Vaccination Induced Immunity to the Hepatitis B Virus among High-Risk Groups in Glasgow 1993–2001: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the United Kingdom's Selective Immunisation Policy

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
KM Roy ◽  
DJ Goldberg ◽  
K Wilson ◽  
SO Cameron
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Selective Approach ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Increased Risk

Background and Aims The United Kingdom has adopted a selective approach to the control of hepatitis B (HBV), vaccinating those at increased risk of infection through lifestyle, occupation or other factors such as close contact with a case or carrier. This paper sought to assess the effectiveness of the targeted HBV vaccination programme, by determining the level of immunity and exposure to HBV infection among three high risk groups (injecting drug users (IDUs), men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals attending genitourinary medicine clinics) at three time points between 1993–2001 in Glasgow, Scotland. Methods Residual sera from i) IDUs having a named HIV test and ii) MSM and heterosexual men and women attending GUM clinics and undergoing routine syphilis serology testing, were tested anonymously for HBV infection. Results The overall prevalence of HBV infection remained at a low level in all three risk groups. IDUs continue to be the group at greatest risk of infection. Discussion Despite the implementation of new initiatives targeting high-risk groups, vaccination levels remain low in the populations studied.

scholarly journals Prevalence of hepatitis B immunity and infection in home self-sampling HIV service users

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2021-055071
Author(s):  
Rachel Roche ◽  
Ruth Simmons ◽  
Louise Logan ◽  
Juan Ledesma ◽  
Caroline Sabin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Susceptibility To Infection ◽  
Hiv Test

ObjectivesAlthough hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination for high-risk groups including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) is recommended in the UK, data on HBV immunisation coverage are limited. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of HBV infection, susceptibility and immunity due to immunisation among a high-risk population of MSM and heterosexuals who are less likely to attend sexual health services.MethodsResidual HIV-negative serology samples archived from a national HIV self-sampling service in 2016 were tested for HBV markers using an unlinked anonymous approach. Prevalence of HBV infection, evidence of immunisation and susceptibility were calculated and stratified by individuals’ characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate relative risk ratios (RRRs) associated with covariates.ResultsOf 2172 samples tested, 1497 (68.9%) were from MSM and 657 (30.2%) were from heterosexuals. Susceptibility to HBV infection was 66.1% among MSM and 77.0% among heterosexuals. Only 29.9% of MSM and 17.4% of heterosexuals had serological evidence of immunisation. Current infection was 1.1% in heterosexuals and 0.2% in MSM. Adjusted analysis showed evidence of immunisation was lower among heterosexuals (RRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.86) and those with no previous HIV test (RRR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.54), and higher in those of other white or other ethnicity.ConclusionsAmong MSM and heterosexual users of a self-sampling HIV service, evidence of immunisation to HBV infection was low and susceptibility to infection was comparatively high, suggesting suboptimal delivery of HBV immunisation in sexual health services.

Screening for chronic hepatitis B and C in migrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, the former Soviet Republics, and Vietnam in the Arnhem region, The Netherlands

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (10) ◽  
pp. 2140-2146 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. RICHTER ◽  
G. TER BEEST ◽  
E. H. GISOLF ◽  
P. VAN BENTUM ◽  
C. WAEGEMAEKERS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Chronic Hbv Infection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Chronic Hbv ◽  
First Generation Migrants ◽  
Chronic Hcv ◽  
Former Soviet Republics

SUMMARYMigrants born in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemic countries are at increased risk of being infected with these viruses. The first symptoms may arise when liver damage has already occurred. The challenge is to identify these infections early, since effective treatment has become available. In 2011 we conducted a screening project in first-generation migrants (FGMs) born in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, the former Soviet Republics, and Vietnam and living in Arnhem and Rheden. All participants were offered free blood screening for HBV and HCV. In total 959 participants were tested, with the country of origin known for 927, equating to 28·7% of all registered FGMs from the chosen countries. Nineteen percent (n = 176) had serological signs of past or chronic HBV infection and 2·2% (n = 21) had chronic HBV infection. The highest prevalence of chronic HBV infection was found in the Vietnamese population (9·5%, n = 12). Chronic HCV was found in two persons from the former Soviet Republics and one from Vietnam. Twenty-four percent (n = 5) of the newly identified patients with chronic HBV and one of the three patients with chronic HCV received treatment. Three of the patients, two with HCV and one with HBV, already had liver cirrhosis. The highest (9·5%) HBV prevalence was found in FGMs from Vietnam, indicating a high need for focusing on that particular immigrant population in order to identify more people with silent HBV infection. The fact that three patients already had liver cirrhosis underlines the necessity of early identification of HBV and HCV infection in risk groups.

