scholarly journals Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in Canada

2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 345-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Shimian Zou ◽  
Antonio Giulivi

OBJECTIVE:To provide a current and comprehensive review of the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Canada.DATA SOURCES:Published and unpublished epidemiological studies and surveillance reports of the past decade, primarily from Canada were studied. Fifty reports addressing HBV surveillance, incidence and prevalence, transmission-associated risk factors, co-infections, and prevention strategies were reviewed.DATA SYNTHESIS:HBV infection is an important vaccine-preventable infectious disease in Canada. The incidence rate of clinically recognized, acute HBV infection in 1998/1999 was estimated to be 2.3/100,000 people or approximately 700 cases a year. The prevalence of HBV carriers is estimated to be 0.5% to 1.0% of the population, but varies substantially according to population-specific risk factors. Most acute HBV infections are associated with injection drug use or high risk heterosexual activities, but 20% to 30% of acute cases did not report any identified risk factors. Surveillance activities such as the National Notifiable Disease Reporting system provide information regarding trends and risk factors. The primary preventive strategy for HBV consists of universal immunization for preadolescents and/or infants. Other strategies, such as the universal prenatal screening and postnatal immunization, and the prevention of nosocomial acquistion, are also important. The recently described hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) escape mutants may not be detected by current HBsAg test assays, and the existing HBV vaccines may not protect vaccinees from infections by such mutants.CONCLUSION:Ongoing surveillance and research are required to assess risk factors for HBV transmission, evaluate the effectiveness of immunization programs and monitor the impact of HBsAg escape mutants.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasin awol Wabe ◽  
Dawit Yihdego Reda ◽  
Musa Mohammed Ali

Abstract Background: Syphilis and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) share similar modes of transmission. Their occurrence during pregnancy has an adverse effect both on the fetus and pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of syphilis and HBV among pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from July to September 2019 in 290 pregnant women at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Gestational and socioeconomic data were collected using a questionnaire. Chromatographic kits were used to detect the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against syphilis infection from the serum of study participants. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was employed to identify factors associated with seroprevalence of syphilis and HBV. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered as cut point to determine a significant association. Results: Seroprevalence of HBV and syphilis infection were found to be 4.5% and 2.4 % respectively. Having multiple sexual partner [AOR=3.99, 95%Cl= 1.20-13.38, p=0.025] was significantly associated with HBV infection. Conclusion: In the study the seroprevalence of HBV and syphilis is moderate; having multiple sexual partners was found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of HBV infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S562-S562
Author(s):  
Robert Gish ◽  
Vincent Streva

Abstract Background Although overall infection rates of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the United States (US) remain stable, as many as 2.2 million persons are still chronically infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)1. Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at a higher risk of HBV infection and since 2009 three states (KY, TN, WV) have reported up to a 114% increase in cases of acute HBV infection due to higher infection rates among a non-Hispanic white populations (30–39 years), and injection drug users2. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended as primary prevention for adults who are at increased risk for HBV infection, including PWID. However, data from the National Health Interview Survey indicate that hepatitis B vaccination coverage is low among adults in the general population3, and it is likely to be lower among injection drug users. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is the first serological marker to appear after HBV exposure and infection; this marker is included in the recommended panel for acute hepatitis diagnosis and accurate detection is necessary for early and accurate diagnosis. Serological testing challenges exist for HBsAg due to the high degree of genetic variability which can further be exacerbated by endogenous and exogenous pressures. The immuno-dominant region may have one or more mutations described as immune escape mutations which can decrease or abrogate HBsAg binding to antibodies used in immunoassays. Although the prevalence of these mutations is not well documented in the United States, international studies have shown that up to 79% of HBV-reactivated patients (vs 3.1% of control patients; p&lt; 0.001) carry HBsAg mutations localized in immune-active HBsAg regions4. Methods A study was conducted using a panel of 10 unique recombinant HBsAg immune escape mutants. Panel members were tested by commercially available HBsAg serological immunoassays. Results It was found that although commercially available HBsAg immunoassays are the primary diagnostic tool for HBV diagnosis, not all HBsAg immune escape mutants are detected, with some method detecting as few as 5 out of 10 of these mutant samples. Figure 1 Conclusion Improvement is needed in commercially available methods for the accurate detection of HBsAg. Disclosures Robert Gish, MD, Abbott (Consultant)AbbVie (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Access Biologicals (Consultant)Antios (Consultant)Arrowhead (Consultant)Bayer (Consultant, Speaker’s Bureau)Bristol Myers (Consultant, Speaker’s Bureau)Dova (Consultant, Speaker’s Bureau)Dynavax (Consultant)Eiger (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)Eisai (Consultant, Speaker’s Bureau)Enyo (Consultant)eStudySite (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)Exelixis (Consultant)Fujifilm/Wako (Consultant)Genentech (Consultant)Genlantis (Consultant)Gilead (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)GLG (Consultant)HepaTX (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)HepQuant (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)Intercept (Consultant, Speaker’s Bureau)Ionis (Consultant)Janssen (Consultant)Laboratory for Advanced Medicine (Consultant)Lilly (Consultant)Merck (Consultant)Salix (Consultant, Speaker’s Bureau)Shionogi (Consultant, Speaker’s Bureau)Viking (Consultant)


2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (8) ◽  
pp. 1469-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. M. HAHNÉ ◽  
H. E. DE MELKER ◽  
M. KRETZSCHMAR ◽  
L. MOLLEMA ◽  
F. R. VAN DER KLIS ◽  
...  

