Prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Luanda (Angola): geospatial distribution and its association with socio-demographic and clinical-obstetric determinants

Abstract Background HIV and HBV infections remain responsible for high rate of morbidity and mortality in many African Countries, affecting women and newborns. This study aims to analyze the spatial pattern of HIV and HBV infections in pregnant women in Luanda, Angola, and the statistical association between HIV and HBV and socio-economic characteristics, hygiene, and health status. Methods Detection of anti-HIV antibodies (total anti-HIV-1, anti-HIV-2 and HIV-1 p24 antigen) and Hepatitis B antigens (HBsAg, HBeAg) and antibodies (anti-HBc Total II, HBc IgM, Anti-HBsT II) was performed by Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) in serum samples of 878 pregnant women attended at the Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital (LPMH). Data were collected by questionnaire after written consent, and spatial distribution was assessed through a Kernel Density Function. The potential risk factors associated with HIV HBV infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Results Anti-HIV antibodies were positive in 118 samples (13.4%) and HBV infection were positive in 226 (25.7%). The seroprevalence of HIV/HBV coinfection was of 6.3%. The results showed that the seroprevalence of HBV was similar in most municipalities: 25.8% in Belas; 26.6% in Viana; 27.6% in Luanda; 19.2% in Cacuaco; and 15.6% Cazenga. For HIV, the seroprevalence was also close ranges among the municipalities: 10.0% in Belas; 14.5% in Viana 14.9% in Luanda and 12.5% in Cazenga. However, the seroprevalence in municipality of in Cacuaco was lower (5.8%) and bivariate and multivariate analysis showed a lower risk for HIV in this area (OR 0.348, CI 0.083–0.986; OR 0.359, CI 0.085–1.021). The multivariate analysis had also showed a significant increased risk for HIV in women with 2 or 3 births (OR 1.860, CI 1.054–3.372). Conclusions Our results underlined the need to improve the screening and clinical follow-up of HIV and HBV in Angola, as well the educational campaigns to prevent not only the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases, but also their transmission, mainly in women in reproductive age and pregnant, encouraging the pre-natal consultations in order to avoid mother-to-child transmission.

Download Full-text

Serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Luanda (Angola): Geospatial distribution and its association with socio-demographic and clinical-obstetric determinants

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0241908 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0241908

Author(s):

Amélia Nkutxi Vueba ◽

Clarissa Perez Faria ◽

Ricardo Almendra ◽

Paula Santana ◽

Maria do Céu Sousa

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽

Maternity Hospital ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Potential Risk Factors

We report a study on toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Luanda, Angola, determining the seroprevalence, geospatial distribution and its association with socio-economic features, dietary habits and hygiene and health conditions. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM were quantified in serum samples of women attended at the Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital between May 2016 and August 2017. The IgG avidity test and qPCR assay were used for dating the primary infection. Data were collected by questionnaire after written consent, and spatial distribution was assessed through a Kernel Density Function. The potential risk factors associated with Toxoplasma infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were quantified in 878 pregnant women, and 346 (39.4%) samples were IgG positive, 2 (0.2%) positive for IgM and IgG, and 530 (60.4%) negative for both immunoglobulins. The longitudinal study showed that none of the seronegative women seroconverted during the survey. Regarding other infections, 226 (25.7%) were positive for hepatitis B, while 118 (13.4%) were HIV-positive. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was similar in most municipalities: 43.8% in Cazenga (28 of 64); 42.5% in Viana (88 of 207); 42.3% in Cacuaco (22 of 52); and 41.1% in Luanda ((179 of 435). In contrast, the seroprevalence in municipality of Belas was lower (25.8%; 31 of 120) and bivariate and multivariate analysis has shown a lower risk for toxoplasmosis in this area (OR 0.479, CI: 0.305–0.737; OR 0.471, CI: 0.299–0.728). The multivariate analysis has shown a significant increased risk for toxoplasmosis in women in the last trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.457, CI: 1.011–2.102), suffering spontaneous abortion (OR 1.863, CI: 1.014–3.465) and having pets at home (OR 1.658, CI: 1.212–2.269). Also, women who tested positive for hepatitis B (OR 1.375, CI: 1.008–1.874) and HIV (OR 1.833, CI: 1.233–2.730) had a significant increased risk for T. gondii infection. In conclusion, our study showed that a large number of pregnant women are not immunized for toxoplasmosis and identified the risk factors for this infection in Luanda. It is crucial to establish the diagnosis of primary maternal infection as well as the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our results underlined the need for diagnostic and clinical follow-up of toxoplasmosis, HIV and hepatitis B during pregnancy.