scholarly journals Assessment of hepatitis B in high risk people of Gachsaran city, Iran

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 888
Author(s):  
Mona Khajavian ◽  
Asghar Sharifi
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Risk Populations

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem throughout the world. The aim of this study determines the rate of prevalence of molecular and Seroepidemiological hepatitis B infections high risk populations in the Gachsaran city, according to factors such as age, sex, employment status, educational status etc.Methods: In a descriptive and analytical study, blood samples have been collected from 500 high risks individuals, from February 2015 to July 2016 in Gachsaran. The serum samples were tested by ELISA and PCR method was used to confirm the diagnosis. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical program.Results: HBsAg was detected in 5 out of the 500 individuals, giving an overall prevalence of 1%. All the positive samples were in males. The rate of infection among the individuals with a history of unprotected sexual contact was 8% and was 0% among the individuals who experienced a needle stick. Four out of the five infected persons with hepatitis didn’t receive any vaccination and one of them received only one dose of vaccine.Conclusions: The results showed 1% infection at high-risk groups in the Gachsaran city. Age rising, maleness, unemployment, low educational level and suspicies sexual partners have been the factors of increasing HBV infection prevalence. Full vaccination has a strong and meaningful relationship with hepatitis B in the target groups, which requires all people at risk to be vaccinated completely. Government cooperation to identify and treat injecting drug users and encourage them to follow the preventive methods is beneficial.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional study of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Rwandan high-risk groups: unexpected findings on prevalence and its determinants

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e054039
Author(s):  
Justine Umutesi ◽  
Carolina Klett-Tammen ◽  
Sabin Nsanzimana ◽  
G Krause ◽  
J J Ott
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Hbv Infection ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Chronic Hbv

ObjectivesUsing secondary data from 208 079 Rwandans, we determined the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among high-risk groups and its demographic, geographical and health-related determinants.DesignIn this cross-sectional study, we obtained and analysed data from a national hepatitis B vaccination and screening campaign conducted in Rwanda in 2017. We performed logistic regression to examine associations between chronic HBV infection and related factors such as risk status and geographical characteristics.SettingIndividuals were sampled nationally in all 30 districts across 4 provinces and the city of Kigali and all prisons in Rwanda.ParticipantsThe study involves 208 079 individuals at high risk including prisoners and other high-risk groups (oHRG).Main outcomeThe primary outcome for our study was hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) prevalence.FindingsFrom 208 079 adults participants, 206 517 (99.2%) had valid HBsAg results, 4.3% of 64 944 prisoners and 4.0% of 140 985 oHRG were HBV positive. The prevalence was higher in Northern Province 5.1%, (95% CI 4.8 to 5.4). In multivariate analysis, the odds of infection decreased with increasing age, and hepatitis C antibody positivity reduced the odds for chronic HBV (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.66 and OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.89 among oHRG and prisoners, respectively). In addition, being female was associated with lower odds of HBV (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.74 and OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.98 among oHRG and prisoners, respectively).ConclusionWe found that individuals below 55 years of age and individuals who belong to high-risk groups (ie, sex workers, injection drug users, men who have sex with men, etc) have a higher probability of chronic HBV infection. Infection with chronic hepatitis C virus was not correlated with chronic HBV infection in our study population. Potential explanations include differential routes of transmission, specific immunological and pathophysiological factors or different effects of health prevention and control programmes.

