938 blood donors screened. Majority of the donors were males 95.8% (10484) and belonged to voluntary group 72.8% (7971). The total prevalence of STDS were 0.61% (67). The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV was 0.47% (51), 0.04% (4) and 0.11% (12) respectively. Prevalence of STDs was higher among voluntary donors 0.57% (62) compared to replacement donors 0.05 % (5). Statistically significant difference was observed in HBV prevalence in voluntary and replacement donors.Conclusions: Most common STDs in blood donors was HBV followed by HIV and HCV. STDs were mainly seen in voluntary donors compared to replacement donors. Majority of the donors were males.

Toll-like receptors-mediated innate immune responses in HBV infection / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major health problem worldwide, but the immunological mechanisms by which HBV causes chronic persistent infection remains controversial. HBV has evolved a series of strategies to interfere TLRs-mediated innate immunity in response to the host immune system and the dysfunction of TLRs is an important cause of persistent virus infection. The innate immune system is activated by pathogens recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize specific pathogen associated molecular? patterns (PAMPs). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important PRRs and play a vital role in mediating innate immune responses to HBV, which is associated with the early clearance of HBV and the subsequent activation of specific immune responses. This review focused on the interplay between HBV and TLRs-mediated innate immune responses as well as research findings about immune therapeutic strategies established based on TLRs.

Clinical trial of Supplemented Xijiao Powder treating HBV associated prior acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中成药

AIM To observe the clinical role for Supplemented Xijiao Powder (Bubali cornu,Coptidis Rhizoma,Cimicifugae Rhizoma,etc.) in management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated acute-on-chronic liver failure.METHOD Seventy-five patients,including the ones receiving internal medicine treatment,were divided into control group and experimental group.The experimental group received conventional treatment and additionally took Supplemented Xijiao Powder for one month.The clinical symptoms and signs were observed.Levels of ALT,AST,TBIL,ALB,CHE,PTA were measured,and the incidence of liver failure was evaluated.RESULTS Supplemented Xijiao Powder could improve symptoms,signs and the level of PTA.The incidence of liver failure tended to reduce.The comparison of other indexes had no marked difference.CONCLUSION Supplemented Xijiao Powder has a certain therapeutic effect on HBV associated prioracute-on-chronic liver failure.Its mechanism may be related to blocking the occurrence of liver failure.

Differences in clinical features between hepatitis B virus positive and negative patients with primary liver cancer / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To investigate the differences in clinical features between primary liver cancer (PLC) patients with positive and negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) and discuss the correlation of positive HBV and TNM staging.Methods Clinicopathological data of 430 patients with primary liver cancer who underwent partial hepatectomy in Henan Cancer Hospital from November 2012 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.The cases were divided into HBV-positive PLC group (n =362) and HBV-negative PLC group (n =68) in according to the HBV infection status.x2 test was performed to analyze the clinical feature differences of the two groups.Spearman rank correlation was used to assess the differential clinical features and TNM staging of HBV-positive PLC.Results There were statistic differences in gender,age,AFP level,tumor numbers,tumor size,histopathological types and TNM staging between two groups (P ＜0.05).Furthermore,AFP level,tumor numbers,tumor size and histopathological types showed positive correlation with TNM staging (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions A number of remarked differences in clinical feature of gender,age,AFP level,tumor numbers,tumor size,histopathological types and TNM staging could be observed in HBV-positive PLC patients compared with HBV-negative patients.HBV-positive PLC patients may have positive correlations of AFP level,tumor numbers,tumor size,histopathological types and TNM staging.

Effects of HBV co-infection on liver function of patientswith different types of hepatic echinococcosis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To clarify the effects of HBV co-infection on liver function of patients with different types of hepatic echinococcosis.Methods We recruited 409 patients diagnosed with hepatic echinococcosis at three hospitals in western regions in China from 2014 to 2015.Venous blood was withdrawn to detect to liver function indications.ELISA was performed to detect HBsAg.We analyzed liver function in patients stratified by different types of hepatic echinococcosis with or without HBV infection.Results The hepatic echinococcosis patients infected with HBV had more severe impairment in liver functions such as reduced albumin and increased transaminase.The patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis were more vulnerable to HBV infection compared with those with hepatic cystic echinococcosis (38.4％ vs.86.4％, P<0.05).In addition, liver injury was more severe in patients diagnosed with alveolar hepatic echinococcosis and HBV infection compared with those diagnosed with cystic hepatic echinococcosis and HBV infection (all P<0.05).Conclusion Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients co-infected with HBV have worse liver injury compared with those hepatic cystic with HBV. Therefore, they deserve special attention in clinical treatment.

