scholarly journals Recent advances in understanding and diagnosing hepatitis B virus infection

F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 2243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slim Fourati ◽  
Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Sodium Taurocholate ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Hbsag Detection ◽  
B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects approximately 240 million individuals worldwide. Recent advances in the virology, immunopathogenesis, and diagnosis of HBV infection are summarized in this review article. The identification of a hepatocyte-specific cellular receptor for HBV, the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), made it possible to develop reliable cell culture systems and better understand the early steps of the viral lifecycle. Viral and host factors involved in covalently closed circular DNA synthesis, stability, and transcriptional regulation have also been identified and provide potential targets for new drugs. Based on recent evidence showing trained immunity in immune-tolerant patients, the immune tolerance and immune clearance phases have been renamed the non-inflammatory and inflammatory phases, respectively. New diagnostic and monitoring tools are now available, including rapid diagnostic tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection, HBsAg quantification assays, anti-HBc antibody quantification assays, an HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg) quantification test, new HBV DNA detection and quantification assays, and an HBV RNA quantification test. Their clinical utility is under study. Finally, new antiviral and immune modulation approaches are in the preclinical or early clinical developmental stages, with the goal to achieve functional cure or ideally (if possible) eradication of HBV infection.

How Far we are towards Eradication of HBV Infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihai Voiculescu
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
T Cell Receptors ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Cell Receptors ◽  
B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem with an important biological and a significant socio-economic impact all over the world. There is a high pressure to come up with a new and more efficient strategy against HBV infection, especially after the recent success of HCV treatment. Preventing HBV infection through vaccine is currently the most efficient way to decrease HBV-related cirrhosis and liver cancer incidence, as well as the best way to suppress the HBV reservoir. The vaccine is safe and efficient in 80-95% of cases. One of its most important roles is to reduce materno-fetal transmission, by giving the first dose of vaccine in the first 24 hours after birth. Transmission of HBV infection early in life is still frequent, especially in countries with high endemicity.Successful HBV clearance by the host is immune-mediated, with a complex combined innate and adaptive cellular and humoral immune response. Different factors, such as the quantity and the sequence of HBV epitope during processing by dendritic cells and presenting by different HLA molecules or the polymorphism of T cell receptors (TOL) are part of a complex network which influences the final response. A new potential therapeutic strategy is to restore T-cell antiviral function and to improve innate and adaptive immune response by immunotherapeutic manipulation.It appears that HBV eradication is far from being completed in the next decades, and a new strategy against HBV infection must be considered. Abbreviations: ALT: alanine aminotransferase; APC: antigen presenting cells; cccDNA: covalently closed circular DNA; HBIG: hepatitis B immunoglobulin; HbsAg: hepatitis B surface antigen; HBV: hepatitis B virus; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; CTL: cytotoxic T lymphocyte; IFN: interferon; NUC: nucleos(t)ide analogues; pg RNA: pre genomic RNA; TLR: toll-like receptors; TOL: T cell receptors.

scholarly journals Rituximab increases the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen-positive or have resolved hepatitis B virus infection in a real-world setting: a retrospective study

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Fen Tsai ◽  
Ching-I Yang ◽  
Jeng-Shiun Du ◽  
Ming-Hui Lin ◽  
Shih-Hao Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Hbv Reactivation ◽  
Virus Reactivation ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis Flare

