ABSTRACT
This study was aimed at evaluating the changes in the antibody titers and neutralization ability before and after inoculation with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, USA) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Japan. A total of 221 HCPs were enrolled and their blood samples were collected at three time points: (1) before vaccination, (2) 3 weeks after the first dose, and (3) 3 weeks after the second dose. The titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein IgG antibody were measured in all the samples using VITROS-Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 Quant IgG Antibody (CLEIA, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.), and the surrogate Virus Neutralization Test (sVNT) (ELISA, GenScript, USA) was performed in the samples obtained after the vaccination. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were (1) median: 0.16;Interquartile (IQR): 0.10-0.27, (2) median: 250;IQR: 99.5-466 and (3) median: 2,400;IQR: 1,480-3,950, respectively, at the three time-points. Our study also revealed the relationship between the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titer and the antibody neutralization activity.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) require continuous interventions. This study aimed to assess the response and impact of COVID-19 on Hepatitis prevention and treatment in Japan. This international joint research was conducted by three research groups of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan with The Task Force for Global Health and in cooperation with Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH). Materials and Methods: We have conducted this cross-sectional study by questionnaire survey both in Japanese and English language on online Microsoft forms platform from 24 August to 03 October 2021. The questionnaire was designed to address the impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis treatment, testing, screening;mitigation strategies;response to COVID-19;and perceived benefits of COVID-19. Results: Total 196 medical doctors have participated from 35 prefectures among them 49.5% are in administrative positions. 55.6% of participants responded about no interruption while 11.7% reported supply chain disruptions during the survey period. 1-25% decrease in HBV screening, testing was reported by 38.8% and 43.9% participants, respectively. Decease of 1-25% in HCV screening, testing and were reported by 39.8% and 43.4% participants, respectively. However, no decline to initiate HBV and HCV treatment was reported by 53.6% and 45.4%, respectively. But extend of hospital visits was reported by 65.3%. The survey response illustrated the decrease in patients' imaging (65.8%), lab testing (68.4%), HCC screening (55.1%), gastrointestinal endoscopy (87.2%), and liver biopsy (43.4%). Patient anxiety and fear (67.4%), loss of staff to COVID-19 response (49.0%), and limited availability of staff (46.4%) are responded as challenges to resume services to pre-COVID-19 level. Conclusion: A greater decrease has been noticed in HBV and HCV testing, screening, and other associated liver diseases than treatment initiation in Japan. However, anxiety and fear of patients, lack of staff and facilities are major challenges to overcome such situation.
ABSTRACT
AIM: Achieving hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires continuous and sustained high volumes of diagnosis and treatment, which have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the effects of COVID-19 on hepatitis-related services in Japan and compared Japan's situation with a global survey. METHODS: We conducted an online cross-sectional questionnaire survey of hepatologists from the Japan Society of Hepatology from August to October 2021 by using the same questionnaire from which a survey was conducted globally to address the effects of COVID-19 on hepatitis-related services. Hepatologists responded based on own impressions of their affiliated institutions. RESULTS: In total, 196 hepatologists participated from 35 prefectures including 49.5% in managerial positions. Approximately 40% survey participants reported a 1%-25% decline in HBV and HCV screening and confirmatory testing. In addition, 53.6% and 45.4% reported no decline in HBV and HCV treatment initiation, respectively. Comparing any level of decrease with the global survey, there was less of a decline observed in Japan for screening (HBV: 51% vs. 56.3%, HCV: 51% vs. 70.9%) and treatment initiation (HBV: 32.7% vs. 52.4%, HCV: 41.8% vs. 66%). However, patient anxiety/fear (67.4%) and loss of staff due to COVID-19 (49.0%) were reported as challenges for resuming services to pre-COVID-19 levels. CONCLUSION: Although in Japan all-inclusive decline in HBV- and HCV-related services were lower than in other countries, a greater decline was observed in HBV and HCV screening and diagnosis than in treatment initiation. Prolonged anxiety/fear among patients, and loss of staff and facilities from the COVID-19 response activities must be addressed to achieve elimination of hepatitis by 2030.