Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Lebanon: prevalence, risk behaviour and immune status

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kassem Kassak ◽  
Ziyad Mahfoud ◽  
Khalil Kreidieh ◽  
Sarah Shamra ◽  
Rima Afifi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Sex With Men

Background The aim of our study was to study the prevalence of and the risk behaviours associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among two high-risk groups: female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Furthermore, since vaccination is a key component of HBV prevention programs, the immune status of HBV infection in these two high-risk groups was evaluated. Methods: Participants included in this study were part of a bio-behavioural surveillance study done to assess HIV prevalence among four vulnerable groups in Lebanon. Participants were recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method. The total number of eligible participants were 101 MSM and 103 FSW. Blood samples were collected as dried blood spots and then eluted to be tested for HCV, HBV and HIV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: None of the 204 individuals tested has been exposed to HCV. In the 101 MSM, only one (0.99%) was an HBsAg carrier and one (0.99%) was confirmed as anti-HIV-positive. Among FSW, 30% showed they were immune to HBV compared with only ~10% among MSM. The distribution of socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors in both groups were shown. Conclusion: Our results highlight the urgent need to raise awareness among FSW and MSM and their health care providers of the availability and benefits of HBV vaccination in Lebanon. In addition, and due to the absence of vaccines against HCV and HIV, education programs aiming at behavioural changes should be intensified.

scholarly journals Performance and modification of EGCRISC among hepatitis C virus high-risk groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. El-Ghitany ◽  
Y. M. Alkassabany ◽  
A. G. Farghaly
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Human Immune Deficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv Patients ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract We have previously shown that the Egyptian Hepatitis C Virus Risk Score (EGCRISC), an Egyptian hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk-based screening tool, to be valid and cost-effective. Certain behaviours, occupations and diseases have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of exposure to HCV infection and constitute a major population reservoir of HCV infection. This study investigated the efficacy of EGCRISC in selected high-risk groups by testing 863 participants from four groups: slaughterhouse workers, illicit drug users (IDUs), female sex workers and human immune deficiency virus (HIV) patients. Data for this study were collected on EGCRISC and another pre-designed risk factor questionnaire. Sera were tested for HCV antibodies by ELISA. EGCRISC, at lower cut-off points, showed significantly good performance (P < 0.05) in all four groups except for females <45 years, but was reliable in detecting HCV cases (sensitivity: 84.21% and negative predictive value: 94.5%). Specific scores for IDUs and HIV patients were developed that showed high accuracy (P < 0.001). A modified EGCRISC for high-risk groups (EGCRISC-HRGs) was shown to be a valid tool that is recommended for use in high-risk populations if no other specific screening tool is available or universal screening is applied. EGCRISC for IDUs (EGCRISC-IDUs) and EGCRISC for HIV patients (EGCRISC-HIV) are useful tools for preselecting potentially HCV-infected cases for further testing in settings where serological analysis is not readily available or accessible.

scholarly journals Deteção da Infeção por Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana e Outras Infeções Sexualmente Transmissíveis num Grupo de Trabalhadores/as do Sexo em Contexto Indoor na Área Metropolitana do Porto

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilza Almeida ◽  
Mariana Melo ◽  
Isabel Soares ◽  
Helena Moura Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus

Introduction: Early diagnosis is a crucial tool for containing the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly in key populations such as sex workers. Despite its relevance, there is a gap considering epidemiological studies and interventions aimed at the monitoring and diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in Portugal. The objectives of this study are: (i) to contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections; and (ii) to evaluate the transfer of screening methods from clinical settings to the outreach context in hidden populations such as sex workers.Material and Methods: The screening of sexually transmitted infections (human immunodeficiency virus 1/2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea) were carried out in a sample of 100 sex workers during the Porto G outreach intervention in the Metropolitan area of Porto, from September 2015 to September 2016.Results: Six reactive cases for human immunodeficiency virus were identified, five of syphilis, eight of chlamydia and two of gonorrhea. No positive results were detected for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. The results were discussed considering the risk gradient and sexually transmitted infections vulnerability in the different sex workers’ subgroups.Discussion: The results of this study corroborate the need to promote comprehensive responses to populations most affected by the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections, such as sex workers. Also, in this group, men who have sex with men and trans women have a higher prevalence than cis women. Intervention strategies should be informed by rigorous epidemiological studies.Conclusion: The adaptation of the screening methodology performed in a clinical setting to the proximity context has shown to be an innovative response in Portugal, especially in sentinel populations.