Download Full-text

Antiviral Treatment among Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Pregnant Women—New York City and Michigan, 2013–2015

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofx162.100 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. S41-S41

Author(s):

Ruth Link-Gelles ◽

Alaya Koneru ◽

Julie Lazaroff ◽

Patrick Fineis ◽

Noele Nelson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Antiviral Treatment ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Maternal Treatment ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus ◽

B Virus ◽

Hbv Transmission

Abstract Background Individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are at increased risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic HBV infection develops in 90% of persons infected at birth. Although postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), consisting of hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin at birth, and completion of the three-dose vaccine series prevents up to 95% of perinatal HBV infections; however, breakthrough infections can occur, especially among infants born to women with high viral loads (VLs). Maternal antiviral treatment during pregnancy can reduce perinatal HBV transmission by 70% above the effect of infant PEP alone. We assessed factors associated with maternal antiviral treatment in a cohort of HBV-infected pregnant women with high VL. Methods During 2013–2015, the CDC-funded Supplemental Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program collected information from interviews and medical charts of HBV-infected pregnant women in two sites. We assessed the association of demographic and clinical factors with maternal treatment in women with high VL (>200,000 IU/mL), considering statistical significance at P < 0.05. Results Among 1,521 women with maternal treatment and VL data, 151 (10%) had high VL. Among these 151 women, 66 (44%) received antiviral treatment (Table), all of whom were of Asian/Pacific Island race. None of the seven women of other races were treated (P = 0.02). Fifty-nine women (48%) receiving Medicaid were treated compared with six women (24%) who had private insurance (P = 0.04). Conclusion Mother’s race, country of birth, and insurance status were significantly associated with treatment in women with high VL. Because most women with high VL did not receive antiviral treatment during pregnancy, opportunities to reduce perinatal HBV transmission exist. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Download Full-text

Maternal age and educational level modify the association between chronic hepatitis B infection and preterm labor

10.21203/rs.2.16581/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Songxu Peng ◽

Hongyan Chen ◽

Xiu Li ◽

Yukai Du ◽

Yong Gan

Keyword(s):

Chronic Hepatitis ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Chronic Hepatitis B ◽

Educational Level ◽

Preterm Labor ◽

Maternal Age ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus

Abstract Background To investigated whether maternal age and educational level could modify the association of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with preterm labor.Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on the pregnant women delivered from June 2012 to August 2017 at Wuhan Medical Care Center for Women and Children, Wuhan, China. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to measure the association between maternal HBV infection and preterm labor.Results 2050 HBsAg-positive pregnant women and 2050 HBsAg negative women were included into this study. In the stratified analyses, positive HBsAg status was associated with the increased risk of preterm labor in women aged <30 years, having low educational level, with an odds ratio of 1.65(95% CI 1.07-2.54) and 2.59(95% CI 1.41-4.76), respectively. After adjusting other covariables, we observed maternal HBV infection (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.03-2.49) was still associated with risk of preterm labor in mothers with age <30. Similarly, the significant association of HBV infection (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.34-4.63) with preterm labor remained in low educated women.Conclusions Our results indicated that HBV infection was associated with high risk of preterm labor, but maternal age and educational level could modify this association. Further studies are warranted to clarify the possible mechanisms behind such modifiable action.

Download Full-text

Possible role of tocopherols in the modulation of host microRNA with potential antiviral activity in patients with hepatitis B virus-related persistent infection: a systematic review

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114514002839 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 1751-1768 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

