High prevalence of hepatitis B and syphilis in illegal gold miners in French Guiana

ABSTRACTBangladesh is one of the world’s top ten burdened countries for viral hepatitis. We investigated an adult fever cohort (n=201) recruited in Dhaka, to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and to identify cases of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI). HBV exposure (anti-HBc) was documented in 72/201 (36%), and active HBV infection in 16/201 (8%), among whom 3 were defined as OBI (defined as detectable HBV DNA but negative HBsAg). Applying a target-enrichment sequencing pipeline to samples with HBV DNA >3.0log10 IU/ml, we obtained deep whole genome sequences for four cases, identifying genotypes A, C and D. Polymorphisms in the surface gene of the OBI case may account for the negative HBsAg status. We identified mutations associated with nucleos(t)ide analogue resistance, although the clinical significance in this cohort is not known. The high prevalence of HBV in this setting highlights the benefits of offering screening in hospital patients and the importance of HBV DNA testing of transfusion products to reduce the risk of transmission. In order to work towards international Sustainable Development Goal targets for HBV elimination, increased investment is required for diagnosis, treatment and prevention in Bangladesh.

Download Full-text

Safety and Immunogenicity of Standard and Double Doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Children after Liver Transplantation: An Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines10010092 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 92

Author(s):

Palittiya Sintusek ◽

Supranee Buranapraditkun ◽

Piyaporn Wanawongsawad ◽

Nawarat Posuwan ◽

Pattarawat Thantiworasit ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Transplantation ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

De Novo ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Geometric Mean ◽

Interferon Γ ◽

Specific Response ◽

Open Label ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Randomised Controlled

A high prevalence of hepatitis B (HepB) antibody loss after liver transplantation (LT) and de novo HepB infection (DNH) was documented, hence revaccination to prevent DNH is crucial. This study aimed to compare the safety and immunogenicity of two HepB vaccine regimens in liver-transplanted children. Liver-transplanted children who were previously immunised but showed HepB surface antibodies (anti-HBs) ≤ 100 mIU/mL were randomised to receive a standard three-dose (SD) and double three-dose (DD) vaccine intramuscularly in months 0–1–6. Anti-HBs and T-cell-specific response to the HepB antigen were assessed. A total of 61 children (54.1% male, aged 1.32 ± 1.02 years) completed the study without any serious adverse reaction. The seroprotective rate was 69.6% vs. 60% (p = 0.368) and 91.3% vs. 85% (p = 0.431) in SD and DD after the first and third 3-dose vaccinations, respectively. The geometric mean titre (95% confidence interval) of anti-HBs in SD and DD were 443.33 (200.75–979.07) vs. 446.17 (155.58–1279.50) mIU/mL, respectively, at completion. Numbers of interferon-γ-secreting cells were higher in hyporesponders/responders than in nonresponders (p = 0.003). The significant factors for the immunologic response to HepB vaccination were anti-HB levels prevaccination, tacrolimus trough levels, and time from LT to revaccination. SD and DD had comparative immunogenicity and were safe for liver-transplanted children who were previously immunised.

Download Full-text

High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Central Nigeria

Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology ◽

10.23937/2474-3658/1510068 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mac Peter Asaga ◽

Suleiman Adamu Chipago ◽

Airiohuodion Philomena Ehi

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Virus Infection ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Hepatitis B Virus Infection ◽

B Virus ◽

High Prevalence

Download Full-text

High prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection in an African urban population

Journal of Medical Virology ◽

10.1002/jmv.24372 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 88 (4) ◽

pp. 674-680 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Betty S. Apica ◽

Emmanuel Seremba ◽

Jody Rule ◽

He-Jun Yuan ◽

William M. Lee

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Urban Population ◽

Hepatitis B Infection ◽

Occult Hepatitis ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Occult Hepatitis B

Download Full-text

An Investigation into the High Prevalence of Hepatitis B in a Rural Area of Kerala State, India: Hypothesis on Chrysops sp. (Diptera: Tabanidae) Transmission

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/4612472 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mariamma Kuriakose ◽

Abraham M. Ittyachen

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Acute Viral Hepatitis ◽

Field Studies ◽

Southern India ◽

Mechanical Transmission ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Acute Hepatitis B ◽

Viral Hepatitis B ◽

Kerala State

Objective. Since 2005 there have been several reports of hepatitis B outbreak in the state of Kerala in southern India. Objective of this study was to analyze such outbreaks and to explore hypothesis pertaining the transmission mode. Methods. Retrospective observational study involving cases of acute hepatitis B acquired between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 and their family members residing in Mazhuvanoor village in Ernakulam district of Kerala State in southern India. Results. 59 houses were included in the survey. The number of patients diagnosed to have acute viral hepatitis B was 59. Majority (66.10%) were over 50 years old. There were no cases below the age of 15 years. All 59 patients claimed to have been bitten frequently by a fly which was identified as “deer fly” belonging to the genus Chrysops. Conclusion. Given the current understanding of mechanical transmission of pathogens in both humans and animals by insects belonging to the Tabanidae family which also includes Chrysops, it is plausible that the same mechanism may hold true for hepatitis B also. However this needs to be proven in further studies both at the laboratory level and at field studies.

Download Full-text