scholarly journals HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence Among High-Risk Populations in South India

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thongadi Ramesh Dinesha ◽  
Jayaseelan Boobalan ◽  
Sathasivam Sivamalar ◽  
Sunil S. Solomon ◽  
Selvamuthu Poongulali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
South India ◽  
Virus Prevalence ◽  
B Virus ◽  
High Risk Populations

Hepatitis C virus antibodies among risk groups in a South African area endemic for hepatitis B virus

1993 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. N. Soni ◽  
D. R. Tait ◽  
D. G. Kenoyer ◽  
F. Fernandes-Costa ◽  
S. Naicker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
South African ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
B Virus

Alkoholabstinenz allein verbessert die Leberfunktion und verlängert das Überleben bei der alkoholischen Lebererkrankung!

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 396-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helmut K. Seitz ◽  
Tatjana Arslic-Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Alkoholische Lebererkrankung ◽  
Alkoholische Steatohepatitis

Zusammenfassung. Zielsetzung: Im Folgenden soll dargelegt werden, dass Alkoholkarenz sowohl die Leberfunktion als auch das Überleben in jedem Stadium einer alkoholischen Lebererkrankung günstig beeinflusst. Ergebnisse: Täglicher Alkoholkonsum von mehr als 25 Gramm reinen Alkohols, etwas mehr als ¼ Liter Wein beim Mann und etwa die Hälfte bei der Frau sind, mit einem erhöhten Risiko für eine alkoholische Lebererkrankung (ALE) behaftet. Die ALE besteht aus einem breiten Spektrum von histopathologischen Veränderungen. Sie beginnt immer mit einer alkoholischen Fettleber, die sich in eine alkoholische Steatohepatitis weiterentwickeln kann. Fortgeschrittene Formen der ALE beinhalten die Leberfibrose, die Leberzirrhose und das hepatozelluläre Karzinom. In der Behandlung jeder Form der ALE ist die Alkoholabstinenz von zentraler Bedeutung. Ein Großteil der alkoholischen Fettlebern bildet sich unter Alkoholkarenz oder sogar Alkoholreduktion zurück. Die alkoholische Hepatitis, ein klinisches Syndrom mit hoher Mortalität, führt ohne Alkoholkarenz innerhalb von Tagen und Wochen zum Tode. Darüber hinaus ist selbst die Leberfibrose (perivenös und perisinusoidal) unter Alkoholkarenz rückbildungsfähig. Bei allen Formen der fortgeschrittenen ALE (kompensiert und nicht-kompensierte Leberzirrhose) wird die Mortalität durch Alkoholkarenz oder signifikante Reduktion im Gegensatz zum fortgesetzten Alkoholkonsum signifikant verringert. Selbst Patienten mit alkoholischer Leberzirrhose können über mehr als 20 Jahre ohne Komplikationen weiterleben, wenn sie komplett auf Alkohol verzichten. Schlussfolgerung: Im Vergleich zu Leberzirrhose anderer Ätiologie, wie zum Beispiel Zirrhosen, die durch das Hepatitis-B Virus oder das Hepatitis-C Virus verursacht sind, haben alkoholische Leberzirrhosen unter Alkoholkarenz eine wesentlich bessere Prognose. Damit ist Alkoholkarenz eine gute Therapie und der Erfolg jeder anderen neuen Therapie muss mit Alkoholkarenz verglichen werden.

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