S. Fiorino ◽

L. Bacchi-Reggiani ◽

S. Sabbatani ◽

F. Grizzi ◽

L. di Tommaso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Viral Pathogen ◽

Increased Risk ◽

B Virus ◽

Chronic Hbv

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a serious global health problem and persistent HBV infection is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Recently, the study of the role of microRNA (miRNA) in the pathogenesis of HBV has gained considerable interest as well as new treatments against this pathogen have been approved. A few studies have investigated the antiviral activity of vitamin E (VE) in chronic HBV carriers. Herein, we review the possible role of tocopherols in the modulation of host miRNA with potential anti-HBV activity. A systematic research of the scientific literature was performed by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. The keywords used were ‘HBV therapy’, ‘HBV treatment’, ‘VE antiviral effects’, ‘tocopherol antiviral activity’, ‘miRNA antiviral activity’ and ‘VE microRNA’. Reports describing the role of miRNA in the regulation of HBV life cycle,in vitroandin vivoavailable studies reporting the effects of VE on miRNA expression profiles and epigenetic networks, and clinical trials reporting the use of VE in patients with HBV-related chronic hepatitis were identified and examined. Based on the clinical results obtained in VE-treated chronic HBV carriers, we provide a reliable hypothesis for the possible role of this vitamin in the modulation of host miRNA profiles perturbed by this viral pathogen and in the regulation of some cellular miRNA with a suggested potential anti-HBV activity. This approach may contribute to the improvement of our understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms involved in HBV infection and increase the possibility of its management and treatment.

Download Full-text

Methadone-maintained former heroin addicts, including those who are anti-HIV-1 seropositive, comply with and respond to hepatitis B vaccination

Addiction ◽

10.1046/j.1360-0443.1999.9444894.x ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 94 (4) ◽

pp. 489-493 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Lisa Borg ◽

Elizabeth Khuri ◽

Aaron Wells ◽

Dorothy Melia ◽

Nora V. Bergasa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽

Heroin Addicts ◽

Anti Hiv ◽

Hiv 1

Download Full-text

Vaginal, Cervical and Uterine pH in Women with Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Microbiota

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10020090 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 90

Author(s):

Malene Risager Lykke ◽

Naja Becher ◽

Thor Haahr ◽

Ebbe Boedtkjer ◽

Jørgen Skov Jensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Genital Tract ◽

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Female Genital Tract ◽

Uterine Cavity ◽

Vaginal Microbiota ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Ph Gradient ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Female Genital

Introduction: Healthy women of reproductive age have a vaginal pH around 4.5, whereas little is known about pH in the upper genital tract. A shift in the vaginal microbiota may result in an elevated pH in the upper genital tract. This might contribute to decreased fertility and increased risk of preterm birth. Therefore, we aimed to measure pH in different compartments of the female genital tract in both nonpregnant and pregnant women, stratifying into a normal and abnormal vaginal microbiota. Material and methods: In this descriptive study, we included 6 nonpregnant, 12 early-pregnant, and 8 term-pregnant women. A pH gradient was recorded with a flexible pH probe. An abnormal vaginal microbiota was diagnosed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique for Atopobium vaginae; Sneathia sanguinegens; Leptotrichia amnionii; bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterium 1, 2, 3, and TM7; and Prevotella spp. among others. Results: In all participants we found the pH gradient in the lower reproductive canal to be most acidic in the lower vagina and most alkaline in the upper uterine cavity. Women with an abnormal vaginal microbiota had an increased pH in the lower vagina compared to the other groups. Conclusions: There is a pronounced pH gradient within the female genital tract. This gradient is not disrupted in women with an abnormal vaginal microbiota.

Download Full-text

The Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding HBV Infection of Married Women in the Reproductive Age Group living in Different Districts of Bangladesh

Medicine Today ◽

10.3329/medtoday.v22i1.5602 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 29-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Md Atiqur Rahman ◽

Sultana Rokeya Mannan

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Group Living ◽

Married Women ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Age Group ◽

Immunization Programme ◽

Mode Of Transmission ◽

Reproductive Age Group

The present study was conducted to know the knowledge, attitude and practices of 300 married women in the reproductive age group living in different districts of Bangladesh, regarding HBV infection. Only 20% of the women were found aware of the mode of transmission of HBV. However, 50% of the women were having the misconceptions regarding mode of transmission of HBV. 4% of women, 30% of children up to 5 years and 15% of children above 5 years were fully immunized with hepatitis B vaccine. 80% of children up to 5 years and 75% of children above 5 years were fully immunized as per universal immunization programme. Hence, the results of the study clearly indicated the low immunization rate with vaccine against HBV under universal immunization programme and this further potentiated the need to grow public awareness about vaccination against Hepatitis B by focusing the beneficial effect of early immunization through public electronic media. Key words: KAP; HBV; Immunization; Perinatal transmission DOI: 10.3329/medtoday.v22i1.5602 Medicine Today Vol.22(1) 2010. 29-31

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Determinants of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection in a Cohort of HIV-1 Discordant Couples in Western Kenya: Implications for HIV Care

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses ◽

10.1089/aid.2014.5632.abstract ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 30 (S1) ◽

pp. A280-A280

Author(s):