Changes of Serum Markers in Patients with HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B after Massive Blood Transfusion / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the changes of HBV markers in patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B(CHB) after a large number of blood transfusion treatment.Methods 26 patients with chronic HBV that were treated massive blood transfusion in 24h were collected from Jan 1,2015 to Jan 1,2016.The HBV serum markers and HBV-DNA were measured and compared before and after treatment.Results The HBsAg,anti-HBs and anti-HBc concentration in first day after treatment were different compared with before treatment(t=2.681,4.753 and 5.116,all P<0.01).The HBsAg,anti-HBs and anti-HBc concentration in third day after treatment exist differences compared with before treatment(t=1.681, 2.209 and 3.118,all P<0.05).The difference still exist in the seventh day after treatment compared with before treatment with only anti-HBc concentration(t=2.463,P<0.05).There was not difference of HBeAg and HBV-DNA before and after blood transfusion in patients(t=0~1.132,P>0.05).After transfusionthe concentration of HBsAg in the fifth day was the lowest concentration as 0.17±0.03 IU/ml,the seventh day rose to 387.50±31.89 IU/ml,reaching the highest value,and the concentration of HBsAb decreased gradually to minimum at the seventh day that was 1.51±5.98 mIU/mmol,and the concentrations of HBeAg,HBeAb and HBcAb had no obvious change.Conclusion The HBsAg,anti-HBs and anti-HBc could be changed in patients with HBeAg positive CHB after massive transfusion therapy in short term.HBeAg and HBV-DNA were not affected by transfusion therapy.

Anti-hepatitis B virus drugs: Research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

The main compounds to treat HBV are nucleoside analogues and interferon, which generally possess the disadvantages of susceptibility to resistance, high cost and serious side effect. In order to overcome the problems above, a large amount of drugs are being developed, including the prodrug of nucleoside analogues(such as besifovir, CMX157 and tenofovir alafenamide), interferon(such as P1101)and antiviral drug based on certain new mechanisms(such as GS-9620, ARC520 and REP-9AC). Among them, the most attention is GS-9620 and REP-9AC, which could against HBV by strengthening body’s immune function. Immunotherapy has been a hot area of antiviral drug research nowadays. In this paper, we review the recent research of a series of new anti-HBV drugs which are undergoing clinical phases.

Anti-hepatitis B virus drugs:research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

The main compounds to treat HBV are nucleoside analogues and interferon,which generally possess the disadvan?tages of susceptibility to resistance,high cost and serious side effect. In order to overcome the problems above,a large amount of drugs are being developed,including the prodrug of nucleoside analogues(such as besifovir,CMX157 and tenofovir alafenamide),interfer?on(such as P1101)and antiviral drug based on certain new mechanisms(such as GS-9620,ARC520 and REP-9AC). Among them, the most attention is GS-9620 and REP-9AC,which could against HBV by strengthening body′s immune function. Immunotherapy has been a hot area of antiviral drug research nowadays. In this paper,we review the recent research of a series of new anti-HBV drugs which are undergoing clinical phases.

Verification of the interaction between ASGPR and HBV preS1 protein / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To verify the interaction between asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR)and hepatitis B virus (HBV)preS1 protein in vivo and in vitro ,and identify ASGPR as a cell-surface receptor for HBV,which could elucidate the molecular mechanism of HBV infection.Methods The preS1-ASGPR interaction was examined in mammalian two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation system by strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions.Results ASGPR interacted specifically and directly with the preS1 domain of HBV in vivo and in vitro .Conclusion ASGPR may be a candidate receptor for HBV that mediates further step of HBV entry.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis C virus at a tertiary care centre in Telangana.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are serious public health problem worldwide and major causes of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of HBV and HCV infections in this part of country. Methods: Serum samples of inpatients and outpatients were collected over a period of one and a half year. HBsAg was determined using the HBsAg one step (HEPACARD) hepatitis B surface antigen test device. Antibody detection of HCV was done using HCV TRI-DOT. Results: A total of 4369 serum samples were tested for HBsAg detection and 736 serum samples were tested for hepatitis C virus antibodies. Seropositivity for HBsAg was 1.69% whereas HCV seropositivity was 0.4%. A higher seroprevalence of HBsAg and HCV was found in males as compared with females. Conclusion: Attempts should be made to reduce the incidence of HCV and HBV and their unregulated spread which can be done by increasing public awareness of simple preventive measures.