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation with a hepatitis flare is a common complication in lymphoma patients treated with immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Anti-HBV prophylaxis is suggested for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients undergoing rituximab therapy, even those with resolved HBV infection. Since anti-HBV prophylaxis for patients with resolved HBV infection is not covered by national health insurance in Taiwan, a proportion of these patients receive no prophylaxis. In addition, late HBV reactivation has emerged as a new issue in recent reports, and no consensus has been reached for the optimal duration of antiviral prophylaxis. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the incidence and outcomes of HBV reactivation in NHL patients in a real-world setting and to study the frequency of late HBV reactivation. Materials Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who received rituximab and/or chemotherapy at our institute between January 2011 and December 2015 and who were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)- or hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive were reviewed retrospectively. Results A total of 388 patients were screened between January 2011 and December 2015. In total, 196 patients were excluded because HBsAg was not assessed, HBcAb was negative or not assessed, or they were not treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Finally, the retrospective study included 62 HBsAg-positive NHL patients and 130 NHL patients with resolved HBV infection (HBsAg-negative and HBcAb-positive). During a median 30.5-month follow-up period, seven patients experienced HBV reactivation, five of whom had a hepatitis flare. The incidence of HBV reactivation did not significantly differ between the HBsAg-positive patients and the resolved HBV infection population without anti-HBV prophylaxis (4.8% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.683). All patients with HBV reactivation were exposed to rituximab. Notably, late HBV reactivation was not uncommon (two of seven patients with HBV reactivation events, 28.6%). Hepatitis B virus reactivation did not influence the patients’ overall survival. An age ≥65 years and an advanced disease stage were independent risk factors for poorer overall survival. Conclusion The incidence of HBV reactivation was similar between the HBsAg-positive patients with antiviral prophylaxis and the resolved HBV infection population without anti-HBV prophylaxis. All HBV reactivation events occurred in NHL patients exposed to rituximab. Late reactivation was not uncommon. The duration of regular liver function monitoring for more than 1 year after immunosuppressive therapy or after withdrawal of prophylactic antiviral therapy should be prolonged. Determining the exact optimal duration of anti-HBV prophylaxis is warranted in a future prospective study for NHL patients treated with rituximab-containing therapy.

scholarly journals Age-wise and Gender-wise Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection in Lahore, Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 01 (04) ◽  
pp. 20-28
Author(s):  
Aqib Nazeer ◽  
Shahid Ali ◽  
Imran Tipu
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Pakistani Population ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
B Virus ◽  
And Gender

Background The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the Pakistani population has been reported previously, however, studies with a city-oriented approach and focus on age and gender distribution are very limited. Therefore, the current study was designed to unravel the age-wise and gender wise prevalence of HBV in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods A total of 350 blood samples of both male and female patients who visited National Genetic Laboratory, Lahore between February 2019 and July 2019 and who were suspected of HBV infection were screened. Sandwich based ELISA was used to detect rapid hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Real time PCR was used to detect HBV using HBV Rotor Gene PCR kit. Results Out of 350 blood samples screened for HBV infection (n= 350), 180 (51.43%) were of males and 170 (48.57%) were of females. Mean age (years) with SD (standard deviation) of the screened population was 37.22 ± 12.16 years. Overall, 224 samples (64%) were found to be positive for HBV infection. In our study, the number of females with this infection (52.24%) was slightly higher than males (47.76%). However, we observed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.225) between them. Conclusion Our study concludes that HBV is highly prevalent in Lahore, Pakistan. Females are slightly more susceptible to HBV infection as compared to males. This study also reports that HBV is more prevalent in the 20-40 age group.

scholarly journals High Hepatitis B Seroprevalence, Low Knowledge, and Poor Attitude towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Market Women in Bolgatanga Metropolis in the Upper East Region of Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Gideon K. Helegbe ◽  
Faiza Tanko ◽  
Paul A. Aryee ◽  
Setor Aku Lotsu ◽  
Mathias J. A. Asaarik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
East Region ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Market Women ◽  
Upper East Region ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

The Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate has reported liver cirrhosis among the first three diseases causing mortality from 2013 to 2015. This implicates hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection considering its high prevalence among blood donors in the Upper East Region of Ghana. However, for a vulnerable group such as market women, there is not much information with regard to the prevalence, knowledge, and attitude towards HBV infection. Thus, this study sought to bridge this gap by determining the seroprevalence, knowledge, and attitude of market women in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Ghana, towards HBV infection. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted (from October 2017 to March 2018) among 404 market women using a pretested questionnaire to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes of market women towards HBV infection, while hepatitis B surface Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test strips were used to screen for the infection. The study revealed that the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among the market women was 15.6%, and majority of the study subjects (>60%) were unaware of HBV infection. Overall, knowledge on and attitude towards HBV infection were low and poor, respectively, with a significantly high number of the market women not wanting infected individuals to be isolated (p=0.049). A high seroprevalence, together with poor attitude and low knowledge levels, as seen in this study is of great public health concern. The study recommends regular HBV screening for market women for prompt treatment and vaccination as well as continuous health education to increase knowledge level and improve the poor attitudes of market women towards HBV infection.