Acute hepatitis B: the limits of maintaining patient confidentiality

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 688-689
Author(s):  
K J Quinn ◽  
E J Mccarty ◽  
S P Quah
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Acute Hepatitis ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Acute Hepatitis B

Summary Household contacts of hepatitis B (HBV) are at risk of infection, and guidelines advise vaccination of these contacts in addition to sexual partners (along with traditional high-risk groups). We present a case of intrafamilial transmission of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) following failure to self-disclose status to family members. Complex confidentiality issues can arise following a diagnosis of HBV infection.

Immunization for Hepatitis B Infection: Interest, Information, and Initiative?

1993 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 335-335
Author(s):  
Caroline Breese Hall
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Hepatitis B Infection ◽  
Hbsag Positivity ◽  
American Academy Of Pediatrics ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Cdc 2

Concerns and confusion have risen over the recent recommendations for universal immunization to prevent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)1 and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).2 Both of these recommendations, collaboratively developed, recommend universal immunization of infants against HBV as well as the continued previous strategies of screening all pregnant women for HBsAg positivity and immunizing all high-risk groups. The AAP further recommends that all adolescents be immunized in recognition of the increased risk and rate of acquiring HBV in this age group.

Frequent delayed spontaneous seroclearance of hepatitis B virus after incident HBV infection among adult high‐risk groups

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
Daniela K. Santen ◽  
Anders Boyd ◽  
Sylvia Bruisten ◽  
Gerard JB Sonder ◽  
Maria Prins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
B Virus

scholarly journals Challenges in the Application of Glyco-Technology to Hepatitis B Virus Therapy and Diagnosis

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1860
Author(s):  
Tsunenori Ouchida ◽  
Shinji Takamatsu ◽  
Megumi Maeda ◽  
Tatsuya Asuka ◽  
Chiharu Morita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis B ◽  
Protein Modification ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major pathogen that causes acute/chronic hepatitis. Continuous HBV infection can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although several different anti-HBV treatments are available for chronic hepatitis B patients, discontinuing these medications is difficult. Patients with chronic hepatitis B at high risk for HCC therefore require close observation. However, no suitable biomarkers for detecting high-risk groups for HCC exist, except for serum HBV-DNA, but a number of HCC biomarkers are used clinically, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II). Glycosylation is an important post-translational protein modification involved in many human pathologic conditions. HBV surface proteins contain various oligosaccharides, and several reports have described their biological functions. Inhibition of HBV glycosylation represents a potential novel anti-HBV therapy. It is thought that glycosylation of hepatocytes/hepatoma cells is also important for HBV infection, as it prevents HBV from infecting cells other than hepatocytes, even if the cells express the HBV receptor. In this review, we summarize considerable research regarding the relationship between HBV and glycosylation as it relates to the development of novel diagnostic tests and therapies for HBV.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Characteristics of Carrying Viral Hepatitis B Antigen in the Population of the Nišava District

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-128
Author(s):  
Marina Kostić ◽  
Biljana Kocić ◽  
Nataša Rančić
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Summary The aim of this paper was to determine the trend of diseases and epidemiological characteristics of viral antigen carrying of hepatitis B for better implementation of prevention and control of the disease activity. The annual reports, reports of diseases - deaths from infectious diseases, epidemiological survey of the Public Health Institute (IPH) Niš were used as the material. The period from 2002 to 2011 in the Nišava District was considered. A descriptive method was used. HBsAg carrying shows an upward trend (y=15+3.27 x). Most carriers are males (57.27%), live in urban areas (98.16/ 100.000 population), average age 41.92 years old ±SD 18.59, pensioners (22.42%). 54.05% are nephrology patients (almost all retirees under the age of 60 years old). Only 15.76% were hospitalized. The data on the vaccination status are insufficient. In 5.45%, co-infection with hepatitis C virus was found. 63.33% belong to the group of patients for whom there were no data on the mode of transmission. Hemodialysis patients make 16.67%, blood donors 9.39%, 6.36% pregnant women and injecting drug users 1.21%. The upward trend of carrying, the presence of all known risk groups in the population of carrying in the Nišava District points to the need for improved epidemiological surveillance, strict application of protective measures, conducting of statutory vaccination of all categories of people exposed to particular risk of infection as well as continuing education on preventive measures of both population and health care providers.

scholarly journals 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

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1751-1768 ◽  
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.

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