scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis and HIV Among People Who Use Drugs Attending Methadone Therapy Clinic in Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study.

Author(s):  
Semvua Kilonzo ◽  
Daniel W. Gunda ◽  
David C. Majinge ◽  
Hyasinta Jaka ◽  
Paulina M. Manyiri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Methadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania.Methods: We enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV.Results: An overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C virus mono infection was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (>35 years) (p=0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p=0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (>37 years) (p=0.04) and female sex (p<0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥ 4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p=0.001).Conclusions: Despite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Semvua B. Kilonzo ◽  
Daniel W. Gunda ◽  
David C. Majinge ◽  
Hyasinta Jaka ◽  
Paulina M. Manyiri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Methadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania. Methods We enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV. Results An overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C antibodies was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (> 35 years) (p = 0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p = 0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (> 37 years) (p = 0.04) and female sex (p < 0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p = 0.001). Conclusions Despite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Dahab ◽  
Maha Mohamed Youssef ◽  
Hany Mohamed Eid ◽  
Khaled W. Elsadi

Introduction. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their long-term sequelae are considered a major health issue in Egypt. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among patients admitted for elective eye surgery in a specialized eye hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a specialized eye hospital, Cairo, Egypt. The study included consecutive patients admitted for elective eye surgery in the period from April 2015 to June 2016. Age, sex, and procedure done were recorded for all patients. All the subjects were screened for HBV and HCV by rapid chromatography immunoassay; if positive, the results had to be confirmed by ELISA. Results. 3067 patients admitted for elective eye surgery were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 50.85 ± 19.77 years. There were 1592 (51.9%) males and 1475 (48.1%) females. The prevalence of preoperative positive HBV and HCV was 7/3067 (0.2%) and 381/3067 (12.4%), respectively. Conclusion. Given the high prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in our population in general and in this study specifically, all patients admitted for surgery should be screened for both viruses.


Kanzo ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 511-516
Author(s):  
Kazuo NOTSUMATA ◽  
Tadao YAMAZAKI ◽  
Masayoshi ITO ◽  
Yukihiro SAKURAI ◽  
Satio TAKASU ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 579-586
Author(s):  
Ifeyinwa Dorothy Nnakenyi ◽  
Chisom Uchechukwu ◽  
Uloaku Nto-ezimah

Background: The health of people living with HIV/AIDS becomes progressively worse when co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), resulting in shortened life span. The modes of transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV are similar. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV co-infection in HIV patients. Method: This was a retrospective study of serology test results for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) of HIV positive patients registered from 2008-2013 (6years) at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospi- tal. Adult patients with confirmed HIV seropositivity were included. Ethical approval was obtained and confidentiality of the patient information was maintained. Laboratory records were reviewed to obtain HBsAg, anti-HCV, and CD4 T-lymphocyte results. Prevalence was determined by the number of positive results over total number of patients tested. Chi-square test was used to determine relationships and p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: 4663 HIV patient records were included comprising 3024 (65%) females and 1639 (35%) males. Serology results showed 365/4663 (7.8%) tested HBsAg-positive only; 219/4663 (4.7%) tested anti-HCV-positive only; and 27/4663 (0.58%) tested both HBsAg and anti-HCV-positive. Correlation of age and sex were statistically significant with HBV and HCV (p<0.05) but not CD4 count (p>0.05). Conclusion: HBV co-infection was more prevalent than HCV, and triple infection was also observed. Screening for these viral infections in the HIV population is necessary for early identification to enable appropriate, holistic management of these patients. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; HIV; co-infection.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-10
Author(s):  
Umid Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Bhup Dev Bhatta

Background and aims: The hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are associated with major public health concerns. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in the western region of Nepal.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study, in which 15,791 patients, attending to Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal, were investigated for HBV, HCV and HIV from June 2013 to March 2016; demographic and biochemical profile were studied among the patients with positive test results.Results: Among 15,791 patients [male 6614 (41.9%) and female 9177 (58.1%)], HBV was found in 180 (1.1%), HCV in 52 (0.3%) and HIV in 77 (0.5%). The HBV was found in 63.9% of males and 36.1% of females, HCV in 67.3% of males and 32.7% of females, and HIV in 61% of males and 39% of females which showed that males had more positivity of HBV (P<0.001), HCV (P<0.001) and HIV (P 0.001) than that of female. The HBV was found more in 20-29 years age group (27.2%), HCV in 30-39 years (32.7%), and HIV in 40-49 years (28.6%), with all having p<0.001. Among the patients of HBV, HCV and HIV, the mean values of total bilirubin were 1.4 mg/dl, 0.8 mg/dl and 2.6 mg/dl, Aspartate Transaminase 75.9 U/L, 54.3 U/L and 92.7 U/L, Alanine Transaminase 54.6 U/L, 55.5 U/L and 56.1 U/L, and Alkaline Phosphatase 124.2 U/L, 109.2 U/L and 107.2 U/L, respectively. The majority of patients with HCV had a history of intravenous drug abuse and HIV had concomitant alcoholic liver disease.Conclusion: The HBV was more prevalent followed by HIV and HCV in the western region of Nepal with more prevalence seen in males than in females. Regular screening of HBV, HCV and HIV among the selected patients can help detecting many new cases in Nepal.Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2016;05(01):6-10


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (04) ◽  
pp. 199-203
Author(s):  
Jagjeewan Ram ◽  
Lubna Khan ◽  
Namrata Nigam ◽  
Aparna Singh

BACKGROUND Every blood transfusion is associated with 1 % chance of transfusion associated problems including transfusion transmitted blood-borne infections to its recipient. The major globally prevalent transfusion transmitted infections are human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, syphilis and malaria parasite. We wanted to compare safety of blood among replacement and voluntary donations by comparing the prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections among them. METHODS All donors were screened by enzyme-linked immunoassay for five transfusion transmissible infectious agents - human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and syphilis by collecting plasma from the pilot tube attached to the blood bag. Malaria was tested from whole blood sample. RESULTS A total of 24,491 donors was included in the study. Among them 21,090 (86.11 %) were replacement and 3,401 (13.89 %) were voluntary donors. Out of 24,491 donors, 560 (2.29 %) units tested positive. Hepatitis B virus (hepatitis B surface antigen) is found to be the most prevalent transfusion transmitted infection among both replacement donations and voluntary donations. CONCLUSIONS There should be more voluntary donations to achieve safer blood transfusion practices as self-deferral by donors with high risk condition is the most effective way to reduce prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections. KEYWORDS Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay, Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatitis, Replacement Donors, Transfusion Transmitted Infections, Voluntary Donors


1996 ◽  
Vol 89 (7) ◽  
pp. 401-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
M E Cramp ◽  
H C Grundy ◽  
R M Perinpanayagam ◽  
D E Barnado

Hepatitis B virus infection is common in institutions caring for the mentally handicapped. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus share routes of transmission but the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in this population is unknown. We have tested 101 patients from two institutions in South-East England caring for adults with mental handicap for the presence of hepatitis C antibody, hepatitis B core antibody, and if necessary hepatitis B surface antigen. None tested positive for hepatitis C antibody, but 43 had hepatitis B core antibody of whom 14 were chronic carriers positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Unlike hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus infection appears to be uncommon in UK institutions.


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