The risk of hepatitis B virus infection by transfusion in Kumasi, Ghana

Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. 2419-2425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Allain ◽  
Daniel Candotti ◽  
Kate Soldan ◽  
Francis Sarkodie ◽  
Bruce Phelps ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Dna ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Hbv Transmission

The risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission by transfusion in sub-Saharan Africa is considered to be relatively low, and testing of blood donors is often not done or is done relatively poorly. To re-examine this attitude, we identified HBV chronically infected blood donors from a major hospital in Ghana with a range of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assays. Test efficacy was estimated using HBV DNA as a gold standard, and the risk of HBV infection in blood recipients was estimated for different testing strategies. Particle agglutination, dipstick, and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) HBsAg screening detected 54%, 71%, and 97% of HBV infectious donors, respectively. The risk of HBV transmission to recipients less than 10 years old ranged between 1:11 and 1:326 with blood unscreened and screened by EIA, respectively. For older recipients, the risk decreased a further 4-fold because of the high frequency of natural exposure to HBV. A total of 98% of HBsAg-confirmed positive samples contained HBV DNA. HBV DNA load was less than 1 × 104 IU/mL in 75% of HBsAg-reactive samples, most of them anti-HBe reactive. Approximately 0.5% of HBsAg-negative but anti-HBc-positive samples contained HBV DNA. The use of sensitive HBsAg tests is critical to prevent transfusion transmission of HBV infection to young children in a population with a 15% prevalence of chronic HBV infection in blood donors. However, this will not have much effect on the prevalence of this infection unless other strategies to protect children from infection are also advanced in parallel.

scholarly journals Low Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in HBsAg-negative/Anti-HBc–positive Carriers Receiving Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Multicenter Italian Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 869-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Varisco ◽  
Mauro Viganò ◽  
Alberto Batticciotto ◽  
Pietro Lampertico ◽  
Antonio Marchesoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Dna ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Core Antigen ◽  
Hbv Reactivation ◽  
Serum Hbsag ◽  
B Virus

Objective.Patients with resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, i.e., hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative/antihepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc)-positive, undergoing rituximab (RTX)-based chemotherapy for hematological malignancies without anti-HBV prophylaxis are at risk of HBV reactivation, but the risk in such patients receiving RTX for rheumatological disorders is not clear. We evaluated this risk in HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc–positive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing RTX without prophylaxis.Methods.Thirty-three HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc–positive outpatients with RA with undetectable HBV DNA by sensitive PCR assay [73% women, median age 60 years, 85% with HBsAg antibodies (anti-HBs), 37% with antihepatitis B envelope antigen] received a median of 3 cycles of RTX (range 1–8) over 34 months (range 0–80) combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) without prophylaxis. All underwent clinical and laboratory monitoring during and after RTX administration, including serum HBsAg and HBV DNA measurements every 6 months or whenever clinically indicated.Results.None of the patients seroreverted to HBsAg during RTX treatment, but 6/28 (21%) showed a > 50% decrease in protective anti-HBs levels, including 2 who became anti-HBs–negative. One patient (3%) who became HBV DNA-positive (44 IU/ml) after 6 months of RTX treatment was effectively rescued with lamivudine before any hepatitis flare occurred. Among the 14 patients monitored for 18 months (range 0–70) after RTX discontinuation, no HBV reactivation was observed.Conclusion.The administration of RTX + DMARD in patients with RA with resolved HBV infection leads to a negligible risk of HBV reactivation, thus suggesting that serum HBsAg and/or HBV DNA monitoring but not universal anti-HBV prophylaxis is justified.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in The Netherlands in 1996 and 2007