Prevalence of hepatitis-B surface antigen among population of inmates in Tihar Jail, New Delhi.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a DNA virus with a human only reservoir, is a worldwide public health problem. Unlike other countries especially Europe and America, there is scarcity of published data on HBV infection among prison inmates in India despite its tremendous importance in public heath formulation compared to the general population. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen among population of Jail inmates (convicts). Methods: The study population comprised of all the 1102 prison inmates who were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status using one step immunochromatographic array [INSTACHK Hepatitis-B]. Seroprevalence rate of seropositive was calculated and stratified by age and sex. The seropositives were further subjected to HBeAg and anti-HBe detection, HIV status, anti HCV status, HBV-DNA levels and Liver function tests (LFTs) and the patients were then classified into three groups based on HBV-DNA levels and alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels. Results: Out of 1102 inmates screened, 30 (2.72%) were HBsAg positive. Slightly higher percentage prevalence of HBsAg was found among males i.e., 3.19% (or 27/844) than females i.e., 1.16% (or 3/258). Out of 30 HBsAg positive cases, 16 were HBeAg negative, 8 were HBeAg positive and 6 refused to get investigated further. Ten of the 16 HBeAg negative cases were further subjected to anti HBe detection. Half of these cases (5) were reactive for anti-HBe. Based on HBV DNA levels and ALT levels, 8 patients were categorized as HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis-B patients, 12 patients were categorized as HBeAg negative chronic Hepatitis-B patients and 4 patients as inactive HBsAg carriers. Conclusion: HBsAg prevalence among Tihar Jail inmates is comparable to that among the non-incarcerated general population in India.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of EDO State, Nigeria.

Aims: To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study focused on socio-demographic characteristics of volunteers such as age, sex, marital status and location. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out among apparently healthy individuals of Akoko-Edo Local government area of Edo State, Nigeria between October 2012 and December 2012. Methodology: The HBsAg one step hepatitis B surface antigen test strip, a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen in serum/plasma, was used for screening the volunteers. Result: Out of the 455 volunteers screened, 125 people (27.5%) were positive which consist of 49 male (28.7%) and 76 females (26.8%). Age related prevalence for HBsAg was 18.2% and 9.2% among those aged 10-40 and 40-70 years respectively. Among single individuals of 101, prevalence of 25.3% was recorded while only 6% (24) was recorded as prevalence among married individuals. This study also reveals that the highest prevalence of HBsAg was observed in Ojirami-Dam community with 40.3% prevalence while the least was observed in Umeme-Osu community with 16.4% prevalence. Conclusion: This study shows high prevalence of hepatitis B among children and young adult in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The incidence of the infection among individuals between ages of 10-40 years with 83 people infected (66.4%) calls for concern among the people of the area. This provides evidence for urgent public awareness and mass immunization of the people in area.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus among patients at a rural tertiary health care centre in South India: a four year study.

Background: Infection with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a global health problem. Epidemiological studies worldwide show wide variations in the prevalence patterns of the Hepatitis B infections. Early detection can contribute substantially to the timely diagnosis of the patients with acute illnesses and to an early treatment and hence, it can limit the transmission of the infection. Aim: To provide a baseline data on the prevalence of Hepatitis B among the patients who were attending Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Trichy, Tamilnadu, over a period of 4 years (2010-2013). Methods: This was a retrospective study which was carried out among 19,513 patients who were attending the rural tertiary care teaching hospital, Trichy, over a period of 4 years (January 2010 – December 2013). The sera were screened for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by HEPACARD. Those found positive on screening test were confirmed by Enzyme linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) test. Results: Out of 19,513 sera which were studied, 315 (1.61%) were sero-positive cases. Among the positive cases (315), the seroprevalence in males and females were 73% (230) and 27% (85) respectively and the frequency of HBV among age groups 0-20, 21-40, 41-60, >60 was 5.07% (16), 45.07% (142), 35.9% (113),11425% (36) respectively. Among the positive cases, a majority were in the age group of 21 to 40 years, with a male preponderance (p<0.05). Conclusion: The overall prevalence for this HBsAg marker among the patients who attended the rural tertiary teaching hospital in this study was comparatively similar to that which was reported by other studies from India.