SUMMARYWe aimed to assess differences in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in The Netherlands between 1996 and 2007, and to identify risk factors for HBV infection in 2007. Representative samples of the Dutch population in 1996 and 2007 were tested for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV-DNA. In 2007, the weighted anti-HBc prevalence was 3·5% (95% CI 2·2–5·5) and the HBsAg prevalence was 0·2% (95% CI 0·1–0·4). In indigenous Dutch participants, the anti-HBc prevalence was lower in 2007 than in 1996 (P=0·06). First-generation migrants (FGMs) had a 13-fold greater risk of being HBsAg- and/or HBV-DNA-positive than indigenous Dutch participants. In indigenous Dutch participants, risk factors for anti-HBc positivity were older age and having received a blood product before 1990. In FGMs, being of Asian origin was a risk factor. In second-generation migrants, having a foreign-born partner and injecting drug use were risk factors. FGMs are the main target group for secondary HBV prevention in The Netherlands.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-102
Author(s):  
Sanam Hariri ◽  
Sabereh Davari ◽  
Zeinab Malekzadeh ◽  
Zahra Mohammadi ◽  
Sahar Masoudi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections rank among the most frequent infectious diseases with a rising worldwide burden. However, their epidemiology and risk factors are understudied in many regions, including Iran. METHODS This study was conducted as part of the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) in Valashahr district, Fars province (2012-2014). Participants received venipuncture for HBsAg and HCV antibody, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. All infected people and their comparison groups completed a risk assessment questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 9,269 people participated in the study; the majority were women and of Fars ethnicity. Prevalence of HBsAg and HCV antibody was 2.3% (n = 215) and 0.3% (n = 26), from whom 23% (n = 47) and 13% (n = 3) had indications for treatment, respectively. During follow-up, among HBsAg-positive individuals who were not on treatment, 62% tested negative for HBsAg, and in 2% HBV DNA had risen to treatment levels. Risk factors for HBV infection were illiteracy [OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.1, 10.3], and Turk ethnicity compared to Fars [OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.3]. History of blood transfusion [OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.5] and history of drug use [OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.1, 7.4] were associated with HCV infection, after adjustment. CONCLUSION Further epidemiological studies are needed to identify at-risk populations in different regions. Preventive interventions, including educational programs and transfusion safety strategies, are crucial for reducing the hepatitis burden.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Onesphore Majyambere ◽  
Andrew K. Nyerere ◽  
Louis S. Nkaka ◽  
Nadine Rujeni ◽  
Raphael L. Wekessa

Background: Globally, over 325 and 170 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. If untreated, these infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, and factors associated with HBV and HCV among couples attending antenatal care in rural Rwanda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of HBV and HCV seroprevalence. Study participants were administered a brief structured questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for HBV and HCV. Participant blood samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic kits; confirmatory testing was done by enzyme immunoassay and nucleic acid tests. HBV genotypes were determined using nested polymerase chain reaction; HCV genotypes were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Statistical associations between risk factors and infection status were determined using Chi-square tests and bivariate logistic regression. Results: In total, 220 individuals participated in the study. This includes 110 pregnant women and 110 male partners who were attending antenatal care at Gitare and Cyanika health centres. Two participants (0.9%) had serological evidence of HBV infection, and 4 participants (1.8%) were infected with HCV. HBV genotype A accounted for all HBV infections; HCV genotype 4 accounted for all HCV infections. None of the assessed factors were associated with HBV infection while occupation type and scarification were significantly associated with HCV infection (P values were .03 and <.01 respectively). All cases of infection were discordant with their respective partners. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HCV are low in couples attending antenatal clinics in rural Rwanda. Consideration should be given to interventions aimed at reducing the risk of transmission in discordant couples and infants of infected mothers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Onesphore Majyambere ◽  
Andrew K. Nyerere ◽  
Louis S. Nkaka ◽  
Nadine Rujeni ◽  
Raphael L. Wekessa