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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Dna ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Core Antigen ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
B Virus

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.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among antenatal clinic attendees in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garba Umar Mustapha ◽  
Abdulrasul Ibrahim ◽  
Muhammad Shakir Balogun ◽  
Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo ◽  
Aisha Indo Mamman
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Surface Antigen ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
B Virus

Abstract Background: Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection and a major global health problem. It causes chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. WHO estimated 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and in 2015 alone HBV resulted in to 887,000 deaths globally. We determined the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among Antenatal Care (ANC) attendees in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional, health facility-based study between March and April 2018. We used systematic random sampling technique to recruit 210 pregnant women aged 15-49 years. With a structured questionnaire, we interviewed the respondents and collected blood sample to test for hepatitis B surface antigen. We calculated frequencies, means, proportions, and tested for associations using Epi Info 7.2 and Microsoft Excel. Results: The mean age of respondents was 24.5 ± 6.0 years; 53.3% of whom were younger than 25 years. All were married, 87.1% had no formal education and up to 90.5% were employed. Overall, 6.7% tested positive for HBsAg; women aged ≥35 years had the highest prevalence (10.5%). None with tertiary education tested positive and women married before 18 years had 6.5% prevalence. Conclusions: The prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women in Gamawa LGA was 6.7% which is quite lower than the national prevalence reported. We recommended improved surveillance of HBV infection and screening of women attending ANC. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis B Surface antigen, Prevalence, Pregnancy, Health facilities, Hepatitis B

scholarly journals Dental care and spread of hepatitis B virus infection

1978 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-305
Author(s):  
A Tzukert ◽  
S G Sandler
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Carrier State ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Hbsag Carriers ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Study Population

Sera from 576 healthy adults were tested for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs) to evaluate the role of routine dental care as a factor in the spread of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Serological evidence of prior HBV infection, manifested by acquisition of anti-HBs, was detected in 97 (16.8%) individuals, and 6 (1.0%) were identified to be asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. The anticipated correlations of HBsAg and anti-HBs with age, country of birth, and socioeconomic status were observed in the study population. However, prevalences of both HBsAg and anti-HBs were inversely related to the lifetime total of dental care visits. These findings indicated that, in a region in which the HBsAg carrier state and hepatitis B are prevalent, routine dental care is not identified as an important factor in the spread of HBV infection. While the results do not exclude the obvious possibility that cross-infections with HBV may occur during dental care in specific situations, they indicate that this mode of infection is exceptional.

Horizontal Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection to United States-Born Children of Hmong Refugees

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-273
Author(s):  
Marjorie B. Hurie ◽  
Eric E. Mast ◽  
Jeffrey P. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Hepatitis B Vaccine ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Household Members

There is evidence that hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission continues among Southeast Asian refugees after resettlement. To determine the prevalence of HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive or core antibody positive) and modes of transmission in Hmong refugee households in Wisconsin, results of serologic tests were reviewed for 429 US-born children not previously vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine and 754 of their Asian-born household members. The prevalence of HBV infection was 14% (62/429) among all US-born children, 30% (21/69) among children whose mothers were HBsAg-positive, and 11% (41/360) among children whose mothers were HBsAg-negative. Among children whose mothers were HBsAg-negative, the prevalence of HBV infection increased with increasing age (χ2 test for trend = 5.6, P .02) and was related to the household presence of HBsAg-positive sibling(s) (relative risk 4.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.5, 9.3; P < .001). Of the 62 infected children, 13 (21%) lived in households with no HBsAg-positive household members. US-born children of Hmong refugees apparently acquire HBV infection through both horizontal and perinatal transmission. These findings emphasize the importance of routinely integrating hepatitis B vaccine doses into the childhood vaccination schedule for all infants whose parents are from areas where HBV infection is highly endemic. In addition, the findings support the need for pediatricians to consider vaccinating older children (up to age 7 years) whose parents are from HBV-endemic areas.

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