Dismas C.O. Oketch ◽

Eunice Kaguiri ◽

Nereo Murgor ◽

Cosmas Apaka ◽

Paul Ayuo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Western Kenya ◽

B Virus ◽

Discordant Couples ◽

Hiv 1

Download Full-text

Early Detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Specific B-Lymphocyte-Derived Antibodies in a High-Risk Population

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology ◽

10.1128/cvi.00280-08 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. 1060-1065 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Odd Odinsen ◽

David Parker ◽

Frans Radebe ◽

Mikey Guness ◽

David A Lewis

Keyword(s):

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Viral Load ◽

B Cell ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Hiv Antibodies ◽

P24 Antigen ◽

Anti Hiv ◽

Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Diagnosis of acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a key driver of the HIV epidemic, remains a public health challenge. The PlasmAcute technology offers an opportunity to detect early anti-HIV antibody responses. B lymphocytes (B cells) were isolated from the blood of seronegative miners in South Africa by using the PlasmAcute method. B-cell lysates and paired sera were tested for anti-HIV-1 antibodies by two different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; immunoreactivity was confirmed by Western blotting. All volunteers were tested for HIV type 1 (HIV-1) viral load, p24 antigen, and CD4 count. Sera from HIV-seronegative men who had positive viral loads and were positive for p24 antigen were retested for anti-HIV antibodies after immune complex dissociation. Anti-HIV antibodies were detected in lysates from 16/259 subjects without immunoreactivity in paired sera. Four subjects, one of whom had a positive viral load initially, subsequently seroconverted. Six subjects showed transient anti-HIV-1 antibodies in the lysates and tested negative for all markers at the follow-up. Five subjects without follow-up data initially had lysate-positive/serum-negative samples, and these cases were classified as inconclusive. One subject had lysate antibodies and a detectable viral load but was seronegative at follow-up. In conclusion, lysate-derived anti-HIV-1 B-cell antibodies can be detected prior to seroconversion and earlier than or contemporary with HIV-1 RNA detection.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of Malaria and Hepatitis B Coinfection among Pregnant Women in Tamale Metropolis of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology ◽

10.1155/2018/5610981 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gideon Kofi Helegbe ◽

Paul Armah Aryee ◽

Baba Sulemana Mohammed ◽

Anthony Wemakor ◽

David Kolbila ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Full Blood Count ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tamale Metropolis ◽

The Mean ◽

Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Background. Coinfections are becoming common risk factors that may contribute to the increased burden of morbidity in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of coinfections of malaria, hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) in the Tamale Metropolis. Methods. By means of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), pregnant women attending the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) were screened for malaria, HBV infection, HIV infection, and syphilis from March 2013 to February 2015. Haemoglobin (Hb) values, sickling, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) statuses were also assessed using full blood count (FBC), sodium metabisulphite, and methaemoglobin reduction tests, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the risks/odds ratios (ORs) for the coinfections and other variables (age, gravidity, and time of the first ANC visit) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and set p values for accepting any differences at <0.05. Results. Within the two-year study period, data were collected from 3,127 pregnant women. The mean age (SD) of the pregnant women was 28.5 (±5.0) years. Of the total number, seroprevalence was high for malaria (11.6%) and HBV infection (4.2%) and low for HIV infection (1.0%) and syphilis (0.4%) monoinfections. Mal/HBV coinfection was higher (0.7%) when compared with Mal/HIV (0.1%), Mal/syphilis (0.0%), HBV/HIV (0.0%), HBV/syphilis (0.1%), and HIV/syphilis (0.0%) coinfections. The mean Hb (g/dl) for the women with the four monoinfections was significantly different from one another (p=0.009). Pregnant women with malaria infection were about 2 times more likely to be coinfected with HBV even after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.04–2.65, p=0.031). Those in their third trimester and visiting the ANC for the first time were significantly less likely to be infected with HBV (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.28–0.73, p=0.001), with malaria/HBV coinfection (AOR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01–0.68, p=0.020), and with any coinfection (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06–0.63, p=0.007). Conclusion. A comparatively high seroprevalence of malaria and its coinfection with HBV in pregnant women was observed in this study. Considering the effects that both malaria and HBV have on the liver, it would be expedient to conduct further studies to assess liver function among malaria/HBV-infected individuals, while interventions to prevent coinfections among pregnant women are intensified.

Download Full-text