Background: Globally, over 325 and 170 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. If untreated, these infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, and factors associated with HBV and HCV among couples attending antenatal care in rural Rwanda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of HBV and HCV seroprevalence. Study participants were administered a brief structured questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for HBV and HCV. Participant blood samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic kits; confirmatory testing was done by enzyme immunoassay and nucleic acid tests. HBV genotypes were determined using nested polymerase chain reaction; HCV genotypes were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Statistical associations between risk factors and infection status were determined using Chi-square tests and bivariate logistic regression. Results: In total, 220 individuals participated in the study. This includes 110 pregnant women and 110 male partners who were attending antenatal care at Gitare and Cyanika health centres. Two participants (0.9%) had serological evidence of HBV infection, and 4 participants (1.8%) were infected with HCV. HBV genotype A accounted for all HBV infections; HCV genotype 4 accounted for all HCV infections. None of the assessed factors were associated with HBV infection while occupation type and scarification were significantly associated with HCV infection (P values were .03 and <.01 respectively). All cases of infection were discordant with their respective partners. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HCV are low in couples attending antenatal clinics in rural Rwanda. Consideration should be given to interventions aimed at reducing the risk of transmission in discordant couples and infants of infected mothers.


2005 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. OTKUN ◽  
M. S. ERDOGAN ◽  
M. TATMAN-OTKUN ◽  
F. AKATA

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic in Turkey, but the main routes of transmission were not well established. This study aims to detect the exposure time to HBV and associated risk factors among children. In a sampling group of chıldren aged 0–19 years living in Edirne, antiHBc, antiHBs and HBsAg were screened by the microELISA method. A questionnaire was also completed for each child. In 717 children that were included in the study, the total antiHBc seropositivity was 5·4% and was 1·8, 0·8, 1·7, 6·8, 11·8% in 0–1, 2–5, 6–10, 11–14, 15–19 years age groups respectively. The overall HBsAg seropositivity was 1·7%. The risk of HBV infection increased after the age of 10 years (OR 7·79, 95% CI 3·01–20·16). Collective circumcision was the only independent factor according to regression analysis. Children living in Edirne should be vaccinated against HBV before reaching 11 years of age.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Onesphore Majyambere ◽  
Andrew K. Nyerere ◽  
Louis S. Nkaka ◽  
Nadine Rujeni ◽  
Raphael L. Wekessa

Background: Globally, over 325 and 170 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. If untreated, these infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, and factors associated with HBV and HCV among couples attending antenatal care in rural Rwanda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of HBV and HCV seroprevalence. Study participants were administered a brief structured questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for HBV and HCV. Participant blood samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic kits; confirmatory testing was done by enzyme immunoassay and nucleic acid tests. HBV genotypes were determined using nested polymerase chain reaction; HCV genotypes were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Statistical associations between risk factors and infection status were determined using Chi-square tests and bivariate logistic regression. Results: In total, 220 individuals participated in the study. This includes 110 pregnant women and 110 male partners who were attending antenatal care at Gitare and Cyanika health centres. Two participants (0.9%) had serological evidence of HBV infection, and 4 participants (1.8%) were infected with HCV. HBV genotype A accounted for all HBV infections; HCV genotype 4 accounted for all HCV infections. None of the assessed factors were associated with HBV infection while occupation type and scarification were significantly associated with HCV infection (P values were .03 and <.01 respectively). All cases of infection were discordant with their respective partners. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HCV are low in couples attending antenatal clinics in rural Rwanda. Consideration should be given to interventions aimed at reducing the risk of transmission in discordant couples and infants of infected mothers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-347
Author(s):  
Xinting Lu ◽  
Helen E. Quinn ◽  
Rob I. Menzies ◽  
Linda Hueston ◽  
Lyn Gilbert ◽  
...  

Background: This study assessed the impact of the staged introduction of universal infant and adolescent catch-up hepatitis B vaccination programs on the prevalence of immunity and past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in targeted cohorts over almost a decade in Australia. Methods: We compared the prevalence of immunity in relevant cohorts of children and adolescents in repeated national serological surveys conducted in 1998-99, 2002 and 2007. Residual sera (n =2210) collected opportunistically from Australian laboratories in 2007 were tested for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) indicating vaccine-induced immunity; sera from individuals aged 12-29 years with anti-HBs detected (n =386) were then tested for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) to identify past hepatitis B infection. Results: In 2007, compared with the baseline period of 1998-99, anti-HBs prevalence had increased significantly in all age groups below 24 years, by more than double in target children. Prevalence of anti-HBc was zero in the 12-14 years and reduced by 71% in those aged 15-19 years. The hepatitis B vaccination protected a significant number of targeted adolescents with a modest vaccine uptake (57% to 60% nationally). Conclusion: In a setting without incentives or school entry requirements, adolescent vaccination coverage was significantly higher when delivered by school-based rather than GP-based mechanisms. A cohort of children was growing up in Australia with a high prevalence of vaccineinduced immunity against hepatitis B, providing the best opportunity for controlling HBV infection in Australia.


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